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<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Morgan Park Presbyterian Church</B></FONT>    |     <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Morgan Park Presbyterian Church"><U>home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church History"><U>Church History</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U>Links</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id39.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Order of Worship "><U>Order of Worship </U></A>   |   <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Pastors Page"><U>Pastor's Page</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id38.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Specific Capitol Campaign and Needs "><U>Specific Capitol Campaign and Needs   </U></A>   |   <A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Calendar "><U>Calendar </U></A>   |   <A HREF="id37.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Necrology"><U>Necrology</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Reports"><U>Reports</U></A>   |   <B>Archives</B></div> <div> Archives</div> <div> <B>These pages are a repository and Archives  and of previous Pastors previous sermons and other documents from the past. Items maintained here as a historical record.</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> The <B>Rev Dr. Edwin Dykstra's</B> last Sunday with MPPC was <B>June 7th, 2009</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF3380" FACE="Century Schoolbook" >.</FONT></div> <div> "I want to thank you for the opportunity to be with you these past several months. </div> <div> Saying goodbye is not my favorite thing, but it is also a time of new possiilities for you and for me. </div> <div> God's blessings go with you as you welcome and embrace Rev. Ashley... Ed"</div> <div> We wish him well as he "walks on" to his next call.</div> <bR> <div>  <IMG SRC="333f3440.jpg" border=0 width="243" height="324" ALT="Rev Edwin Dykstra" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <IMG SRC="335f4450.jpg" border=0 width="244" height="325" ALT="Rev Dykstra from Pulpit at MPPC" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="3360ecb0.jpg" border=0 width="270" height="203" ALT="Rev Dykstra greets congregation after first service" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div>  Interim Pastor Edwin Dykstra</div> <div> I am looking forward to this time at Morgan Park. Iam optomistic about the future ofthis church and am pleased to be part of your journey. I desire to be available to each of you whenever you may have a need,or if you simply have joys you want to share. If there is a way that Ican be of service to you  don't hesitate to call,stop in the office or-mail me</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>    Interim Pastor Edwin Dykstra</div> <bR> <div> Dykstra Sermons</div> <bR> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1145/MYSTERIOUS_SIGHTINGS.doc"><u>Mysterious Sightings</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1146/BREAKING_BARRIERS.doc"><u>Breaking Barriers</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1147/LOVE_OF_DIVERSITY.doc"><u>Love of Diversity</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1148/PAYING_TAXES.doc"><u>Paying Taxes</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1149/ENTRUSTED_WITH_THE_MESSAGE_OF_THE_GOSPEL.doc"><u>Entrusted With the Message</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1150/WHAT_CLOTHES_ARE_YOU_WEARING.doc"><u>What Clothes Are you Wearing</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1151/WHO_DO_YOU_TRUST.doc"><u>Who Do You Trust</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1152/5_921_SCARCITY_OR_ABUNDANCE.doc"><u>Scarcity or Abundance</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1153/4_914_LIPSTICK_ON_A_PIG.doc"><u>Lipstick on a Pig</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1154/3_97_THINK_HIGHLY_OF_YOURSELF.doc"><u>Think Highly of Yourself</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1155/2_817_THE_SILENCE_OF_GOD.doc"><u>The Silence of God</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1156/1_810_FAITH_AND_RACE.doc"><u>Faith and Race</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1157/THE_BELOVED_COMMUNITY.doc"><u>The Beloved Community</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1158/THINK_BIG.doc"><u>Think Big</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1159/WEED_WHACKERS_NOT_NEEDED.doc"><u>Weed Wackers Not Needed</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1160/BE_REAL.doc"><u>Be Real</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1161/REST_FOR_YOU_SOULS.doc"><u>Rest for Your Souls</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1162/WHAT_IS_OUR_ARK.doc"><u>What is Our Ark</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1163/BEING_FULLY_CONVINCED.doc"><u>Being Fully Convenced</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1164/WHAT_DIRECTION.doc"><u>What Direction?