During the next few months I will be finishing up the Sabbatical study I have undertaken for 2008.  My topic is "Genuine and On-Going Spiritual Transformation".

The reason for this study has been the wonderful privilege I have had through the years here in Levittown of watching God's children become "new creations" in Christ.  It has been awe inspiring to watch the Holy Spirit take self-centered, egotistical and unfaithful people and slowly transform them into growing Christians.  Since I have been in the same church for over 30 years now I have been able to watch children grow-up from birth into adulthood, and to see the growth of their faith and depth of commitment through all those stages of life.

However, I am spiritually greedy.  I want more for all of us.  I want to know how to take the giant leaps of spiritual growth that we see resulting from revivals and retreats translate into giant and never-ending leaps of faith for the whole church.  I don't want to leave people feeling, as one of my congregants has put it, "After our retreats I feel as though someone has given me a great tool kit, a little bit of instruction, and then dropped me off in a parking lot filled with broken down cars that I am now supposed to fix."

In my reading and studying on this topic I have learned that I am not the first to ask the question of how we translate revival fervor into long-term and lasting spiritual growth.  It was a question that occupied a great deal of John Knox's and Jonathan Edward's time.  It is also an issue that nagged at St. John of the Cross and C.S.Lewis.

So now I want to hear from you!  Write to me (karimcclellan@comcast.net) and let me know what you think spiritual transformation is ... and what has been your most transforming experience in life ... and what has been the greatest barrier in your spiritual journey.  If you are one of those who has lost all faith in Jesus and His Church, please tell me why.  If you feel as though you are in a "spiritual rut", please describe your rut to me and let me know why you think you're stuck there.

There is so much for us to learn together and I will be covering the results of our study in the sermons to come!

Yours in Christ,

Kari McClellan

Pastor's Notes

This church firmly believes that Jesus Christ alone is the one true Lord and Savior of the whole world.  Jesus is the only Son of the living God and He suffered and died on the cross so that all of our sins might be forgiven.  Then, on the third day, this same Jesus rose again from the dead to conquer death for you and for me.  Today, this Jesus is alive and at work in the world, bringing His power and love to bear on all of life.  This Jesus travels the road of life ahead of us, prepares us for all we are to face, strengthens, helps and guides us so that we might emerge victorious from every trial and know abundant living each and every day.

This is the message we proclaim in all we do and say here.

The Senior Pastor of this church has signed the covenant to become a part of the Presbyterian Global Fellowship - an organization of churches seeking a way forward in the midst of the controversy which is threatening to tear apart the PC(USA).  Our goal is not to create division, nor is it to run away from the conflict that rages within the Church of Jesus Christ today.  Our goal is to take our eyes off the junk around us and focus on Jesus, His will, His way, and His mission in this world.  To that end we confess anew the Reformed Faith of our Fathers and Mothers, we renew our commitment to serving Jesus Christ faithfully with every breath we take, and we covenant together to keep on growing and going in His name.   

This church is in partnership with Presbyterians Pro-Life, which is a ministry  to those who have lost babies through miscarriage, still birth, or even abortion.  This ministry reaches out to all of God's children who mourn for their deceased children with comfort, counsel, and spiritual support.  

This church is in partnership with One-By-One, a ministry to those who are struggling with their sexuality.  This ministry proclaims the forgiveness and healing power of the living Christ which is available to all of God's children in their times of confusion and need.                                                                                                                           

Are you lonely or are you excited about the people and possibilities the Lord is continually placing in your life?

Do you feel as though there isn't any place on this planet that you really belong or are you a part of a church home and family that loves and supports you?

Do you wonder why the Lord created you and placed you here at this point in time or are you living the purpose-filled life He intends?

Whatever your feelings at this moment, we have a home and a family for you. Jesus Himself is waiting to meet with you, answer your cries for help, give you even more joy in your life and give you new dreams and visions.  Come join us to experience all the living Christ has to offer you!

If you haven't experienced the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in your life, we invite you to come forward after a worship service so that the Elders of the church might pray with you and help you to receive the wonderful gift that Jesus offers all who believe in Him.  There is no reason for you to try to make it on your own and relying only on your strength, wisdom and abilities.  There is a helper available!