“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
Dear ELMO Family,
Often to clarify the how, we need to understand the why. This is certainty the case when it comes to serving the Lord with our time, treasure, and talent within the local church. Recently at ELMO we’ve been talking a lot about finding your serve. The how of serving is as simple as joining a ministry team in one of five areas: family ministries, local and global outreach, congregational life and care, adult discipleship & worship ministries, and campus operations. Serving requires dying to ourselves, getting out of our comfort zones and an element of risk. The scope of how we serve is guided by our calling, gifts, and season of life. That is the how of finding your serve.
The why we serve is nothing less and nothing more than Jesus. Jesus Christ set the ultimate example of serving when He gave up the glory of heaven, came to earth as a human, and submitted to death on the cross on our behalf. How we serve may change throughout our life, but the why of our serving never changes. If we see our service as a favor to the local church or as a means of self-promotion with God, we will burn out, get frustrated and run away when things get tough. When we remember the cross and Jesus’ example that he set before us, our why we serve is energetically fueled by gratitude, loving obedience, and the Holy Spirit at work in and through us.
The Lord has gifted his people with talents and resources designed to strengthen the body of Christ through the local church. He has called the church into all corners of the earth and all sections of society, that as salt and light the church would make the Good News of Jesus known and advance His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Therefore, as covenant partners and regular attenders of El Montecito Presbyterian Church, let’s intentionally engage in God’s Kingdom work by being good stewards of our time, treasure, and talents. Let’s find our serve!
For the next five Sundays, we will have an opportunity to hear about God’s work in various ministry contexts during the ministry moment at worship. Then, on Pentecost Sunday we will have a special celebration as we commit to serving at ELMO Pres for the next 2024-25 season of life here at ELMO. If you’re already serving in some ministry capacity, thank you, keep going! If you’re praying about where to serve, that’s a good start, now take the next step. If you’re on the sidelines, ask God to show you ways you might serve. Service could be praying for our church family from your bed or hosting a home group or holding babies in the nursery. If you don’t know where to serve or have questions about serving, stop by the “Find Your Serve” table in the courtyard during the fellowship hour and talk to an elder about various service opportunities and needs. We want 100 % of our covenant partners and regular attenders serving somewhere within the local church context.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesdsay, April 3, 2024
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26
Dear ELMO Family,
We are a resurrection people and what a glorious Holy Week at El Montecito Presbyterian Church celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ! God was honored and glorified during our 24-hour prayer vigil, Maundy Thursday Potluck, Good Friday worship gathering and our Easter Resurrection celebration on Sunday morning. Thank you to everyone who helped coordinate and those who participated in our Holy Week activities.
As we learned from our Journey through Mark’s gospel, the resurrection of Jesus is not the end of the story but just the beginning. Now is the time to rejoice and carry-on what Jesus set into motion 2000 years ago as we tell the world the way, truth and life that can only be found through Jesus.
I look forward to worshiping with you online and in person on Sunday morning as we continue to give God the honor and glory only He deserves. To help prepare us for our Sunday worship gathering, I encourage you to read Ready for Church: 5 Ways to be Present in Worship.
In Him,
Tom
March 27, 2024
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
“Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory.” Psalm 24:10
Dear ELMO Family,
On Palm Sunday we celebrate the King of Glory, entering Jerusalem humbly on a donkey. Jesus is the rightful ruler, the King of kings and Lord of Lords who has come to sit on the throne of David. He came to establish a Kingdom with no end, not with military might, but through his death and resurrection. Jesus, the King of Glory spoken of in Psalm 24, was going to be crowned with thorns, mocked as the King of the Jews and lifted high on a cross.
The triumphal palm parade descended from the Mount of Olives into the Kidron Valley and then back up to the city of Jerusalem. As Jesus moved slowly towards Jerusalem the crowds cheered. The same crowd who cried “Blessed is the King” on this day would also shout, “crucify Him!” one week later. Jesus was on the mission of all missions as he headed into Jerusalem. Luke 19:51 says that Jesus, “set his face towards Jerusalem” to face the most difficult week of his life. He would eat a final meal with his twelve disciples and humbly wash their feet. He would experience the heartbreak of betrayal by his friends. He would endure the physical pain of the mocking, beatings, and crucifixion. And worst of all, he would experience the agony of being separated from God the Father as he took our sin on his shoulders for our salvation.
Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. He defeated Satan, sin and death by raising after three days to new life. Because of Christ’s work on the cross the real victory parade began. During Holy Week, I pray we experience the awe and wonder of the height, width and depth of God’s love. Please join us for Maundy Thursday dinner, worship and communion at 5:30PM, again on Friday at 12:30PM in the sanctuary for our Good Friday worship as we explore of the seven final words of Jesus from the cross and then on Sunday morning at 10AM for a joyous Easter celebration of our living and risen Savior!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
“Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Mark 14:9
Dear ELMO Family,
This week, in our journey through Mark, we encounter a woman whose costly act of worship stands as a shining example of unhindered devotion to Jesus. During the final week leading to the cross, Jesus is in Bethany having dinner with some of his close friends. They’re at the home of Simon, a man who was healed of leprosy. At some point during the dinner an unnamed woman appears. She is an outsider; the theme of insiders and outsiders runs throughout the gospel of Mark. As everyone was enjoying the food and fellowship, this woman was thinking about her plan. Throughout Mark, Jesus has repeatedly told his followers he is about to die. The disciples have a hard time grasping the magnitude of what Jesus is saying, but his woman understands and responds.
As Jesus reclines at the table, she takes out an alabaster jar filled with one year’s wages worth of pure nard and pours the perfume on Jesus’ head. This is a bold, all-in commitment move and likely the most expensive gift she has ever given anyone. As the sweet aroma fills the room and oil runs down Jesus’ head, all jaws drop except one. Jesus knows the woman is honoring him, sh
owing her devotion, and anointing his body for burial. Jesus is the Messiah, the literal “Anointed One.” This woman recognizes Jesus for who he is and acts accordingly.
Some of those present write off her extravagance as lavishly extreme and rebuke her. They said it was too much. Too wasteful. The money could have been used for the poor. In response, Jesus urges them to appreciate and even emulate this woman’s act of radical worship and devotion. From now on, whenever the gospel is preached, her act of costly worship will be remembered. Onlookers won’t always understand our radical devotion, but it’s what following Jesus is all about. What can we do today as a costly, extravagant offering of our devotion to Jesus?
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
- Integrate 100% of our covenant partners and regular attenders in a disciple making community to intentionally spur one another on to love and good works.
- Increase our volunteer base by filling all openings on ministry teams as everyone finds a place to serve the Lord at El Montecito Presbyterian Church.
- Kickoff a capital campaign for the renovation of the church manse, facility repairs and the completion of our property purchase.
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! Philippians 4:1
Dear ELMO Family,
When Paul says, “stand firm in the Lord” he’s using the same “together as one” language he used in Philippians 1:27. This phrase is likely based in the military image of the Phalanx. The city of Philippi was named after Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. Philip II was famous for developing military formation called the phalanx. The phalanx was a formation in which the soldiers would form a human wall by locking their massive shields together. The soldiers behind them put their spears over the top, and the soldiers who were behind them would brace the whole line and help it to stand firm. If the soldiers stood shoulder-to-shoulder, together as one they were almost invincible in battle. With this image in mind Paul says, “stand firm in the Lord” just as the phalanx stood firm.
I know there are times when we might feel lonely, even in a crowd, and even at ELMO, but we are not alone. We have a rich community of brothers and sisters, who will lock arms with us, stand by our side and protect one another. Paul is encouraging us to stand shoulder to shoulder because we’re a force to be reckoned with as long as we stay together as one. The enemy, Satan is always looking for cracks and divisions among Christians he can exploit. One of the most common causes of divisions and splits is personality clashes.
In Philippians 4 Paul addresses two women, Euodia and Syntyche who have had a falling out with each other. There is a division, a rift, and tension between these women. Paul doesn’t take sides. He doesn’t add fuel to the fire of this fight by digging up all the juicy details. He doesn’t criticize them, but he calls them co-workers for the sake of the Gospel. He urges both to take immediate action to reach an agreement. Paul asks these women to “be of the same mind in the Lord”.
Paul doesn’t ask for unity at any price or uniformity by compromising fundamental truths to all just get along. What Paul highlights is the importance of ruthlessly eliminating anything that hinders our work for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In God’s Kingdom we don’t have time for arguments. We don’t have energy for disagreements. We don’t have any business fighting with each other when the enemy is waiting at our door to stop the good work we are doing for Jesus Christ.
Let’s carefully watch our relationship with each other for the sake of the gospel and because people outside the Christian faith are watching us closely. Let’s carefully watch our relationship with each other because together as one-unity honors God, builds our Christian faith and strengthens our witness for Christ in the world.
I look forwards to standing side-by-side with you on Sunday as we worship the Lord together as one!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:4
Dear ELMO Family,
I am sad to report last week I received Maryann’s resignation from her position as ELMO’s Office Administrator. Maryann’s last official day is January 25, 2024. Please join me in praying for Maryann and encouraging her as she transitions out of this position after five years of faithful service. I am thankful for Maryann’s partnership in God’s work during my time here at ELMO and will miss her. However, I am grateful she will remain an active covenant partner at ELMO. As we continue to grow as a congregation, please join me and the ELMO staff, Deacons and Elders in praying for God to provide the necessary administrative support.
We will celebrate Maryann’s contribution and service with a time of prayer and gratitude during our worship gathering on January 28 followed by a reception in the ELMO basement.
I look forward to worshiping the Lord with you on Sunday as we continue our journey through the Gospel of Mark.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Dear ELMO Family,
2024 got off to a bit of a rocky start in the Haugen house. Our landlord informed us he was selling the house we’re currently renting, which means we have 60 days to find another rental. Please pray for God’s provision and patience as we face a third move in four years. The church is moving along with the permitting process for renovating the church manse. We’ve passed the Montecito Architecture Review Board. The next hurdle is county approval. Pray for God to move the permitting process along quickly and without any delays. Also, please pray for our Finance Team and Session as they consider creative ways to raise substantial funds for the renovation project on the manse.
Today, God helped me put this housing challenge in perspective as Melia preached in chapel at Providence School. I was so proud of her as she walked the students and teachers through Psalm 24. Then at the conclusion of the worship gathering she pronounced a benediction on the congregation. She looked us in the eyes and gave my go to benediction from Paul found in Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Sometimes life throws us challenging circumstances, and it is not always easy to trust in Him. But here is what I know, life’s challenges removed from faith in the God of hope will embitter us as our hearts grow harder rather than softer toward God. In other words, challenges can make us run to God or away from God, difficult circumstances can make us bitter or better. Melia speaking that good word of blessing from God’s Word, reminded me afresh to trust in God and to run to the God of hope who is able to fill me with his joy and peace in spite of circumstances. God’s love is so deep and vast we can trust him. It’s good to be reminded to live out what we preach!
I am praying for you and look forward to worshiping the Lord together on Sunday as we resume our journey through the Gospel of Mark.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Dear ELMO Family,
During the Christmas season we often hear the word incarnation. If you’ve ever eaten chili con carne, chili with meat, then you know the carn of incarnation means “meat” or “flesh.” For Christians the incarnation is a theological term referring to God taking on everything that makes us human. God took on our human mind and a human soul without giving up anything of His deity. God the Son experienced the whole range of human emotion without ever sinning, including suffering and dying. As we read in John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” God the Son took on flesh. Immanuel. God with us.
I appreciate the poetic richness of Augustine’s description of the incarnation. “Man’s maker was made man that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that Truth might be accused of false witnesses, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might die.”
More recently, J. I Packer said this about the incarnation. “The supreme mystery with which the gospel confronts us lies in the Christmas message of incarnation…God became man. The divine Son became a Jew. The Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless human baby, unable to do more than lie and stare and wriggle and make noises, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child. And there was no illusion or deception in this; the babyhood of the Son of God was a reality. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets. Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as this truth of the incarnation.”
As we celebrate the Christmas season, let’s fully embrace the staggering truth of the incarnation. As you make your plans for Christmas Eve, you’re invited to join us at 10am for our fourth Sunday in Advent worship and then at 5 or 7pm for the candlelight Lessons and Carols worship gathering. It’s my prayer that the hustle and bustle of this time of year doesn’t distract us from celebrating the greatest gift in the history of the world. God came down and brought salvation, light and life through Jesus. Consider inviting someone in your life to the Christmas Eve celebration of the Giver of the greatest gift as we join in singing, “Glory to God in the highest.”
It’s a pleasure to serve the Lord with you as we encourage people to follow and love Jesus. Merry Christmas!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:4-5
Dear ELMO Family,
Have you ever been working in a room as the daylight slowly fades and someone walks in and says, “It’s really dark in here.” But you didn’t even notice the darkness because you were so caught up in your work. On that first Christmas, God sent His Son into the world to tell us, “It’s really dark in here.” And when we finally realize we are living in the darkness, we begin to long for the light.
Jesus is the light shining in the darkness. Jesus is God with us, Emmanuel – God in flesh appearing. The God who created the universe entered creation as a baby. The Promised Son took on flesh, limited himself to time and space, and carried our brokenness and sin upon his shoulders. The One who came into the world, born as a baby to a teenage mom, entered the world to shatter the darkness! So, let’s stop living like God is far away. God has moved into the neighborhood. Step into light, forgiveness, grace, hope, and peace through Jesus your Redeemer and Lord. “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness” (John 12:46).
I look forward to worshiping with you through Advent and on Christmas Eve at our 10am morning worship gathering and then at 5 and 7pm for our candlelight worship gathering. Invite your friends, family and neighbors to join us this year as we worship Jesus, the Light of Life.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Galatians 4:4-5
Dear ELMO Family,
“Wow mommy, look at the snow!” is not a phrase you overhear very often in Montecito unless you are welcoming one of 400 guests at El Montecito Presbyterian Church through the wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia.
We are beyond grateful for pastor Lauri and her team of 75+ volunteers and staff who gave countless hours of time and bundles of creativity to make Christmas in Narnia a God honoring success. From the moment of arrival to the moment of departure the ELMO Family rolled out the red carpet for our guests. The parking and registration team made sure everyone felt welcomed and oriented. Tea with Tumnus was warm with hospitality, steaming cups of tea and delicious fresh baked goodies while guests enjoyed live music from Santa Barbara Strings. Crafts with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver provided a creative outlet for our younger guests. The Narnia Carolers filled Castle Cair Paravel with the joyous sounds of Christmas. Axe throwing and bouncy castles provided thrilling entertainment for anyone with a little bit of extra energy to burn. Father Christmas in his sleigh gave our guests a gift for their journey. A photograph by the dimly lit lamppost in snow covered Narnia captured the joy of the moment and provided a tangible memory of a special day. And story time with Professor Kirke and the Pevensie children held the attention of all ages as they shared the connection of Aslan with Jesus and gave a clear presentation of the Good News of the Gospel for all ages.
We are never more like Jesus than when we are serving, and I am thankful for the ELMO Family’s commitment to shining the light of Jesus brightly this Christmas season! Let’s pray for God to continue to open the eyes of the blind and soften every heart this Christmas. For Narnia and for Aslan! For Jesus our rescuing forever King!
I look forward to worshiping with you through Advent and on Christmas Eve at 10am at our morning worship gathering and then at 5 and 7pm for our candlelight worship gathering. Let’s invite our friends, family and neighbors to join us this year as we worship Jesus, the Light of Life!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Dear ELMO Family,
As the daylight shortens and the evening air cools, the warmth of twinkling Christmas lights and cozy fires draws us in. Perhaps the celebration of light in the darkness reflects a deeper longing. Advent is the time of year we remember and celebrate the light of glory emanating from the angelic messengers announcing Jesus’ birth. We ponder the bright star guiding the shepherds to worship the newborn King. We lean into the truth that Jesus is the Light of the World as we hold our flickering candles and sing Silent Night. And, while we marvel at the beauty of twinkling lights, many people have lost the deeper meaning of the light shining in the darkness.
The coming Messiah was prophesied in Isaiah 9, 700 years before the arrival of Jesus. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The one who said, “Let there be light” and spoke creation into existence out of nothing is doing his mighty works again.
Advent is the season of glorious light, but we are all born spiritually blind. God’s rescuing mission is to bring sight to the blind. We need the healing touch of Jesus Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection to truly see. We need Jesus to be brought from darkness to light. In John 8:12 Jesus made a bold claim about light when he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Jesus is the “Light of the World, the Light of Life.” He is salvation, the true guidance for His people, and the source of blessing to the dark world. I look forward to proclaiming and celebrating the arrival of Jesus, the “Light of Life” with you this Advent season!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Psalm 98:2-3
Dear ELMO Family,
Happy Thanksgiving! As we celebrate God’s goodness and cultivate an attitude of gratitude during this season, I wanted to share some of the many reasons I am grateful for the ELMO family.
I am grateful for each of you, the men, women and children who worship at ELMO and the abundance of creativity and gifts you are using for God’s glory within our congregation. I am grateful for ELMO’s staff, elders and deacons and the joy it is serving the Lord with you. I am grateful for the Christ centered and biblically grounded mission of ELMO – “Following Jesus we love, care, connect and serve.” I am grateful for how God is using us to bring the Good News to Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito, Santa Barbara, Isla Vista, Goleta and to “all the ends of the earth.” Like Paul who loved the church he served in Philippi, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
My heart is overflowing with gratitude to the LORD for the privilege of serving this wonderful church. It is a joy serving the LORD alongside you!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Dear ELMO Family,
As we approach Thanksgiving, I’d like to encourage us to think about intentionally cultivating an attitude of gratitude in our daily lives. Some devout Jewish men and women in the first century understood the value of intentionally cultivating gratitude. They had a practice called “the eighteen benedictions a day.” Bene is Latin for “good” and diction is Latin for “word.” Put them together and you have a benediction. In the morning this group would thank God for eighteen things, at noon they would thank God for eighteen things and in the evening, they would thank God for eighteen things. They did this because they understood the importance of cultivating an attitude of gratitude.
Listing eighteen things, three times a day, may seem a bit excessive, but how about three things a day? Perhaps this year you could start keeping a gratitude journal. Each day in your gratitude journal you could list three things you are thankful for. A recent study from the Mayo Clinic shows feeling gratitude can improve our sleep, mood and immunity. Gratitude decreases depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease. Pretty sure if there was a pill that could do all this, everyone would be taking it!
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude every day takes intentionality, but it is well worth the effort. I believe the surest way to bless others and to thrive in our relationship with Jesus is to take a posture of gratitude every day. So, let’s continue to cultivate an attituded of gratitude every day as we love and serve Jesus in all circumstances.
As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, remember God is calling us to Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. We give thanks in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. In all circumstances, may we know that God is sovereign, and that He is so very good.
As Psalm 136:1 reminds us, Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. I am so grateful for each one of you and am praying for you to cling tightly to Christ and rest in the hollow if his hand during this Thanksgiving season.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” Psalm 42:1-2
Dear ELMO Family,
I am enjoying re-reading C. S. Lewis’ Surprised by Joy and wrestling with the theme of unquenchable desire. The title of Lewis’ book comes from a William Wordsworth poem of the same title. In Wordsworth’s poem he communicates the power of joy to transport and remind us of brighter times. Sehnsucht is the central theme in Lewis’ autobiography. This German word has no direct English translation but can be understood as the combination of longing and wonder. As Lewis states, “all joy reminds.”
More than a thousand years before Lewis, Augustine in his autobiography Confessions, referred to this longing and wonder when he wrote, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” C. S. Lewis in Mere Christianity picks up on this theme of longing and wonder as he observes, “If you find yourself with a desire that no experience in this world can satisfy, then the most probable explanation is that you were made for another world.” Carolyn Webber, in an interview about her memoir Surprised by Oxford, which is now a movie, connects our longing with wonder when she states, “We all desire to be loved, to be seen, to be known – grace is this gift of being loved beyond our imagining, our deserving and our understanding.” Through Christ our desire to be loved, seen and known is met and satisfied in the loving embrace of our Savior’s unconditional love.
As we reflect on the theme of our unquenchable desire this side of heaven, I pray we are encouraged and pointed to the arms of our Heavenly Father who loves us more than we could possibly imagine and is the only One who can satisfy our deepest longings. If you would like to know more about where this innate unquenchable desire points us, I recommend reading any of the previously mentioned books and watching the movie Surprised by Oxford.
I look forward to gathering with you on Sunday morning as we continue our journey through Mark and celebrate a baptism!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. Mark 6:7
Dear ELMO Family,
As an undergraduate studying at Oxford, I was deeply moved by the Martyrs’ Memorial, which I walked by daily on my commute from Keble College to my dorm. The Martyrs’ Memorial is situated at the busy intersection of St. Giles, Beaumont Street and Magdalen Street in the center of Oxford. It was built to look like a spire poking out from an underground cathedral. This memorial was built in 1841 to commemorate the deaths of the martyrs of the English Reformation. At the top of the spire are the statues of Thomas Cranmer, Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley. All three men were burned at the stake in 1555 for their refusal to convert to Roman Catholicism. Latimer, who was burned first, said to the watching Ridley, “Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.” Three years later, Mary I (Bloody Mary) died and passed the kingdom to her half-sister Elizabeth, a Protestant queen. At that point in history, Latimer and Ridley’s candle burst into a torch.
On the Martyrs’ Memorial are inscribed these words: “To the glory and in grateful commemoration of his servants, who near this spot yielded their bodies to be burned, bearing witness to the sacred truths which they had affirmed and maintained against the heirs of the church of Rome and rejoining that to them it was given not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for his sake. This monument was erected by public subscription in the year of our Lord God 1841.”
About this inscription, theologian Stephen Nichols notes, “There are three key verbs in this inscription. The first is affirmed. These men affirmed their belief in Christ and in the gospel. Their martyrdom was their confession of faith in the gospel. And not only did they affirm these truths, but they also maintained them—that’s the second key verb. They studied these truths and proclaimed them and taught them and saw that they would be sounded all across the lands of England. The third key verb comes near the end: they suffered for these beliefs.”
This week as we look at Mark 6:7-29, we see the call to follow Jesus is a call to die to ourselves as we follow Jesus all the way to the cross and beyond. It is not a call to ease and comfort on this earth, it is a call to sacrifice everything for the sake of God’s kingdom unleashing on earth as it is in heaven. May God bless us as we courageously follow Jesus wherever he may lead us.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
Dear ELMO Family,
Tuesday, October 31 is Reformation Day. Five hundred and six years ago, on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church door of Wittenberg, Germany, sparking massive renewal, rediscovery of the Bible and the message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. After posting the 95 theses Luther faced great persecution, but he came to know the gracious power of God’s protection. Luther confidently and boldly defended the truth of God’s Word during excommunication from the Roman Catholic church, continual threats to his life and intense spiritual battles.
In all this Luther found great comfort and inspiration from God’s Word in Psalm 46. Psalm 46:1-3 powerfully reminds us, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. This Psalm was the foundation of Luther’s hymn A Mighty Fortress is our God the battle cry of the Protestant Reformation.
This summer while visiting Zürich, we noticed that the Ulrich Zwingli statue had been removed from its ten-foot-tall pedestal and lowered to the ground. A set of stairs was placed next to the statue leading up to Zwingli’s face. The sign in Swiss German read, “Get to know Ulrich Zwingli.” If you would like to learn more about the Protestant Reformation and get to know Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin and the Puritans I recommend reading The Unquenchable Flame by Michael Reeves. This book is a lively, informative and readable introduction to the Protestant Reformation and its profound influence on church history and our world.
I look forward to worshiping together on Sunday morning as we continue our journey through Mark!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, October 18, 2023
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:41
Dear ELMO Family,
For the past month we’ve been walking through the Gospel of Mark. It’s the earliest record of the life and ministry of Jesus based primarily on the eyewitness account of the Apostle Peter. According to Mark, Jesus has arrived to boldly announce the good news that God is on the move. Jesus is forgiving sins, healing diseases, defeating evil, and challenging the status-quo of the religious leaders. Mark’s listeners are asked to respond by answering the question, who is Jesus and what do we do with him? God is unleashing his Kingdom, and we are called to embrace his Kingdom.
In Mark 4:35-5:20, our passage for Sunday, we witness Jesus unleashing God’s Kingdom on earth through demonstrating his authority over natural forces and evil. Jesus calms a life-threatening storm, and he heals a man who is tormented by an army of evil spirits. In both accounts we see people dealing with impossible problems that can only be solved by God. These two accounts are specifically chosen by Mark to help us answer the question, who do you say I am? Here we get a glimpse of Jesus’ true identity. Jesus is God incarnate, he is the Holy One, he is the Creator and Sustainer of all life who is unleashing God’s Kingdom to free us from our imprisonment to sin and Satan. In short God is the peacemaker unleashing peace into the chaos of this fallen world.
It is my prayer that we see a glimpse of God’s glory in Jesus and learn how we can become peacemakers as we walk through Mark 4:35-5:20 on Sunday. And seeing a glimpse of the power of God through Jesus will encourage, challenge and lift our souls as we realize Jesus is with us in every situation. And with Jesus we can endure anything.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” Psalm 122:6-8
Dear ELMO Family,
We live in a fallen world where war, terrorism, hatred, bloodshed and hostility are everywhere. I know we long for God’s Kingdom to be unleashed on earth as it is in heaven, but we’re all too aware of how far short of God’s glory the world falls. As we navigate this fallen world I want to encourage us as a congregation to pray for God to bring peace in Israel.