</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1165/NEW_LIFE.doc"><u>New Life</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1166/NEW_EYES.doc"><u>New Eyes</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1167/COMMUNITY_AND_THE_CHURCH.doc"><u>Community and the Church</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1168/THE_CHURCH_AND_HOLINESS.doc"><u>The Church and Holiness</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1169/THE_TRUTHFUL_CHURCH_2_.doc"><u>The Truthful Church</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1170/LOVE_IS_ESSENTIAL.doc"><u>Love Is Essential</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1171/THE_HEALTHY_CHURCH.doc"><u>The Healthy Church</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1172/A_TIME_OF_TRANSITION.doc"><u> A Time of Transition</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1173/GREAT_IS_YOUR_FAITHFULNESS.doc"><u> Great Is Your Faithfulness</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1174/Sermon_Dykstra_101407_LIVING_AS_FOREIGNERS.doc"><u>Living As A Foreigner</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1175/Sermon_Dykstra_111107_AN_INVITATION_TO_JO1.doc"><u>An Invitation To Joy</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1176/Sermon_Dykstra_CHRIST_THE_KING_SERVICE_1_.doc"><u>Christ The King Service</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1177/ON_THE_ROAD_TO_BETHLEHEM.doc"><u>On the Road to Bethlehem</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-1178/SEARCHING_FOR_MEANING1.doc"><u>Searching for Meaning</u> </a>  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Sermons, letters and photos from Rev. Dr. Neff</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Pastor Neff's last Sunday at MPPC was July 1, 2007</B></div> <bR> <div>   <IMG SRC="102d6a10.jpg" border=0 width="214" height="161" ALT="Picture of David Neff" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">             <IMG SRC="0cf80a30.jpg" border=0 width="128" height="163" ALT="Rev David Neff" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Neff Archive of Sermons</B></div> <div> <B> </B></div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-938/MPPC_Neff_Sermon_Its_Not_About_Me.doc"><u>Neff Sermons It Is Not About Me</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-939/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons__To_SAVE_AND_TO__savour__2007.doc"><u>Neff Sermons To Save and To Savor</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-940/POC_MPPC_Neff_New_language_New_Vision_052707.doc"><u>Neff Sermons New Language </u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-941/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons__Possibilities_May22_2007.doc"><u>Neff_Sermons_Possibilities_</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-942/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons_Pass_on_the_Love_051307.doc"><u>Neff Sermons Pass On the Love</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-943/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons__Put_Your_Hand_In_My_Side_And_Believe_April_15_2007.doc"><u>Neff Sermon Put Your Hand in My Side and Believe</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-944/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons__Accepting_the_Call_018407.doc"><u>Accepting the Call</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-945/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons__Dining_With_Jesus_May_6_2007.doc"><u>Neff Sermon Dining With Jesus </u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-946/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons__Overcoming_Death__April_8_2007.doc"><u>Neff Sermons Overcoming Death</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-947/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons__Overcoming_Evil__April_1_2007.doc"><u>Neff Sermon s Overcoming Evil</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-948/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons_Overcoming_Pride_March_18_2007.doc"><u>Neff_Sermons_Overcoming_Pride_</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-949/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons_Overcoming_Tragedy_March_11_2007.doc"><u>Neff_Sermons_Overcoming_Tragedy_</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-950/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermonw_Overcoming_Fear_March_4_2007.doc"><u>Neff_Sermonw_Overcoming_Fear_</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-951/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons_The_Impossible_Possibility.doc"><u>Neff_Sermons_The_Impossible_Possibility.doc</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-952/POC_MPPC_Neff_sermons_Body_Prayers_for_the_Body_of_Christ_Ash_Wed.doc"><u>Neff_sermons_Body_Prayers_for_the_Body_of_Christ_Ash_We</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-953/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons__Accepting_the_Call_018407.doc"><u>Neff_Sermons__Accepting_the_Call_</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-954/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons__The_Uncomfortable_Gospel_021107.doc"><u>Neff_Sermons__The_Uncomfortable_Gospel</