Building Bridges
ANotefromourSeniorPastorMatt
Slowing
It Down
Inourcurrentsocialandculturalclimate,Ithinkdisciplesof Jesusarecalledtoaministryof“slowingthingsdown.”
Recently,someone-I’llcallthemPat-toldmeaboutaconversationwithafriend,whoI’llcallGreg.GregaskedPatifthey’d heardabout“theother”planecrash.Assumingthatthefirst planecrashwastheterribleBlackHawk/commercialjetcrash overD.C.,Patreplied,“YoumeantheoneinPhilly?”Gregsaid, “No,theoneinAlaska.”Patalreadyfeltlikeit’shardenoughto keepupwithcurrenteventsasitis.Yettheyhadatleastheard aboutthe“second”storyofacrashinPhillyrecently.Whenthey heardthatathirdaircraft-relatedstoryhadmadeheadlines, theyfeltevenmorebehindandoutoftouch!
Everyday,significanteventsacrossourlocalcommunity,our state,ournation,andourworldmakethenewsreel.Thereisa dizzyingarrayofthingstokeepupwithandunderstand.I personallyknowthetemptationtojustliveunderarockand ignoremostofitall!ButwhiledisciplesofJesusarefirstand alwayscitizensofheaven,GodhasalsocalledustoHismission ascitizenshereinthisworld,thissideofheaven.So,mature disciplesoughttostayreasonablyinformedforthesakeofwitnessanddisciple-making.Andyetwhocanpossiblykeepup withitall?!
Notonlyisitimpossibletokeepup;butmostofuswhotrytodo so,wegetjustenoughinfoonanypieceofnewsthatwemight bemoreharmfulthanhelpful.Weformquick,ingrained opinionsbasedonthesmallestamountsofclearinformation. Thenwefindourselvesinconversationswheresomeonebrings uponeormanyheadlinesinquicksuccession:“Didyouhear about___,andhowso-and-sosaid____about____?”Ifwe’renot careful,wetakethehook,andweofferourhalf-(quarter-?) bakedopinion.Andifyouandyourconversationpartner disagree,theemotionaldebateensues.Ifyouandyourconversationpartneragree,theself-righteousechochamberensues.
Inthesedizzyingtimes,whatifwearecalledtoaministryof “slowingthingsdown”?Thenexttimesomeoneoffersyoutheir latesthottakeonsomething(s)inthenews[or,ifyouoffer yourstosomeoneelse!],whatifthefirstresponseisn’ta follow-upopinion?Whatifthefirst,second,third,andeven fourth,responsesarecuriousquestionstoslowthingsdown? Toseekaclear-eyedunderstandingofwhat’sreallygoingon: whatwedoactuallyknow,whatdowenotknow;andwhat doesGodwantustothinkofitall?Insteadofareactionary comment,wecouldsay,“It’sclearthat’sstruckanervewith you.Tellmemoreaboutwhy.”Or,“I’veheardthosenames/ terms/claims/etc.too,butI’mnotsureIhaveaclearhandleon thefullstory…doyou?Let’sfigureitouttogether.”
Thisistheconversationalequivalentof“takingadeepbreath.” Afteryoucarrythegroceries,walkupthestairs,andanswera suddenphonecall,youliterallyandphysicallyhaveto take a deep breath beforeyoucandoanythingelse.Inasimilarway, weseemtogetourselvescaughtinoneconversationafter anotherwherenoone’sgoingtogetanywhereproductive unlesswefirststopandtakeadeepbreath—unlessweslow thingsdown.Istheresomeonewithwhomyouconsistently haveconversationsfilledwithtensionand/ormisunderstanding?HowmightGodchangethedynamicforthebetterifyou askedquestionsthathelp“slowtheconversationdown”?
ANotefromourAssociatePastorRobbie
Pax Pres Family,
New Life
Atthetimeofwritingthis,AnnaCatherineandIarejustunder twoweeksawayfromwelcomingBabyDintotheworld.Weare filledwithexcitement,nervousness,joy,anticipationandweare certainlyabitoverwhelmed.Theweightofthismoment–the beautyandtheunknown–remindsmethattheseemotions oftenaccompany new life. Furthermore, in reflecting on this, I am reminded that New Life is God’s ultimate purpose – His End Game.
Reflection from Scripture:
Revelation21:5declares–“Behold,Iammakingallthings New!”
To restore, reclaim, redeem, to renew all creation back to its original purpose, perfect union with God, Each Other, and Creation … that is God’s End Game. Our story is one of a God who has drawn near, making His home among us, healing and restoring every broken thing in this world. In the words of Eugene Peterson,
“God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re His people, He’s their God!”