I trust we’ve been praying for Israel, but just in case you need a guide here is what I’ve been praying. Heavenly Father, we pray for you to bring peace to Israel and Gaza. Please bring an end to all hostilities. Empower and give courage to peacemakers on both sides. Comfort all who mourn and all who have lost loved ones and are waiting to hear news of those who are missing. Give boldness and compassion to Christians on both sides to shine the light of Christ in their communities. Equip national and international leaders with wisdom as the world responds. May Your will be done, and may Your loving kindness be evident to all as you bring your Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
If you would like more information about how to pray specifically for the ongoing war in Israel, I’ve found the following articles helpful: American Christians Should Stand with Israel under Attack, by Russell Moore. And Israel’s 9/11: The Need for Moral Clarity by Bernard Howard and Ivan Mesa.
I am praying for you and look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we continue exploring the Gospel of Mark and what it looks like when God’s Kingdom is unleashed on earth as it is in heaven.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin. Mark 3:28-29
Dear ELMO Family,
If Mark 3:28-29 doesn’t grab your attention, then I am not sure you read those verses closely enough. What in the world does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit? To fully understand what Jesus is saying here we need to look at the surrounding context. The scribes traveled all the way from Jerusalem because of some amazing things Jesus was doing. Sadly, they attributed those amazing things, not to the power of God, but to the power of Satan or Beelzebul. The scribes thought Jesus had an “impure spirit” rather than the Holy Spirit fueling his miraculous, authoritative and powerful ministry.
In the beginning of the Gospel of Mark, we saw Jesus baptized by John in the Jordan River, and the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove. Jesus heals the sick, has authority over evil spirits and the power to forgive sins. Clearly, it was the Holy Spirit empowering the work and ministry of Jesus. But the scribes said the work of Jesus was fueled by Satan, which leads to the ominous warning from Jesus in Mark 3:28-29, “Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”
In this context, to blaspheme of the Holy Spirit is a denial of the good news that the life, death and resurrection of Jesus are the result of the Holy Spirit. As Ray Stedman said, “All the work of the Holy Spirit is designed to exalt and declare and define the work of Jesus. So, to reject the Holy Spirit, to blaspheme the Holy Spirit, is to reject the Spirit’s witness of Christ.”
If, like the scribes from Jerusalem we say Jesus Christ is not from God then we cannot be recipients of God’s amazing love and grace through the work of Christ. If we deny Jesus is from God, then we cannot receive the forgiveness Christ brings. We can’t reject the Holy Spirit’s work and witness through Jesus Christ and be saved. As Paul says in Romans 10:9, If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. We must believe in Jesus to be saved.
The scribes are in danger of committing the sin of denying the Holy Spirit’s unique testimony about Jesus. However, the fact that Jesus warns the scribes about the dangers of committing the unforgivable sin is evidence they have not committed it yet. They might be on the verge of committing that sin, but the warning is a reminder that hope remains for these scribes to embrace the Holy Spirit’s witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
One final thought, worrying about whether you’ve committed the unforgivable sin is one of the clearest indicators you’re not guilty of this sin. Those who have blasphemed against the Holy Spirit don’t care. They are callous and hard hearted towards the work of the Lord.
Instead of living in fear of future condemnation, let’s remember Romans 8:1 which proclaims. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” If we have breath and life, we can call on the name of the Lord and receive grace, love, forgiveness and abundant life in and through the love of God the Father, the grace of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning as we gather to worship our gracious and compassionate God.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Then he said to the, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27
Dear ELMO Family,
This week in Mark 2:18-3:12 we enter fully into the section of the Gospel of Mark referred to as the “controversy dialogues.” In this portion of Mark, Jesus is challenged by the Pharisees about lots of things including the true purpose of the Sabbath. The idea of six days of work and one day of rest was given by God during the creation account in Genesis 2:2-3 and then reiterated in the Ten Commandments: “remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy”.
Here are a few other interesting facts from the Bible about the Sabbath. First, Sabbath rest is tied to God’s creation. If God rested after creating the universe, then we need to rest after our work. The beautiful rhythm of work (creation) and rest is part of how God made us to thrive. Overwork leads to burnout, but regular rest is a way to honor God and the beauty of His creation.
Second, Sabbath rest is tied to our freedom from slavery. In Deuteronomy 5:15 God says, “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.” God links freeing Israel from slavery in Egypt to the fourth Commandment. Tim Keller points out that “anyone who cannot obey God’s command to observe the Sabbath is a slave, even a self-imposed one.”
Third, honoring the Sabbath is a tangible way to show we trust God. God gave us the Sabbath to help us remember God is at work. When we trust God in our rest, we are proclaiming to the world God is God, and we are not. We don’t keep the world running or sustain the universe. Sabbath rest is trusting that God is caring for all His creation.
Finally, the Scripture is clear the Sabbath is not a “thou shall not” commandment, it is a “keep” commandment. As believers, set free in Christ, we are not judged by whether we keep the Sabbath day. It should be a joy, not a burden to honor the Sabbath. As we intentionally find time to rest, spend time with others, read God’s Word, cultivate our relationship with Jesus, sit at the beach with a good book, eat a favorite meal with your family, or do something kind for our neighbors these acts of Sabbath rest should bring us joy. Let’s rejoice in following Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Sabbath!
The Pharisees had become so preoccupied with their rules and regulations for applying the law of Moses they missed its purpose. The Law of Moses was given to reveal the holy character of the eternal God, to facilitate worship, provide for the spiritual health of the nation, set Israel apart from all other nations and to reveal our need for a Savior. This is why Jesus reminded the Pharisees, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” John Calvin once said God intended the Sabbath to be “advantageous” for people, not to injure or burden them with extrabiblical burdens and rules. Don’t ever forget, God gave His law to bless us!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Mark 2:3
Dear ELMO Family,
After graduating from college two of my friends set out to hike the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail extends 2190 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine. This legendary hike takes about 5 to 7 months to complete. I was living near Boston when they completed their hike, so I picked them up at the conclusion of their epic journey.
As we drove back to Boston, they told me stories about encountering “trail magic” during their 2000-mile hike. Along the Appalachian Trail people are known for spontaneous random acts of kindness directed towards through hikers. Things like a cooler of ice-cold Coca-Cola and fresh fruit left with a sign of encouragement along the way. At one point on the trail “The Omelet Guy” as he is called set up a full-service kitchen in the woods where he serves free all-you-can eat buttery rich veggie and meat omelets for hikers. I loved hearing about this trail magic and the creative ways people were seeing and meeting the need for encouragement and calories along the Appalachian Trail.
I’ve seen a form of “trail magic” during my four years at ELMO. I am happy to say the “see a need, meet a need” mindset is alive and well in the ELMO family. Some of you are hosting homegroups, leading Bible studies, bringing meals to families with newborns, grocery shopping for those who are homebound, serving coffee, greeting people as they arrive, ushering during morning worship, providing rides for Westmont students, serving on the student and children’s ministry team, volunteering at Christmas in Narnia, loading dumpsters with trash, knitting prayer shawls, helping on the basement/Creative Studio dream team, visiting those who are sick, befriending the lonely, inviting your friends to ELMO and giving of yourself in countless other unseen ways.
I know the church can sometimes feel like a football game where 22 people on the field need a rest and thousands of people in the stands need exercise. But this shouldn’t be the case if we adopt a see a need, meet a need mindset of serving the Lord at ELMO. I encourage you to prayerfully consider how God might use your unique gifts to further his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. As we learned last week, Jesus doesn’t need more admirers; Jesus wants disciples and discipleship involves an all-in commitment to following Jesus no matter what the cost.
Speaking of the see a need, meet a need mindset, this Sunday at ELMO we’re looking at the account of four men in Mark 2 who literally ripped the roof off a house to get their friend at the feet of Jesus. Finally, this is your last chance to sign up for our Covenant Partner/New Member class. This class meets Sunday morning at 9-9:45 a.m. from September 24-October 29. Please sign up by emailing admin@elmopres.org and let us know of any childcare needs.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Mark 1:17
Dear ELMO Family,
It is our prayer that everything we do at ELMO cultivates flourishing followers of Jesus Christ who worship God in all things, grow in their love for God and neighbor, and give of themselves in serving the Lord with their time, talents, and treasures. To help nurture followers of Christ, we’re excited to kick-off our fall discipleship ministries at ELMO for Children and adults. Please see below for details about connecting to a discipleship opportunity at ELMO Pres.
We’re also offering a Covenant Partner/Membership Class on Sunday morning at 9-9:45 a.m. from September 24 – October 29, 2023. ELMO’s Covenant Partner Class is an opportunity to explore the basics of the Christian faith, meet and learn from ELMO’s pastors in a more intimate setting, hear about the history and distinctives of the ECO Presbyterian denomination and El Montecito Presbyterian Church, interact with other new people, and take the next steps in nurturing your relationship with Jesus. During our final session you’ll have an opportunity to share your Christian faith journey with our Elders and become a Covenant Partner of El Montecito Presbyterian Church. Please sign up by emailing admin@elmopres.org and let us know of any childcare needs.
Membership isn’t just about adding your name to a roll. Being a Covenant Partner is about connecting with the body of Christ, leaning into the mission and values of the church, and publicly proclaiming our commitment to Jesus Christ and his spiritual family—a family that worships together, grows in their Christian faith together, shares the Good News together and serves one another and the world together. I encourage you to prayerfully consider becoming a Covenant Partner at ELMO.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday at 9am for the Gospel of Mark Discussion Group and at 10am for our worship gathering. I am praying for God to give us courage as we trust Him to restore, strengthen, and make us steadfast in our resolve to follow Christ and boldly live a life worthy of the gospel we believe and proclaim.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” Mark 8:29
Dear ELMO Family,
This Sunday we’re beginning a new sermon series in the Gospel of Mark looking at the life and teachings of Jesus. And there is no greater subject in the world than Jesus. The Gospel of Mark is based on the eyewitness account of the apostle Peter, and it provides an invitation to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Mark is not a self-help book with the three steps for a trouble and pain free life. The Gospel of Mark is a missional document with a clear invitation for us to respond in awe to Jesus by worshiping and following him with our life.
Mark is a fast paced, action-packed account of the ministry of Jesus. It begins by answering the question, who is Jesus? Then, Mark 8:29 serves as an important division in the Gospel when Jesus asks Peter pointedly, “Who do you say I am?” And Peter answers, “You are the Messiah.” From that point on the Gospel of Mark moves Jesus away from Galilee and into Jerusalem on a direct path to the cross and resurrection.
To guide us in our study of Mark we’ve ordered Illuminated Scripture Journals of Mark for everyone, which will be available on Sunday morning in the Narthex (suggested donation $5). We encourage you to join the 9AM study of Mark on Sunday morning in the library or get connected mid-week with one of our home groups as they walk through the Gospel of Mark. Here is a link to an Inductive Bible Study guide for us to utilize as we study Mark. These will be provided as a bulletin insert on Sunday as well.
Ultimately, like Peter, anyone who takes the time to read the Gospel of Mark is confronted head on with the question: Who is Jesus? It’s a question that changes everything. And I pray that, as we study the book of Mark, we would encounter Jesus in a way that changes our lives. We’re praying for you and can’t wait to worship with you on Sunday!
In Him
Tom
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:1-2
Dear ELMO Family,
My daughter, Melia, celebrated her eighteenth birthday, yesterday. As Melia stands on the threshold of adulthood, I took some extended time to pray for her using Psalm 18:1-2 as my guide. This Psalm of David would be a helpful guide to pray for your children, grandchildren or any children God places in your life.
Psalm 18:1 begins with the declaration I love you, LORD of my strength. No matter what this world throws at our children, and we live in a world full of challenges, it is the LORD whose love is the trustworthy and faithful defender against all enemies. May a deep love for God be the foundation of their lives. Then Psalm 18:2 paints a vivid picture of the security and protection God offers His children. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. In a fallen world full of many dangers, toils and snares, the LORD is firm and unshakable like a rock, fortress, refuge, shield, horn of salvation and stronghold. Let’s pray for our children to know and rely on the firm and secure love God has for them. It’s hard to imagine, but God loves our children even more than we do.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. John 9:1
Dear ELMO Family,
As he went along, Jesus noticed a man blind from birth. Day after day, month after month, year after year very few people gave this blind man in Jerusalem a second glance. Most people just went about their day and walked right by him. Parents may have even pulled their children away from the blind beggar. They didn’t want to give him money or feel guilty about not noticing. They didn’t want to have to explain to their kids about the sin they incorrectly thought caused this man’s blindness. In their minds, he was a sinner who was getting exactly what he deserved.
We all crave and need attention. There’s a reason in the English language we don’t just give attention, we pay attention as if it is some sort of valuable and precious currency. Attention is one of the most powerful forces in the world. We all crave it and will do almost anything to get it. Along with milk, every baby is born needing lots of attention. When my girls were infants, I loved when our eyes would meet, and they would break out into the sweetest smile of recognition you have ever seen. Babies crave, need, and look forward to attention. We’re all born this way; we need the attention of others.
We feel valued when someone notices us. We feel loved when someone stops, puts their phone away, and pays attention to us. Yes, our smartphones contribute to feeling unnoticed. It hurts to be invisible, and the blind man in John 9 felt invisible. Others may have missed the blind man, but Jesus noticed. Jesus saw him, stopped, and gave his undivided attention. Don’t miss this powerful truth about Jesus – He sees us and pays attention to everyone. The disciples wouldn’t have noticed the blind man without Jesus. But Jesus noticed him.
Who do you fail to notice as you go about your day? It might be a homeless person on the side of the street in need of eye contact and a hello. It might be your neighbor or co-worker who lives alone. It may be a member of your family who is living right under your roof. Today, we are literally facing an epidemic of loneliness. Recent studies show loneliness has the same effect on mortality as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. A couple of years ago the United Kingdom hired a “Minister for Loneliness” because people were dying in their apartments alone, and unnoticed until their bank account ran out of money to pay the bills with autopay. Let’s be a people, a church, who notices people – all people.
I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday morning at 10AM as we walk through Psalm 150.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has
no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Dear ELMO Family,
Last week on our drive to the Oregon coast my family and I experienced the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt County, California. We passed through 51,222 acres of redwood groves covering 31 miles of old Highway 101. These trees, reaching to the heavens, are breathtaking in their magnitude and beauty. I had no idea God made trees so enormous. You’d think trees living for 2500 years and reaching heights of 300 feet with a diameter of 30 feet would have deep roots. However, while driving that stretch of northern California, we learned redwoods have shallow but widespread roots. These shallow, wide roots help the redwoods survive by intertwining with the roots of other trees around them. The intertwined root system provides stability to these mighty trees during strong winds and floods.
There is an African proverb which says, “If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far travel together.” There is great wisdom in that old African proverb. Th
ere are times in life when we need to go fast, but most of life is about going far in relationship with other people. This is especially true for those of us who follow Jesus Christ. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says it like this, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” The Christian life isn’t a solo endeavor. It is all about following Jesus, going the distance and finishing the race together in community. It is my prayer at ELMO that we would continue to grow in Christ together. Let’s never go it alone. We need to support, encourage and love one another to thrive in our Christian faith.
Last night the ELMO Outreach Team allocated our emergency Easter offering to World Vision who is responding swiftly to support affected families in Maui during this critical time. Please continue praying for God to comfort, strengthen and care for those impacted by these destructive wildfires.
I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday morning at 10AM for our morning worship gathering, and everyone is invited to our Beach Night, Sunday from 6PM-sunset at Lookout Park in Summerland.
In Him,
Tom
Dear ELMO Family,
When the Worship Director Search Team began meeting nearly a year ago, they agreed our congregation needed someone who is called by God to serve as ELMO’s Worship Director, has a flourishing relationship with Christ, a passion for musical worship that honors God, and the ability to craft and lead worship music that is both biblically grounded and singable.
I am pleased to announce that Mary Hurt, a woman who embodies all these qualities, has accepted the position of El Montecito Presbyterian’s new Worship Director! Along with a love for musical education, boundless creativity, delight in all ages and wonderful people skills, Mary has nineteen years of experience leading worship and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Westmont College. Mary is a gifted vocalist and pianist, who also has the experience and gifts to develop the musical worship at ELMO Pres.
Currently the Worship Director role is part-time, which means Mary’s primary focus is coordinating the Sunday morning worship music and mobilizing people within our congregation to help lead worship. I am confident God will use Mary and her family for His glory and renown. So, please join me in praying for Mary and her family as they step into this exciting adventure.
Let’s extend a warm welcome to Mary, Taylor, Ella, Thaddeus, Ben and baby!
In Him,
Tom
For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2 Peter 1:16
Dear ELMO Family,
Today there are people who claim those who wrote the New Testament were not eyewitness of the ministry of Jesus. However, in 2 Peter 1:16 the Apostle Peter is very clear when he writes, “For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” The authors of Scripture were eyewitnesses who walked closely with Jesus or in the case of Luke someone who interviewed eyewitnesses of Jesus.
A “cleverly devised story” is a myth, and Christians do not follow cleverly devised myths as some would like to argue. The Bible is the Word of God. It is unlike any other book, so we humbly submit to the authority of the Bible not because we worship a book, but because we worship and trust the God who revealed himself and gave us the Bible. Christians believe God exists, God reveals, and the Bible is: God’s Word inspired. God inspired the authors, each with their own personalities and linguistic style to write down God’s Words. God’s Word is inerrant and infallible. We believe the Bible is without error in the original manuscripts, and true in all it affirms. God’s Word is sufficient and our final authority. We don’t need outside revelation from God in addition to God’s Word.
Augustine of Hippo described the depth of Scripture when he wrote, “The Christian Scriptures are so deep that, even if I studied them to the exclusion of all else, from early childhood to worn-out old age, with ample leisure and untiring zeal, and with greater capacity of mind than I possess, each day I would still discover new riches within them. The fundamental truths necessary for salvation are found with ease in the Scriptures. But even when a person has accepted these truths, and is both God-fearing and righteous in his actions, there are still so many things which lie under a vast veil of mystery. Through reading the Scriptures, we can pierce this veil, and find the deepest wisdom in the words which express these mysteries, and in the mysteries themselves. The oldest, the ablest, and the most ardent student of Scripture, will say at the end of each day: ‘I have finished, and yet my studies have only just begun.’”
May we at ELMO continue to encourage each other to “pierce the veil” and “find the deepest wisdom” as we read, study and apply God’s Word to our lives.
In Him,
Tom
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-11
Dear ELMO Family,
One of the greatest truths of the Christian faith is that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The apostle Peter was no stranger to God’s grace. Peter was called by God’s grace as he was working on the Sea of Galilee, he witnessed God’s grace first as he followed Jesus for three years of ministry training, and he was restored by God’s grace after denying Jesus three times.
It’s not surprising that 2 Peter begins with an exhortation about God’s grace and concludes with an encouragement to grow in God’s grace. As we begin our walk through 2 Peter this Sunday, I hope we delight in God’s unmerited and freely given grace. I also pray 2 Peter pushes us towards greater intentionality, passion, and diligence in our walk with Jesus. In 2 Peter 1:5 and 1:10 he encourages followers of Jesus to “make every effort” to grow in our faith and calling in Jesus. I think we all need to hear this reminder from Peter that following Jesus by faith is evidenced by grace-fueled effort. The faith we have in God’s promises creates a firm foundation for our spiritual growth.
I look forward to worshiping with you in person and online on Sunday as we begin our journey through 2 Peter. Let’s be encouraged as a congregation to make every effort to confirm our calling and election as we grow in our love and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
In Him,
Tom
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11
Dear ELMO Family,
Our worship gatherings at ELMO Pres. conclude with a benediction. Benedictions are God-given, biblically grounded words of blessing. Benediction comes from the Latin “good” and “word.” A benediction is a “good word” from God’s Word. It’s a reminder of God’s blessings for God’s people.
As Peter concludes his first letter to the Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor, he offers a benediction in 1 Peter 5:10, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” Did you notice right in the middle of Peter’s benediction is a startling statement about suffering. Peter doesn’t shy away from the reality of suffering for the sake of following Jesus. In fact, a major theme in 1 Peter is the comfort and hope we receive from God in our suffering.
Christians can rejoice in suffering because Jesus Christ also suffered, and this world is not our ultimate home. No matter how intense our suffering, it is short compared to the joys of eternity. Peter also reminds us that enduring through suffering strengthens our faith in Christ. God’s design for our growth often leads through difficulties, but those difficulties strengthen us to endure future storms. Never forget, as followers of Jesus Christ, we have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ that can never spoil or fade.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday at 9am for small group Bible studies and 10am for our worship gathering. I am praying for God to give us courage as we trust God to restore, strengthen and make us steadfast in our resolve to boldly live lives worthy of the gospel we believe and proclaim.
In Him,
Tom
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:12
Dear ELMO Family,
The HBO series Band of Brothers follows a group of World War II paratroopers. There is a scene where Lieutenant Richard Winter is about to lead his soldiers into the Battle of the Bulge. Before the battle, a soldier pulls Lieutenant Winter aside and says, Looks like you guys are going to be surrounded. Without hesitation Winters replied, We’re paratroopers, Lieutenant. We’re supposed to be surrounded.
As followers of Jesus, we know what it means to be surrounded. As Christians we’re called to be salt and light in the world. We’re to be in this world without being of this world. We can’t withdraw, we can’t accommodate, we must engage with people and life. And yes, that means we are surrounded and will face persecution for our Christian faith. In Matthew 5:16 Jesus says, people will “see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” And then in Matthew 5:11 Jesus says, they will “persecute you and falsely say all kind of evil against you because of me.” We never accommodate culture or withdraw from it; we are called to live within culture and be distinct.
1 Peter answers a very important question, How do we interact with a world that is hostile to Christianity? Interestingly, Peter begins with how we treat each other within the church. In 1 Peter 3:8-9 Peter says, Finally, all of you be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. Peter understands how we treat each other within the church speaks volumes to those outside the church.
Join us this week at 10AM as we explore the five virtues Peter says should characterize the ELMO community and all Christian communities. It is my prayer that we learn to live into these Christlike qualities so we can proclaim the Good News of Jesus to a hurting world in desperate need of a Savior.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Wednesday, April 4, 2023
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
How long will the enemy mock you, God? Will the foe revile your name forever? Psalm 74:10
Dear ELMO Family,
My heart is breaking for those impacted by the latest in what seems like a constant stream of mass shootings in our country. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been an average of 1.5 mass shootings per day so far in 2023. And this last horrific shooting hits very close to home for our ELMO Pres family.
There are no easy answers. We live in a fallen world. We live in a world with an enemy, Satan who is like a prowling lion looking for someone to devour. His weapons of destruction are sin, lies and death. In this fallen world we must grapple with the challenges of life in a very real way. Jesus told his followers very clearly in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” There will be challenging circumstances in the lives of followers of Christ, and there will be challenging circumstances in this world.
In those challenges, the Scriptures, and specifically the Psalms of Lament, provide a pattern for honestly crying out to God. We cry out to God; we ask God for help, and we respond in trust and praise. The Psalms of lament provide a starting point for helping us process our pain in a God honoring and life-giving way.
Please join me in praying for the parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses and friends who are mourning the death of a loved one. Join me in pleading with God to bring an end to gun violence in our nation and world. And pray for our nation to hear the message of the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ during this Holy Week and Easter.
Along with praying we are also creating an ad hoc ELMO Security Team of trained law enforcement from our congregation charged with evaluating our campus safety and recommending the best plan of action for maintaining safety at the church and Early School. We are committed to providing a safe environment for everyone to worship, fellowship and learn on the ELMO Pres campus.
In Him,
TomWednesday, March 22, 2023
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Dear ELMO Family,
Forty-one years ago, in 1982 John Stott wrote the following prophetic words in I Believe in Preaching:
It is difficult to imagine the world in the year A.D. 2000, by which time versatile micro-processors are likely to be as common as simple calculators are today.
We should certainly welcome the fact that the silicon chip will transcend human brain-power, as the machine has transcended human muscle-power.
Much less welcome will be the probable reduction of human contact as the new electronic network renders personal relationships ever less necessary.
In such a dehumanized society the fellowship of the local church will become increasingly important, whose members meet one another, and talk and listen to one another in person rather than on screen.
In this human context of mutual love the speaking and hearing of the Word of God is also likely to become more necessary for the preservation of our humanness, not less.
We’re praying for you and look forward to seeing you in person on Sunday morning at 9AM for our children and adult discipleship opportunities and then at 10AM for our worship gathering where we will hear God’s Word together. Also, this Sunday everyone is invited to the Fellowship Hall following our worship gathering for lunch and a discussion about loving like Jesus.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
At the last supper, before going to the cross, Jesus gathered the twelve disciples for an object lesson they would never forget. Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, took off his outer garment, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin and began washing his disciples’ feet. After this humble act of selfless love, Jesus gave his disciples a new command to follow his example of love. This new command is the mandatum novum in Latin from which “Maundy Thursday” comes.
What does this new type of love look like in action? According to Jesus, loving one another means knowing when to turn our tunic into a towel. Love means dying to our pride and serving the needs of others. Loving one another means bending low to serve others. The symbol of this new category of love Jesus models for us is a basin and a towel. Jesus taught that loving one another is the most important ministry of the church and our greatest witness to the watching world. Let’s continue actively obeying Jesus’ new commandment to love one another.
