I Am Proud of My Church

"Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or from you? You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all." (II Cor. 3:1f.)

This past week, I realized how proud I am of our congregation.

I heard how the Assistance League came to tour our facility on March 13th. I heard how over 100 people were welcomed and shown our beautiful facility. I was once again reminded how much our building and our history means to us and to others. In many ways, our house of worship identifies us. I am proud of a building dedicated to the glory of God. And I am proud of our church members who showed such hospitality and kindness to those who visited. Special thanks to Bobbie Rooker and her volunteer team!

On Monday, March 15th, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Bruce Reyes-Chow, was hosted by our Presbytery and by our congregation. When the Moderator asked me about our ministry in the heart of Orange County, I was filled with pride at the work of the saints here. Of the 82 people we had in attendance that night, 25 were from our congregation! I was so proud of our church and the presence they had! Special thanks to Ann Niedringhaus and her volunteer team!

At the River Bible Study, one Tuesday evening in March, a couple of the members were overcome by the pain of recent losses. As the tears flowed, I saw other members surround them with love and care, offering words of encouragement, whispering prayers of concern, giving hugs of love. I was proud of that fellowship.

On Saturday, March 20th, we had a new member class. We had volunteers from Session provide food for our candidates. We had wonderful discussions about the church and the denomination. And we will welcome those new members to the congregation on Easter Sunday. Special thanks to Linda Becker and her volunteer team!

I am proud of my Heavenly Father. I am proud of Jesus Christ, my Savior. I am proud of the Holy Spirit. I am proud of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Ana.

Now I know. I preached a sermon on the wickedness of pride. And so I recognize how pride can quickly become evil. But pride can be healthy. We can be proud of a job well done. We can certainly be proud of our kids and grandkids. This is a healthy pride.

I believe the Spirit of God is on the move in our midst. And when the Spirit is in motion, the faithful remain in partnership with that Spirit. When our hearts begin to swell with pride, it is for the work God is doing among us.

The thing is, we talk about the things we are proud of. If someone has just added a rare piece to their collection, they will tell everyone they can about it. If someone is proud of something a grandchild has done, just try to stop them from talking about it! The Kiwanis Club charges $1 to allow a member to brag about things. And they make pretty good money from it. Members willingly throw money into the coiffeur to boast about kids, grandkids and such.

Are you proud of this church?

My point is this. Perhaps some healthy pride is appropriate here. Perhaps boasting about what God is doing in the life of our congregation and the community is in order. Perhaps giving credit to God for the accomplishments of the church will draw people to this place.

Easter is right around the corner. Mention to someone the exciting things God is doing in and through our congregation. Invite them to come and experience Easter with us. Offer opportunities for them to become involved in positive ways in service to others.

May God richly bless us even as He blesses others through us!

In His Love & Service,

Lance