First Presbyterian Church of Arlington 663 Kearny Avenue Kearny NJ 07032-2935

1. We need to seriously engage Scripture. The stories have become tired and old. We need to rekindle the fire. It is a matter of life and death for us. This is where our vision comes from.
   
   
2. Pray more often! Simple, heartfelt prayers change lives; changed lives change communities; changed communities change the world.
   
   
3. In order to develop and live in hope, we have to learn the discipline of the tithe.
   
   
4. Treat each other with the respect that we would give Christ. We are in need of change because we have made self-centered choices and have unintentionally or intentionally done things to exclude and hurt people.
   
   
5. Rehearse daily our relationship with Christ and do what he does.
   
   
6. We must choose to love the church, but choose to love God more. Idolatry of the church is very subtle. We must be prepared to lay the church before the Lord each day.
   
   
7. Take risks, especially if you're scared! Perhaps the fear will remind us of who we depend on.
   
   
8. Be careful what you hate. The line between what and who is thin and easily crossed.
   
   
9. Learn to cherish failure.
   
   
10. Choose as a life discipline and as a discipline of the board of officers you serve to give more "air time" to good news than bad news.
    
    

These "thoughts" were submitted by Rev. Todd Shumpert. Do you have a thought, or memories or anecdotes of the church that you would like to share? Perhaps you met your spouse through one of our many organizations, or maybe you have a picture that tells a story. We'd like to hear from you! Send your "thought" by email to: fwaldron@erols.com