This March, in order to encourage us to “Love Like Jesus”, we will highlight a few local ministries at the end of worship. We’ll hear from Royal Family Kids, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, M4 outreach to Cleveland School, and Santa Barbara Rescue Mission. On Sunday, March 12, we’ll gather for lunch after worship and round table discussions on how to “love like Jesus.” On Saturday morning March 25, Jerry Root will lead an Evangelism Workshop from 9:00-11:30 (continental breakfast at 8:30) to help equip us to share the hope we have in Jesus with our neighbor. And on Sunday March 26 following worship, Scott Godfrey and Rolf Geyling will lead a Q&A session about ways to care for the homeless in Santa Barbara.
I pray you have a great rest of the week! Let’s continue loving globally and locally in the name of Jesus. I’ll see you on Sunday as we continue our journey through 1 and 2 Kings. This week we’re looking at 1 Kings 20-2 Kings 2. Lions and prophets and bears, oh my!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
A few weeks ago, I helped Melia make a Rube Goldberg machine for a class project. It was a lot of fun and something I have secretly always wanted to do. Our machine began with a golf ball rolling down a ramp and hitting a marble, which rolled and hit a finger skateboard, which rolled through a tube and set off a chain reaction of falling dominoes until the last domino dropped, hit a dog treat, launching it into the air and onto the floor for Maisie to enjoy. As we mapped out this overly complex way of giving Maisie a treat, we learned a valuable lesson which ensured our success and Maisie’s happiness. Begin with the end in mind.
On May 25, 1961, President Kennedy announced an audacious national goal: to put a man on the moon and return him safely to earth before the end of the decade. Many scientists and engineers shook their heads in disbelief. Many thought it was impossible and couldn’t believe the president would announce such a pie in the sky goal. But Kennedy’s ambitious goal was achieved on July 20, 1969, when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the moon’s surface and returned safely to earth a few days later. Kennedy and NASA’s teams began with the end in mind.
In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Paul encourages followers of Christ to begin with the end in mind when he writes, Therefore we do not lose heart. 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. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Our lives are full of challenges, but if we fix our eyes on God’s eternal plan for us in Christ, we will live our lives in the present moment with greater purpose and joy. It is helpful to begin with our end destination in mind—our eternal future. Let’s ask ourselves, how will living with eternity in mind change what I choose to spend time on today? How will it affect my life? What opportunities should I spend the most time on? It is my prayer for us as followers of Jesus to live our lives to the fullest in the present by living with an eternal perspective.
Please continue praying for those impacted by the earthquake in Syria and Turkey. If you would like to support Christian organizations on the frontlines of the relief efforts please consider donating to Medair or The Outreach Foundation. ELMO’s Outreach team met last night and allocated the entire Christmas Emergency Relief fund between these two organizations whom we know and trust. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday at 9AM for Small Groups and 10AM for our worship gathering as we look at 1 Kings 17-19.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior. Psalm 38:22
Dear ELMO Family,
Our entire country, and especially those of us living in California are trying to process the tragedy of the mass shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay. These back-to-back mass shootings serve as a horrific reminder of the constant stream of mass shootings in our country and the deep brokenness in our world. In the first 25 days of 2023 there have been 39 mass shootings in the United States. My heart is broken, I am praying for those who are fighting for their lives, lost loved ones and experienced the shootings. But if I am completely honest, I am not always sure how to process the constant stream of mass shootings.
We live in a fallen world. We live in a world with an enemy, Satan who is like a prowling lion looking for someone to devour. His weapons of destruction are sin, lies and death. In this fallen world we must grapple with the challenges of life in a very real way. Jesus told his followers very clearly in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” There will be challenging circumstances individually in the lives of the men and women who love Jesus, and there will be challenging circumstances in this world.
In those challenges, the Psalms of Lament give us a pattern for honestly crying out to God. We can cry out to God; we ask God for help, and we can respond in trust and praise. The Psalms of lament are a guide for helping us process our pain in a God honoring and life-giving way.
In Psalm 38:9-10, David holds nothing back as he lays his honest lament before God. All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes. In his pain David understands hope is found in looking to God alone. In Psalm 38:15 he prays, LORD, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.
In our pain we can also run to God in our honest prayers of lament. In our fears, anxiety, anger, doubts, and pain we can come to God. Our prayers of lament keep us from denying, projecting, internalizing, or masking our pain. An honest prayer of lament to God is the beginning of a journey from despair to hope as we run to God in our pain. That is how I am processing the mass shootings in Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay. I encourage you to run to God in your pain as well. I pray we can grieve in a way that heals and find hope in the promises of Jesus. Also, I found this article written by Kara Powell, a professor at Fuller, helpful as we guide our children and grandchildren through these tragedies.
Please join me in praying for the men, women and children impacted by the most recent mass shootings in our country. May God bring his comfort, protection and hope to their lives and ours. I encourage you to read 1 Kings 11-16 as we prepare to worship the Lord on Sunday morning at 9AM in our small groups and 10AM for our worship gathering. We look forward to seeing you then.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
Dear ELMO Family,
Monday’s unprecedented rainfall in Santa Barbara necessitated an evacuation order of all 10,000 Montecito residents. Praise the Lord everyone I’ve checked with either evacuated or sheltered in place safely. I pray you and your family weathered the storm safely.
Sadly, the main sump pump on the lower patio at ELMO Pres failed and the basement flooded with about a half an inch of water. Brad Catron, Randy Wilson, and Erin Barr all worked hard to fill sandbags, keep pumps running, and move items in the basement to higher ground to limit the water damage. It would have taken lots of sandbags to keep those torrential flood waters at bay. Pray for Brad as he continues to clean and dry the basement. And please thank Brad and the rest of the crew for their hard work when you have a chance. I am very thankful for everyone who braved the storm to keep our church facility safe.
This Sunday at ELMO we’re starting a walk through 1 and 2 Kings – A Faithful God, A Faltering People, a Future Hope. 1 and 2 Kings is written primarily to explain how and why the people of God have found themselves displaced from the land of promise, without a king and exiled in Babylon. In these books God warns his people against continuing the sins that brought the people into exile in Babylon. In Kings we’re reminded God is God alone, God demands exclusive worship free from idolatry and the hope of Israel and our hope lies in God’s faithfulness.
Please join us at 9am for our children, youth and adult small groups. The adult small groups are also walking through 1 and 2 Kings. May you continue trusting the Lord while serving him faithfully through all the different storms of life.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, January 4, 2023
Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing. 1 Kings 18:21
Dear ELMO Family,
Over the next few weeks at ELMO, we’re walking through the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Kings. Kings is one unified story highlighting the long line of kings who came after David where we see God’s Promise Plan of salvation running from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem. From the splendor of Solomon to a pile of smoldering rubble, the book of Kings spans the time from Israel’s highest moment to its lowest moment. Kings was written to help God’s people grasp the underlying spiritual causes of their captivity and exile, to see God’s work of redemption through all the failures and setbacks of life, and to encourage people to turn to God in repentance and faith. Kings shows us a faithful God, a faltering people and a future hope.
Join us over the next ten weeks as we read and study 1 and 2 Kings together. To prepare for our new sermon series, I encourage you to read through 1 and 2 Kings, journal as you go and watch the Bible Project’s overview of 1 and 2 Kings.
On Sunday after worship, we invite you to view Phase 1 of the basement renovation and to hear updates on the cost estimates for Phase 2. Keep praying for this renovation project and for the creative ways God will use this intergenerational space to accomplish his purposes!
Phase 1 (nearing completion): electrical and plumbing updates, new ceiling grid and acoustical tiles in the great room and hallway, new lighting for the classrooms, the purchase of cabinetry and sink for the smoothie/coffee bar, and the purchase of sink, pottery wheels, kiln, and clay catch for pottery room
Phase 2: epoxy floors, soundproofing walls in music room, installing cabinets and countertops, building the long bench in the great room, sconces/pendants, wiring in kilns and pottery wheels, installing sink in pottery room, and painting
Phase 3: purchasing tables and chairs, building out stage area in great room, gathering musical instruments, carpet and shelving in music room, cabinetry and sink in large classroom, refreshing landscaping and outside patio space, and other finishing touches
I am so thankful for you all, am praying for your safety and health as we continue serving the Lord together as the body of Christ.
In Him,
Tom
Last letter of 2022 – Wednesday, December 21
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…Luke 1:46
Dear ELMO Family,
I can picture the scene in my mind: the amber and red sunrise breaking over the distant horizon, the slight chill hanging in the early morning air, and a young teenage girl wrapping a wool shawl around her shoulders, grabbing her backpack, and strapping her sandals tightly around her ankles. The last few days were the most exciting of teenage Mary’s life. Ever since the visit from the angel Gabriel, Mary’s life was flooded with new emotions and thoughts swimming around in her head and heart. First, the questions rushed into her mind. “How could I be the one chosen to carry the Messiah?” “How can I be pregnant; I am a virgin?” Mary accepted her call from God with the humbleness of a servant. “Here is my life, do whatever you’d like with it.”
Mary certainly had a lot to process, and the only thing she was certain about at this moment in time was she needed to visit her cousin Elizabeth. I imagine the angel’s words were drawing her there. Gabriel told Mary that Elizabeth was already six-months pregnant. Elizabeth was too old to get pregnant, but she was going to have a child. Elizabeth is another very tangible reminder for Mary and for you and me that nothing is impossible with God. Step after step on the hard-dusty soil on the long journey from Nazareth to a town in the hills near Jerusalem, Mary had time to process and pray. We can only imagine the thoughts racing through Mary’s head.
When Mary greeted the very pregnant Elizabeth, John the Baptist jumped in his mother’s womb. The text says Elizabeth was “filled with the Holy Spirit.” These were no ordinary mothers; these were no ordinary pregnancies, and these were no ordinary babies. In this holy moment, Mary responds with one of the most beautiful and joyous hymns in the Bible. It is called the Magnificat after the first word in the Latin translation of this section of Scripture – Magnificat and means “glorifies” in Latin. Mary’s prayer echoes Psalm 113 and Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2. It is a heartfelt prayer of awe, humility, and complete submission to her God. Mary rejoices in the privilege she’s been given. She glorifies God for his power and holiness and praises him for his mercy and goodness. We find Mary’s magnificent prayer of praise in Luke 1:46-55.
And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”
The long-anticipated arrival of the Messiah is here, and Mary and Elizabeth have front row seats. This news filled them both with great joy! Their joy is as unchanging and solid as the God from where their joy comes. Our Joy is also grounded in God and flows from Him. Joy defies circumstances, even the most difficult circumstances, because joy is anchored in and comes directly from God.
This Christmas be encouraged. The Kingdom of God is here. Our freedom from Sin and Death is secure through Jesus Christ! In a world filled with pain and uncertainty, enjoy the warmth of the Son this Christmas as you lean into joy. We are looking forward to worshiping with you on Christmas Eve and again on Christmas morning. Merry Christmas!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Dear ELMO Family,
The Nicene Creed was the result of the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This historic statement of the Christian faith is affirmed by many Christian denominations, including ECO Presbyterians. The Nicene Creed clearly represents the essential doctrine of God for all Christians. God is revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God in three Persons, equally divine and of the same substance. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are equally worshipped and honored. The Nicene Creed also beautifully describes the Incarnation:
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human.
The miracle of the Incarnation is that the transcendent and timeless Son entered time and space. God the eternal Son became Mary’s firstborn son in flesh. The Creator of the universe became part of his creation and submits himself as a human to God the Father. In his book Knowing God, J. I. Packer says, The supreme mystery with which the Gospel confronts us lies not in the Good Friday message of atonement, nor in the Easter message of resurrection, but in the Christmas message of Incarnation… It is at the first Christmas, that the profoundest and most unfathomable depths of the Christian revelation lie. “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14); God became divine Son, became a Jew; the Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless human baby, unable to do more than lie and stare and wriggle and make noises, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets. Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is this truth of the Incarnation.
Join us this Sunday at 9AM for Advent small groups for children and adults and at 10AM as we explore the Incarnation, the supreme mystery of God in flesh appearing.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Psalm 100:1
Dear ELMO Family,
I am looking forward to Praise and Pie on Sunday evening! A big thank you to David Talbott for leading us in praise music and for everyone who signed up to bring pie.
We’re told that Psalm 100 is a Psalm for giving grateful praise. It says, Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100 paints a beautiful picture of appreciation to God for who he is and for what he does. Because God is the creator and sustainer of the universe, and he is our loving Father whose goodness, love and faithfulness to his children lasts forever, he deserves our joy-filled gratitude. Gratitude is the ability to experience all of life as a gift from God. May our praise to God for who he is and what he has done fill our hearts and lips every day and especially on Sunday evening as we sing praise to God and fill our bellies with delicious pie!
I am thankful for each of you! Have a blessed week.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. Psalm 145:3-4
Dear ELMO Family,
Prior to the winter of 1876 there was no organized Christian work in Montecito. As one historian described the situation, “There was the occasional preaching service held in the schoolhouse (present day Montecito Union School), but the Sabbath day was more a day for racing and various other sports by the earlier settlers of the region than of the worship of God. Deeply grieved at this state of affairs, and anxious for the spiritual culture of their children, the Christian people began to consult together and plan for the moral betterment of the community.”
Out of a desire to glorify God, preach Jesus Christ and teach God’s Word, El Montecito Presbyterian Church began on Sunday, November 13, 1887. Here are the opening lines from the minutes of the meeting to organize the church. “On November 13, 1887, Rev. F. D. Seward, Synodical Missionary and Member of the Home Mission Committee of the Presbytery of Los Angeles, called together, at 4 P.M. the Christian people who were proposing to form a new organization to be designated The First Presbyterian Church of El Montecito.”
I am so thankful that on November 13, 1887, twenty-five charter members officially organized El Montecito Presbyterian Church. They worshiped together, prayed, studied God’s Word and served the community in the name of Jesus to birth what we know as our ELMO Family. The church grew in numbers and the congregation constructed a new building at our current location for the sum of $2,000. The building was dedicated to God’s glory on December 30, 1888.
After 135 years, after two world wars, a great depression, September 11, 2001, the Montecito fires and debris flow, leaving the PCUSA and the COVID-19 pandemic we’re still a congregation dedicated to God’s glory, following Jesus, striving to love, connect, care and serve Montecito and the world. It is always good to remember where we have been, so we know where we are going. I pray ELMO continues loving God, loving each other, loving our neighbors as we learn from God’s Word and joyfully shine the light of Christ into the world.
I am looking forward to worshiping with you as we celebrate our 135th anniversary on Sunday, continue our study of Ephesians and glorify God together!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:16
Dear ELMO Family,
In Ephesians 4:17-24 God commands Christians to think different in Christ. Paul makes it very clear where this different thinking comes from. Christians are called to think differently by focusing on the teachings of Jesus as revealed in the Bible. We need to read and study Gods Word daily. We need to immerse ourselves in the truth of Scripture. As we absorb and learn the teachings of Jesus, we will begin to think different in Christ. If we are not studying God’s Word on a regular basis, privately and publicly, we may not grow in our Christian faith. I pray each one of us at ELMO would commit to spending time in God’s Word daily.
Hebrews 4:12-13 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” God’s Word is challenging because God’s Word searches our hearts and the deep, tender places of our lives we like to keep hidden from sight. Are we reading God’s Word daily and expectantly? If not, I encourage you to begin reading and studying God’s Word. Stay tuned for an ELMO Advent Scripture reading plan. Get connected to a one of our Bible studies, come to a Sunday morning small group at 9AM, make a commitment to Sunday morning worship at 10AM, talk with a pastor, an elder, a deacon, or someone you trust to help you start digging into God’s Word.
I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday morning as we sing praises to God, learn from God’s Word, celebrate communion and encourage one another to live lives worthy of the calling we have received from Christ.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Dear ELMO Family,
Church history is full of dramatic stories of God’s power to completely transform people for His glory when they understand their freedom in and through Jesus Christ. In 1505 Martin Luther was 21 years old and well on his way to becoming a lawyer. Suddenly, during a severe thunderstorm on the road back to his University in Erfurt, Germany everything changed. A bolt of lightning struck the ground near Luther and in a panic, he cried out, Help me, Saint Anne! I will become a monk! Luther survived, kept his promise, sold all of his possessions and entered the Augustinian monastic order.
Luther was a good monk. He jumped into fasting, prayer, went without sleep, endured cold without a blanket, and beat himself in the spirit of the ascetics. He would later say, If anyone could have earned heaven by the life of a monk, it was I. Luther sought comfort and assurance of pardon for his sins through these spiritual practices, but comfort never came. The guilt never left; he knew he was not righteous. He was very aware of his inability to save himself by his own good works of righteousness. Then, while teaching a class on Psalms and Romans at the University of Wittenberg Luther had a spiritual awakening. Later in his life describing that moment during his study of Romans, he said, At last, meditating day and night and by the mercy of God, I… began to understand that the righteousness of God is that through which the righteous live by a gift of God, namely by faith… Here I felt as if I were entirely born again and had entered paradise itself through gates that had been flung open.
This Sunday is Reformation Sunday. Five hundred and five years ago, on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church door of Wittenberg, Germany, sparking a massive renewal, rediscovery of the Bible and the message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. After posting the 95 theses Luther faced great persecution, but he came to know intimately the gracious power of God’s protection. Luther confidently and boldly defended the truth of God’s Word during excommunication from the Roman Catholic church, continual threats to his life and intense spiritual battles.
In all this Luther found great comfort and inspiration from God in the words of Psalm 46. This Psalm was the foundation of Luther’s hymn A Mighty Fortress is our God the battle cry of the Protestant Reformation. We will sing this song during Sunday’s worship gathering. Psalm 46:1-3 powerfully reminds us, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
I look forward to worshiping together on Sunday morning as we continue our journey through Ephesians!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
For this reason, I kneel before the Father… Ephesians 3:14
Dear ELMO Family,
In Ephesians 3:14 Paul says, For this reason I kneel before the Father… Today, it’s not unusual to see people kneeling to pray. Some sanctuaries even have articulated kneeling pads built into the pews. Children’s books picture little children, hands folded, kneeling beside their bed at night for prayer. But when Paul wrote this letter to the church in Ephesus, kneeling wasn’t the traditional posture for prayer. The normal posture for prayer in the first century was standing.
Then, why was Paul kneeling before the Father? I think it’s because Paul’s overcome with the wide, long, high and deep love of Jesus Christ. Paul’s prayer carries an emotional punch! This isn’t a cold, distant, going through the motion intellectual prayer. There’s heart and soul behind what Paul’s praying. So, when Paul considers the majesty of God’s magnificent work of redemption in Christ, he responds in the only appropriate way, he falls on his knees in humble adoration of God the Father, our glorious Lord and King.
Paul cries out to God in Ephesians 3:16-21, I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Let’s learn with Paul to pray this prayer to our God who loves us so deeply. Print it out. Memorize it. Place it on your bathroom mirror. And I pray that we as the body of Christ will grasp to the very core of our being the limitless dimensions of Christ’s love!
I look forward to worshiping our magnificent Savior with you on Sunday morning at 9AM for our small groups and 10AM in our sanctuary! And I encourage you to scroll through this entire email to see the breadth of exciting opportunities at ELMO!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13
Dear ELMO Family,
This Sunday, in our journey through Ephesians, we’re exploring Ephesians 2:11-22. In this section Paul shifts his focus from the resurrection, ascension and enthronement of Jesus to his death on the cross. The word “peace” occurs four times and is the primary theme of this passage. Specifically, the peace and reconciliation brought about by Jesus’ death for both Jews and Gentiles.
In John 14:27 Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” The peace Jesus brings is a lasting peace, a peace surpassing all understanding. The peace Jesus brings is the restoration of a broken relationship between God and His people.
The peace Jesus describes is derived from the Old Testament word Shalom. Shalom is not the absence of conflict, it’s the assurance that through Jesus we belong to God. Shalom is the sure promise that God is for us. Through Jesus, peace, reconciliation and wholeness has entered the world. And, once there is peace in our relationship with God, then we can have peace in our relationships with other people here on earth. This is the peace only Jesus can bring.
Oswald Chambers said, Thousands of people in this world profess to be happy without God. But if we could be truly happy and moral without Jesus, then why did He come? He came because that kind of happiness and peace is only superficial. Jesus Christ came to “bring a sword” through every kind of peace that is not based on a personal relationship with Himself.
Through Jesus Christ, God extends his love to people who have done nothing to deserve it; and then he graciously grants us peace. Paul describes this glorious gift in Ephesians 2:13-14, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”
Jesus Christ is our peace! And we are reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. We can’t bring peace; we can’t save ourselves. We need a Savior, so God sent His Son.
I look forward to worshiping our magnificent Savior with you on Sunday morning at 9AM for our small groups and 10AM in our sanctuary!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
Dear ELMO Family,
First and foremost, please join me in praying for those impacted by Hurricane Ian across Florida and the Caribbean. If you would like to help the millions of people in need here is a link to Samaritan’s Purse.
Every two years Ligonier and LifeWay Research takes “the theological temperature of the United States to help Christians better understand today’s culture and to equip the church with better insights for discipleship.” I encourage you to take a look at The State of Theology survey results.
As I read through the results, I was surprised by some of the misunderstandings held by those who identified as having “evangelical beliefs.” For example, 73 percent agree with the statement that “Jesus is the first and greatest being created by God.” 58 percent believe God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism and Islam. 56 percent agree that worshiping alone or with one’s family is a viable replacement for regular attendance in a local church. 55 percent believe the Holy Spirit is a force, but not a personal being. 55 precent agree that “everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature.” 46 percent disagree that every Christian has an obligation to join a local church. 44 percent say Jesus was a great teacher, but he was not God. And 29 percent agreed with the statement that God learns and adapts to different circumstances, while only 43 percent disagreed.
In God’s Word we see Jesus was not created but always existed (John 1:1). Scripture says, Jesus alone is the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). God’s Word is clear that all followers of Jesus will seek to worship God with a local body of believers (1 Corinthians 5:12-13; 11:18; Hebrews 10:25; 1 Peter 5:1-5). The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is a personal being who can be sinned against, lied to and even grieved (Isaiah 63:10; Acts 5:3; Ephesians 4:30). God’s Word presumes all disciples of Jesus will join a local body of believers (1 Corinthians 5:12-13; 11:18; Hebrews 10:25; 1 Peter 5:1-5). The Bible is crystal clear; Jesus is God (John 1:1; 8:58; Romans 9:5; Hebrews 1:1-4). And finally, we see in God’s Word that God is immutable, he cannot and does not change (James 1:17; 1 John 3:20).
I pray we at El Montecito Presbyterian Church would stay grounded in the truth of God’s Word, studying God’s Word daily, soaking in God’s truth and trusting that the Bible is the highest authority for what we believe. May we always know we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, but God’s Word and doctrine are vitally important. And as we stay centered in Christ and grounded in God’s Word our beliefs will line up with His truth.
I look forward to gathering on Sunday at 9 AM for our small groups and at 10 AM for our worship gathering as we continue our journey through Ephesians, sing His praises and celebrate communion.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, September 21, 2022
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spiritof wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Ephesians 1:17
Dear ELMO Family,
As we continue our journey through Ephesians this Sunday, we’re looking at Ephesians 1:15-23. Like our passage last week, Ephesians 1:15-23 in the Greek is one long sentence. In the opening of his letter, it’s like Paul can’t contain his excitement over the blessings belonging to each one of us when we are “in Christ.” Now his outburst of exuberant praise leads to an outburst of exuberant prayer and thanksgiving to God for the people of Ephesus and for all followers of Jesus. And, out of all the things Paul could have prayed for, he prays for this: I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Paul moves from praise to prayer, and he’s praying specifically that we might know God more fully.
Our greatest need is to know God through Jesus Christ. J. I. Packer in his classic work Knowing God, which I highly recommend you read, said “Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life’s problems fall into place of their own accord.” And the more we get to know God, the more we want to know God. Knowing God is essential to flourishing individually and as a church. So, my prayer for the men, women and children of El Montecito Presbyterian Church is that we may know God better. And I encourage you to join me in praying the same for our Church family.
We’re looking forward to gathering on Sunday at 9:00 AM as we continue our Ephesians small group discussions and Covenant Partner class along with our children and youth programs. If you missed an opportunity to sign up for one of these groups, don’t worry, we still have room for you! Join us at 9:00 AM! At 10:00 AM, we’ll gather for worship.
Finally, please pray join me in praying for those devastated by hurricane Fiona. If you would like to give to a ministry working directly with churches in Puerto Rico and vetted by one of our Elders here is a link to Score International.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday September 14, 2022
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3
Dear ELMO Family,
New Testament scholar Klyne Snodgrass says, “Pound for pound Ephesians may be the most influential document ever written.” Theologian John Calvin said Ephesians was his favorite letter. Pastor John Stott said, “nobody can read Ephesians without being moved to wonder and worship and challenged to consistency of life.” Ephesians certainly packs a punch well above its weight.