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-955/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons_Three_Movements_of_Worship_021107.doc"><u>Neff_Sermons_Three_Movements_of_Worship_</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-956/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons_Lifting_the_Veil_021807.doc"><u>Neff_Sermons_Lifting_the_Veil_</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-957/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons_Night_of_Miracles122406.doc"><u>Neff_Sermons_Night_of_Miracles</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-958/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons_Hark_the_Herald_Mortals_Sing_122406.doc"><u>Neff_Sermons_Hark_the_Herald_Mortals_Sing_</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-959/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons__Accepting_the_Call_018407.doc"><u>Neff_Sermons__Accepting_the_Call_</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-960/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons_The_Healing_We_All__Need_091006.doc"><u>Neff_Sermons_The_Healing_We_All__Need</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-961/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons_Confessing_Christ_091706.doc"><u>Neff_Sermons_Confessing_Christ</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-962/POC_MPPC_Neff_Sermons_Wisdom_and_Power_092406.doc"><u>Neff_Sermons_Wisdom_and_Power</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-963/Neff_Sermons_The_Ark_of_the_Covenant_June_11_2006.doc"><u>Neff Sermon: The Art of the Covenant</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-964/Neff_Sermins_The_Call_June_4_2006.doc"><u>Neff Sermons: The Call</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-965/Neff_Sermons_The_River_Has_Never_Divided_Us_May_14_2006.doc"><u>Neff Sermons: The River Has Never Divided Us</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-966/neff_sermons_Heart_Burn_April_30_2006.doc"><u>Neff Sermons: Heart Burn</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-967/Neff_Sermons__Life_Instead_of_Death_April_16_2006.doc"><u>Neff Sermons: Life Instead of Death</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-968/Neff_sermons_Lord_of_All_Truths.doc"><u>Neff Sermons: Lord of All Truths</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-969/Neff_sermons_Cross_Life.doc"><u>Neff Sermons: Cross Life</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-970/Neff_sermons_Soul_Food__Feb_05_2006.doc"><u>Neff Sermon: Soul Food</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-971/Neff_sermons_Myth_of_Science_Truth_of_Creation_Jan_29_2006.doc"><u>Neff Sermon: The Myth of Science and the Truth of Creation</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-972/Neff_sermons_Gift_and_Call_of_Christian_Unity_Jan_22_2006.doc"><u>Neff Sermon: The Gift and Call of Christian Unity</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-973/Neff_sermons_Lessons_of_Rosa_Parks_Jan_15_2006.doc"><u>Neff Sermon: Follow Me: The Lessons of Rosa Parks</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-974/Neff_sermons_Christmas_Eve_2005.doc"><u>Neff Sermon: Holy Family Then and Now: Christmas Eve 2005</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-975/Neff_sermons_Yes_Lord_Dec_18_2005.doc"><u>Neff Sermon: Yes, Lord</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-976/Neff_sermons_Mystery_Dec_11_2005.doc"><u>Neff Sermon: Mystery</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-977/Neff_sermons_Converted_to_Peace_Dec_04_2005.doc"><u>Neff Sermon: Converted to Peace</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-978/Neff_sermons_Tender_Nov_27_2005.doc"><u>Neff Sermon: Tender</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-979/Neff_Sermon_060603.doc"><u>Neff Sermon: Getting The Yoke On Right</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-980/HallowedBeThyName.doc"><u>Neff Sermon: Hallowed Be Thy Name</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-981/Trinity_of_Love.doc"><u>Neff Sermon: Trinity of Love</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-982/neff_sermons_Change_of_Heart_092505.doc"><u>Neff Sermon :Change of Heart</u> </a>  </div> <div>  <a href="HTMLobj-983/neff_sermons_The_Vision_of_the_Promise_102305.doc"><u>Neff Sermon: The Vision of the Promise</u> </a>  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Letters:</B></div> <div> <B>May 25, 2007 Letter from Pastor Neff</B></div> <bR> <div> Dear Members and Friends, </div> <div> On Thursday, May 24, I shared with the Session that I have received a new call.  I have accepted a one-year appointment to become the Visiting Assistant Professor of Theology at placePlaceNameTrinity PlaceNameChristian PlaceNameCollege.  Accordingly, I shared my resignation as pastor with the Session.  My final Sunday will be on July1.</div> <bR> <div> For the past three years, I have served as an adjunct professor at Prairie State College and placePlaceNameTrinity PlaceNameChristian PlaceNameCollege.  During this time, I have learned how much of a teacher-and how much of a student-- I am.  