_THE_LATEST_TESTER – Moorpark Presbyterian Church

Made To Love

February 25, 2021

Singer-Songwriter Toby Mac, in his hit song “Made to Love,” sings about how we were created to love God, find Him, adore Him and are made just for Him. And he also reminds us that we were made to be loved by God.

Our God didn’t us create us to be robotic machines that just do His bidding and have no say in the matter. He didn’t want to be just another idol in our lives. He wanted a two-way relationship with us. He wants us to love Him and He wants to love us right back. And through that love, He has called us to communicate that love to one another showing the relationship that is available to all who let Him in to love them back.

How much does God love us? Well, Scripture tells us this, “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. (John 3:16 The Message)

I love our congregation so very much. And this is why…because we are full of people who love. This church family loves…loves God and His son, Jesus…they live lives that show their understanding of how God loves them through all phases and facets of life…they love one another…love the people in their communities who they don’t even know…and this church family loves and demonstrates that love through many different acts of service at this church, in our own families, with our friends, in their neighborhoods, and in their communities…even a pandemic has not stopped the work of the people of God who do this work in love.

Circling back, here’s what we need to remember: We were made to love…God made us to love and be loved by Him…He made us to love others every day and through that relational love to express the love God has for each and every one of us. This is how we obey the commandments of Jesus and live out the Gospel messages.

Bonnie Boe, Commissioned Lay Pastor, (805) 529-8422, x2

Blood Drive At MPC-March 13, 2021

February 25, 2021

Please consider signing up to give blood. All safety protocols are followed; masks and distancing required. Your time and generosity will save lives.

Deacon Spotlight-Paul Krueger

February 25, 2021

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Simi Valley, Ca, so I did not settle too far from where I was raised.
Hobbies? Favorite vacation spot(s)? I enjoy camping, fishing, and surfing. My favorite vacation spots are Jalama Beach and June Lake.
What’s your role and why do you like being a deacon? Deacon Moderator. As a deacon for 6 years, I have enjoyed the people I have met and connections I have made with them which has brought me closer to God.
Our family has been at MPC for the past 15 years. We really enjoy the people of MPC and how much this church feels like a family.
My wife Amy and I have been married for 20 years. Amy and I have two children, Rose (16) and Vin (13).
Favorite ice cream? Vanilla. You can always get vanilla anywhere you go.

TNT Celebrates With Pancakes

February 25, 2021

TNT (Tuesday Nights Together: K-5th grade) resumed this past week with a celebration of Shrove Tuesday. When the “shroven bell” was rung, people in the village would come to the center of town to repent and bring any perishable food they would be fasting from during Lent. The perishable foods would be combined into a shared pancake supper.

To keep things safe and socially distanced during Covid, each child had their own pre-packaged pancake supper. Instead of our usual pancake races, each child made a clay pancake and practiced flipping them in their paper plate “frying pans”.

During this season of Lent, the children will be adding special prayer time to their day with the help of their Prayer Bear.

To learn more about Children’s Ministry at MPC, click HERE or email the director, Gwen Smith.

“Faith And…” Series

February 25, 2021

“Faith and…” Faith in Christ and four timely topics

Sundays, February 28 and March 7, 14, and 21 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. on Zoom.

Join First Presbyterian Church of Oxnard on four Sunday evenings in Lent as they explore how faith in our Lord Jesus Christ intersects with topics relevant to life and ministry in today’s world.

This series is hosted by the Presbytery of Santa Barbara’s Church in the World Committee along with First Presbyterian Church of Oxnard and Church at The Collection.

Faith and Justice
Sunday, February 28, from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Join Zoom meeting: bit.ly/churchonzoom
All are welcome at the table as we explore how we might more faithfully and imaginatively practice Biblical Gospel-centered justice in our local communities. Leader: Dr. Tracey Stringer, who led our recent “Rising to the Moment” project. Tracey will be joined by the Justice Team of New City Church newcitychurchla.com where Dr. Tracey is one of the pastors, and by Angel Mortel, who helps local congregations organize and equip their justice teams at LA Voice: www.lavoice.org

Faith and Politics
Sunday, March 7, from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Join Zoom meeting: bit.ly/churchonzoom
Join us in a conversation on the intersection of faith and politics in today’s world. Leaders: Rev. Mickey Fenn, The Way Station Community and Rev. Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer of Boulder, Colorado.

Faith and Conflict
Sunday, March 14, from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Join Zoom meeting: bit.ly/churchonzoom
Come to this time of exploring the nature of conflict as an expression of relationship anxiety. Learn how Matthew 18 shows us how to address conflict in such a way that prioritizes healing of the relationship and makes
litigating the conflict secondary. Leaders: Rev. Jen Fraser, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and Rev. Dr. Brad Munroe, Presbytery Executive of
Grand Canyon and DeCristo.

Faith and Christian Healing
Sunday, March 21 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Join Zoom meeting: bit.ly/churchonzoom
Would you like to learn more about the ministry of Christian healing? Let’s come together in the Holy Spirit for a time of worship, teaching, and prayer. Please encourage those in need of healing to attend; we’ll pray for
each person individually. Leaders: Rev. Ted Brandt, First Pres Oxnard and Reverend Canon Mark Pearson, Trinity Church, Kingston, NH. Mark, an Oxford graduate and clergyman for more than thirty years, is the cofounder of New Creation Healing Center in Plaistow, New Hampshire, which combines medicine, Biblical counseling, and prayer to minister to body, soul, and spirit. Mark is the author of numerous articles and four books including Christian Healing: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide, available on Amazon at bit.ly/christianhealing.

Gwen Smith’s Favorite Things

February 18, 2021

In this month that celebrates all things LOVE, here is a glimpse of some of my favorite things.

What I love and value most is my faith in God and the beautiful family He has blessed me with. I love that after almost 40 years of marriage (later this year), my husband Jeff can still surprise me and make me laugh. I love that our 3 adult children, now grown and flown, are my favorite humans!

While Jeff and I are adjusting to life as empty nesters, we are also about to become members of the exclusive club known as Grandparents. While our children continue to jockey for the position of favorite, and we assure them that they are each our favorite, clearly the one giving us a grandchild this Spring has an edge, (wink,wink).

Working in Children’s Ministries at MPC is a passion project. It doesn’t get any better than combining Jesus and sweet children! While thinking about what to share for this issue of The Latest, I was reminded of the many ways we each receive and show LOVE. I enjoy baking, crocheting and gardening and I love to share these things as a way to show someone I am thinking of them and that I care about them. But, I was reminded that everyone receives love differently and that I need to be mindful of how others feel loved and appreciated.

Then, I remembered the Love Languages books by Gary Chapman. Going to my bookcase I pulled down my copies of “The 5 Love Languages”; “The 5 Love Languages of Children” and “The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers”. To my surprise and delight, the quizzes we did as a family some 15 plus years ago came fluttering out of the books. If you have never done this exercise with your family, I highly recommend giving it a try. It was fascinating to hear and share how each member of our family felt most loved. We still reference this today. 

After 2 ½ years at MPC, I am still in awe of the way this faith community shows their love. I have felt appreciated and supported since day 1 and have witnessed each of you being the hands and feet of Jesus in your daily walks. Covid or not, the love of Jesus is alive and well at MPC.