At its heart, Paul’s letter addressed to Christians around Ephesus is all about answering the important question, what does it mean to be in Christ? In Ephesians, Paul longs for us to understand the great doctrines of the Christian faith (chapters 1—3) and how we live out those great doctrines every day in this fallen world (chapters 4—6). As we explore Ephesians in our small groups and in the Sunday morning worship gathering, we’ll see how an understanding of God’s amazing grace empowers the church to live God honoring lives. In this powerful letter Paul shows us exactly what living for Christ looks like in action.
We’re looking forward to gathering on Sunday at 9:00 AM as we begin our Ephesians small group discussions and covenant partner class. Then at 10:00 AM we’ll gather for worship and begin our journey through Ephesians 1:1-14 as we explore the mindboggling truth that God has loved us for a very, very, very long time!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday September 7, 2022
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19
Dear ELMO Family,
It is our prayer that everything we do at ELMO cultivates flourishing followers of Jesus Christ who worship God in all things, grow in their love for God and neighbor, and give of themselves in serving the Lord with their time, talents and treasures. To help nurture followers of Christ, we’re excited to kick-off our fall discipleship ministries at ELMO this weekend! On Sunday at 9AM in the Fellowship Hall, we’ll hear from our longtime oversees ministry partners, Dana and Karen Ostby. At 10AM, we’ll walk through Acts 2:41-47 as we look at our purpose as a church. Then, on September 18th, we’re kicking off three discipleship options for adults to choose from at 9 AM: Ephesians Discussion Groups (11 weeks), a Covenant Partner Class (6 weeks), and Coffee Chat (informal and ongoing). Please see the ELMO Pres Kids information below for details about our children’s and youth ministry discipleship opportunities.
This week during our worship gathering, we will commission and pray for our teachers. Please sign up for the Ephesians Discussion Groups and the Covenant Partner Class before or after worship or you can email: admin@elmopres.org. Purchase the Ephesians study guide in the courtyard on Sunday or pick one up on Kindle and read chapter 1 for September 18th. Stay cool!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday August 31, 2022
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3
Dear ELMO Family,
Following his conversion to Christianity in 1932, Arthur Stace began secretly writing the word “Eternity” with yellow chalk, in his distinctive cursive style all over Sydney, Australia. For years the people of Sydney had no idea who was responsible for the ubiquitous chalk message. Then one day in 1956, Stace’s pastor saw him writing one of his “Eternity” messages on the sidewalk. His pastor asked him, “Are you Mr. Eternity?” To which Stace replied, “Guilty your honor.” The mystery of the one-word sermon was solved. It is estimated Stace wrote “Eternity” over half a million times throughout Sydney from 1932-1967.
Before his conversion to Christianity in 1932 Stace was a homeless, disabled veteran of World War I, who was struggling with alcohol addiction. After giving his life to Jesus Christ, Stace remained sober and a committed and passionate follower of Jesus. In a newspaper article Stace explained he once heard a sermon in which the preacher, Rev. John Ridley, said, “Eternity! Eternity! Oh, that this word could be emblazoned across the streets of Sydney!” And that is exactly what Stace set out to do with his life.
Today, there is an aluminum replica of the word “Eternity” in Stace’s handwriting at Town Hall Square in Sydney and in 2000 for the New Year’s Day fireworks and the opening of the Sydney Olympics, millions saw a huge illuminated “Eternity” boldly written on the side of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Jesus said in John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. That is the greatest news in the universe! How are we sharing the eternal and life changing Good News of Jesus Christ with our family, friends, coworkers and strangers? I pray we’re able to boldly proclaim “Eternity” today and every day.
We’re looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday at 10AM in person or online. If you haven’t signed up for an Ephesians small group or the Covenant Partner class, you’ll have an opportunity to do so in person on Sunday or you can email admin@elmopres.org. Our discipleship kick-off for both adults and children begins on September 11th at 9 AM. We hope you’ll join us!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:28–29
Dear ELMO Family,
It’s our hope and prayer at El Montecito Presbyterian Church that each one of us is maturing in our relationship with Jesus. Followers of Christ worship God in all things, grow in their love for God, self, others and God’s Word and give of themselves in serving the Lord with their time, talents and treasure. With worship, grow and give in mind, I am excited to announce the start of our 9-9:45AM ELMO discipleship time for all ages.
To kick things off on Sunday morning, September 11, at 9AM, we’ll hear from the Otsby’s, an overseas ministry partner we support. Then on Sunday morning September 18, from 9-9:45AM there are three discipleship opportunities to help us grow closer to Jesus: two Ephesians discussion groups coinciding with our Ephesians sermon series (11 weeks), a Covenant Partner Class for those considering joining ELMO (6 weeks), and an informal coffee and chat (ongoing). If you’re interested in joining the Ephesians study group or the Covenant Partner Class, please sign up this Sunday in the courtyard or send an email to admin@elmopres.org.
During the Sunday morning discipleship time, we will also have opportunities for children and youth to learn from God’s Word and fellowship with each other and their ministry team leaders. This new structure gives everyone an opportunity to join a small group or serve on the youth and children’s ministry team and still be able to attend our morning worship gathering at 10AM. And there will be Children’s Church available during worship at 10 AM for nursery-kindergarten children.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning for worship followed by a brief congregational meeting and our last picnic of the summer in the courtyard. Have a great rest of the week!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly. Proverbs 15:14
Dear ELMO Family,
As we say in Georgia, the summer has flown by faster than a toupee in a hurricane. And now it is back to school time! Store shelves are bursting with school supplies, students and parents are getting ready, and teachers are preparing their lesson plans and classrooms in anticipation of welcoming students to a new year.
I vividly remember dropping Melia, Annie and Jocelyn off for their first day of kindergarten. My girls were more than excited for their first day of school. Even Lauri was looking forward to this milestone moment in our daughters’ lives. But I cried like a baby all three times when I saw each girl walk away with a ribboned ponytail waiving above a huge backpack because I was already fast forwarding to their first day of college. Now as my girls begin fourth, ninth and eleventh grade, I am doing my best to keep things in perspective, and I am praying.
As another school year begins, I encourage us all to pray. Let’s pray for our students, parents, teachers and school administrators. Let’s ask God to help them understand their need for Jesus. Let’s pray for students to love learning. Let’s pray for teachers to love teaching. Let’s pray for our teachers and students to be surrounded by friends who make wise choices and point them to Jesus. Let’s pray for our students and teachers to stay safe from violence and harm. Let’s pray our students and teachers have courage to be kind, self-controlled, loving, and bold. Pray for everyone to stay healthy. And let’s pray for students, teachers, parents and administrators to glorify God with everything they’ve got!
We’re looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday morning as we continue our summer journey through the Psalms! As we prepare to gather, the Elders and COVID Response Team encourage you to monitor yourself for COVID symptoms, isolate if symptomatic and get tested, if necessary. Indoor masks are highly recommended. We pray you have a great rest of the week!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:23
Dear ELMO Family,
I recently found a powerful prayer for illumination attributed to the Scottish reformed theologian, John Knox. I encourage you to offer this prayer to God before spending time reading God’s Word, before attending a Bible study or small group and in preparation for our Sunday morning worship gathering. “Almighty God, and most merciful Father, we humbly submit ourselves and fall down before your Majesty, imploring you from the bottom of our hearts, that this seed of your Word, now sown among us, may take such deep root, that neither the burning heat of persecution, cause it to wither, neither the thorny cares of this life choke it, but as seed sown in good ground, it may bring forth thirty, sixty, and a hundred-fold, as your heavenly wisdom has appointed. And because we have need continually to crave many things at your hands, we humbly ask you, O heavenly Father, to grant us your Holy Spirit, to direct our petitions, that they may proceed from such a fervent mind, as may be agreeable to your most blessed will. Amen.” I pray we would be good soil for God’s Word.
Thank you again to everyone who attended and helped serve at the Youth and Family Ministry Pancake Breakfast! Praise the Lord, because of your generous donations, faithfulness and hard work, we raised $4000.00 to support Mission to Ukraine!
On Friday night everyone is invited to join us for a Movie Night in the Courtyard under the stars at 6:30PM. We’re watching Peter Rabbit and will have trivia with prizes, popcorn, and movie snacks. Bring a blanket and beach chair and we’ll provide the fun, food and fellowship!
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning as we continue our walk through the Psalms.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, August 3, 2022
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:26
Dear ELMO Family,
On Sunday morning we have the privilege of celebrating communion. John Stott in his book Christian Basics, clearly explains the Christ-centered richness of the Lord’s Supper with four terms: remembrance, participation, fellowship and thanksgiving.
Remembrance – Jesus said to His disciples, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Specifically, remembrance of the sacrifice of the death of Jesus on the cross to pay the price we could not pay for our sin.
Participation – Jesus did more than just take bread and pour out wine – he also gave it to His disciples and saying, “This is my body and blood. Take and drink.”
Fellowship – Five times in 1 Corinthians 11 Paul uses the phrase “come together” in relation to the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is the church’s fellowship meal on earth pointing to a heavenly feast! Whenever we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes and look forward with hope to our seat at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Thanksgiving – Eucharist is the Greek word for Thanksgiving. When we remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we fall on our knees in gratitude and thanksgiving. The natural response to the truth that we are saved by God’s grace through Jesus’s death on the cross is thanksgiving.
We look forward to worshiping with you in person or via our livestream on Sunday. And as we come to the Lord’s table, let’s remember the death of Jesus, participate with Jesus in his life and death, fellowship with our ELMO Family and overflow with thanksgiving in our hearts for God’s gift of life through Jesus. Also, a huge thank you to Lauri, ELMO Pres Youth & Kids and a team of volunteers who served pancakes with real maple syrup to over one hundred people on Sunday to raise money to support Mission to Ukraine. If you would still like to give, you may do so through our ELMO Pres website (designate “Ukraine” under billing) or in person on Sunday.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Then Abraham ran back to the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Mix up some pancakes! Use your best flour, and make enough for the three of them!” Genesis 18:6 (TLB)
Dear ELMO Family,
Flapjacks, griddle cakes, hotcakes, slapjacks, or pancakes, no matter what you might call them, it’s time to enjoy some pancakes for a good purpose! This Sunday morning in the courtyard following our worship gathering you are all invited to a pancake breakfast hosted by our youth and family ministry team. All proceeds from the breakfast will go to support Mission to Ukraine. For more information about this Christ centered ministry serving children with special needs and pregnant women making life-defining decisions please visit the Mission to Ukraine website.
We look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday morning as we continue our summer Breadth of Worship sermon series through the Psalms. As we prepare to gather, the Elders and COVID Response Team encourage you to monitor yourself for COVID symptoms, isolate if symptomatic and get tested, if necessary. Indoor masks are highly recommended. I am thankful for the privilege of serving as your pastor!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. Psalm 33:5
Dear ELMO Family,
When I visit Lauri’s home state of Montana, I see God very clearly. Wading knee deep in a Montana river with my fly rod searching for a native cutthroat trout reminds of God’s presence. The snow caped mountains direct my gaze heavenward and make me feel small. A mama Black Bear and her cub rummaging through the brush remind me of my complete dependence on God.
Right here in Montecito we also have clear evidence of God’s presence through His creative handiwork. The gentle waves on the palm lined ocean shore. The Channel Islands piercing the depths of the Pacific Ocean and then bursting through the half-lit morning mist. The sun-drenched peaks of the Santa Ynez mountains standing tall to our north. There are so many beautiful trees and plants here in Santa Barbara it looks like God is just playfully showing us how creative He can be. God does good work!
The beauty of God’s created world brings us to our knees as He speaks to us through His creation, “I am here. I am glorious and everything I have made is a shouting my glory to the world!” Although God may not always use words, I take great comfort knowing that God is never silent. Author and professor Dallas Willard defines Glory as the magnificent outpouring of the radiant splendor of God’s power, strength, beauty, and goodness. As we learned on Sunday, Psalm 19 is all about the magnificent outpouring of the radiant splendor of God’s power, strength, beauty and goodness through His creation, Word and ultimately Jesus Christ. Knowing this truth about God helps keeps things in perspective.
We look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday morning as we welcome our longtime ministry partners Jim and Renata Bultema from Turkey! As we prepare to gather, the Elders and COVID Response Team encourage you to monitor yourself for COVID symptoms, isolate if symptomatic and get tested, if necessary. Indoor masks are highly recommended. We pray you have a great rest of the week!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3
Dear ELMO Family,
Friday, June 24, 2022, was an historic moment for the United States of America. The 1973 Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion nationally, was overturned. I rejoice in the many lives which will be saved because of this ruling, but I also know this decision will place many women facing an unexpected pregnancy in an even more vulnerable position and in need of support. In states like California, abortions will continue unhindered and the number of women traveling from out of state for abortions will rise significantly. Just this week California state lawmakers put a state constitutional amendment on the ballot that would protect abortion rights at the state constitutional level. As Christians and as a congregation, we need to redouble our efforts to care for pre-born babies, children-at risk and their families. This means supporting life on all fronts. Regarding the 6th commandment, “Do not murder,” ECO’s Essential Tenets call us to “eradicate a spirit of anger, resentment, callousness, violence, or bitterness, and instead cultivate a spirit of gentleness, kindness, peace, and love; recognize and honor the image of God in every human being from conception to natural death.” Please join me in praying for our country and the ELMO congregation as we strive to faithfully honor God and stand for life.
On Sunday after worship, you received an Illuminated Scripture Journal from the New Testament. It is my prayer that we dig deeply into God’s Word as a church family because we know reading God’s Word is essential to both following Jesus and our spiritual growth. I have found Pastor Tim Keller’s three simple questions very helpful as I read Scripture and apply God’s Word to my life:
- Adore—What did you learn about God for which you could praise or thank him?
- Admit—What did you learn about yourself for which you could repent?
- Aspire—What did you learn about life that you could aspire to, ask for, and act on?
As we prepare to gather on Sunday morning at 10AM, the Elders and COVID Response Team encourage you to monitor yourself for COVID symptoms, isolate if symptomatic and get tested, if necessary. Indoor masks are highly recommended. I am praying for you all and thankful for each of you!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Psalm 119:16
Dear ELMO Family,
We have some fun ministry events planned throughout the summer to encourage a Christ-centered community at ELMO. We’re playing together, studying God’s Word together, serving and nurturing missional living together, and worshiping together.
This Saturday from 9-11AM everyone is invited to an ELMO landscape workday. We’ll focus on our playground and the duplex (side B) area. Bring your work gloves, muscles, any tools good for pulling out hedges, and an appetite for donuts. Then, on Sunday following our morning worship gathering, you’re invited to an all-church picnic in the courtyard. Invite a friend to worship and stay for lunch! Let’s discover who is the best cornhole player in our congregation.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning at 10AM as we continue our Summer in the Psalms and celebrate Skylar Dohm’s baptism! Over the next few months, we’ll host several special guest musicians who will lead us in worship. Please pray as we begin the search for a new Worship Director. As we prepare to gather, the Elders and COVID Response Team encourage you to monitor yourself for COVID symptoms, isolate if symptomatic and get tested, if necessary. Indoor masks are highly recommended. We pray you have a great rest of the week!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, June 15, 2022
Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:37-40 (The Message)
Dear ELMO Family,
In Matthew 22:34-40 an expert in Jewish Law asked Jesus a pointed question, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” On the surface this seems like a simple question, but as Warren Wiersbe points out, “The Scribes had determined that the Jews were obligated to obey 613 precepts in the Law, 365 negative precepts and 248 positive ones. One of their favorite exercises was discussing which one of these divine commandments was the greatest.” Jesus answered the Scribe’s question, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” With this bold and focused answer Jesus draws a line in the sand and mobilizes his followers around a very specific goal. Jesus made our mission crystal clear. Love God. Love others. The two are inextricably bound—we cannot love God without loving others.
C. S. Lewis said, “Put first things first and we get second things thrown in: put second things first and we lose both first and second things.” It’s important as followers of Jesus to remember what is most important. May we at ELMO keep loving God with all our hearts and loving others in the same way we love ourselves. Love God. Love others. This is the greatest thing we can do with our lives, and this is the greatest thing we can do as a congregation. That’s all there is to it. Everything else hangs on these two commands.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning at 10AM! As we prepare to gather, the Elders and COVID Response Team encourage you to monitor yourself for COVID symptoms, isolate if symptomatic and get tested, if necessary. Indoor masks are highly recommended. Have a great rest of the week!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
GOD, I’m not trying to rule the roost, I don’t want to be king of the mountain. I haven’t meddled where I have no business or fantasized grandiose plans. Psalm 131:1 (The Message)
Dear ELMO Family,
A big thank you to Lauri and her team for organizing the second annual ELMO Sandcastle Contest last Saturday. And thank you to all the families who participated. The epic events of the Old Testament came alive on the beach as we played together and cultivated Christ-centered community.
Beginning on Sunday, we’re gathering inside the sanctuary for one worship gathering at 10AM. We’re looking forward to continuing our journey through the Psalms as we explore the “Breadth of Worship.” John Calvin said any emotion a human being has ever felt can be found in the Psalms. The Psalms help us identify and vocalize the depths of our own experience. No matter what we are going through, the Psalms help us shift our gaze upward to who God is and what He has done. This week we’re exploring Psalm 131, which British preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon aptly described as “one of the shortest psalms to read, but one of the longest to learn.” If you’d like to dig deeper in the Psalms as we focus on cultivating Christ-centered community, here is a reading guide our children and youth are using this summer, but it’s great for adults, too: 25 Days of Summer in the Psalms.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday morning at 10AM! As we prepare to gather, the Elders and COVID Response Team encourage you to monitor yourself for COVID symptoms, isolate if symptomatic and get tested, if necessary. Indoor masks are highly recommended. Have a great rest of the week and thank you for being such a wonderful congregation!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever. Psalm 30:11-12
Dear ELMO Family,
This summer at ELMO, we are focusing on cultivating Christ-centered community. Throughout the summer we will have opportunities to play together, pray and read God’s Word together, serve and nurture missional living together and worship together.
This Saturday, from 9-11:30AM at Santa Claus Beach in Carpinteria we have an opportunity to play together. Invite your friends and neighbors and join us for ELMO’s Second Annual Sand Sculpture Contest! The theme is epic events of the Old Testament. Grab your shovels, make your plans and bring your creative A-game as we spend the morning at the beach together!
If you did not get a chance to step into the dream for our basement renovations last Sunday, then you have another opportunity this week to catch the vision. Following the 9 AM and 10:30 AM worship gatherings come to the basement for a brief presentation of a renovation project focused on cultivating Christ-centered community. Join us for this opportunity to steward our space well and use it for God’s glory.
We look forward to celebrating communion, a baptism and continuing our journey through the Psalms at 9AM inside and 10:30AM outside in the courtyard. Starting June 12, we’re moving back to one worship gathering at 10AM. We encourage you to monitor yourself for COVID symptoms, isolate if symptomatic and get tested, if necessary. Indoor masks are highly recommended. COVID cases are up in our community, so the ELMO COVID response team and Session will continue monitoring and evaluating our safety measures based on the changing data. I am thankful for the privilege of serving as one of your pastors!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? Psalm 13:1
Dear ELMO Family,
Today, we are brokenhearted, shocked, angered, and perhaps fearful yet again, after the twenty-seventh school shooting in the United States this year. Please join me in praying for God to comfort the family and friends of those who lost loved ones at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX, yesterday. Please pray for God’s protection over our children and teachers/staff in the local schools. Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children in our nation, and it is time for Christians to speak up. As we pray for an end to gun violence, let’s also encourage our government officials to make changes which will stop this evil in our communities. If you would like to process this more, I’m available and also have some helpful resources to encourage healthy engagement.
This summer as a church we are focusing on cultivating Christ-centered community. There will be opportunities to play together, pray and read God’s Word together, serve and nurture missional living together and worship together. An exciting project that began years ago meets this aim in so many ways. I want to invite you to step “into the dream” this Sunday following the 9AM and 10:30AM worship gatherings. Join us in the basement after worship for a brief presentation of a renovation project focused on cultivating Christ-centered community. Some of you may have never been in the basement or didn’t even know we had a basement. This is an opportunity to steward our space well and use it for God’s glory. I hope you will join us.
We look forward to continuing our journey through the Psalms as we look at Psalm 13 and explore the breadth of worship through lament. As we gather at 9AM inside and 10:30AM in the courtyard we encourage you to monitor yourself for COVID symptoms, isolate if symptomatic and get tested, if necessary. Indoor mask use is still highly recommended. COVID cases are up in our community, so the ELMO COVID response team and Session will continue monitoring and evaluating our safety measures based on the changing data. Please continue to pray for God’s protection over our congregation and wisdom for our church leadership. Most of all, let’s love and care for each other in this community as we die to ourselves and live for God’s glory and renown.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts. Psalm 96:8
Dear ELMO Family,
In God’s Prayer Book: The Power and Pleasure of Praying the Psalms, Ben Patterson observes, “All the joys, pleasures, hopes, fears, despairs, doubts, heartaches, terrors, and longings of which we are capable are mirrored, classified, sanctified, and transformed in the Psalms…”
The Psalms are a treasure trove of Scripture blessing God’s people for thousands of years. Psalms are poems and hymns of praise that have a way of digging deeply into our lives and rattling around. Every possible human emotion is expressed in the Psalms and in response we are pointed back to who God is and what he has done. These beautifully honest hymns and poems offered to God, challenge, encourage, teach, transform, plant us firmly and lift our gaze upward to God, our Creator and the Maker of heaven and earth.
Over the next six weeks let’s explore the “Breadth of Worship” as we journey through the Psalms. And in the process, let’s shift our gaze upward towards God’s magnificent beauty. Allow the Psalms to ignite a flame proclaiming to the world the ELMO family is alive and dedicated to giving God the honor and glory He deserves!
The ELMO Session is excited to announce our summer worship gathering plan. Starting on Sunday, June 12, ELMO will have one inside worship gathering at 10 AM in the sanctuary which we will livestream. We also have some fun ministry events planned throughout the summer to encourage a Christ-centered community. We’re going to play together, study together, serve together, nurture missional living and worship together. We will monitor the COVID situation throughout the summer and pivot to an outside worship gathering, if necessary. Thanks for your prayers and ongoing support as we continue to monitor this ever-changing situation and adjust accordingly.
We are praying for you and look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday at 9:00 AM in the sanctuary (livestreamed) or at 10:30 AM in the courtyard followed by our annual congregational meeting.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8
Dear ELMO Family,
Twenty-five years ago, in a preaching class at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I listened to a cassette tape recording of a Presbyterian preacher from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania named Bruce W. Thielemann. In my experience, Thielemann’s preaching stood out for his ability to touch in equal measure both my head and my heart during the sermon. Thielemann was intentional and skilled in his use of language, illustrated from a wide variety of sources and used emotion with the goal of motivating his listener to action. His booming voice, larger than life presence and preaching style drew me in and compelled me to ask how Thielemann did what he did in the pulpit. After returning from pastoring in Switzerland in 2010, Thielemann became the subject of my PhD thesis. Then, following in Thielemann’s footsteps and in God’s perfect providence, I became a college chaplain and a Presbyterian pastor.
This morning, after twelve years of study, writing and revisions, I successfully defended my thesis and was awarded a PhD. I am so thankful for Lauri’s support, encouragement and editing skills throughout this intellectual adventure. I am also thankful for my family and girls’ love and encouragement along the way as they have only known their dad as a PhD student. And thank you all for your prayers and for providing me the study leave necessary to complete this dissertation. I could not have done this without you and so many others. Most of all, I am grateful for God’s faithfulness to me and my family throughout this 12-year process. May God use this degree for His glory and his Kingdom purposes as we love and serve Him together!
I am looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday at 9AM inside and 10:30AM outside as we complete our journey through Acts.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18:5
Dear ELMO Family,
A flourishing church is an outward looking church. This Sunday, May 1, 2022, is Compassion Sunday. Congregations around the world are partnering with the ministry of Compassion International to provide tangible opportunities to support one of the millions of children living in poverty. When you sponsor a child for $38 per month you are personally connected with a boy or girl who will know your name and treasure your letters, prayers and financial support. Your support connects a child with a local Compassion center to provide education, medical care, nourishing meals, mentoring and discipleship through an evangelical church and most importantly an opportunity to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
At the beginning of our marriage, Lauri and I began sponsoring children through Compassion International and have been involved as sponsors for 22 years. Relationships with our sponsor children has been as much a blessing to us as it has been to the children we sponsor. We are excited to encourage our ELMO family to prayerfully consider sponsoring a child. Please check out the Compassion website for information about the ministry. On Sunday morning before and after our worship gatherings, visit the Compassion table in the courtyard for an opportunity to see the names and faces of children in need of a sponsor. May we continue to look outward and leverage our earthly resources for God’s eternal purposes and glory.
I am praying for you, grateful for your partnership in God’s work and looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday at 9AM in the sanctuary and at 10:30AM in the courtyard as we celebrate communion, continue our journey through Acts and partner with Compassion International!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday April 20, 2022
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30
Dear ELMO Family,
On the first Good Friday as Jesus was hanging on the cross, just before giving up his spirit, He cried in a loud voice, “It is finished.” This one word in Greek, tetelestai, summarizes the life and death of Jesus perfectly and completely. J.C. Ryle said the cry “It is finished” from Jesus on the cross “stands in majestic simplicity, without note or comment from John…and is the most remarkable of all the seven sayings of Christ from the Cross with unfathomable depths of meaning.”
