GOT CHANGE?
“Got any change, Mister?”
This is what the ragged fellow asked me as I walked by.
“Change? Of course I’ve got change. Change is what I have most.”
We live in a world where everything seems to be changing. The only thing that is constant is the change. Someone once said, “Change is inevitable – except from a vending machine.”
But change can be good. Without change we could not improve ourselves, have a better life or even grow. Change is the main component of our conversion experience. When Jesus told Nicodemus, “You must be born again,” he was telling him he needed a complete makeover. Start over, do it again, change completely.
Easter is about change: a caterpillar to a butterfly, an egg to a chick, pain to joy, the earthly to the spiritual.
Everything changed for Jesus and his disciples during Easter week. The ecstatic joy of Palm Sunday, the deep emotion of clearing the sellers from the Temple, The intimacy of a meal together in the upper room, the arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial, and, ultimately, the resurrection. What a week. You can find every emotion possible expressed at some point during that week. Change is emotional.
What changed? Jesus showed us that a life controlled by God brings new life; that change, in God’s hands, is for the good.
Did I give the beggar my change? To attend to his needs I had to change my immediate plans. I bought him a meal. We ate together. He shared his life; I shared my life.
The Easter story demonstrates a world begging for change, and our Lord who changed everything for us.
Wishing you a life changing Holy Week!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
A Musing for March 21
There are so many things I don’t understand …
One day, Jesus said to His disciples: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like 3x squared plus 8x minus 9."
A man who had just joined the disciples looked very confused and asked Peter: "What, on Earth, does He mean by that?"
Peter replied: "Don't worry - it's just another one of His parabolas."
What do I make of the things in the Bible that I don’t understand? Jesus really doesn’t want to confuse us. Perhaps we should concentrate on the things we do understand clearly, like our admonition to love God and others. I think if we get the basics down, the other things will make sense over time.
GROWING IN OUR FAITH DURING LENT
Spring has sprung, the grass has riz,
I wonder where the flowers is?
Sometimes growth comes in spurts. That’s certainly true of our amaryllis bulb. I have to admit, I had given up hope on a flower this year. We had done all we could do (water, sunshine, etc.), and I didn’t think anything was going to happen. But the Lord has provided the growth.
“For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.” (Isaiah 61:11)
“Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration.” ~Lou Erickson
KIDS TOGETHER
Dustin and Rory Flay were great leaders for Kids Together on Sunday. The children had a number of prayer concerns that we prayed for. They learned that it helps to take our concerns to God and also talk about them with others. Michael Cattell brought his new baby sister, Katy, with him this week (his parents were also here). He’s a proud older brother!
This week Karen and Danielle Burkett will help lead the Kids Together program.
NURSERY
Winnie Spoonts and Kristen McGeorge were our nursery workers this week. They had a good group in the nursery. Linda and Lloyd Casey will be in the nursery during the worship service on Sunday.
KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club continues on Sunday evenings. We talked about self-defense. Bill Hyde gave us a tremendous display of his tae-kwon-do. The kids even learned how to break boards in two. We related that to being physically and spiritually prepared to meet life’s demands. Dorothy helped the kids made their own snack, a special bread recipe of Dorothy’s. Next week we’ll continue talking about defending our spiritual lives; we’ll learn some special moves to fend off attacks of the devil.
Children grades 3 to 7 meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. Sherry Snyder and Dorothy Gardner join me as leaders for the Kids Club. Don’t forget to help us gather supplies for our ministry project: care packages for soldiers in Iraq.
VBS IS COMING
Mark your calendars for July 15-19, 2007. The Children’s Ministry Team is making plans to transform our children into ‘007 agents for God.
LEND GOD A HAND THIS WEEK
A farmer purchased an old, run-down, abandoned farm with plans to turn it into a thriving enterprise. The fields were grown over with weeds, the farmhouse was falling apart, and the fences were broken down. During his first day of work, the town preacher stops by to bless the man's work, saying, "May you and God work together to make this the farm of your dreams!"
A few months later, the preacher stops by again to call on the farmer. Lo and behold, it's a completely different place. The farm house is completely rebuilt and in excellent condition, there is plenty of cattle and other livestock happily munching on feed in well-fenced pens, and the fields are filled with crops planted in neat rows. "Amazing!" the preacher says. "Look what God and you have accomplished together!"
"Yes, reverend," says the farmer, "but remember what the farm was like when God was working it alone!"
May you and God have a good week working together.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Sic biscuitus disintegratum (“That’s the way the cookie crumbles”)
One day, Jesus said to His disciples: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like 3x squared plus 8x minus 9."