Weallhaveareasinourlives–particularrelationships,habits, wounds–whereGodisatwork,redeemingandrenewingbythe poweroftheHolySpirit.AndIamalsoremindedthat,attheend ofthebiblicalstory,theculminationofGod’sredemptionplanto makeallthingsnew,isn’treallyanendatall.It’sthebeginning–ofeverlastinglifewithGod.It’saprofoundreminderthatthere ishopeinthemidstofhurtandlifeinthemidstofdeath.
2Corinthians4:16-17putsitthisway: "Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
Challenge for the Season:
GodinvitesusnottojustbepassiverecipientsofHisplanfor renewal…butactiveparticipantsinit.Wearenotbystanders; wearecalledtostepintoHisstoryinourtimeandplaceandbe vesselsofrenewalinthehereandnow.So,asweenterthis Springseason,whatisonesmallwayyoucanjoinin?What burdendoyouneedtolaydown?Whatsteptowardrenewalis Godcallingyoutotake?
MayGod’sgraceandpeacebewithyouall.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY
What are some tools for effective Bible Study?
OneofthedisciplinesofdiscipleshipisthestudyofGod’s Word. WegettoknowGodintimatelythroughalifetimeof consistentstudy. Paul encouragedTimothyinthefaithtocontinuehisstudyofthescriptures.
14 Butasforyou,continueinwhatyouhavelearnedand havebecomeconvincedof,becauseyouknowthosefrom whomyoulearnedit, 15 andhowfrominfancyyouhave knowntheHolyScriptures,whichareabletomakeyou wiseforsalvationthroughfaithinChristJesus. 16 AllScriptureisGod-breathedandisusefulforteaching,rebuking, correctingandtraininginrighteousness, 17 sothattheservantofGodmaybethoroughlyequippedforeverygood work.
IITimothy3:14-17(NIV).
WebelievetheentireBibleistheinerrantWordofGod,fromGenesistoRevelation. WealsobelievethattheWordofGodisinspiredbytheHolySpiritor“God-breathed”.
15 DoyourbesttopresentyourselftoGodasoneapproved,aworkerwhodoesnotneedtobeashamedand whocorrectlyhandlesthewordoftruth.IITimothy2:15 (NIV)
Whataresomeofthetoolsforourworkofstudyingthescriptures andpreparingtohandletheWordofTruthcorrectly?
Blue Letter Bible https://www.blueletterbible.org Blue Letter Bible provides powerful tools for an in-depth study of God's Word through our free online reference library, with study tools that are grounded in the historical, conservative Christian faith.
Bible Gateway https://www.biblegateway.com/ Bible Gateway is a searchable online Bible tool hosting more than 200 versions of the Bible in over 70 languages that you can freely read, research, and reference anywhere. Including a library of audio Bibles, mobile apps, devotionals, email newsletters, and other free resources, Bible Gateway equips you not only to read the Bible, but to understand it.
The Wiersbe Bible Commentaries Dr.WarrenWiersbeisoneof themostbelovedBibleteacherswithover40yearsofpastoralexperience.HisbestsellingBiblecommentariesareoneofthemost trustworthyresourcesusedbypastors,Bibleteachers,andpersonsinterestedinknowingmoreaboutGod’sWord.Hiseasy-toreadandinsightfulexplanationsprovideacomprehensiveunderstandingoftheBible.
NewTestamentinPDF: https://bethelchurchmuncie.wordpress.com/wp-content/ uploads/2020/07/wiersbe-commentary-new-testament.pdf
OldTestamentinPDF:https://ia800205.us.archive.org/31/ items/the-wiersbe-bible-commentary-ot/The%20Wiersbe% 20Bible%20Commentary%20OT.pdf
Strong’s Concordance: https://strongsconcordance.org
Strong'sExhaustiveConcordanceoftheBiblewasconstructedby ateamofmorethanahundredscholarsunderthedirectionofDr. JamesStrong(1822–1894)andfirstpublishedin1890.Dr.Strong wasProfessorofexegeticaltheologyatDrewTheologicalSeminary.TheStrong'sConcordanceisanexhaustivecross-reference ofeverywordintheKingJamesBiblecrossreferencedtolexicons oftheoriginallanguagesoftheBible.Thisonlinetoolreplicates thepublishedversion.
Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New testament words: Thisclassicwordstudyresourceallowsyoutostudythe meaningofbiblicalwordsintheoriginallanguageswithout spendingyearslearningGreekorHebrew.https:// www.bestbiblecommentaries.com/wp-content/ uploads/2019/07/Vines-Expositary-Dictionary.pdf
The Revell Bible Dictionary: ThisBibleDictionaryisparticularlysuitedtostudentswithoutformalseminarytrainingandoffers insightintothecharactersrevealedwithinscripture.
Sermon Series Books & Resources https://www.paxpres.com/blog/sermonseriesresources2024
What we believe--PatuxentPresbyterianChurch: https://www.paxpres.com/beliefs
DoyouhavesomefavoriteBiblestudytools? Wouldyouconsider sharingthemwithothers? SendalinkoradescriptiontoCEvia email: christianed@paxpres.org
ArticlebyMattBrennan ChristianEducationElder
FINANCEMINISTRY
Finance Ministry Focus: What is Per Capita?
