• Monthly Letters to the Congregation
• Interim Pastor Baier's Letter of Introduction to the Congregation
• Pastor Dunlap's Letter of Retirement
• Pastor Dunlap's Farewell Letters to the Congregation

PASTOR'S MONTHLY LETTERS TO THE CONGREGATION


April 2008

“Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus…”  Philemon 1

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     In writing to Philemon, Paul identifies himself as a “prisoner of Jesus Christ.” Paul is literally in prison, a Roman prison. However, he sees himself as a captive of Jesus Christ.
     The Pew Research Center recently asked Protestants and Catholics if they perceived themselves as first Americans and then Christians, or as Christians and then Americans. Many of those interviewed were more captives of America than captives of Christ.
     Most of my life, I have not had to choose between country and savior. I am glad for this. Yet, I know that many times I have not sought “thy will be done.” Instead of writing “a prisoner of Jesus Christ,” my letters would be more accurate if I wrote: a prisoner of my own best ideas; a prisoner of what other people expect; a prisoner of what I think is realistic; a prisoner of my unwillingness to forgive; a prisoner of instant gratification. And this is just the short list.
     Through the death and resurrection of Christ, we are set free from all that makes us prisoners of lesser gods. Therefore, in life and in death, we remain a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

A Prisoner of Jesus Christ,

Rev. Dr. Charles H. Baier
Interim Pastor

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March 2008

Be Not Afraid

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     The world tells us to “be afraid.” Be afraid of terrorists. Be afraid of an economic downturn. Be afraid of what could happen. Be afraid of what they might do.
On the day of resurrection, the angels at the tomb bring the message, “Be not afraid.” After our Lord rose from the grave, his first words were, “Be not afraid.”
     “Jesus came to us to help us to overcome our fear of God. As long as we are afraid of God, we cannot love God. Love means intimacy, closeness, mutual vulnerability, and a deep sense of safety. But all of those are impossible as long as there is fear. Fear creates suspicion, distance, defensiveness and insecurity.” (Henri J.M. Nouwen, Bread for the Journey, A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith.)
     As we move through Lent and Holy Week with Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, the common thread is the message, “Be not afraid.” The message woven into all the fears of life is that because Jesus Christ has risen from the grave, we no longer have to fear anything: neither death nor life, nor angels, nor demons, nor the present, nor the future, nor anything else in all creation (Romans 8:38ff).
In a few short weeks, we will gather on Easter to proclaim, “He is Risen,” which is just another way of saying, “Be not afraid.”

In Christ’s Service,

Rev. Dr. Charles H. Baier
Interim Pastor

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February 2008

The Season of Lent

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     We may feel as if we just put away the Christmas tree as we enter the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday, February 6, 2008, is about as early as Lent can be in the church calendar.
     Of all the Christian seasons, Lent has probably been the most abused. At times, Lent has become a period of excessive introspection and forty days of denying oneself a few minor pleasures. Correction lies not in non-observance of Lent, but rather in the recovery of its rich tradition. Lent is to be a period of engagement with God, a renewal of commitment and prayer. In the early church, Lent became a time of preparation for baptism. Therefore, Lent is a time to remember and celebrate our baptism, a time to remember that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
     Lent looks forward to new life in Christ as we turn from sin and seek to be faithful disciples. Sober awareness of sin is appropriate, to be sure, but so is profound joy. I hope you will join me on Sundays and at the Wednesday evening Soup Suppers/Vesper Services as we hear again the call to take up our cross and follow Jesus.

In Christ’s Service,

Rev. Dr. Charles H. Baier
Interim Pastor

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January 2008

The Season of Epiphany

“God so loved the world that…” John 3:16

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     The church calendar begins with Advent, followed by Christmas and then Epiphany. Advent celebrates the promise that our Lord will appear again and Christmas celebrates the birth of the Messiah. Epiphany begins on January 6, 2008 and celebrates the manifestation of Christ to the nations. The Messiah of Israel is destined to be the savior of the world.
The Rev. Dr. Fred Cradock, professor of preaching and author of many books, explains how we can proclaim Christ as savior.
     When I was in my late teens, I wanted to be a preacher. When I was in my late twenties, I wanted to be a good preacher. Now that I am older, I want more than anything else to be a Christian. To live simply, to love generously, to speak truthfully, to serve faithfully, and to leave
everything else up to God.
     Each of us can substitute our profession for the word preacher. We choose a profession and work hard doing the best we can. However, our work is not finished until we learn “to live simply, to love generously, to speak truthfully, to serve faithfully, and to leave everything else up to God.” Doing this will reveal Christ to the world.