This past year has been a time of intense soul-searching and reflection.  It is clear to me that of all my many passions, teaching and education are among the highest. </div> <bR> <div> This decision represents a significant change for me.  For the past twenty years, I have served as a minister of Word and Sacrament at five different congregations-- three called, installed pastorates, and two interims. My time at Morgan Park has been the best time of ministry in my life.  I have always felt honored and cherished as your pastor.  From the beginning, you have welcomed me, embraced me and surrounded me with patience, forgiveness, prayerful support, devoted enthusiasm and faithful generosity.  I have put my heart and soul into this congregation.  You have similarly put your trust in me.  We have shared a special relationship.  Because love has grown between us, saying good-bye will be difficult to do.</div> <bR> <div> In these next few weeks, our services will reflect upon what we have accomplished in our ten years together.  In my sermons, I will reflect on our common life together, how we have grown, how we have changed, the challenges we have met and have yet to meet.  Through worship, we will acknowledge and articulate this difficult change we will go through together.  </div> <bR> <div> Of course, decisions like this evoke many feelings. I will open my schedule and my calendar in every way in order to meet with you, and receive any expressions and feelings this news will cause for you.  </div> <bR> <div> In this way, we will walk together for one more month and share what has been meaningful on our journey in Christ</div> <bR> <div> As you know, our Presbyterian understanding of call means that after July 7, my final day in office, I can no longer act or serve in any pastoral capacity, without the request of the Moderator of Session or the Session itself.  I will honor this covenant for the health and ministry of the church and the new pastoral leadership that will arrive in due time.</div> <bR> <div> There is never an ideal time for a minister to depart.  If I did not sense that this was God's call for me, I would not leave;  I feel well-loved.  Our church is vibrant, our leadership is healthy, we are in a good place. </div> <bR> <div> Because I sense this is God's call for me, I understand that this is also God's call for you, as a congregation.  The Committee on Ministry and the Elders of MPPC will be working hand-in-hand to provide new pastoral leadership for the church in the near future.   </div> <bR> <div> I am grateful for all that we have shared together, thankful for all our work and worship, study and prayer, fellowship, service and ministry in the name of our Lord. </div> <bR> <div> I leave knowing with all my mind and trusting with all my heart “that all things work together for the good of those love God, who are called according to God's holy purpose” (Romans 8:28).</div> <bR> <div> In Christ,</div> <bR> <div> Rev. Dr. David M. Neff</div> <div> Pastor</div> <bR> <div> <I>Morgan Park Presbyterian Church</I> is much more than a beautiful, historic building! </div> <div> It is much more than a schedule of programs, activities and services.  The church is people.  As the Avery and Marsh song says:  “<I>I am the Church, You are the Church, We are the Church Together!”</I></div> <bR> <div> We come together each week to worship, pray, sing, study, support each other and share our gifts.  We care about each other as we join in fellowship and service to neighborhood, community and world.</div> <bR> <div> Each person is different and unique, but somewhere along the line, our lives have found a common intersection:  the person of Jesus Christ.  We found God's love through Jesus of Nazareth is real.  And we found that we needed the church for us to live out our faith in Christ.  The Church is an important place for us; its work and worship are a high priority.  We are not just members of a club or a social group.  We are people who have said, "<I>Yes"</I> to a high and noble calling.  We have found that without God's amazing grace--  and without the challenging, nurturing love of a community of faith--  life is not nearly as rich, or as fulfilling.</div> <bR> <div> This is a special congregation.  Members and friends will drive past many churches, including several Presbyterian congregations, to worship and serve here.  Members find something here they cannot find anywhere else:  a sense of family. A sense of belonging and acceptance.  A sense of interracial and intergenerational diversity and unity.  A sense of God's holiness and love lived out in peace and reconciliation with our sisters and brothers in faith.</div> <bR> <div> We welcome you to join us for worship, and all the activities and ministries you see on this web site.  We welcome you to join us in God's high calling to be the Body of Christ, here, in this time and place.  Christ is here--  all are welcome! You will find joy and spiritual fulfillment here, because all God's promises are true.</div> <bR> <div> In Christ,</div> <bR> <div> Reverend Dr. David M. Neff                       </div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>