PerCapitaisthedesignateddollaramountthatisaskedofeach memberofthePresbyteryChurch(USA)asayearlyvoluntary contribution.PerCapitaisanamountofmoneythateachchurch paysforeachactivemembertofundessentialadministrative operationsofthreegoverningbodiesofthePresbyteryChurch (USA):
• Presbytery–ourisNationalCapitalPresbytery(NCP)
• Synod
• GeneralAssembly.
TheNCPestablished2025PerCapitaamountis$50.15per churchmember.Severalyearsago,PaxPresdesignatedand budgetedforPerCapitaasanoperatingexpense.PaxPres membersareencouragedtomaketheirPerCapitadonationearlyinthefiscalyear,butyoumaycontributeanytime.HowcanI contributemyportiontohelpoffsetthisPaxPresoperating expense?
• ProvideacheckmadeouttoPatuxentPresbyterianChurch (markedPerCapita)andplaceitintheSundayofferingplate. Enclosethecheckinanenvelopeavailableinthechurchchair backs(markPerCapita)orthespecialPerCapitaenvelope forthosememberswhostillreceivecontributionenvelopes
• MakeasecureonlinepaymentviaOnlineGivingatthePax Preswebsite(creditcard)
QuestionsaboutPerCapitashouldbeaddressedtoFinance EldersRickCooleyandScottMcLellanatfinance@paxpres.org.
Middle Schoolers won the SS4K Door Decoration contest!
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE MINISTRY
Dave and Leo Eschenbrenner shared their favorite part of serving was hearing everyone’s stories and their guests felt cared for as they shared! Cherie Crescini referred to Joshua 24:1 as she reflected on her time serving... "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
W.A.R.M.
Cherie mentioned that W.A.R.M. was a great place for her to use her gift of hospitality. With roughly 110 volunteers who used their gifts as well; W.A.R.M. was able to lovingly serve 18 guests! Special thanks to Chris and Kristin Lawrence for heading this all up.
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE MINISTRY
LookingAhead:
What does it mean to "join Jesus in prayer?" We're going to look at that together in a Mar. 16- Apr. 27 sermon series. Join 1 of the many short-term group opportunities starting to discuss the passages/sermons further, & to make new friends in Christ in the process! Sunday School opportunity for Adults meeting at 10:45 (Room 108); and if you are interested in a small group setting we have several available meetings. Sign-ups are available in the Narthex.
CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO ABOUT VOLUNTEERING AT VBS THIS YEAR!
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE INFO AS WELL!
YOUTHMINISTRY
On Sunday, January 12th , we started back up our regular Sunday Rhythm. We began a new series – Faith Foundations. The description of this series is as follows:
Sign up to serve Youth Group Dinner here!
In this series, we delve into the story of God’s creation and redemption through Jesus.
• First, we look at how we were created to experience a fourfold harmony of relationships: with God, with each other, with creation, and with ourselves.
• Second, we explore the topic of sin, as depicted in the scriptures, and how it brought disharmony and destruction to those four relationships.
• Third, we focus on the significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection in God’s plan of redemption and restoration. We highlight four names, or roles, of Jesus found in the scriptures: Emmanuel, the Lamb of God, the Victor, and the Healer.
• Finally, we take a closer look at what it means to join God in the work of bringing healing and restoration to the world.
Thiswasthefirstofathree-partserieson Faith Foundations. As we enter the month of March we enter into the second part of the series “The Life You Long For”… which delves into what discipleship looks like in our daily lives and builds off the basics of what it means for us to be with Jesus, become like him, and to do what he did.
Asforwhatelsehashappenedinthefirsttwomonthsof2025, wehad26studentsandleadersattendourweekendretreatto RiverValleyRanchfromJanuary31st –February2nd.Thiswas anincredibleweekendofconnectionandgrowthbothspiritually andrelationally.Thebiggesthighlightfromtheweekendwasone ofourstudents,boldlysurrenderingtheirlifetotheLordshipof JesusChrist.
Finally,onFebruary23rd,weheldafunnightofJeopardyinthe JoshuaHouse.Asforwhatistocome…wehaveaYouthRetreat FundraiserParentsNightOuteventonFriday,April4th,aHS Lock-InonFriday,April25th,andwearepreparingforaYouth LedWorshipSundaycominginMay.Wealsohavetwosummer tripsonthehorizon–
MISSIONTRIP:FromJune15-21ourhighschoolstudentswill beservingthecityofPhiladelphiaaswearepartneringwith thePhiladelphiaProject
RETREAT:FromJuly2-6ourmiddleschoolersaregoingbackto TheGreatEscapeforthethirdyearinarow!
Weareincrediblyexcitedforwhatistocomeinthelivesofour studentsin2025andbeyond!