In Christ’s Service,

Rev. Dr. Charles H. Baier
Interim Pastor

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December 2007

God With Us

“But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we also live with him.” Romans 6:8

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     When wars, famines and typhoons continue to take away life, we wonder when God’s Kingdom will come. Can Jesus say anything more than what he said to the thief on the cross, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise”? Yet, if Jesus cannot say this, than what hope is there? Jesus does say, “Today you will be with me in paradise,” and he says it to a crucified criminal unable to render any service to God. This criminal can only trust the word of God’s only Son. And this he does.
T.S. Eliot, in his poem The Journey of the Magi, tells the story of the Magi journey to see the newborn savior of the world. Eliot’s poem reminds us that Christmas and Good Friday are not as different as we think.

Birth or Death? There was a Birth, certainly,
We had evidence and no doubt. I have seen birth and death,
But had thought they were different; this Birth was
Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death.

     In birth, God our creator becomes Emmanuel - God with us. The shadow of the cross falls across the child in the manger. His Birth leads to his Death, and his Death leads to our birth. “Today, you will be with me in paradise” is whispered from the manger and proclaimed from the cross.

In Christ’s Service,

Rev. Dr. Charles H. Baier
Interim Pastor

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November 2007

Service of Baptismal Renewal

“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     Come on Sunday, November 11, 2007, and once again celebrate your baptism into the death and resurrection of Christ your Lord. Come and reclaim the rich blessings of baptism knowing that in Christ we are a new creation, the old has passed away, and all things have become new.
Baptism is the on-going affirmation that we are the beloved sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. Relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, we can lead a life of commitment to God’s will as we diligently take advantage of every opportunity to grow in faith.
     As an act of recommitting our lives to Christ, we will have the opportunity to present our 2008 financial commitment to the work of Christ. To enable you to make a thoughtful response, joyfully, and without any feeling of compulsion, stewardship commitment material will be provided prior to dedication Sunday.
In Christ’s Service,

Rev. Dr. Charles H. Baier
Interim Pastor

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October 2007

Service of Baptismal Renewal

“Do not remember the former things…”  Isaiah 43:18

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     At the conclusion of Fall Festival of Faith, you will have the opportunity of participating in a Service of Baptismal Renewal. This service will occur during the Sunday morning worship service on November 11, 2007.
     Presbyterians have consistently confessed two fundamental convictions with respect to baptism. First, baptism calls us to lead a life of commitment to God’s will, a life of Christian discipleship. Second, regardless of when we are baptized, our life as Christians after baptism will never be as totally committed as it should be. We never live up fully to the claim that is part of baptism. Consequently, repentance is an on-going part of Christian discipleship. Therefore, I invite you to be present on this very special day as we heed the words of Isaiah who said:

Do not remember the former things,
Or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing;
Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19

In Christ’s Service,

Rev. Dr. Charles H. Baier
Interim Pastor

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September 2007

Fall Festival of Faith

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses...let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     The Fall Festival of Faith will be a time to stretch and strengthen our spiritual muscles. Beginning on October 7, 2007, the six sermons in the series will address the Biblical foundation for a vibrant life of discipleship and service. This Festival will be our opportunity to set specific and realistic goals for obtaining spiritual maturity. Topics will include how to know God, how to develop a rich and rewarding worship life, how to strengthen and nurture a spiritual support group, and how to encounter the risen Christ in our daily lives.
     The Fall Festival of Faith will end with a Service of Baptismal Renewal on November 11, 2007. During this service we will celebrate the truth of God, that we are God’s beloved sons and daughters as we renew our commitment to be the disciples of Christ.