Notice Jesus didn’t say, “I am finished” from the cross, but “It is finished.” Through His death on the cross, Jesus completed the work His Father sent Him to accomplish. On the cross, Jesus Christ is truly the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
Christ’s death on the cross paid the price for our sin fully and completely. To further communicate the power of Jesus’ death on the cross “It is finished” is written in the perfect tense. In koine Greek, the perfect verb tense describes an action completed in the past but has ongoing consequences into the present and in this case throughout eternity.
“It is finished!” was the shout of victory because now, through Him, we can escape the curse of sin; we can live abundantly and freely. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross for our sin, we are offered the gift of salvation so we can be with Him forever. It is finished! There’s nothing more to be done. Once and for all, completely and perfectly, through Jesus Christ, we have been reconciled to God. That is what we celebrate as followers of Christ and resurrection people!
I am beyond grateful to report you all have given $15,000.00 to support the ministry of God’s Hidden Treasures in Ukraine. The mission of God’s Hidden Treasures is to “serve the needs of the poor, afflicted and the orphaned of Ukraine; and to bring God’s love through personal relationships in the name of Jesus Christ.” Sadly, we have just been informed that their orphanage was destroyed by the invading Russians. Now the leadership of God’s Hidden Treasures is asking for our continued prayers. Nina, the Director of God’s Hidden Treasures recently shared with the ELMO Outreach Team, “May the whole world flood the throne room of God with our cries for Ukraine, and may He, in His great wisdom and mercy, stop the destruction and killing going on in Ukraine. It’s unbearable to see it, especially the total destruction of towns.” Please join me in praying for God’s Hidden Treasures and an end to the war in Ukraine.
We are praying for you and look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday at 9:00AM in the sanctuary (livestreamed) or at 10:30AM in the courtyard.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday April 13, 2022
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35
Dear ELMO Family,
Tomorrow is Maundy Thursday. During the last supper, before going to the cross, Jesus gathered the twelve disciples for an object lesson they would never forget. Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, took off his outer garment, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin and began washing his disciples’ feet. After this humble act of selfless love, Jesus gave his disciples a new command to follow his example of love. This new command is the mandatum novum in Latin from which “Maundy Thursday” comes.
What does this new type of love look like in action? According to Jesus, loving one another means knowing when to turn our tunic into a towel. Love means dying to our pride and serving the needs of others. Loving one another means bending low to serve others. The symbol of this new category of love Jesus models for us is a basin and a towel. Jesus taught that loving one another is the most important ministry of the church and our greatest witness to the watching world.
As we prepare our hearts to remember and celebrate the cross of Christ, let’s slow down, reflect and worship. You are invited to join us tomorrow for a Maundy Thursday family friendly dinner, worship and communion at 5:30PM in the Courtyard, at 12:30PM on Good Friday in the sanctuary as we explore of the seven final words of Jesus from the cross and then on Sunday morning at 9AM in the sanctuary or 10:30AM in the courtyard for an Easter celebration of our living and risen Savior!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday April 6, 2022
Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty—he is the King of glory. Psalm 24:10
Dear ELMO Family,
On Palm Sunday we celebrate the King of Glory, entering Jerusalem humbly on a donkey. Jesus is the rightful ruler, the King of kings and Lord of Lords who has come to sit on the throne of David. He came to establish a Kingdom with no end, not with military might, but through his death and resurrection. Jesus, the King of Glory spoken of in Psalm 24, was going to be crowned with thorns, mocked as the King of the Jews and lifted high on a cross.
The triumphal palm parade descended from the Mount of Olives into the Kidron Valley and then back up to the city of Jerusalem. As Jesus moved slowly towards Jerusalem the crowds cheered. The same crowd who cried “Blessed is the King” on this day would also shout, “crucify Him!” one week later. Jesus was on the mission of all missions as he headed into Jerusalem. Luke 19:51 says that Jesus, “set his face towards Jerusalem” to face the most difficult week of his life. He would eat a final meal with his twelve disciples and humbly wash their feet. He would experience the heartbreak of betrayal by his friends. He would endure the physical pain of the mocking, beatings, and crucifixion. And worst of all, he would experience the agony of being separated from God the Father as he took our sin on his shoulders for our salvation.
Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. He defeated Satan, sin and death by raising after three days to new life. Because of Christ’s work on the cross the real victory parade began. During Holy Week, I pray we experience the awe and wonder of the height, width and depth of God’s love. Please join us for Maundy Thursday dinner, worship and communion at 5:30PM in the Courtyard, at 12:30PM in the sanctuary for our Good Friday worship as we explore of the seven final words of Jesus from the cross and then on Sunday morning at 9AM in the sanctuary or 10:30AM in the courtyard for an Easter celebration of our living and risen Savior!
Also, this Palm Sunday we will have an inside worship gathering at 9AM in the sanctuary, which we will livestream, and a 10:30AM worship gathering in the courtyard. ELMO Pres Kids Sunday morning programs will run at 10:30AM. The order of worship will be the same for both gatherings. The coffee fellowship time will be from 10-10:20AM between the two worship gatherings. The two worship gatherings are a seven-week pilot as we seek to accommodate the various needs of our ELMO Pres community and will be reevaluated on June 5th. Thank you for your flexibility and grace as we move into a new season together giving God the honor and glory due his name!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday March 30, 2022
They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. Psalm 89:16
Dear ELMO Family,
Black, jagged volcanic rocks, golden sands, emerald green and cobalt blue water speckled with frothy white waves set against the blue Hawaiian sky made the perfect canvas for our Green Turtle sighting at Napili Bay. The sea turtle’s flippers were spread wide to ride the waves until it came to rest in a peaceful pool in the shallows. This moment of beauty was a gift from God and a reminder to trust the Lord until the waves are stilled, and we find our rest in Him.
Psalm 89 describes my thoughts at this moment well. The heavens’ praise your wonders Lord (v. 5). You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them. (v. 9). The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it. (v. 11). God made everything, he controls it all for his glory and our enjoyment. Even as this world feels like an angry ocean at times may we continue to grow in our understanding of God’s love as we entrust our lives completely to the grace, mercy and care of our amazing God. Thank you for your prayers for me and my family during our Hawaiian vacation. We had a wonderful time in paradise relaxing and refreshing.
I am thrilled to announce that Christine Hale is our new ELMO Early School Director! Christine is an ELMO Pres covenant partner, a preschool Sunday school teacher, and a current teacher in the Early School. She brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion for Jesus to the Early School. Please join me in welcoming and praying for Christine as she takes on this exciting opportunity.
I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday as we continue our journey through Acts!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Psalm 103:1
Dear ELMO Family,
God is good and I am so thankful for how he is faithfully guiding us through the COVID pandemic. Over the past two years this congregation has adapted to keep everyone safe, honor God and love our neighbors. I am happy to say there have been no COVID outbreaks associated with any of our gatherings! I am so thankful for your patience and faithfulness through these challenging times. As a congregation we have grown in multiple ways. We have grown in our love for God and his Word, we have grown in our love for each other, we have grown numerically with 29 Covenant Partners and our family ministries are flourishing. I am so thankful for you all and celebrate everything we have accomplished over these past two years together. It is a joy serving as your pastor!
The ELMO Session and COVID Response Team are excited to announce our plan for moving forward. Starting on Palm Sunday, April 10, ELMO will have an inside worship gathering at 9AM in the sanctuary which we will livestream, and a 10:30AM worship gathering in the courtyard. Our Children’s Sunday School will continue meeting at 10:30AM. The order of worship will be the same for both gatherings. This plan allows our Children’s ministry team to attend worship, provides the option of worshiping inside or outside and allows for a common coffee fellowship time from 10-10:30AM between the worship gatherings. This “In-N-Out” plan is a seven-week pilot ending on June 5. ELMO’s Session will evaluate the new format and adjust our plans for summer and fall, as needed. These two years have certainly taught us all the importance of flexibility as we will continue to monitor this ever-changing situation and adjust accordingly.
Thank you for your continued graciousness, prayers and support of God’s work at El Montecito Presbyterian Church. Also, please continue praying for an end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Here is an article, The Wartime Prayers of Ukraine’s Evangelicals, from Christianity Today compiling a Bible verse that has proven meaningful and prayer requests from evangelical leaders in Ukraine. May God protect the Ukrainians and bring peace.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:7
Dear ELMO Family,
As we continue witnessing the death and destruction in Ukraine from the Russian invasion, I know we are on our knees praying for an end to this war. I am also aware that many of us are prayerfully considering how we can support ministry and aid efforts in Ukraine. The ELMO Outreach Team met last night, and after prayerfully considering some ministries in Ukraine, they have committed to supporting God’s Hidden Treasures with at least a $5000 donation. It is our prayer that we as a congregation will stand behind this ministry effort as part of our Lent/Easter offering above what we are already giving. Because of the urgency of this need we will send money directly to this ministry as we receive the funds. Thank you for your prayers and support.
God’s Hidden Treasures is a ministry supported by ECO and IMPACT who have partnered to provide short term ministry opportunities. The mission of God’s Hidden Treasures is to “serve the needs of the poor, afflicted and the orphaned of Ukraine; and to bring God’s love through personal relationships in the name of Jesus Christ.” Christy LaBarge at IMPACT recently sent us some updates on the evacuation efforts and the destruction of God’s Hidden Treasures as a result of the Russian invasion. Above is a picture of the facilities destroyed by the Russian bombings and two of the evacuees fleeing the country. For current information about God’s Hidden Treasures please see their blog linked here. Please join us in praying for these men, women and children as they evacuate the country.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. Daniel 9:3
Dear ELMO Family,
Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. Traditionally, Lent lasts 40 days, reflecting the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert before beginning His public ministry, and culminates in the celebration of His Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Lent is an invitation to journey to the cross with Jesus to help us comprehend the depth of our sin in order to experience the heights of God’s love. In this world full of brokenness, it is at the cross of Christ where God shows his love, grace and mercy and makes us whole.
During Lent, Christians often practice some form of fasting as an act of contrition, self-examination and repentance. The purpose of fasting is to encourage us to use either the time or money from that sacrifice to draw closer to God and contribute to God’s work. However, Lent is not only about giving something up. Sometimes in Lent we can add a regular spiritual discipline that helps us flourish as followers of Jesus; for example, a deeper reading of Scripture and spending more time in prayer daily.
Over the past few years, I have appreciated participating in the Biola University Lent Project. This is an online resource of beautiful rich daily devotional throughout the Lenten season. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, each day’s devotional includes Scripture, art, poetry, music, and a written reflection. You can sign up to receive a daily email or visit the site on your own by clicking on the link above.
Also, in conjunction with our journey through Acts during our Sunday worship gatherings, I encourage you to read through Luke and Acts during Lent. Here is a 40-day reading plan through Luke and Acts from The Bible Project and YouVersion to guide our Scripture reading.
Finally, let’s continue praying daily for God to bring peace and protection in Ukraine and in our world. I am praying for you and grateful for the opportunity to do life together.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Dear ELMO Family,
During my first semester at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary my World Missions professor, Dr. J. Christy Wilson, required all his students to memorize the world map and pray for every country using Operation World as a guide. In defense of the assignment Dr. Wilson simply said, “For God so loved the world, and so should you.”
This week my heart is heavy as Russian troops pour into Ukraine. I would like to invite you to join me in praying for God’s intervention in this ongoing crisis. Here is a helpful article from Send International listing some ways to pray specifically for the crisis in Ukraine and a link to Operation World referencing Ukraine. Finally, I want to encourage you to sign up for the Operation World daily prayer email list so we can pray daily and specifically for the world God loves so deeply.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, February 16, 2022
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
Dear ELMO Family,
God created us to flourish in community, which means God’s people are better together. Nowhere is this clearer than in the book of Acts. The Acts of the Apostles tells the story of the first church, the first missionaries and their faithful witness in the world. In Acts, Luke picks up where he left off in the gospel and gives a historical account of the outward growth and inward transformation of the early church. In Acts, we see how God planted, empowered, nourished, grew and sent his church from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
Join us this Sunday as we begin a ten-week journey through Acts. And in the process of seeing how the church was born, how it was nourished and how it overcame opposition we will receive encouragement to join God’s mission today.
If you’d like a study guide for our walk through Acts, here’s a link to a great resource from Crossway. And, if you’d like a 40-day reading plan through Luke and Acts to guide your Scripture reading through Lent, here is a suggestion from The Bible Project and YouVersion. And because we’re better together, you might even consider inviting a friend or two to join you in your reading!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, February 9, 2022
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133
Dear ELMO Family,
Psalm 133 is comprised of three short, but powerful verses. Thousands of people sang this Psalm of David as they made their annual pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem for a huge worship gathering. Psalm 133:1 says, How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! The Hebrew text begins with, “Behold” which most English translations leave out. It’s as if David is saying, “You’ve got to hear this! This is amazing!” God’s people gathering for worship is both good and pleasant.
Some things are good, some things are pleasant, but when we have something that is both good and pleasant then we’ve got something truly special. Kale may be good for us, but it’s not all that pleasant. Ice cream is pleasant, but not good for us. Can you imagine if the Westmont College Science department invented something that tasted like ice cream with the nutritional value of kale, then you would have something both good and pleasant. That’s what David is saying about God’s people dwelling together in unity.
God created His people to function best when we’re living together in unity. Unity for Christians is rooted in Christ. Unity does not mean uniformity. We are a diverse people with multiple gifts. Unity doesn’t mean the entire body of Christ is going to become one mega denomination agreeing on every point of doctrine and practice. Differences in doctrinal issues like baptism, communion, church government, worship style and other things will exist because we live in a fallen world. We need to earnestly search the Scriptures for answers to these issues. But where God’s people can unite is in our understanding that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we are saved by grace through Faith in Jesus Christ and God’s Word is our authority. I think these are the foundational truths all Christian believers can agree upon, and I pray daily this would be so at El Montecito Presbyterian Church.
This week in our Sunday morning worship gathering I look forward to introducing you to my friend Jerry Root. He is preaching on 1 John 3-4 and the importance of knowing and relying on the love God has for you and me. Have a great rest of the week and thank you for being such a wonderful congregation!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
Above all, my brothers and sisters do not swear – not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Otherwise you will be condemned. James 5:12
Dear ELMO Family,
This week in our worship gathering we’re completing our five-week journey through James, and we’re celebrating communion. As James concludes his letter addressed to a group of Christians scattered among the nations, he encourages them to be patient in their suffering remembering the Lord’s return is near. How about that for keeping things in perspective! He also dedicates a section reminding us of the importance of integrity.
We’ve heard it said, “honesty is the best policy.” According to Jesus and James, “honesty is the only policy.” In Matthew 5:34-37 Jesus said, “But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” In a similar manner, James 5:12 says, “Above all, my brothers and sisters do not swear – not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Otherwise you will be condemned.” In other words, all our words should be so upright and truthful there is no need to take an oath.
In the ancient world the Jewish people were experts in finding loopholes in the law. Jewish tradition said, if an oath was made in God’s name it was absolutely binding. But if you could avoid using God’s specific name then the oath wasn’t binding. James says this is completely misguided! God is involved in all our transactions. God is intimately involved in all our dealings. Heaven is his throne, earth his footstool and Jerusalem is his holy city. We are not prohibited from taking an oath, even Jesus allowed the high priest to put him under an oath at his trial. However, Jesus and James are telling us to go beyond looking for loopholes, go beyond taking an oath to prove we’re honest to always telling the truth. We’re called to be truth tellers; we’re called to lives of integrity and that is a high bar!
Integrity comes from the same Latin root as integer. When Christians live lives of integrity, we are whole, undivided, and complete. In a world where “little white lies,” and embellishments of events are commonplace, followers of Jesus are called to a higher standard. James reminds us that an authentic faith in Jesus Christ will strive after sincerity, authenticity, and honesty in all areas of life, even those areas nobody ever sees.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21
Dear ELMO Family,
I appreciate how practical and pastoral James is in his epistle. He doesn’t pull punches, and he doesn’t mix words. He is also a master at illustrating from everyday life. In James 3 he uses six practical and vivid illustrations to warn us of the power and potential danger of our words. Everything from bits, ships, sparks, circus animals, springs of water and fruit from trees are fair game for James.
In James 1 we’re warned twice by James to keep a tight rein on our tongues. Now, in James 3 he turns once again to warnings about the small but mighty tongue. Words are powerful. We’ve all heard, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Anyone at the other end of a barrage of careless words knows this statement isn’t true. A broken bone takes about six to eight weeks to heal, while the pain of cruel and misspoken words can linger for a lifetime.
In James 2 we learned genuine Christian faith will demonstrate itself through deeds. In James 3 we see how we use our words is another measure of the maturity of our Christian faith. The tongue is a small instrument with extraordinary power. For their size, words punch far above their weight. Words have the power and potential to glorify God and build up our neighbors or dishonor God and harm our neighbors. Join us this week in the courtyard or online as we open our mouth, say “ahh”, stick out our tongues, and let God examine our lives as we continue our journey through James.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, January 12, 2022: Update from the ELMO Covid Response Team
Dear ELMO Family,
While we eagerly anticipate a return to worship in the sanctuary, we are witnessing the rapid and widespread surge of the COVID Omicron variant in SB County. Medically, we have seen an increase in cases of COVID surge over 250% in the last two weeks along with hospitalizations surging 50%. Fortunately, most cases have been milder than with previous variants. It is becoming evident that those vaccinated are less prone to catching the new variant, and if they do have a breakthrough infection, it is usually milder. This means the vaccinated have a lower viral load and are less likely to pass on the infection. Also, masks offer greater protection to both the user and those around them. N95 masks are shown to provide the best protection. SB County Public Health renewed their indoor mask mandate, and many of the public schools are now requiring children and staff to mask up outside.
At the beginning of the pandemic, the COVID Response Team and El Montecito Presbyterian’s Session adopted the following guidelines: 1) Honor God, so he is glorified and central in all our plans. 2) Care for the health and well-being of our congregation and neighbors. 3) Obey the government mandated guidelines and requirements to the best of our abilities. Last week, the COVID Response Team met and determined that it is safest to continue with Church in the Courtyard with seating options available in the Parish Hall. We will also continue to provide the livestream option for our worship gathering. We appreciate your support, patience, and prayers as the COVID Response Team seeks God’s wisdom in our decisions for El Montecito Presbyterian Church.
We have been blessed with growth in worship attendance and new covenant partners. Ministry continues to flourish among all ages on our beautiful campus and in our communities. Be encouraged, God is at work through the people of El Montecito Presbyterian Church. Celebrate God’s faithfulness, and don’t forget to pray. Pray for God to sustain and strengthen our medical and health teams, teachers, first responders, and vulnerable workforce. Pray for God’s presence to comfort and heal the lonely and sick among us. Pray for this pandemic to end. Pray for the safety of our Early school, many in-person ministries, and outreach partners across the globe. Pray for the hope of Christ and life in his name to embolden our efforts to share the gospel in our community both in word and deed. And pray for joyful endurance as we face trials of many kinds, because we know that the testing of our faith produces perseverance….so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-3).
In Him,
The ELMO COVID Response Team
Rick Fogg, Kirk Gilbert, Lauri and Tom Haugen, Melissa Hillegas, Ray Ketzel, Matthew Roy, Errin and Jeffery Smith, Mary Slater, Maryann Spradley
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
Dear ELMO Family,
Over the next few weeks at ELMO, we’re walking through the New Testament book of James. The author of this book has quite an impressive resume. He’s the younger half-brother of Jesus, first pastor of the Jerusalem church and martyr for the Christian faith. From start to finish, James is an intensely practical book, filled with wisdom for Christians about following Jesus. Because of this, James is sometimes called “the Proverbs of the New Testament.”
As we walk through James, we’ll wrestle with several themes – perseverance under trial, wealth and poverty, wisdom, the danger of our words, prayer, and faith and works. James masterfully holds all these themes together by focusing on the teachings of Jesus being applied to the Christian’s everyday life. As we might say in Georgia, “James gets up in our business and challenges head-on how we live.” James is all about encouraging Christians to act like Christians and live a life that proves the gospel is alive and well in the world. James shows us how to live in light of the gospel.
Join us over the next five weeks as we begin the new year discovering how to put our Christian faith into action in real life as we grow in our love for God and one another. To prepare for this new sermon series, I encourage you to read through James, journal as you go and watch the Bible Project’s overview of James.
I am so thankful for you all, am praying for your safety and health as we continue serving the Lord together as the body of Christ.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
Dear ELMO Family,
On that first Christmas Eve over 2000 years ago in Bethlehem, Jesus was born, and something glorious took place. A whole new category of love entered the world on that night of nights. Bethlehem became the sight of the most spectacular sound and light show in human history. All of heaven let loose! Luke 2:13-14 describes it this way, Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
As you make your plans for Christmas Eve, you’re invited to join us in person in our beautiful courtyard or online at 4PM or 6PM for our candlelight Lessons and Carols worship gathering. It’s my prayer that the hustle and bustle of this time of year doesn’t distract us from celebrating the greatest gift in the history of the world. God came down and brought salvation, light and life through Jesus. Consider inviting someone in your life to the Christmas Eve celebration of the Giver of the greatest gift as we join in singing, “Glory to God in the highest.”
It’s a pleasure to serve the Lord with you as we encourage people to follow and love Jesus. Merry Christmas!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Luke 1:46
Dear ELMO Family,
A young, Jewish girl had a front row seat to the incarnation of the invisible God, but the circumstances surrounding her miraculous pregnancy weren’t easy. She was an unwed, teenage mother at a time when unwed mothers weren’t treated too well. However, we know from Mary’s song of praise that she turned her gaze heavenward with joy. Mary exclaimed, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name” (Luke 1:46-49).
Joy-filled people like Mary aren’t people without problems. Joy-filled people walk difficult roads with their gaze focused on Christ. Joy-filled people continue to humbly serve the Lord amid tough circumstances. Joy-filled people rejoice in what God is doing as they cling tightly to Him. Joy is as unchanging and solid as the God from where our joy comes. Our joy is found in Christ and flows from Him. Joy defies circumstances, even the most difficult circumstances, because it is anchored in God. In a world filled with pain and uncertainty, may joy fill your heart as you trust in God’s promises for the Mighty One has done great things for you and for me-holy is his name!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
“Love is kind” (1 Corinthians 13:4).
Dear ELMO Family,
At the incarnation “the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared” (Titus 3:4). In his advent devotional, Love Came Down at Christmas, Scottish theologian, Sinclair Ferguson, said, “Christmas is about love appearing in the form of kindness. The kind Son of God took our flesh, shared our nature, expressed his love for us, and died our death. And when he rose he was no less kind. He has been kind to us in our sin and need. The kindness is intended ‘to lead you to repentance’ says Paul (Romans 2 v 4).” That is what it did to Paul. Perhaps, that is what God’s kindness did for you, too.
Since Christmas is about love incarnate, we need 1 Corinthians 13:4 to deepen our understanding of Christ-like love. Right out of the gate, Paul states, “Love is kind.” We understand God’s kindness through Jesus Christ and the tremendous cost he paid for us on the cross. Our kindness should follow Christ’s example. Kindness is merciful. Kindness rescues. Kindness lavishly loves while dying to self. Kindness seeks the best for the other person and does it with gentleness and care.
The Christmas season provides ample opportunities for the body of Christ to practice kindness. On Saturday we will welcome many guests to our church campus for Christmas in Narnia. Pray for children and adults alike to encounter God’s kindness through our 50 volunteers and C.S. Lewis’ magical story, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Who may you shower with kind love this Christmas season? Maybe, a spouse who had a rough week or a rough month? A neighbor who is lonely. An acquaintance who wronged you. A child who has little parental support. Lay down your own needs. Go the extra mile. Compliment a job well done. Take time to listen. Pray for one another. You will never regret being too kind. It’s one of the greatest ways to point people to our Savior. Love is kind.
With Joy,
Lauri
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Dear ELMO Family,
While pastoring at The International Protestant Church of Zurich one of the highlights of the year for me was our annual performance of Handel’s Messiah. Our congregation was blessed with some members who were also on staff at the Zurich Opera, and they really knew how to sing. The “Hallelujah” chorus never fails to lift our gaze heavenward. But the “Hallelujah” chorus can only be fully appreciated after an earlier song proclaims, “For unto us a child is born.” The words for the Hallelujah chorus are taken from Isaiah 9:1-7, which described the world in darkness, oppression, and distress. The Jewish people hoped and prayed for a great military king who would save them from Rome, but God had another plan. A baby, born to die, was God’s rescue plan.
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th? Thousands of years ago the early church fathers picked December 25th because it is the first day in the Northern Hemisphere when we notice the amount of daylight increasing. 700 years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah said, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine…For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.” God invites us to step out of the darkness of sin and allow the light of Christ and his righteousness to shine into our hearts. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Hallelujah!