A man who had just joined the disciples looked very confused and asked Peter: "What, on Earth, does He mean by that?"
Peter replied: "Don't worry - it's just another one of His parabolas."
What do I make of the things in the Bible that I don’t understand? Jesus really doesn’t want to confuse us. Perhaps we should concentrate on the things we do understand clearly, like our admonition to love God and others. I think if we get the basics down, the other things will make sense over time.
GROWING IN OUR FAITH DURING LENT
Spring has sprung, the grass has riz,
I wonder where the flowers is?
Sometimes growth comes in spurts. That’s certainly true of our amaryllis bulb. I have to admit, I had given up hope on a flower this year. We had done all we could do (water, sunshine, etc.), and I didn’t think anything was going to happen. But the Lord has provided the growth.
“For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.” (Isaiah 61:11)
“Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration.” ~Lou Erickson
KIDS TOGETHER
Dustin and Rory Flay were great leaders for Kids Together on Sunday. The children had a number of prayer concerns that we prayed for. They learned that it helps to take our concerns to God and also talk about them with others. Michael Cattell brought his new baby sister, Katy, with him this week (his parents were also here). He’s a proud older brother!
This week Karen and Danielle Burkett will help lead the Kids Together program.
NURSERY
Winnie Spoonts and Kristen McGeorge were our nursery workers this week. They had a good group in the nursery. Linda and Lloyd Casey will be in the nursery during the worship service on Sunday.
KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club continues on Sunday evenings. We talked about self-defense. Bill Hyde gave us a tremendous display of his tae-kwon-do. The kids even learned how to break boards in two. We related that to being physically and spiritually prepared to meet life’s demands. Dorothy helped the kids made their own snack, a special bread recipe of Dorothy’s. Next week we’ll continue talking about defending our spiritual lives; we’ll learn some special moves to fend off attacks of the devil.
Children grades 3 to 7 meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. Sherry Snyder and Dorothy Gardner join me as leaders for the Kids Club. Don’t forget to help us gather supplies for our ministry project: care packages for soldiers in Iraq.
VBS IS COMING
Mark your calendars for July 15-19, 2007. The Children’s Ministry Team is making plans to transform our children into ‘007 agents for God.
LEND GOD A HAND THIS WEEK
A farmer purchased an old, run-down, abandoned farm with plans to turn it into a thriving enterprise. The fields were grown over with weeds, the farmhouse was falling apart, and the fences were broken down. During his first day of work, the town preacher stops by to bless the man's work, saying, "May you and God work together to make this the farm of your dreams!"
A few months later, the preacher stops by again to call on the farmer. Lo and behold, it's a completely different place. The farm house is completely rebuilt and in excellent condition, there is plenty of cattle and other livestock happily munching on feed in well-fenced pens, and the fields are filled with crops planted in neat rows. "Amazing!" the preacher says. "Look what God and you have accomplished together!"
"Yes, reverend," says the farmer, "but remember what the farm was like when God was working it alone!"
May you and God have a good week working together.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Sic biscuitus disintegratum (“That’s the way the cookie crumbles”)
A Musing for March 21
There are so many things I don’t understand …
One day, Jesus said to His disciples: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like 3x squared plus 8x minus 9."
A man who had just joined the disciples looked very confused and asked Peter: "What, on Earth, does He mean by that?"
Peter replied: "Don't worry - it's just another one of His parabolas."
What do I make of the things in the Bible that I don’t understand? Jesus really doesn’t want to confuse us. Perhaps we should concentrate on the things we do understand clearly, like our admonition to love God and others. I think if we get the basics down, the other things will make sense over time.
GROWING IN OUR FAITH DURING LENT
Spring has sprung, the grass has riz,
I wonder where the flowers is?
Sometimes growth comes in spurts. That’s certainly true of our amaryllis bulb. I have to admit, I had given up hope on a flower this year. We had done all we could do (water, sunshine, etc.), and I didn’t think anything was going to happen. But the Lord has provided the growth.
“For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.” (Isaiah 61:11)
“Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration.” ~Lou Erickson
KIDS TOGETHER
Dustin and Rory Flay were great leaders for Kids Together on Sunday. The children had a number of prayer concerns that we prayed for. They learned that it helps to take our concerns to God and also talk about them with others. Michael Cattell brought his new baby sister, Katy, with him this week (his parents were also here). He’s a proud older brother!
This week Karen and Danielle Burkett will help lead the Kids Together program.
NURSERY
Winnie Spoonts and Kristen McGeorge were our nursery workers this week. They had a good group in the nursery. Linda and Lloyd Casey will be in the nursery during the worship service on Sunday.
KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club continues on Sunday evenings. We talked about self-defense. Bill Hyde gave us a tremendous display of his tae-kwon-do. The kids even learned how to break boards in two. We related that to being physically and spiritually prepared to meet life’s demands. Dorothy helped the kids made their own snack, a special bread recipe of Dorothy’s. Next week we’ll continue talking about defending our spiritual lives; we’ll learn some special moves to fend off attacks of the devil.
Children grades 3 to 7 meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. Sherry Snyder and Dorothy Gardner join me as leaders for the Kids Club. Don’t forget to help us gather supplies for our ministry project: care packages for soldiers in Iraq.
VBS IS COMING
Mark your calendars for July 15-19, 2007. The Children’s Ministry Team is making plans to transform our children into ‘007 agents for God.
LEND GOD A HAND THIS WEEK
A farmer purchased an old, run-down, abandoned farm with plans to turn it into a thriving enterprise. The fields were grown over with weeds, the farmhouse was falling apart, and the fences were broken down. During his first day of work, the town preacher stops by to bless the man's work, saying, "May you and God work together to make this the farm of your dreams!"
A few months later, the preacher stops by again to call on the farmer. Lo and behold, it's a completely different place. The farm house is completely rebuilt and in excellent condition, there is plenty of cattle and other livestock happily munching on feed in well-fenced pens, and the fields are filled with crops planted in neat rows. "Amazing!" the preacher says. "Look what God and you have accomplished together!"
"Yes, reverend," says the farmer, "but remember what the farm was like when God was working it alone!"
May you and God have a good week working together.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Sic biscuitus disintegratum (“That’s the way the cookie crumbles”)
One day, Jesus said to His disciples: "The Kingdom of Heaven is like 3x squared plus 8x minus 9."
A man who had just joined the disciples looked very confused and asked Peter: "What, on Earth, does He mean by that?"
Peter replied: "Don't worry - it's just another one of His parabolas."
What do I make of the things in the Bible that I don’t understand? Jesus really doesn’t want to confuse us. Perhaps we should concentrate on the things we do understand clearly, like our admonition to love God and others. I think if we get the basics down, the other things will make sense over time.
GROWING IN OUR FAITH DURING LENT
Spring has sprung, the grass has riz,
I wonder where the flowers is?
Sometimes growth comes in spurts. That’s certainly true of our amaryllis bulb. I have to admit, I had given up hope on a flower this year. We had done all we could do (water, sunshine, etc.), and I didn’t think anything was going to happen. But the Lord has provided the growth.
“For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.” (Isaiah 61:11)
“Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration.” ~Lou Erickson
KIDS TOGETHER
Dustin and Rory Flay were great leaders for Kids Together on Sunday. The children had a number of prayer concerns that we prayed for. They learned that it helps to take our concerns to God and also talk about them with others. Michael Cattell brought his new baby sister, Katy, with him this week (his parents were also here). He’s a proud older brother!
This week Karen and Danielle Burkett will help lead the Kids Together program.
NURSERY
Winnie Spoonts and Kristen McGeorge were our nursery workers this week. They had a good group in the nursery. Linda and Lloyd Casey will be in the nursery during the worship service on Sunday.
KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club continues on Sunday evenings. We talked about self-defense. Bill Hyde gave us a tremendous display of his tae-kwon-do. The kids even learned how to break boards in two. We related that to being physically and spiritually prepared to meet life’s demands. Dorothy helped the kids made their own snack, a special bread recipe of Dorothy’s. Next week we’ll continue talking about defending our spiritual lives; we’ll learn some special moves to fend off attacks of the devil.
Children grades 3 to 7 meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. Sherry Snyder and Dorothy Gardner join me as leaders for the Kids Club. Don’t forget to help us gather supplies for our ministry project: care packages for soldiers in Iraq.
VBS IS COMING
Mark your calendars for July 15-19, 2007. The Children’s Ministry Team is making plans to transform our children into ‘007 agents for God.
LEND GOD A HAND THIS WEEK
A farmer purchased an old, run-down, abandoned farm with plans to turn it into a thriving enterprise. The fields were grown over with weeds, the farmhouse was falling apart, and the fences were broken down. During his first day of work, the town preacher stops by to bless the man's work, saying, "May you and God work together to make this the farm of your dreams!"
A few months later, the preacher stops by again to call on the farmer. Lo and behold, it's a completely different place. The farm house is completely rebuilt and in excellent condition, there is plenty of cattle and other livestock happily munching on feed in well-fenced pens, and the fields are filled with crops planted in neat rows. "Amazing!" the preacher says. "Look what God and you have accomplished together!"
