Meet some of the NCP Community

Suppose four people came walking down the street, a Roman Catholic, a Methodist, a Presbyterian, and a Baptist.  Question: How could you tell which person was the Presbyterian? Answer: You couldn't.  Presbyterians look pretty much like anyone else.  We are a church of much diversity in background, race, age, and culture.  Traditionally, however, Presbyterians have exhibited certain characteristics.

A European monarch once said, "I'd rather face ten thousand bowmen armed with spear and arrow than one Presbyterian armed with predestination and providence."  Predestination has nothing to do with fatalism, but refers to the assurance that God's mercy and forgiveness are gracious gifts.  Our salvation depends on God's grace, not on our works, and thus cannot be lost.  Providence refers to the assurance that we and all creation are under God's watchful care.

The net result of holding these assurances has often been to make Presbyterians literally fearless.  We do not fear death (we are in God's hands). We do not fear life (God watches over us).  We do not fear the powers of evil and oppression (God is with us).  Thus freed from anxiety about salvation, Presbyterians are freed for living life in the world before God, honoring God in all things, combating evil and oppression with confidence and hope.

The motive for a Presbyterian's worship and action in the world is not the effort to win salvation; that is God's gift.  The motivation for worship and action is gratitude for God's grace shown in Jesus Christ.  Presbyterians confess Christ as Lord and believe in their hearts that God raised him from the dead.  They view Christ as the true Word of God and delight in the Bible as the holy witness to that Word.

Presbyterians have a strong need for God.  They have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ but also have an abiding sense of being the community of God's covenant people.  God comes close to us in Jesus Christ, but Presbyterians never lose sight of the fact that God is GOD!, the awesome, powerful, holy Creator of the universe, worthy of our worship, devotion, and obedience.

In times past when Presbyterians arrived in a new place, they would usually build a church, a school, and a hospital, in that order.  The right worship of God is paramount; education is necessary so that we may serve the world in God's name; as Jesus came healing, so do we bind up the wounds of the world.

The European monarch mentioned above had nothing to fear from the Presbyterians as long as he ruled justly and did not oppress the poor.  If he did violate God's intention for justice and care, then he had much to fear.  Presbyterians believe that God's care extends to every corner of creation.  We are stewards of the care; we are ambassadors for Christ, preaching good news, yes, but also opposing injustice, oppression, and evil wherever we find it.  A Presbyterian can be very active in the world in God's name.  This is what Presbyterians mean by "mission."  Because God cares about all parts of society and every nation and people in the world, so do we.  Mission is local, national, and worldwide, but it is the same mission: bringing the good news to all creation.

One other things about Presbyterians: When they have a policy or an action to consider, they pray, talk, talk, talk, and then they vote.  Presbyterians probably take more votes than any other religious group.  Lay and clergy votes count just the same.  The Holy Spirit lives in individuals but works through the community.  Presbyterians do not think alike and may disagree on any given issue.  Sometimes being a Presbyterian may come down to this: thinking hard on a certain issue; advocating a certain policy or action; losing the vote yet continuing faithful support and life in the church.

MAT CONWAY In my spare time, I like to work out, play and watch sports, read, surf the net, shop for clothes, hang out with friends, and play with our dog, Buster, who is a pug. In a typical week, I teach fourth grade in Highland, IL and I play keyboards and sing in the band Downtime on the weekends at private events, corporate parties and receptions. I also never miss Heroes or House and I am getting caught up on Lost. I have been to a whole lot of cities and the one I like the best is probably St. Louis just because it holds so many memories for me. The only other countries I've been to are Jamaica and the Bahamas, but I've been to all eleven countries at EPCOT at Disneyworld and my favorite of those is Mexico because I totally pigged out at that Mexican restaurant and saw live glass blowing, which was way cool. Anytime you mix glass blowing and salsa, you're going to remember that. I am a part of the NCPC community becasue. . . Well, I'm the music/worship leader, so that's one reason. But beyond that, I am interested to see what it builds into and I am comfortable with the people involved in it and the community work it does.
	Jeff & Gerry F. Jeff & Gerry F. active members of New Creation for 3 years. Jeff is retired AF and a military "brat"; Gerry is a homemaker and a native of St. Louis. Lived in Enid, OK; Goldsboro, NC; Haughton, LA; San Antonio, TX; Great Falls, MT; Spokane, WA, McGuire AFB, NJ. We are in the process of relocating to San Antonio, where we are going to "retire". We have two grown sons. We are members of the New Creation Community because of the closeness and deep faith that is professed by everyone. The Spirit is definitely present when we gather to worship. And the band isn't half bad either!
Jason C. Between family (wife, twin boy and girl, and younger daughter), starting a new business (Baskin Robbins ice cream!) and working with NCPC leadership team, I don’t have much spare time. My typical week includes chauffeuring kids to school (and home some afternoons), work, church, homework, extra-curricular school activities, and the Rotary Club. My travels include most of the CONUS, some of Mexico, Canada, Colombia, England, Ireland, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Monaco, the airports in Amsterdam and Geneva, Nigeria, Angola, and what was known as Zaire. I am part of the NCPC community because it is a warm and caring group of diverse people with what I consider to be a thinking, or intellectual, pursuit of knowledge of God and his love for people; and for our mission to serve the larger community through Christ-centered relationships.
	Mike H. Depending on the season, in my spare time I like to golf, bowl, softball. I try to do a daily workout at a very simple level. I also enjoy watching television with an interest in the Sci-Fi channel programming, as well as read novels and work around the house. My typical week is composed of working as a DOD government contractor at Scott Air Force Base. Currently my efforts are focused on developing a new analytical agency and supporting their requirements. The rest of the week is family oriented with supporting my high school senior or bowling in a league with my wife. I enjoy the occasional bible study and my general involvement with our church family. I currently function as the slide builder and projectionist. What cities and countries have I been to? Which one did I like the most and why? As a retired Navy helicopter pilot I have literally been around the world and visited numerous countries and cities. My family and I are a diverse bunch. I am from Iowa, my wife from Ohio, my three boys were born in San Diego, CA., Oahu, HI., and Patuxent River, MD. I believe the most beautiful country I have visited is New Zealand but my wife and I have really enjoyed our multiple visits to Mazatlan, Mexico. Having lived in Hawaii for three years we are also fond of Oahu as well. I am a part of the NCPC community because I enjoy being a part of a growing body in Christ. I feel I can help shape this community and enjoy the close interaction with the entire congregation. Also my children really like the environment they found themselves in every Sunday morning and they especially enjoy the music celebration with its contemporary formatting and moving message.
Karen and Christian When Karen is not being a veterinarian and Christian doing pastor stuff, we like to hike together, watch movies and work on the house. For fun, Karen does dog agility and Christian loves to cook. Karen shares, "my passion is dog agility, an exhilarating sport in which you direct your dog through an obstacle course and are judged on speed and accuracy. Alex the Greyhound and Andrew the Sheltie both have titles and awards in this sport. In training are Basil the Borzoi and little Whippet, Aidan. Brigid the cat oversees the dog crew, and keeps them in line! Please don't hesitate to ask me anything about agility; it's a great way to bond with your dog and have fun." We have lived in Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, and now Illinois. We have been to over 150 cities, including ones in Mexico, England and Scotland. . . each unique and ones which we cherish for different reasons. New Creation for us is an exciting adventure in how we can "be" the church of Jesus Christ in the 21st century, and active in our faith in ways that are genuine, transformative, and life-giving.