Join us on Sunday at 10AM in our courtyard or online as we anticipate, celebrate, worship, and adore Jesus Christ, the light that has pierced the darkness! For to us a child is born! I am praying for you all and hope you have a wonderful week.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1
Dear ELMO Family,
Before meeting Lauri, I didn’t think about wildflowers, but she opened my eyes to their beauty. One of the most amazing wildflowers in North America is the fireweed. The delicate, purple-pink blossoms have several uses. As a tea, I am told fireweed is good for upset stomachs, coughs, and asthma. Applied as a cream, it treats bug bites and cuts. The blossoms are also used to make jam and honey. Fireweed is called fireweed because it’s the first plant to grow from the ashes of a forest fire. When the smoke clears, and the earth cools, these pioneering wildflowers emerge from the blackened earth as a sign of hope – life will continue. In a world of searing sadness and raging injustice, the Messiah, God’s anointed one, arrives on the scene like the beautiful blossom of fireweed. The Messiah is God’s sign of hope to His chosen people. Isaiah 11:1 calls the coming Messiah, A shoot from the stump of Jesse. More than 700 years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah prepared Israel for the coming of the Messiah.
The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus meaning “coming” or “arrival.” During Advent we focus on two arrivals: The birth of Christ in His first coming, and the return of Christ in His second coming. In Advent we look back on the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Messiah born in Bethlehem, and we look forward with great longing and expectation as we prepare our hearts for the return of Jesus. I invite you to join us over the next four weeks as we celebrate Jesus, the light of hope shining in the darkness! Also, I encourage you to pick up a copy of Sinclair Ferguson’s Love Came Down at Christmas Daily Readings for Advent on Amazon or at the welcome table on Sunday. Happy Thanksgiving! I am so very thankful for our ELMO family!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, November 17, 2021
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6
Dear ELMO Family,
As we approach Thanksgiving this year, I want to encourage us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Some devout Jewish people in the first century understood the value of cultivating gratitude. They developed a practice called “the eighteen benedictions a day.” Bene in Latin means “good” and diction is Latin for “word”. Each morning they would thank God for eighteen things, at noon they would thank God for eighteen things, in the evening they would thank God for eighteen things. They did this because they understood the importance of cultivating gratitude.
Listing eighteen things, three times a day may seem like a lot, but what about listing three things a day? I keep a gratitude journal where I write down three things every day that I am grateful for. This practice helps me cultivate a grateful mindset by keeping me on the lookout for things I am grateful for. Before I had kids, I never really noticed playgrounds. Then, Melia came along and suddenly playgrounds started popping up all over Switzerland. It’s not that the Swiss government went out and started building playgrounds for my daughter in every Swiss village. Although, that would have been cool. The playgrounds were always there, but my mind wasn’t primed to notice playgrounds until I had my own heat seeking playground finder, a daughter. In the same way, we cultivate an attitude of gratitude by priming our minds to think about things that make us grateful. Write down three things you’re grateful for each day!
Today, in my journal, I listed the ELMO church family as number one on my list of things I am grateful for! I am beyond grateful for each of you and the blessing of being your pastor. Thank you for your partnership in God’s work. I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday in the Courtyard and online as we celebrate another baptism and complete our walk through Esther.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, November 10, 2021
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Dear ELMO Family,
The global COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the fragility of life and unearthed a myriad of emotions and opinions. COVID-19 has rocked the world to its core including the church which has witnessed first-hand the sifting effect of the global pandemic. According to a recent Barna research study, an estimated one in three Christians in the United States of America has stopped attending church altogether (whether in person or online), which is a disheartening statistic.
Worshipping God in community is commanded of us in Scripture. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:7). Our day of rest isn’t aimless but God-centered as we give God the honor and glory only he deserves. Psalm 29:1-2 says, “Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.”
Often, we evaluate a worship gathering with human-centered questions: Did I like the music? Was I shown hospitality? Did I like the style of preaching? Do I agree with mask wearing? Do I disagree with the choice to remain outside? I want to encourage us to begin with God-centered questions, because worship is primarily about God and not about us. Was God honored and glorified by our worship this morning? Was God’s Word preached? Was God the focus of our worship music?
Church is not an event; it is a community. Events rely on spectators, but communities need participants—people willing to honor God, engage relationally and invest themselves in building God’s Kingdom and investing in the lives of others. I am excited to worship with you on Sunday morning online or in the courtyard and then share a meal with you during our Second Sunday Lunch. I am praying for you and so thankful for your partnership in God’s work.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
Dear ELMO Family,
I recently read a book by Tim Keller called, Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering. Keller observes our society’s approach to seeking out blessing is to remove all suffering: avoid pain; or, if you can’t avoid it, sedate it; eliminate disease; discomfort, and injustice. These are noble and worthwhile goals. But Keller says, “no amount of money, power, and planning can prevent bereavement, dire illness, relationship betrayal, financial disaster, or a host of other troubles from entering your life. Human life is fatally fragile and subject to forces beyond our power to manage.” We live in a fallen world. We will never succeed at removing all pain and suffering.
In the Bible, I’ve never found a verse saying, “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for blessings.” Blessings in the Bible are always the byproduct of seeking something more than blessings. Jesus said it this way, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” Do we long for God’s righteous character to be evident in our life? Blessing can only be found by connecting to the source of blessing. How do we do this? Psalm 1:1-2 says, Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on it day and night. The Psalmist tells us we’re blessed when we delight in and meditate on God’s Word. The blessed and fulfilled person delights in and meditates on God’s Law, day and night. No matter what is going on around us at this moment may we delight in and meditate on God’s Law, day and night so we can confidently live out God’s Word in this world!
I can’t wait to see you all on Sunday morning in the courtyard and online as we celebrate a baptism and communion together!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Dear ELMO Family,
This Sunday is Reformation Sunday. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the church door of Wittenberg, Germany, sparking a massive renewal, rediscovery of the Bible and the message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. If you’d like to learn more about this pivotal moment in history through the end of October, Ligonier Ministries is offering free streaming of the documentary Luther: The Life and Legacy of the German Reformer. You can also download the accompanying study guide for free.
Also, on Sunday we are starting a four week walk through Esther. Esther is the only book in the Bible that doesn’t mention God. However, in Esther we clearly see God’s power and sovereign control working behind the scenes in the rescue of his people. Check out this video from the Bible Project on Esther if you’d like a little pre-sermon overview!
I am so thankful for you all and look forward to Sundays as we worship together in the courtyard and online.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
Dear ELMO Family,
We’re excited to welcome Kristy LaBarge as our guest preacher at ELMO this Sunday morning! Here’s some information about Kristy from the IMPACT website. Kristy grew up in Ventura, earned her undergraduate degree at UCSB and her MDiv at Princeton Theological Seminary. She has been married to her husband, Jonathan, for 14 years. Their children, Caleb (9) and Amayah (6), are wonderful blessings and sources of joy. For the past 10 years Kristy and Jonathan have served together at River of the Valley, an ECO church in Canoga Park, CA.
Kristy began serving as director of IMPACT in 2013. Her life has consistently included involvement in foreign missions. In fact, her involvement with Honduras through IMPACT played a vital role in her calling into professional ministry. After completing seminary, Jonathan and Kristy served the Lord in Honduras for a year.
Kristy believes in the great potential IMPACT has to change lives and nurture leaders for the Church. She has a deep sense of responsibility to guide this important ministry forward diligently, working alongside others in this journey and doing all together for Christ’s Kingdom. As we focus our attention this week on the powerful impact and importance of short-term missions, we know there is always risk when we share the hope of the gospel in hostile environments away from the comfort of home. Please join me in praying for the safe return of the 17 short-term missionaries who were kidnapped by a gang while serving the Lord in Haiti. May we be a people so devoted to the Lordship of Christ that we obediently follow where he leads for God’s glory to be made known among the nations.
Join us for worship in the courtyard and online this Sunday morning as we learn more about how we can support the ministry of IMPACT. In the case of inclement weather, we’ll gather in the Parish Hall where masks are required.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1
Dear ELMO Family,
Three years ago, Lauri and I had the privilege of spending some time with New Testament scholar and professor at Saint Andrews University in Scotland, N. T. Wright. At dinner someone asked N.T. Wright, an expert in all things Paul, a question. If Paul were here today, what would he say to the Church in the USA? Without pausing N. T. Wright said, “Paul would say I am astonished at your lack of unity. And I am horrified at the fact that you don’t care about your lack of unity.” Every one of Paul’s letters in the New Testament touches on the importance of unity.
We expect the rest of the world to be in a state of disunity. Just a glance at the headlines shows we’re divided along religious, political, racial, gender and economic lines. But God’s people should be different…right? N. T. Wrights words are convicting because they are true. God’s people are not unified, and it really doesn’t seem to bother us too much. Last count, there are about 2.5 billion Christians in the world who are separated into approximately 45,000 different denominations worldwide. There’s just not a lot of effort within the Christian church to preserve the unity God has established through Jesus.
In Ephesians 4:3, Paul says, “Be humble, gentle, patient, bearing with each other in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Notice Paul doesn’t say, “make every effort to create unity.” Unity is not a human project we can make happen all on our own. Paul urges us to do our best to preserve the unity God has already established through Jesus Christ. Unity existed long before us because God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are unity care takers, not unity makers. We can be united based on the truth of one God and one work of salvation.
God created His people to function best when we’re living together in unity. Unity for Christians is rooted in Christ. Unity does not mean uniformity. We are a diverse people with multiple gifts. Unity doesn’t mean the entire body of Christ is going to become one mega denomination agreeing on every point of doctrine and practice. Differences in doctrinal issues like baptism, communion, church government, worship style and other things will exist because we live in a fallen world. We need to earnestly search the Scriptures for answers to these issues. But where God’s people can unite is in our understanding that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we are saved by grace through Faith in Jesus Christ and God’s Word is our authority. I think these are the foundational truths all Christian believers can agree upon, and I pray daily this would be so at El Montecito Presbyterian Church.
I look forward to celebrating our unity in Christ as we worship the Lord through our fellowship, singing and studying God’s Word so we might be equipped and sent out into the world. This week we’re completing our study of Daniel 1-6 as we continue wrestling with the question: How can we follow Jesus Christ in a society that does not embrace or appreciate what Christians believe?
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
Dear ELMO Family,
The book of Proverbs is unique among all other wisdom writings because of what we see in Proverbs 1:7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. This verse aptly summarizes the theme of the book of Proverbs and gives us some practical wisdom for living our lives in a world that is hostile to the Christian faith.
Contrary to what the world might teach, there is no true lasting knowledge or wisdom apart from a proper attitude and relationship to the LORD. Thriving in life begins on our knees in worship before God.
Fear of the Lord isn’t cowering in the corner when God is near, “Oh no! Here comes God. Now I am in real trouble.” Fear of the Lord is an openness to God, an eagerness to please Him and the humility to listen and obey Him. Fear of the Lord says, “There is a God, and it isn’t me.” Fear of the Lord is a reverence and awe of God’s awesomeness.
According to the Scriptures, the opposite of someone who fears the Lord is a fool. Look at the contrast given to us in Proverbs 1:7. A fool despises wisdom and instruction. A fool says, “I don’t need instruction.” A fool says, “I’ve got this covered, I don’t need God’s help.” A fool might be a very gifted person, but they don’t want anything to do with what the Author of Life says about living well.
Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Wisdom begins with God, walks with God, and finishes the journey with God. When we go on a hike, we always start at the trailhead. In our relationship with God, fear of the Lord is our trailhead, but it is also the entire hiking trail. Let’s place one foot in front of the other and grow in wisdom in our daily adventure with God.
Join us this week as we explore Daniel 5 and a powerful lesson in fearing the Lord. Also, after worship in the courtyard everyone is invited to join us for some food, friends, fun and faith at our Second Sunday Lunch.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18
Dear ELMO Family,
Each week in our worship gathering we sing the doxology. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. This doxology rightly attributes all blessings and all glory to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In Daniel 4:30 king Nebuchadnezzar has his own version of the doxology with a self-centered twist. As he struts on the rooftop terrace of his royal palace overlooking the mighty city of Babylon the king says, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?
As John Stott observed, “It’s not surprising, therefore that while the words were still on Nebuchadnezzar’s lips, God’s judgement fell upon him. He was deprived of his kingdom and driven from his palace. He lived with animals and ate like them. His hair grew long like eagles’ feathers and his nails like the claws of a bird.” Only after Nebuchadnezzar raised his eyes towards the one true God was his sanity restored along with his kingdom.
Nebuchadnezzar learned the hard way, but he did proclaim in Daniel 4:37, Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Jesus taught us this important truth in Luke 18:14 when he said, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Join us this week in the Courtyard or online to give God the honor and glory only God deserves while we explore Daniel 4 and celebrate communion together.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Daniel 3:18 KJV
Dear ELMO Family,
In May of 1940 France fell to Germany leaving 350,000 British soldiers trapped on the beach in Dunkirk, France. The British soldiers were surrounded by German soldiers on one side and by the English Channel on the other side. The situation was desperate and there was little hope of a British Naval rescue. The British commander of the Dunkirk soldiers wanted to send a message to the people of England to let them know the severity of their situation. However, he didn’t want to give the Germans too much information or send a message to his countrymen which seemed hopeless. The commander sent three words from Daniel 3:18 in the King James version, “But if not.”
Because in 1940, lots of people in England knew their Bible, that short three-word message mobilized the British people. The British Navy and civilians responded immediately mobilizing fishing boats and small private boats throughout the country. Hundreds of volunteers in their boats crossed the channel to rescue as many British soldiers as they could. At the end of the civilian and military effort 338,000 British soldiers were delivered safely to England while the Royal Air Force held back the German Luftwaffe. This civilian rescue is remembered today as the “Dunkirk miracle.” But if not signaled the British people of the desperate need for rescue, but also of a firm resolute to not surrender to the German army.
“But if not.” This brief phrase hidden in the account of God’s divine rescue of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace is powerful. Even with the threat of death, these three men refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s statue. They knew God could rescue them from the fiery furnace, but that was beside the point. Rescue would be great, but faithfulness to God was more important. So, they said to the king, “But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” We are called to obey God even when it may not turn out well for us. Let’s continue praying for courage to live out our Christian faith without compromise in a hostile world.
Join us this week on the ELMO courtyard and online as we walk-through Daniel 3 and continue to wrestle with what it means to live out our Christian faith in the midst of a hostile world. Also, this Sunday we’re saying goodbye to Suzy Dobreski and celebrating her faithful service as the ELMO Early School Director.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:13-14
Dear ELMO Family,
As we walk through the book of Daniel over the next few weeks we’re going to grapple with the question, how does a Christian live as a believer in an unbelieving world? God called Daniel and his friends to live in the land of exile. They were living as strangers in a strange land, far away from the comfort of home, yet they didn’t fully assimilate into the Babylonian culture. Today we are living in an unbelieving world. God still calls his followers to be in this world, but God insists his people retain their distinctiveness and never compromise their allegiance to him.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus gives us a tangible picture of how to live as Christians in an unbelieving world. Jesus says to his followers, “you are the salt of the earth, and you are the light of the world.” Nothing in the ancient world was more precious than salt and light. Salt preserves, enhances flavor and it was valuable as currency. Light keeps away danger, allows food and plants to thrive, illuminates the darkness and provides oxygen to breathe. Without salt, without light there is no life on this planet. As followers of Christ, we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Christians are precious, and we matter!
No matter what the secular culture says or who is in power God calls us to be agents of his truth in the world. John Stott wrote, “God intends us to penetrate the world. Christian salt has no business to remain snugly in elegant little ecclesiastical salt cellars; our place is to be rubbed into the secular community, as salt is rubbed into meat, to stop it going bad. And when society does go bad, we Christians tend to throw up our hands in pious horror and reproach the non-Christian world; but should we not rather reproach ourselves? One can hardly blame unsalted meat for going bad. It cannot do anything else. The real question to ask is: Where is the salt?”
In this world full of challenges, let’s get out there and be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. May we have the courage to love our neighbors lavishly, boldly speak out against evil, and the wisdom to know how to live without compromise.
As an act of rebellion in this world, join us on Sunday morning in the courtyard or online as we worship the Lord together and continue our study in Daniel. Also, on Sunday during our worship gathering we’re praying for our Early School and Sunday school teachers, families, and students as they kick off the year. We can’t wait to worship the Lord with you at ELMO on Sunday!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
Dear ELMO Family,
It was a beautiful clear September morning in South Hamilton, MA and I had just arrived at my office while working as the Alumni Relations Director at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Shortly after 8:45AM breaking news stories began surfacing on the internet about a Boeing 767 crashing into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. At 9:03AM, what many thought was a tragic accident turned out to be a coordinated terrorist attack.
Those of us who lived through the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks 20 years ago know exactly where we were the moment those tragic events unfolded. Much like my parents’ generation can recall where they were the day President Kennedy was assassinated and their parents could tell you where they were on the day of the Pearl Harbor attacks, September 11, 2001, is a day we will never forget.
With the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on Saturday, I encourage you to take some time to remember and pray. Let’s remember the lives lost and the heroes who gave their lives for the sake of others. Let’s remember our deep grief and sadness at the horrors of that day. And most importantly let’s remember God’s faithfulness during even the most tragic circumstances so we may endure. As Psalm 46:1-2 reminds us, God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Let’s cry out to God and remember his faithfulness as we continue praying for God’s healing, protection, and peace to envelope our world.
On September 14, 2001, days after the terrorist attacks Billy Graham preached a sermon at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. In that sermon Graham spoke of the mysteries of evil, but also about God’s capacity for love, mercy, comfort and compassion. He said, “My prayer today is that we will feel the loving arms of God wrapped around us and that as we trust in Him we will know in our hearts that He will never forsake us.”
As we remember and pray, let’s also try something tangible together. If we’re out in a restaurant this week and we see a police officer, firefighter, first responder or active military personnel, let’s pay for their meal and thank them for their service. This is a small, but tangible way to honor those who gave their lives in service of others twenty years ago.
We’re starting our Sunday school for children, a new sermon series in the book of Daniel, and our Second Sunday Lunches this week. I look forward to worshiping with you all on Sunday.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD. Psalm 150:6
Dear ELMO Family,
After my freshman year of college, as a brand-new Christian, I took a group of high school students to a Young Life camp in Colorado called Frontier Ranch. During that week of camp, we hiked to the peak of a 13,859 foot mountain in the heart of the Rocky Mountains with 400 high school students. It’s not easy to hike at 13,000 feet above sea level. The air is thin, and every step takes a little bit more effort. The heights are beautiful, but they can also be challenging. During the hike, in order to encourage the students who were growing weary, an older more seasoned Christian started reading aloud from the Psalms. As we all carefully placed one foot in front of the other on the loose rocks, I listened to the beautiful words of encouragement from Psalm 121:1-4, “I lift my eyes up to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” And from Psalm 18:32-33, “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.” As we hiked up the mountain, the poetry, artistry, and relevance of the Psalms kept us all moving along, confident God was with us on the journey. When I came home from that hike I had fallen in love with the Psalms.
The Psalms instruct us, direct us, and give us a voice to praise God with all our being. Whenever we need an example of how to honestly cry out to God in our pain and in our joy, we have the Psalms. For thousands of years the Psalms have helped God’s people worship by supplying appropriate and God honoring words of praise and lament. In our journey with Christ, we need to hear and apply these songs, poems and raw words of encouragement that point us back to the arms of our loving and gracious God. I recently started reading a devotional by Dane Ortlund entitled, In the Lord I Take Refuge: 150 Daily Devotions through the Psalms, which is worth the read!
During this challenging season in our world, let’s dig into God’s Word daily. Whether we’re reading Daniel, or the Psalms let’s keep our focus on God. I can’t wait to see you all on Sunday morning as we conclude our Epic Picnic sermon series and celebrate communion together!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, August 18, 2021
Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15
Dear ELMO Family,
On Monday evening, the ELMO Session met in the courtyard under the shadow of the steeple and the twinkling outside lights. As always, I walked away from the session meeting thanking God for such a gifted group of men and women who willingly invest countless hours serving the Lord. Their love for Jesus and God’s Word is contagious, and their wisdom is evident in the way they lead and care for the ELMO congregation. I am grateful. Let’s continue to support, encourage, and pray for the leadership of this church.
After worship on Sunday morning, we’re gathering in the courtyard for our Annual Congregational Meeting. During this meeting, we’ll vote on accepting a new elder, Shelley Fogg, and two new deacons, Chase Enright Throop and Barbara Kennedy. Also, we will receive an update from the pastors and elders on their ministries and a presentation of the 2021-2022 church budget. Your participation is greatly appreciated as only Covenant Partners in attendance may vote in a congregational meeting. Meeting Agenda.
I am praying for you all and look forward to worshiping with you in the courtyard and online on Sunday morning.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
As followers of Jesus Christ, we have a high calling to serve the Lord with radical abandon. Take a look at 1 Kings 19 and see what lessons you can glean about radical obedience to God in your life. I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday as we explore our call to follow Jesus.
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1
Dear ELMO Family,
I just finished reading Across the Airless Wilds by Earl Swift. This book details the development of the lunar rovers used in the Apollo missions in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The United States of America brought lunar rovers three out of the six times they landed on the moon. The research, design, construction, and testing of the three rovers happened right here in Goleta.
NASA left the three lunar rovers on the moon. The first of the rovers was used by David Scott and James Irwin during the Apollo 15 mission. After spending 18.5 hours on the surface of the moon, collecting 170 pounds of surface material, and driving 17.5 miles in the lunar rover, Commander David Scott intentionally left something special on the moon. Scott’s church in Houston gave Scott a Bible to take with him on his 500,000-mile business trip. On August 2, 1971, just before departing from the surface of the moon, Scott left that Bible on the lunar rover’s control panel where it sits undisturbed to this day.
In God’s sovereignty, the Bible has traveled to wherever humans have been present as a reminder of God’s love, presence, and faithfulness. We serve a God who has revealed himself and did not remain silent. I pray we at ELMO continue to read, study, and apply God’s Word wherever God may send us!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35
Dear ELMO Family,
During these more relaxed days of summer, I am thankful for opportunities to gather as a church family in our beautiful courtyard. On Sunday, we continue our sermon series on epic picnics in the Bible as Jesus miraculously feeds over 5000 people with five loaves and two fish. I encourage you to read John 6 in its entirety this week to prepare for the sermon. And join us after church for coffee, lemonade, and fellowship.
As COVID cases rise across the nation, your prayers for wisdom are appreciated as staff, elders, and ministry teams map out discipleship opportunities and Sunday morning worship decisions for fall. We’ve all learned a few things this about holding loosely to our plans over the past year and a half and trust God to guide and provide!
Also, please mark your calendars for the annual Congregational Meeting on August 22, 2021, immediately following morning worship. We are praying for you and hope you have a wonderful rest of the week!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8
Dear ELMO Family,
It’s great to be back from my study leave and vacation. For three weeks I was able to focus on studying the history of the Presbyterian Church for my PhD studies. Then we made a spontaneous trip to Montana to pick up our new Australian Labradoodle, Maisie. Yes, the Haugen’s now have an energetic, exhausting, adorable, eight-week-old puppy! During our short time in Montana, we enjoyed whitewater rafting, hiking, fly-fishing, huckleberry shakes, and a rich time with family and friends. I am so thankful for some time to catch my breath and enjoy God’s beautiful creation with my family.
I am also thankful for Ben Patterson faithfully preaching God’s Word over the past four weeks at ELMO. Ben and Lauretta and their family are a gift to our community. I am excited to worship the Lord with you all on Sunday as we start our sermon series on some epic picnics in the Bible. Also, starting this Sunday we’re resuming our coffee fellowship following Church in the Courtyard!
I can’t wait to see you all on Sunday and I am so thankful for each of you.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Dear ELMO Family,
After June 15th the state of California and Santa Barbara County are no longer requiring masks for vaccinated people gathering outside. For many of us this means goodbye to our masks in the courtyard! For the summer months, we will continue to meet in our outside courtyard at 10AM with an inside Parish Hall option for weather that is too wet, hot or cold. On August 29, we hope to return to our sanctuary for worship and possibly continue with an outside worship option, as well. This gives our people adequate time to receive COVID-19 vaccines before we move indoors. And the late August target date provides the necessary time needed to prepare for livestream from inside the sanctuary, train our volunteer usher and set-up core, recruit more musicians and worship assistants, and evaluate the best and safest practices moving forward with two worship gatherings as well as livestream.
We realize there is a spectrum of personal viewpoints and opinions on COVID-19 restrictions and our worship gatherings. Some are ready to be in the sanctuary now and others are still uncomfortable with public gatherings. The Ministry Team at ELMO desires to offer multiple options with indoor, outdoor and livestream worship venues.
This Sunday you’re invited to join us as we celebrate the confirmation of five students at ELMO during morning worship with a party following worship and two baptisms at Butterfly beach! On Monday, June 14, 2021, I am taking my study leave and some vacation time to work on completing my PhD dissertation. I appreciate your prayers and support during these four weeks of focused writing. Lauri Haugen will remain as the on-call pastor and is here to handle anything that might come up in my absence. We’re excited to have Ben Patterson preaching a four-week sermon series in the Psalms for us!
Let’s continue to pray for an end to the pandemic and the safety and health of people in Santa Barbara County and around the globe. Thank you for your continued patience, prayers, and commitment to cultivate a “culture of joy” at El Montecito Presbyterian Church. I am beyond thankful for each of you!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
Dear ELMO Family,
What a beautiful list we find in Galatians 5:22-23. We live in a self-improvement culture. We’re convinced all the bad things in us can be wiped-out with the right program, regimen, system or book. We’re always looking for some form of self-salvation. But in the list of attributes, which we refer to as the fruit of the Spirit, God presents a whole different way of living life.