In Christ’s Service,

Rev. Dr. Charles H. Baier
Interim Pastor

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August 2007

"If you have done it unto the least, you have done it unto me."  Matthew 25:40

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     As your Interim Pastor, I know that you take these words of Christ seriously.  I see this in the talented young people and adults who gave their love and time to over 60 Vacation Bible School children.  In addition to VBS, you are again preparing to host Family Promise.  This mission helps low-income families achieve lasting independence and seeks to redress the underlying causes of poverty and homelessness.
     "No one gets into heaven without a letter of reference from the poor," says James Forbes, the pastor of the Riverside Church in New York City.  In my four months with you, I have seen many people with their letters of reference.
     This month, Karen Severyn and Kathy Sturtz will be coordinating Family Promise which we host from August 26, 2007 to September 2, 2007.  Let them know what you are willing to do, as doing unto Christ.

In Christ's Service,

Rev. Dr. Charles H. Baier
Interim Pastor

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June/July 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     We all enjoy being thanked.  We can brighten a person's day with a simple "thank you."  However, sometimes people fail to thank us.  When this happens, we feel hurt.  We think, "I worked so hard, did so much, and no one even said thank you!"
     When feeling under-appreciated, I need to remember the words of Ephesians 6:7: "Render service with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not to men and women..."  In preaching, I will sometimes imagine Jesus standing in the Sanctuary.  I remember that I am here to render service to Him.  I call this my Audience of One.
     I am grateful to God that here I have found a thankful congregation.  It is not easy accepting new pastoral leadership, but you have made me feel at home.  Thank you.
     In those moments when someone says "thank you," we are grateful.  In those moments when no one says "thank you," we remember we serve the Lord Jesus Christ: An Audience of One.

In Christ's Service,

Rev. Dr. Charles H. Baier
Interim Pastor

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May 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     It is important to note that Easter begins a seven week period of sustained reflections and celebration.  As such, April 15, 2007 was the first Sunday of the Easter Season.  Accordingly, the following Sundays are designated Sundays of Easter and not the Sundays after Easter.  This is important to remember.  Easter is not something that happens once and is put away until next year.  We live in the season of Easter.
     To live in the season of Easter means knowing that at any moment Jesus Christ can enter into our lives.  Mary Magdalene at the tomb, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and the disciples fishing all night and catching nothing all meet the risen Christ.
     Whenever we greet one another with the words "The Peace of the Lord be with you," we acknowledge that we live not after Easter but in the season of Easter.  Therefore, wee do not need to fear the future or anything because Jesus still meets us at the point of our greatest need.

The Peace of the Lord be with you,

Rev. Dr. Charles H. Baier
Interim Pastor

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INTERIM PASTOR BAIER'S LETTER OF INTRODUCTION TO THE CONGREGATION

     I am anticipating with enthusiasm my ministry with you as your Interim Pastor. I count it a privilege to serve where the Rev. Jack Dunlap served faithfully for 22 years. Change of leadership is not always easy. Therefore, I remind myself that the leader of the church is always Jesus Christ, and in this sense, the leader does not change.
     This will be my fourth interim assignment, having served two congregations in Elizabeth Presbytery and one in Monmouth Presbytery. I treasure the opportunity to meet new brothers and sisters in Christ while proclaiming the transforming power of the resurrection.

     The following five goals are from the contract written for interim ministry by the Presbyter Elizabeth:

1. Help the congregation get in touch with its history and work through the grief process that usually follows the loss of a minister. Help facilitate the process of reconciliation, and restore the sense of congregational unity and purpose at Avenel Presbyterian Church.
2. Enable the congregation to identify the current issues they face and develop ways of resolving them. Enable the congregation to discover its new identity.
3. Enable the congregation to deal with its leadership style and the use of power within its life and work.
4. Assist the congregation and its leadership to strengthen its relationship with the Presbytery of Elizabeth and the Presbyterian Church (USA), and become increasingly aware of the resources that are available from each of the governing bodies.
5. Prepare the congregation for the arrival of the new pastor. The Interim Minister will seek in every way to prepare the way for commitment to new pastoral leadership and assist in ensuring clarity of roles and expectations.