Freedom doesn’t come from our own strength. Freedom comes by belonging completely to Jesus Christ. Freedom comes by walking in step with the Spirit. In John 15, Jesus compares people to branches connected to a vine. The fruit a vine produces is determined by the nature of the vine. The fruit is determined by the root. There are no self-help, self-focus or self-improvement programs which will ever change the fruit a vine produces.
The same is true for you and me. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. We see this list and we’re tempted to look for a program to produce more of these qualities in our lives. But the fruit of the Spirit only comes through walking by the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit comes when as Paul says in Galatians 5:24 we “belong to Christ Jesus and have crucified the flesh with all its passions and desires.” The fruit of the Spirit grows in us when we are connected to Christ.
We’re tempted to think fruit is produced by working harder, being more loving, joyful, patient, kind, good, faithful and self-controlled. But God says, focus on your roots if you want to see the fruit. Abide in Christ, walk by the Spirit to produce the fruit of the Spirit.
How do we do abide in Christ? How do we walk by the Spirit? We keep the gospel of Jesus Christ central. The good news of Jesus isn’t just the beginning of the Christian life; it’s the middle and the end as well. We never move beyond the freedom that is ours in and through God’s amazing grace offered freely through his Son. The Gospel says, we can’t earn it, we are dependent on staying connected to Christ. The gospel brings the refreshing news into our self-improvement world that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
If you’d like to learn more about what God’s Word has to say about abiding in Christ, then please join us online or in the ELMO Courtyard this Sunday at 10 AM.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7
Dear ELMO Family,
Every once in a while, it’s a good to evaluate and refresh how we’re spending time with the Lord. For many years I’ve begun my morning with a cup of coffee, journal, various devotional guides, prayer and time reading systematically through God’s Word. Because my iPad is conveniently loaded with multiple Bible translations and devotionals, I often read directly from my iPad. This is a great way to read God’s Word.
However, last month I decided to shake things up a bit and go old school. I picked up a J. B. Phillips New Testament published in 1960 that was handed out to British school children. There’s something cool about cars and Bible’s from the 1960’s! Just like driving a car without any computer aids or electronics to distract, reading God’s Word, without the temptation of distraction from technology is refreshing.
I am praying for each one of you to search out ways to keep things fresh as you continue growing in your love for God and God’s Word. Also, if you’re interested in a great devotional based on John Calvin’s Institutes check out Zeal for Godliness: Devotional Meditations on Calvin’s Institutes, which happens to only be available in a paper hardcopy.
On Sunday, June 6th at ELMO, we’re gifting our kindergarten through second grade children a Bible as part of the Faith Milestone class taught by our Family Pastor, Lauri Haugen. These children are all emerging readers and can now read God’s Word on their own, an exciting privilege we often take for granted. Let’s dig into God’s Word with the freshness of a child who’s just learned how to read!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4:7
Dear ELMO Family,
There are three bright and amazing girls in this world who have complete and unhindered access to me and Lauri. When they were younger, in the middle of the night they could always wake us up and ask for a drink of water. If our daughter’s number ever pops up on our caller id, we always take their call. They can look at me sweetly and ask me to stop at any of the Blenders smoothie stores in Santa Barbara, and I will buy them a smoothie of their choice (to split with their dad). Being a child has its privileges.
In Galatians 4:4-7 Paul says, But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba , Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
This is the gospel, Christmas in Galatians! Jesus Christ entered the world, lived a perfect life on our behalf, and gave his life as a ransom for our sins. As John Stott summarizes. “The divinity of Christ, the humanity of Christ and the righteousness of Christ uniquely qualified him to be man’s redeemer. If he had not been man, he could not have redeemed man. If he had not been a righteous man, he could not have redeemed unrighteous man. And if he had not been God’s Son, he could not have redeemed men for God or made them the sons of God.” Amazingly, in his work of redemption, Jesus made us children of God! The central and unique message of the Christian faith, the most amazing truth in all of human history, is that through Jesus Christ we are God’s adopted children.
As Tim Keller says, “The only person who dares wake up a king at 3:00 AM for a glass of water is a child. We have that kind of access.” God sends the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, so we can pray with the confidence of a child talking to his or her very own daddy. The privilege of intimate conversation with God our Father makes it clear we are no longer slaves; we are God’s children.
At the core of understanding our identity, at the core of understanding what it means to be a Christian, is the truth that by grace through faith in Jesus Christ we are children of God. We were slaves, now by grace through faith in Jesus Christ we are heirs, sons and daughters of the King who receive the full inheritance. In Christ we are God’s children, let’s not go back to being a slave.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, May 5 2021 – Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:10
Dear ELMO Family,
Sometimes in life, I feel like I am living in the land of “Even There.” Have you ever visited Even There? Even There is a place where God feels far away. Even There is a place of fear and doubt. Even There is the rocky land of uncertainty. Even There is the place where everything feels a bit more challenging. A few days ago, the New York Times published an article entitled, “There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing.” For many of us, “languishing” is a great description of the land called Even There.
In Psalm 139:7-12 David honestly cries out to God, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
It is comforting to know there is no place we can go where we will not be completely loved, known and cared for by our God. As Psalm 139:10 reminds us, “even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” I am so thankful that “even there” God promises to guide us and hold us.
When we are overwhelmed, lonely, languishing or anxious, even there God’s hand will guide us and his right hand will hold us fast. When our fears overwhelm us, even there God’s hand will guide us and his right hand will hold us fast. When the challenges of this world seem insurmountable, even there God’s hand will guide us and his right hand will hold us fast. In the midst of every season, let’s remember God has gone before us and is with us always.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
Dear ELMO Family,
When the Baylor Bears men’s basketball team defeated the Gonzaga Bulldogs to win the NCAA Championship last month Head Coach Scott Drew and a number of players described the team as having a “culture of joy.” In the midst of all the challenges of the COVID-19 restrictions, this team defined themselves as having a culture of joy.
It is my prayer for El Montecito Presbyterian Church that we continue to cultivate and embrace a culture of joy. Joy defies circumstances. Joy is rooted in something deeper than our outward circumstances. Joy is unshakable because it is firmly anchored in the hope we have in and through Jesus Christ. As Paul reminds us In Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have embraced a culture of joy at ELMO. We’ve been able to continue gathering for worship online and in the courtyard since the pandemic began. We’ve stayed safe in our outside gatherings. We’ve seen an increase in visitors and covenant partners through this challenging season. Our church campus has a beautiful outside space with mountain views where we may safely worship. Modern technology allows us to stream our worship gathering to the ends of the earth. The dedicated staff and volunteer core have gone above and beyond to make it possible for us to continue gathering safely for worship. Nursery care for age 0-2 has resumed. Pre-k and early elementary Sunday school is soon to follow in our lovely outside spaces on campus. We have five middle school students enrolled in confirmation class, the men’s and women’s Bible studies are gathering weekly in person, and our monthly family events resume in May! Praise the Lord, through all of this, we’ve been able to continue giving God the honor and glory only he deserves. That is something to rejoice over!
After meeting with the ELMO Reopening Team on Monday evening, I’m happy to present the team’s plan for moving forward. For the summer months, we will continue to meet in our outside courtyard at 10 AM with an inside Parish Hall option for weather that is too wet, hot or cold. On August 29, we will return to our sanctuary for worship and possibly continue with an outside worship option, as well. This gives our people adequate time to receive COVID-19 vaccines before we move indoors. And, the August target date provides the necessary time needed to prepare for livestream from inside the sanctuary (not an easy task), build our volunteer usher and set-up core, recruit more musicians and worship assistants, and evaluate the best and safest practices moving forward with two worship gatherings as well as livestream.
We realize that there is a spectrum of personal viewpoints and opinions on COVID-19 restrictions and our worship gatherings. Some are ready to be in the sanctuary now and others are still uncomfortable with public gatherings. The Ministry Team desires to offer all options with indoor, outdoor and livestream worship options. To better assess the congregation’s desires and participation, we will be conducting a survey of all covenant partners and church attenders. Your feedback is critical to our planning process. Plus, we encourage you to pray about your future role in our worship gatherings.
As we prepare to return to our sanctuary and celebrate the decline of COVID-19 cases in Santa Barbara County, we continue to hold loosely to our desires and plans as we trust God’s will for us as a congregation. Thank you for your continued patience, prayers, and commitment to cultivate a “culture of joy.”
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
Dear ELMO Family,
Over the past year we have all been through a lot. The challenges of this season are enormous and seem to keep coming. Sometimes it feels like all the problems are beyond our ability to solve, all the mountains are too big to climb, and the pain is too overwhelming. We can’t solve the COVID-19 pandemic, we can’t stop all racism and injustice, we can’t end mass shootings, we can’t eliminate hatred, and we can’t provide the next meal for everyone who is hungry…so we end up doing nothing. The enormity of the challenges we’re facing today can paralyze us.
The reality is we can’t do everything, but we can do something. We may not be able to fix everything, but we can do something good for somebody today. We can extend kindness to someone who is sad or hurting. We can drop off a meal or gift card to someone in need. We can check in on or write an encouraging note to someone who is discouraged. We can pray specifically for those we interact with on a regular basis. We can notice someone on the margins with a smile and a kind word. We can continue loving God by loving the people God places in our path today.
In this overwhelming season of life, we as followers of Jesus Christ need to remember to point others to the hope we have through Jesus. As 1 Peter 1:3 says “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” No matter what loss, fear, injustice or anxiety we face in this world, we have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. That is the hope I pray we celebrate today and every day in small ways, which adds up to large ways.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. Galatians 3:8-9
Dear ELMO Family,
In Genesis 15, God directs Abraham outside his tent in the pitch black of night to have him look up at the stars in the sky for a sneak peek at an unfolding adventure. Something amazing was about to happen and God gave Abraham a front row seat. God challenged Abraham to count the stars in the sky. Assuming an average of 100 billion stars in each galaxy, there are about 1 billion trillion stars in the observable universe. That’s a lot of stars for one man to count! In God’s covenant with Abraham, God promised to bless Abraham with descendants outnumbering the stars in the sky.
In Galatians we’re reminded that through Jesus Christ we are heirs of the very same promise God made to Abraham on that stary night in the desert. Through Jesus we’re invited to the great adventure of abundant life and freedom. Galatians has been called the “Magna Carta” of Christianity because Paul gives us one of the clearest explanations that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone because of Christ alone. When the church understands and embraces God’s promise of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ the adventure begins. Join us over the next nine weeks as we embrace and celebrate the remarkable grace offered through Jesus Christ. If you’d like to take a deeper dive into Galatians you can follow along with the John Stott study guide, Reading Galatians with John Stott available at Amazon and Christianbook.com.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:38
Dear ELMO Family,
This Sunday is Palm Sunday. This is the Sunday before Easter when we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. The men and women of Jerusalem were so excited about the arrival of Jesus into the city, they lined the streets and waived palm branches to honor the One they hoped would free them from Roman oppression and become king. The Pharisees got upset with these people for praising God so loudly. They told Jesus to quiet his disciples down. In response Jesus said, “If they keep quiet the, stones will cry out.” It seems all of creation is made to worship the One True King.
In 2 Samuel 6 we see another king entering the city of Jerusalem. King David was bringing the Ark of the Covenant from its temporary resting place in the house of Obed-Edom into the city of Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem and David are beyond excited. They’re dancing and shouting in the streets as the Ark of the Covenant is paraded into the city. The arrival of the Ark of the Covenant was cause for extravagant praise because at this time the God of Israel resided on earth between the outstretched wings of the two cherubim mounted on the lid of the Ark. When David is rebuked by his wife for his less than royal behavior, he says to her, you think that was loud, “I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.” Once again, it seems all of creation, even earthly kings are made to worship the One True King.
May we bow before our King and give Him the honor and glory only He deserves.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. Psalm 32:1-2
Dear ELMO Family,
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! As you know March 17, 461 is the date traditionally given for the death of Patrick, Christian missionary to Ireland. There are many legends about Patrick swirling around the Christian world. We do know by his own admission, that when Patrick was a teenager, he committed a sin that if found out would possibly keep him from being ordained as a Bishop. He confessed his sin to God and his best friend. Long before his outward confession, Patrick repented of his sin and received God’s forgiveness.
Lent is about looking honesty at our sin, confessing our sin to God and trusting that through Jesus our sins are atoned for and forgiven. There is great blessing for those whose sin is confessed and forgiven.
In Psalm 32 David uses three words to describe our sin in verses 1-2 and then he uses three words to describe what God does with our sin when we confess it to Him. We have transgressions, God forgives. We sin, God covers those sins. We have iniquity and God does not count it against us. He forgives, covers our sins and does not count it against us!
God wants us to experience the joy of living a life surrendered to him. We’re not left to celebrate our sin that God came to redeem. We’re not allowed to rejoice in our sin that God came to forgive. God doesn’t want us to wallow in the weight of our sin; he has come to set us free. Let’s never forget that confessed sin is forgiven sin and forgiven sin has lost all power to destroy our life.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5, 11 and 43:5
Dear ELMO Family,
I hope you’re having a great week and enjoying reading Psalm 3 at the start of each day this week. I’ve loved the opportunity to begin the day in Psalm 3 and have gleaned so much from spending intentional time in this Psalm of lament. God is reminding me that no matter what challenges we face, he is our protector and defender. He is our glory, and keeps our head held high and will restore our joy. He hears and answers our prayers, sustains us and gives us peace and ultimate victory through his Son Jesus Christ.
This week we’re going to dig into Psalm 42 and 43 as we continue our sermon series, “Singing the Blues – the Psalms of Lament.” We look forward to having you join us in person or via livestream. I am praying for you all this week and am so thankful for you!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, March 3, 2021
But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. Psalm 3:3
Dear ELMO Family,
On Sunday we concluded our hike through the Sermon on the Mount with a reminder of the sufficiency of Scripture. Hearing God’s Word and putting God’s Word into practice is the only way to build our lives on a foundation strong enough to survive the storms this world throws our way. And because God’s Word is sufficient, then God’s Word speaks to the entirety of our experience. From extreme joy to deep pain, God’s Word speaks into our lives.
The Psalms are a wonderful portion of Scripture speaking to the full range of human experience. Psalms are poems and hymns of praise that have a way of stirring our soul. These honest prayers offered to God encourage us, challenge us, and remind us of God’s character as we entrust ourselves to God’s care.
The most common type of Psalm in the Bible isn’t a Psalm of thanksgiving or praise, but the Psalm of lament. Of the 150 Psalms, over 60 of them are either individual or corporate Psalms of lament. Lament doesn’t mean glossing over the problems and pain that exists in our fallen world, that is denial. And lament doesn’t mean letting the problems and pain consume our lives, this leads to despair. Lament is our cry to God in the midst of the problems and pain we experience in our broken world. The Psalms of lament provide a pattern for bringing our raw emotions, unfiltered desires, and unresolved struggles before God. It is in our honest crying out to God where we come face to face with the God of all hope. Join us over the next three weeks as we learn to pray from the Psalms of lament.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Dear ELMO Family,
There’s something incredibly therapeutic for me about wading knee deep in a rolling river with a fly rod in my hand. I love the rhythmic sound of cascading water, the rush of the current tumbling over boulders smoothed by the millennia of time, swirling eddies circling slowly behind an obstacle, sunlight dancing on the ripples and the ever-present thrilling anticipation of landing the perfect trout around the next bend of the river. Casting a fly line was described by Norman McLean’s Presbyterian minister father in A River Runs Through it as “an art that is performed on a four-count rhythm between ten and two o’clock.” This four-count rhythmic motion of casting my fly rod has a way of easing my burdens.
In 1 Peter 5:7 we’re told by God to “cast” all our anxiety on him who cares for us. This got me thinking about standing in the river with my fly rod in hand. Sometimes it feels like we need a 15-weight fly rod to handle the Tarpon sized burden of our anxiety and sometimes it feels like we need a 4-weight fly rod. Whatever the size of our anxiety, big or small we’re called to cast, to put them all, no holding back, no wiggle room, no getting around the call, to cast everything on him. And “him” in this scripture is referring to the “Chief Shepherd” mentioned just three verses earlier.
The Chief Shepherd is the same good shepherd we catch a glimpse of in Psalm 23. Our Chief Shepherd makes us lie down and rest, leads, refreshes, guides, is with us, comforts, cares for us, anoints us and makes us an eternal dwelling. The Chief Shepherd is Jesus, and He is the one who loves us beyond what we could ever imagine or comprehend. So, cast your anxiety upon the Chief Shepherd because he cares for you.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… Romans 3:23
Dear ELMO Family,
Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten season. It’s also an important season to reflect on Scripture, pray, and allow ourselves the space to lament and cling tightly to the cross in a way that causes our souls to grieve and hope. Please join us as we walk together through a forty-day Lenten devotional by Paul David Trip called Journey to the Cross. Also, if you would like to spend some time praying in the sanctuary, please contact Maryann Spradley (admin@elmopres.org) to reserve your space.
The ELMO Reopening Team met last week to reassess and evaluate our ELMO COVID-19 safety protocols. The consensus was it is safest to continue our outside Church in the Courtyard and livestream gatherings. Also, under the current regulations, we’re able to host a larger number of people outside than inside. I know we are all looking forward to being back in our sanctuary, and we need to pray this happens quickly. There is hope on the horizon and once Santa Barbara County moves from the purple tier back into the red tier, we will resume outside small group activities, while continuing to observe our safety guidelines. Please join me in praying for our continued safety and a quick movement from purple to red tier.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support for our church family through this challenging season of life. I am praying for you all and beyond blessed to be your pastor!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Dear ELMO Family,
Lent begins next Wednesday, February 17. In the church calendar, Lent is a season of lament over our broken world impacted by sin. Lent is a time to reflect on our own personal brokenness and Jesus’ suffering and sacrificial death as we prepare our hearts for the glorious resurrection victory celebration on Easter Sunday.
This year, let’s take time to read Scripture, pray, reflect, allow ourselves the space to lament and cling tightly to the cross in a way that causes our souls to grieve and hope. We live in a fragile and fallen world but take heart, Jesus Christ has overcome this fallen world. And, as God reminds us in Philippians 1:6 “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” During this Lenten season, rest in God’s embrace as we prepare to celebrate.
One suggestion to guide us and feed our souls is a forty-day Lenten devotional by Paul David Trip called Journey to the Cross. You can purchase this Lenten Devotional in Hard copy, Audible or Kindle at Amazon.
Join us this week in person or online as we look at what Jesus says about anxiety and worry in the Sermon on the Mount. Please read Matthew 6:19-34 to prepare for our Sunday worship gathering.
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement and prayers yesterday on my birthday. I am so thankful for my ELMO family!
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1
Dear ELMO Family,
There is only one person who lived life on earth with pure motives. There’s only one person who perfectly followed God’s Law. There’s only one person who has humbled himself and truly loved God, self and neighbor with all his heart, soul, strength and mind. That one person is Jesus, and he came to give his righteousness to us. This is the doctrine of the imputed righteousness of Christ. Jesus died a death to remove all our sins so we can be made righteous from the inside out – righteousness exceeding that of the Scribes and Pharisees.
God freely offers us the gift of his righteousness today. If we see him as precious, if we take this treasure offered to us then we will have peace with God that passes all understanding. We are made free through Jesus who fulfills all righteousness!
This week in Matthew 6:1 Jesus says, “be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” Does this mean Jesus is calling us on a covert righteousness operation? Please read Matthew 6:1-18 as we prepare to explore how Jesus gets to the heart of the matter in our devotion to him.
I am praying for you and so thankful for the way your light shines brightly before others and glorifies your Father in heaven.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Dear ELMO Family,
The author and theologian C. S. Lewis was once asked what he thought about Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. He answered, “As to ‘caring for’ the Sermon on the Mount, if ‘caring for’ here means ‘liking’ or enjoying, I suppose no one ‘cares for’ it. Who can like being knocked flat on his face by a sledgehammer? I can hardly imagine a more deadly spiritual condition than that of a man who can read that passage with tranquil pleasure.”
It is difficult to thoughtfully read the Sermon on the Mount, or any portion of Scripture without experiencing deep conviction. I pray that God’s Word continues to pierce our souls as we explore the Sermon on the Mount and a life of following Jesus. Let’s rejoice in the hammer blows of our loving Savior as the Holy Spirit reveals, convicts, and transforms our lives from the inside out.
If you would like to take a deeper dive into the Sermon on the Mount, I recommend picking up Reading the Sermon on the Mount with John Stott.
In Him,
Tom
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path. Psalms 119:105
Dear ELMO Family,
As we say goodbye to 2020, it’s a good time to consider beginning or refreshing your Bible reading plan. If you prefer a Bible reading plan covering a broader scope, Ligonier Ministries has some great plans to consider. If you prefer a deeper dive into a smaller portion of Scripture, then I recommend picking up any of Reading the Bible with John Stott guides. A good place to start is Stott’s Sermon on the Mount study to coincide with our sermon series this winter. May we be committed to leaning into and drinking deeply from God’s Word in 2021 as we grow in our love for God and others.
In Him,
Rev. Tom Haugen | Pastor
Friday, November 20, 2020 Great is Thy Faithfulness!
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1
Dear ELMO Family,
As we approach Thanksgiving this year everything is very different. However, even in the middle of a pandemic God is sovereign, loving and good, and we can still be thankful. In the Scriptures, we’re not told to give thanks for everything, but we are told to give thanks in everything. I am so thankful for each of you and the opportunity to do life together in the good and the hard times. This Sunday we’re exploring what it looks like to give thanks every day in all circumstances. I hope you’re able to join us for Church in the Courtyard or via livestream at 10AM.
Santa Barbara County is now in the purple tier which means we can still gather outside in the courtyard for worship, but we are not allowed to go inside or have congregational singing. Musical worship will still play a central role in our worship gatherings, but those hymns of praise will be sung by our worship team while we quietly reflect on the richness of God’s character. As a reminder, if you’re attending Church in the Courtyard, please RSVP, do a health check before you come, wear a mask, and maintain six feet of distance at all times. A livestream option is still available. And remember, for church at home, worship resources for your kids and youth and a worship bulletin are also available for download online.
Please keep an eye on your mailbox for an Advent Scripture reading plan bookmark along with a newsletter updating us on all the many reasons to give thanks for the good work God is doing in and through the ELMO family.
During this challenging season, let’s remember to be thankful for God’s goodness and love each and every day. I am so very thankful for each of you and the ways you shine Jesus brightly to all ends of the earth!
In Him,
Rev. Tom Haugen | Pastor
Monday, October 22, 2020
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Dear ELMO Family,
As the account of Joseph’s life in Genesis 37-50 reminds us, we may not see the big picture, but we love and trust our God who does. No matter what mess rages here on this planet, no matter what global, national or personal situation is causing us anxiety, God is in control. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
We need to make wise choices, get involved in the community and vote, but we also need to pray! Now more than ever we need to be on our knees. Please join me in the ELMO Courtyard on Thursday, October 22, at 8:30-9:00AM or 5:30-6:00PM for a time of prayer for our nation. Let’s be anxious for nothing and fall on our knees in prayer.
Please join us for Church in the Courtyard on Sunday, October 25, at 10:00AM as we complete our “Cup o’ Joe – God’s Providence and Promises” sermon series. If you are attending, please RSVP by going to our website or click here now. Consider inviting a friend to Church in Courtyard and know children are welcome to attend the worship gathering, which will include interactive activities for them, and the playground is open with parent supervision and social distancing. Thank you in advance for wearing a mask, social distancing and not moving any chairs when you arrive. Your safety and that of your neighbor is a priority when we gather. Please bring a hat, blanket or water to remain comfortable while we’re outside.
Also, we have a Livestream option for our Church in the Courtyard at 10:00AM! Visit our website www.emopres.org for the Livestream and Worship Guide.
In Him,
Tom
Thursday, September 10, 2020
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure. Psalm 16:8-9
Dear ELMO Family,
We will begin our sermon series called “Cup o’ Joe,” God’s Providence and Promises – Genesis 37-50 on Sunday, September 13th.
The Bible begins with Adam, Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but no person in the book of Genesis gets as much attention as Joseph. Nearly one-third of the book is dedicated to the life story of this young dreamer with the colorful coat. Joseph’s journey points us to a deeper trust in God’s providence and promises, lessons in resiliency, insights into living lives of integrity and a beautiful picture of the forgiveness and restoration that comes through Jesus Christ. This fall let’s drink from the “Cup o’ Joe” as we see God’s hope shine brightly in the darkest circumstance. I’ve attached a preaching schedule and Bible reading plan to guide us through Genesis over the next seven weeks.
Please join me in praying for the safety of the firefighters and the protection of lives and property up and down the West Coast.
In Him,
Tom
Thursday, August 6, 2020 Call to Prayer – All In – Church in the Courtyard
Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2
Dear ELMO Family,
Please join me in praying for the people of Beirut, Lebanon after the horrific explosion devastated a country already struggling with COVID-19, an economic crisis, political turmoil, and natural disasters. This article, written by Pastor Marwan Aboul-Zelof in Beirut, helps us better understand how to pray for the people of Beirut.
We are continuing our Scattered Together worship gatherings as we begin a new sermon series called, “All In – Unexpected Encounters with Jesus.” In Luke’s Gospel we’ll explore how everything changes for a group of seasoned fishermen, a paralyzed man and his four friends, a Roman soldier, a tax collector and a couple of people out for a walk when they encounter Jesus. These unexpected encounters remind us that God is still in the business of transforming lives.