     Interim Ministers are like the pilot boats sent to guide ocean tankers safely in and out of the harbor. Once docked, the ship is prepared for its next voyage. Preparation includes selecting the cargo, strengthening and repairing the vessel, and preparing the crew. The mission statement you write will identify the cargo God has for you to carry. My focus will be on how the church is organized and how decisions are made, thus strengthening the vessel. Together we will seek to become more like Christ, ready and willing to risk the safe harbor for the perils of the open sea. You will then be ready to welcome the arrival of your next called pastor.
     May the grace of God, the love of the Lord Jesus, and fellowship of the Holy Spirit prepare us to sail with confidence through all life’s storms until we arrive safely in God’s eternal harbor.

In Christ’s Service,

Rev. Dr. Charles H. Baier
Interim Pastor

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PASTOR DUNLAP'S LETTER OF RETIREMENT

CHANGE IS GOOD!

     Back in June, I apparently surprised my son, Brian, who was not expecting to see Dad with his summer "flat top" hair cut.  After the initial surprise, Brian said, "Change is good!"
     Change is good, and it is often embraced and feared at the same time.  As change plays itself out, it usually ends up being better than imagined.
     At the August Session meeting, I announced my plans to retire as the church's pastor at the end of February 2007. At that time, I will have concluded 22 years as your pastor.  As the church continues to address the challenged before it, it seems a good time for new insight and new leadership.
     Back in 1984, I received a phone call from Barbara Lewis who was the chairperson of the Pastor Nominating Committee.  She described the congregation and the community in which the church was located.  Her committee had taken interest in my resume, and she invited me to learn more about the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel by receiving and reading the Church Information Form.  I did -- and the rest is history.
     In 1961, I felt God's call to ministry.  I answered that call in the affirmative by altering my vocational plans -- switching from a career in commercial art to ministry.
     In 1984, I felt a call from God to become your pastor.  I answered "yes" to that call as well.  Throughout my tenure as your pastor, I have always felt that this was where God wanted me.  We've had a good time together.
     I also prayed that the Lord would let me know when it was time to go.  I believe I have reached that point.
     I am looking forward to my retirement.  I plan to care for matters in my family and personal life.  My Dad is 96 years old and living in a nursing home, and I plan to visit him weekly.  Brian has a house and I love helping him with repairs.  Speaking of repairs, I will turn my attention to long-neglected projects in our Colonia home.  Also, Carol and I will make our long-anticipated weekend trips to Norfolk to visit our daughter Lisa and her family.  We haven't gotten to see our grandsons nearly enough.  And finally, I want to be the devoted husband (and homemaker) that I've imagined that I could be.  So, as you see, I have a lot to look forward to.
     I will miss you and I will miss being your pastor, but I will take 22 years of fond memories with me.  So I encourage you -- to borrow a few familiar phrases -- to KEEP THE FAITH and BE ALL YOU CAN BE.

Yours in Christ,

Jack

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PASTOR DUNLAP'S FAREWELL LETTERS

March 2007

Dear Friends,

     Over a period of time, veteran NASCAR driver and two-time Winston Cup (now Nextel Cup) Champion Terry Labonte came to realize it was time to retire from racing. As his fiftieth birthday approached, he noticed, at a recent pre-race drivers’ meeting, that most of the other competitors were younger than his kids. All these “signs” confirmed for Labonte that it was time to retire.
     As I head off into my retirement, I’ll quote the past “Cup” champion and claim his words as my own, “It’s been a great ride and I’ve had a lot of fun.”
     I wish to thank the entire congregation for the many years of ministry we’ve shared together. Also, I thank all those who were able to attend the retirement dinner at the Forge this past Sunday. I am especially grateful to the committee that organized and planned the dinner; for the many kind expressions of gratitude for ways in which my life has enriched yours and vice versa; and for the many expressions of appreciation, both spoken and tangible. Your cards and gifts have been, and will linger as, a warm reminder of a special day.
     “May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, may the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you peace, both now and in the life everlasting.”