Starting on Sunday, August 23 at 10AM, we’re beginning Church in the Courtyard in addition to the Scattered Together worship gatherings. These Church in the Courtyard outdoor gatherings will have limited capacity, require reservations, masks, social distancing and other measures to ensure our safety as we gather. Stay tuned for more information about Church in the Courtyard!
We are all acutely aware of the disruption COVID-19 has caused in our lives on almost every level, including how we worship the Lord together as a body. Let me encourage you to continue actively participating in ELMO’s Scattered Together worship gatherings, caring for each other in tangible ways, giving of your time, talents and resources in serving the Lord and attending or starting small group gatherings (virtually or in person outdoors with proper precautions). Also, we are in the process of creating a fall Bible study to coincide with our next sermon series and encourage small group gatherings. I am praying for you to be the salt and light of Christ and am so grateful for your partnership in God’s work at ELMO and beyond. May we continue trusting completely in God’s sovereign hand to guide us through this challenging season.
In Him,
Tom
Thursday, July 30, 2020 Unexpected Encounters
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Dear ELMO Family,
When I first started hiking in Montana I was warned there are two types of bears I might encounter in the wild, black bears and grizzly bears. If you unexpectedly encounter a bear while hiking, the locals said the best way to tell the difference between a black bear and a grizzly bear is to climb a tree. If it’s a black bear, it will climb the tree and eat you. If it’s a grizzly bear it will knock the tree down and eat you. Not exactly reassuring advice!
When we moved to Santa Barbara a year ago, I thought we were far away from bears, but it turns out there’s at least one black bear right here in Montecito. Earlier this week the Birnam Wood’s security camera showed a magnificent black bear lumbering by the front gate. Let’s hope we don’t have any unexpected encounters with this Montecito bear, but if you do at least you know how to tell the difference between a black bear and a grizzly bear!
During the past few months we have faced unexpected encounters not necessarily with wildlife but with the wild uncertainties and consequences of a global pandemic. None of us could have predicted the impact of COVID-19 on every area of our lives. Yes, we are adapting and making the best out of a difficult and challenging season, but it was all very unexpected.
Sometimes unexpected encounters have a way of drawing us closer to Jesus. That was certainly the case for some men and women in the gospel of Luke. An unexpected encounter with Jesus changed the whole trajectory of their lives. A group of seasoned fishermen, a paralyzed man and his four friends, a Roman soldier, a tax collector and a couple of people out for a walk encounter Jesus and everything changes. God is still in the business of changing lives. We’ve seen this to be true in the story of Ruth and Naomi. We’ll see it again in the book of Luke during the next five-week sermon series, “Unexpected Encounters with Jesus.” And may we experience God redeeming and transforming the trajectory of our lives, too, as we encounter Jesus!
We hope to offer an in-person worship gathering in the ELMO courtyard starting soon. These outdoor gatherings will require reservations, masks, social distancing and other measures to ensure our safety as we gather. We’ll send out more information as it becomes available. Finally, please know the ELMO Elders and I are always available for prayer, counseling or to talk. Outside space is a great, safe place for a chat and prayer (minus the bears). I would love to connect with you in person!
Thanks for your continued prayers and support as we trust Jesus through this and all seasons of life.
In Him,
Tom
Sunday, June 7, 2020 – 10:25 ELMO Connection
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Dear ELMO Family,
In 2004 when Lauri and I first moved to Switzerland we were in the “honeymoon” stage of living in another culture for about the first six months. Everything was new, everything was different, the food, the view, the currency, the language, the road signs, and everything was an exciting adventure. Yes, the Swiss culture and language barrier created some interesting moments. There was the time I went into the bathroom clearly marked in vertical letters, D.A.M.E.N. Da men, that’s me! No, it was actually, da women’s room…Oops! Or the time I asked a woman at a playground in my best Swiss German, “please don’t smoke near my child.” But what I actually said was “you shouldn’t smoke while you are pregnant.” She wasn’t pregnant…Oops!
Once the polish and shine of our cross-cultural experience wore off, we started feeling moments of loneliness, waves of homesickness, and we missed the familiarity and ease we had in our home country. In order to survive for the long haul, we needed a coping strategy. So, we instituted a rule in our house that we couldn’t say anything critical about living cross culturally without saying ten things we were grateful for about life in Switzerland. Ten “attaboys” for every grumble is a pretty good strategy for thriving in this world. We decided to intentionally cultivate gratitude. Without fail our Swiss friends would tell us how much they appreciated our gratitude for their culture which in turn helped build bridges for relationships and ministry.
Gratitude has never been needed more than right now. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude begins at the cross of Christ. For followers of Christ, gratitude begins with an acknowledgement that we have been forgiven more than we could ever have paid. At the cross God proclaims we cannot save ourselves. At the foot of the cross we are all sinners in need of forgiveness. At the cross we see clearly that everything is a gift from God. God’s love came to us in the form of Jesus Christ, our living and risen Savior. Everything we have is a gift from God. Those who have been forgiven much, love much.
So, how do we cultivate an attitude of gratitude in the midst of our challenging life circumstances? Some devout Jewish people in the first century understood the value of cultivating gratitude. They had a practice called “the eighteen benedictions a day.” Bene is Latin for “good” and diction is Latin for “word.” In the morning they would thank God for eighteen things, at noon they would thank God for eighteen things, in the evening they would thank God for eighteen things. They did this because they understood the importance of cultivating gratitude. Listing eighteen things, three times a day may seem like a lot, but how about three things a day? For many years now I’ve kept a gratitude journal. I write down three things every day I am grateful for in my journal. This practice helps me to foster an attitude of gratitude.
Before having children, I never really noticed playgrounds. Then, Melia was born, and playgrounds suddenly started popping up all over Switzerland. It’s not that the Swiss government went out and started building playgrounds for my daughter in the villages we were visiting. That would have been cool! The playgrounds were always there, but my mind wasn’t primed to notice playgrounds until I had my own heat seeking playground finder with me, my daughter. In the same way, we can cultivate gratitude by priming our minds to think about things that make us grateful.
It turns out that cultivating an attitude of gratitude is also really good for us. In a recent Psychology Today article, after years of research, they listed some of the benefits of gratitude.
- Gratitude facilitates contentment – you want to be satisfied with your life cultivate gratitude.
- Gratitude promotes physical health – lower blood pressure, fewer illnesses and less bothered by aches and pains.
- Gratitude enhances sleep – want to sleep better, cultivate gratitude.
- Gratitude strengthens relationships – grateful people are more connected and have deeper lasting friendships.
- Gratitude encourages paying it forward – grateful people are more compassionate, generous and helpful which then spills over to others.
I believe the surest way to bless others and to thrive in the midst of any circumstance is to cultivate gratitude. This takes work but it is well worth the effort. So, let’s continue to cultivate an attitude of gratitude as we love and serve Jesus Christ in all circumstances.
I am so grateful for each one of you and am praying for you as we cling tightly to Christ at the foot of the cross during this challenging season.
If you haven’t already joined us for our Scattered Together worship gathering, I encourage you to do so. And, as always, please prayerfully pass these links along to family, friends and neighbors both near and far.
In Him,
Tom
Saturday, June 6, 2020 – 10:25 ELMO Connection
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10
Dear ELMO Family,
We are all aware that things on the kingdom of earth are broken, but Scripture is clear that God has a plan. It is called the Kingdom of God. In the four Gospels Jesus speaks of “God’s Kingdom” over 80 times in the 89 chapters. That’s a lot of God’s kingdom. Through Jesus Christ, God brought the Kingdom of God to the kingdom of earth. Up there has come down here!
Dallas Willard says the “The Kingdom of God is God reigning. It is present wherever what God wants done is done. It is the range of God’s effective will.” The Kingdom of God is where everything is precisely the way God wants it to be. God has brought his Kingdom, up there, down here through Jesus Christ, but we live in the very real tension of the up there, down here collision. We are living in the “now and not yet” of God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
Exactly seventy-six years ago, on June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy in France to begin their advance against Hitler. D-Day was the beginning of the end for Hitler and the Nazi reign of terror. In a sense, the war was over the moment the allied troops landed in France and started advancing towards Germany, but the battle was far from over. Victory in Europe, VE-Day, didn’t happen untilMay 7, 1945. Right now, in God’s Kingdom we are living in the time between D-Day and VE-Day.
Up there came down here when, as Jesus proclaims in John 3:16, God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead Satan was defeated. God’s victory over death, hell and evil was a done deal. But, the work to establish God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven continues today through Jesus’ followers.
We live in the between times – the already, but not quite yet and I know we all feel that tension in very tangible ways. That is why, as followers of Jesus Christ we are called to be agents of advancing God’s Kingdom on earth. We’re called to bring up there, down here through the ways we love God and love our neighbors and by proclaiming the hope of Jesus Christ in tangible ways to a lost and hurting world.
A day is coming when as Revelation 21:4 promises, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Until that day, my prayer for each one of us is for the strength to live courageously for God’s glory and renown in this fallen world so God’s Kingdom comes, and his will is done down here as it is up there. May we show the world what things look like when God’s Kingdom is unleashed on earth as it is in heaven.
Over eighty days ago when the COVID-19 quarantines began we started the ELMO 10:25 Connection. Hebrews 10:25 encourages followers of Christ to “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing.” We didn’t give up! Every day for the past 83 days we’ve stayed connected to each other through the sharing of God’s Word, testimonies, reflections, prayers, joys, and challenges.
During the past few months we’ve embodied the truth that church can’t be canceled, worship can’t be canceled, God’s amazing love, protection, care and grace is never canceled, and loving God and our neighbors is never canceled. Yes, these past few months have been challenging, but I have loved seeing each one of you show the world what true love for God and neighbor looks like in action. We’ve brought up there down here and it’s been a joy getting to know you all better during this time, and I am so grateful for your attention as you’ve gotten to know me and my family, as well.
The ELMO reopening campus team and staff are working hard to comply with all of the state regulations to safely reopen our campus. We want to love and serve everyone well in the ELMO family from the youngest to oldest. We want to honor the safety of our community and congregation, and we don’t want to risk being a source of infection. We are monitoring the situation carefully, and we will keep you updated. If the COVID-19 situation and regulations allow, we are hoping to meet for worship in the fellowship hall and courtyard for two worship gatherings with all the doors wide open on Sunday, July 12, 2020. We’ll send you more information about the reopening requirements and what things will look like as we meet in person for worship. Thank you for your continued prayers, patience, grace and continued financial support during this challenging season.
On Monday, June 8, 2020, I am taking my study leave and some vacation time to work on completing my PhD dissertation. I appreciate your prayers and support during these four weeks of focused writing. There won’t be any more daily 10:25 ELMO Connection emails after tomorrow. We will continue providing the Scattered Together order of worship with some wonderful guest preachers over the next four weeks.
Here is the link this week’s Scattered Together worship gathering, and I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow at 11:00AM for our Zoom congregational meeting as we thank our outgoing Deacons and Elders and welcome and vote to approve two new Deacons and one new Elder!
In Him,
Tom
Friday, June 5, 2020 – 10:25 ELMO Connection
So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:11
Dear ELMO Family,
In his novel, A River Runs Through It Norman Maclean writes, “In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing. We lived at the junction of great trout rivers in western Montana, and our father was a Presbyterian minister and a fly fisherman who tied his own flies and taught others. He told us about Christ’s disciples being fishermen, and we were left to assume, as my brother and I did, that all first-class fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were fly fishermen and that John, the favorite, was a dry-fly fisherman.”
As much as I love fly-fishing, the fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were not fly fishermen and John, “the favorite,” was not a dry-fly fisherman. We know for sure Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen. The job of a fisherman was not easy. In the first century by the Sea of Galilee, fishermen worked year-round in the heat of summer and the cold of winter, often at night. Fishermen were a tough group of people accustomed to working long and difficult hours.
There were three commercial fishing methods used in the first century on the Sea of Galilee. The seine method used a single layer dragnet. There were weights on the bottom and floats on the top of the net so it could be dragged out from shore and then back. The cast net method used a circular net about 15-20 feet across with weights around its circumference. The net was thrown into the water from a boat or shore in a circular motion and retrieved again with the catch trapped inside the net. The trammel net was the biggest of the three net methods. The trammel net was made of three layers connected at the top with a rope. There was cork on the top of the net and weights on the bottom of the net. The outer layers of net were the same size with wide openings and the inner net was a fine mesh. The net was used at night because it was big and highly visible to the fish during the day. The net was dropped like a wall by two boats, and then fish were scared into the net by the fishermen beating on the bottom of their boats or upon the water. It was a huge job to haul the net ashore, disentangle the fish, sort them, and repair the many breaks in the net.
I am pretty sure in Luke 5:1-11 the disciples were using the trammel method of fishing. We’re told these fishermen worked hard all night without catching any fish, and now they were on shore repairing their nets. As they worked on their nets, they listened to Jesus teach. After Jesus finished teaching, he told them to, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” But the sun was shining now, and everyone knew you can’t catch fish during the day with a trammel net. Probably reluctantly, and with exhaustion evident in his voice Peter says, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” They obeyed and “caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break.”
This is a record-breaking daytime catch for these guys! Because of the way they were fishing, they knew this was a miracle, and Jesus was no ordinary rabbi. Peter’s response was bold and immediate. He fell on his face in the pile of fish at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” Jesus pulled Peter up on his feet and said, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”
We know the rest of the story, these seasoned fishermen “pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Jesus overcomes Peter’s deep sense of fear and unworthiness with a call to service. And, Jesus still does the same thing for you and me today. I am so grateful Jesus doesn’t run away from sinners, but he seeks us out and recruits us to go and win other sinners to himself. According to Jesus’ own words in Luke 19:10, he came “to seek and to save the lost.” These men left the biggest catch of their lives to follow Jesus. In this account “followed” is an expression signifying the deepest inward attachment. Leaving everything and following Jesus is still the essence of discipleship. Being a disciple means dying to ourselves, learning from Jesus and following him so closely we’re covered in the dust of the rabbi. In God’s kingdom we’re called to devote the entirety of our lives to following our King. This is our joy and privilege!
As we follow Jesus today and every day let’s continue worshiping our King together as one. Here’s a link to our Sunday, June 7, 2020 Scattered Together order of worship and a copy is attached to this email as well.
In Him,
Tom
Friday, March 13, 2020
Dear ELMO Family,
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
As I said in my previous email, this is a changing situation we are continuously monitoring. In accordance with the most recent California Department of Public Health’s recommendation, and after speaking with some medical experts, the Elders and I have decided that the best course of action to take is to not meet together as usual on Sunday morning through the end of March. This includes Adult and Children’s education, the morning worship gathering and all scheduled activities. While we do not have more than 250 people gathering at ELMO, we do not have the ability to comply with the state recommended six feet of distance between people in our gatherings. We do not take this decision lightly but believe this is the wisest course of action for our congregation. This decision is not driven out of fear but out of a desire to love one another and our community.
We will re-evaluate the situation at the end of March and prayerfully decide how best to proceed for April gatherings and the Easter season. We would appreciate your help communicating this information to those not on the ELMO email list.
The Staff and I will be at ELMO on Sunday morning to greet and direct anyone who may not receive this notification. We don’t have the ability to live stream our worship gatherings, but we would like to encourage you to spend time worshiping with your family and friends in smaller groups, if possible. Also, here is a link to the most recent ECO National Gathering for some solid biblical teaching and preaching. I encourage you to continue utilizing the Biola Lenten devotional and spending time in God’s Word.
During these days, please join me in praying for those who are infected with the coronavirus in our world. Pray for those who are anxious during this unprecedented time. Pray for those on the frontlines caring for the sick to not fall ill. Pray for a cure and vaccines. Pray for protection among people who are at higher risk. Pray for open doors to boldly share the hope we have in Christ during this pandemic. Pray for leaders to have wisdom as they make difficult decisions.
I am praying for you all and am so thankful for partnership in God’s work. We recognize that the church is not a building, it is people. We are created for community and “social distancing” creates anxiety and loneliness. The Elders and I are beginning the process of brainstorming unique ways to be the Body of Christ together during these challenging days. I want to encourage you to pray, trust in God’s unfailing love and look for ways to love and serve the people around you in the name of Jesus Christ. No matter what rages around us God is still on the throne, reigning and in control.
Gather Around the Stories Jesus Told – February 2020
Dear ELMO Family,
“…so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:4
We all love a good story! When my daughters hear me say, “Once upon a time,” their eyes light up and they come running! Nothing grabs us like a good story. Stories capture our imaginations, create new possibilities and stick like Velcro in our memories. Stories wake us from our slumber and move us. My daughters have never climbed onto my lap and said, “Daddy, tell me some facts.” It’s always, “Daddy, tell me a story.”
Jesus, the creator of stories, understood the power of story. The stories Jesus crafted and told are called parables. A parable is a story that drives home a point with a familiar illustration from everyday life. A parable is a fictional story with a real-life punch! Jesus’ parables are some of the best known and most influential stories in the world. Jesus was a master storyteller. His stories are creative, powerful, and engaging. These stories take the ordinary and make it unforgettable. Lost coins, lost sheep, and lost sons. Treasures buried in a field, pearls, and mustard seeds. People left for dead on the side of the road, mean bosses or building bigger barns stick with us. Jesus’ stories entertain us, shock us, move us, motivate us and help transform our lives from the inside out. Over the next few weeks at ELMO, let’s gather around and listen to some of the stories Jesus told in the Gospel of Luke.
In Him,
Tom
Advent Week 4, Love – Week of December 22nd, 2019
Dear Elmo Family,
This advent, join us on a four week journey using the advent video series from The Bible Project. The Bible project is an animation studio started by two college roommates from Multnomah Bible College with the goal to create free videos to help people from all backgrounds understand the unified story of the Bible. I believe you will find their visual story-telling both engaging and transformative!
“For centuries, Christians around the world have used the four weeks leading up to Christmas to prepare themselves for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It’s a time when we observe his first coming while we also look forward to his second coming. Each of the four weeks leading up to Advent is focused on hope, peace, joy, and love respectively” – The Bible Project
Watch: Agape / Love
Overview: The word “love” is one of the sloppiest words in our language, as it primarily refers to a feeling that happens to a person. In the New Testament, “love” refers to a way of treating people that was defined by Jesus himself: seeking the well-being of others regardless of their response.
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15
In Him,
Tom
Advent Week 3, Joy – Week of December 15th, 2019
Dear Elmo Family,
This advent, join us on a four week journey using the advent video series from The Bible Project. The Bible project is an animation studio started by two college roommates from Multnomah Bible College with the goal to create free videos to help people from all backgrounds understand the unified story of the Bible. I believe you will find their visual story-telling both engaging and transformative!
“For centuries, Christians around the world have used the four weeks leading up to Christmas to prepare themselves for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It’s a time when we observe his first coming while we also look forward to his second coming. Each of the four weeks leading up to Advent is focused on hope, peace, joy, and love respectively” – The Bible Project
Watch: Chara/Joy
Overview: In this video, we explore the unique type of joy to which God’s people are called. It’s more than happy mood, but rather a choice to trust that God will fulfill his promises.
In Him,
Tom
Advent Week 2, Peace – Week of December 8th, 2019
Dear Elmo Family,
This advent, join us on a four week journey using the advent video series from The Bible Project. The Bible project is an animation studio started by two college roommates from Multnomah Bible College with the goal to create free videos to help people from all backgrounds understand the unified story of the Bible. I believe you will find their visual story-telling both engaging and transformative!
“For centuries, Christians around the world have used the four weeks leading up to Christmas to prepare themselves for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It’s a time when we observe his first coming while we also look forward to his second coming. Each of the four weeks leading up to Advent is focused on hope, peace, joy, and love respectively” – The Bible Project
Watch: Shalom / Peace
Overview: ”Peace” is a very common word in English, that means different things to different people. It’s also a very important word in the Bible that refers not only to the absence of conflict but also to the presence of something else. In this video, we’ll explore the core meaning of biblical peace and how it all leads to Jesus.
In Him,
Tom
Advent Week 1, Hope – Week of December 1st, 2019
Dear Elmo Family,
This advent, join us on a four week journey using the advent video series from The Bible Project. The Bible project is an animation studio started by two college roommates from Multnomah Bible College with the goal to create free videos to help people from all backgrounds understand the unified story of the Bible. I believe you will find their visual story-telling both engaging and transformative!
“For centuries, Christians around the world have used the four weeks leading up to Christmas to prepare themselves for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It’s a time when we observe his first coming while we also look forward to his second coming. Each of the four weeks leading up to Advent is focused on hope, peace, joy, and love respectively” – The Bible Project.
Watch this video: Yakhal – Hope
Overview: “In the Bible people who have hope are very different from optimists! In this video, we’ll explore how biblical hope looks to God’s character alone as a basis for trusting that the future will be better than the present.”
In Him,
Tom
Beautiful Feet on the Little Mountain – November 2019
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7
Dear Elmo Family,
I am a big fan of the mountains and come by my passion honestly. My Norwegian surname, Haugen, even means hill dweller. I grew up in the shadow of Mount Rainier and relished those few weeks a year when the clouds lifted, and you could view Rainier’s 14,000-foot snow-capped summit. If you’ve spent time in the mountains, you know the feelings of awe and grandeur mountains evoke. Somehow, our Creator God feels near when we stand on a mountain peak high above the valleys below. I went on to marry a mountain girl from the Rockies of Montana and now we’re teaching our kids to love the mountains, as well. I am so thankful God brought me back to a place with mountains. I get to be a hill dweller, again. Did you know that Montecito in Spanish means “little mountain?” The majesty of the mountains to our north and the ocean to our south in Santa Barbara stirs my soul with its beauty.
There’s a reason when people experience God in a very tangible way it is called a “mountaintop experience.” In the Bible mountains are often places where God encounters his people, transforms them, and sends them back to the people in the valley with His message. God met Noah, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Peter, James and John on the mountain tops. The most famous sermon ever preached by Jesus, the Sermon on the Mount, was delivered on a mountain. God loves to reveal himself in the mountains. And, the greatest revelation of God’s love to this world came on the mountain of crucifixion. God truly meets us in the mountains.
We live among people who could use a mountain-top experience. They long for a message of peace and good tidings in the valley of confusion and suffering. Isaiah 52:7 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” Victory over every oppression may be found in God who reigns. So, people of the “little mountain,” consider your beautiful feet! Proclaim salvation found in Christ as you encourage others to lift their eyes up to the hills and see that their “help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2).
In Him,
Tom
31 for 31 Proverbs Challenge for October 2019
If anyone lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
Dear Elmo Family,
Thousands of years ago there was a young man in his early 20’s who was placed in a position of great authority. Young Solomon was the newly installed king of a great nation, God’s chosen nation, Israel. 1 Kings chapter three describes how Solomon inaugurated his reign as king of Israel by offering 1000 burnt offerings to the LORD. Solomon didn’t do anything small.
After making these offerings, the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon could have asked for anything. Power, wealth, health! What would you ask for? A bank account full of money? A Ford F350 Super Duty Pickup with a 6.7L 4 Valve Power Stroke V8 diesel engine? A trip to Hawaii? Everlasting youth? Presidential powers? A Nobel Peace Prize? Solomon could have asked God for anything, but he asked for wisdom. Specifically, Solomon asked God for wisdom to serve and lead God’s people well.
God was really pleased with Solomon! What parent wouldn’t be pleased with that answer? God said to Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12, “I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.”
Godly wisdom is the ability to make right decisions that honor God and move us toward His purposes in life. Like Solomon, we need God’s wisdom daily, even moment by moment. We need to dig deep into God’s Word together as a community to glean God’s wisdom. And, I can’t think of a book in the Bible with a more concentrated dose of godly wisdom than Proverbs.
Together, let’s take the 31 for 31 Proverbs Challenge during the month of October. The 31 for 31 Proverbs Challenge is fairly simple, read all 31 chapters of Proverbs during the 31 days of October. This is a challenge we can invite our children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors, co-workers and others to join us in, as well. Imagine the conversations this could spark!
If you’d like some encouragement on your journey through Proverbs, I invite you to watch this overview of Proverbs from The Bible Project. Or, if you’d like an artistic aid to help with journaling what you learn, check out the ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal.
I believe nothing has a greater impact on our spiritual growth than deep reflection on Scripture. So, this October let’s slow down, pray, listen to God, journal, and adventure together through the book of Proverbs.
In Him,
Tom
Last Updated: September 2019
Because of the LORD’S great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Dear Elmo Family,
There is something so wonderful about new. A new pair of shoes, a new car, a new friend, a newborn baby, a new pastor, a new job and a new start. Over the past month we’ve all experienced new in very real and wonderful ways.
The sign in front of Annie and Jocelyn’s new school that reads, “I do believe it is time for another adventure,” says it best. We’re ready for the adventure of partnering with you as we participate in the good work God is doing in the Elmo community and beyond. May we adventure forward following Jesus, as we love, connect, care and serve for His glory and renown.
When we say yes to following Jesus it’s always time for another adventure. With Christ in our lives there’s always something “about to happen.” Always an Adventure!
I look forward to celebrating my installation as the new Pastor of El Montecito Presbyterian with you this Sunday, September 22nd at 4:00 pm.
In Him,
Tom