"Yes, reverend," says the farmer, "but remember what the farm was like when God was working it alone!"
May you and God have a good week working together.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Sic biscuitus disintegratum (“That’s the way the cookie crumbles”)
Thursday, March 15, 2007
A Musing for March 14
Perhaps you know …
Q: What’s green and sits on the front porch?
A: Paddy O’Furniture
Q: What do you call a fake stone in Ireland?
A: A sham rock.
Q: Why did St. Patrick drive all the snakes out of Ireland?
A: He couldn’t afford plane fare.
Q: Why can't you borrow money from a leprechaun?
A: Because they're always a little short.
Knock, Knock!
Who’s there?
Irish.
Irish who?
Irish you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
GROWING IN OUR FAITH DURING LENT
Did I see a sprout? Hopefully our amaryllis bulb is not an indication of our spiritual growth. On Sunday we talked about asking forgiveness, God’s compassion and a second chance. God wants us to grow so much, that we are given second chances. Hopefully we’ll see some growth.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)
KIDS TOGETHER
I thank Dick Rusbuldt, Dawn Flay and Gwen Sill for helping with Kids Together on Sunday. I missed being with you. The children worked on their “stained glass” pictures for lent. Check out their work on the door between the sanctuary and the narthex. They also worked on cards to send to the folks they prayed for.
This week Karen and Danielle Burkett will help lead the Kids Together program.
NURSERY
Thanks go to Betti and Corrine Sharpe for being our nursery volunteers this week. Winnie Spoonts and Kristen McGeorge will be in the nursery during the worship service next Sunday.
KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club continues on Sunday evenings. We talked about trusting in God. We learned about Jesus’ disciples trusting in Jesus. The kids made their own snack (thanks Sherry), played games (thanks Dorothy) and had a Bible Drill. It was close, but Madeline came from behind to win. We’re all winners when we learn God’s word.
This week, we’ll learn about defending our selves physically and spiritually. A special guest will teach us some self-defense moves and we’ll learn some spiritual self-defense moves from God’s word. Dorothy is planning a special snack treat we will make.
Children grades 3 to 7 meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. We gather in the Fellowship Hall for singing, games, Bible study, crafts, competition and a ministry project. Sherry Snyder and Dorothy Gardner join me as leaders for the Kids Club.
VBS IS COMING
Mark your calendars for July 15-19, 2007. The Children’s Ministry Team is making plans to transform our children into ‘007 agents for God.
CELEBRATE THE MISSIONARY SPIRIT
St. Patrick is credited with bringing the Gospel of Jesus to Ireland in the 400s AD.
His real name is believed to be Maewyn Succat (he took on Patrick, or Patricus, after he became a priest). The story goes that he was kidnapped at the age of 16 by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. During his 6-year captivity he worked as a shepherd and he began to have religious visions, and found strength in his faith. He finally escaped (after voices in one of his visions told him where he could find a getaway ship) and went to France, where he became a priest (and later a bishop). When he was about 60 years old, St. Patrick traveled to Ireland to spread the Christian word. Patrick used common objects to explain the faith. The shamrock was used to explain the concept of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
Perhaps St. Patrick’s Day should be a day we are encouraged to share the Gospel with others. Perhaps we could be challenged to explain our faith to others by using simple objects of everyday life. So, put on your green and tell someone about Jesus!
May you continue to grow in the grace of the Lord this week.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Go mbeannaí Dia duit (“May God bless you” in Irish Gaelic)
Q: What’s green and sits on the front porch?
A: Paddy O’Furniture
Q: What do you call a fake stone in Ireland?
A: A sham rock.
Q: Why did St. Patrick drive all the snakes out of Ireland?
A: He couldn’t afford plane fare.
Q: Why can't you borrow money from a leprechaun?
A: Because they're always a little short.
Knock, Knock!
Who’s there?
Irish.
Irish who?
Irish you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
GROWING IN OUR FAITH DURING LENT
Did I see a sprout? Hopefully our amaryllis bulb is not an indication of our spiritual growth. On Sunday we talked about asking forgiveness, God’s compassion and a second chance. God wants us to grow so much, that we are given second chances. Hopefully we’ll see some growth.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)
KIDS TOGETHER
I thank Dick Rusbuldt, Dawn Flay and Gwen Sill for helping with Kids Together on Sunday. I missed being with you. The children worked on their “stained glass” pictures for lent. Check out their work on the door between the sanctuary and the narthex. They also worked on cards to send to the folks they prayed for.
This week Karen and Danielle Burkett will help lead the Kids Together program.
NURSERY
Thanks go to Betti and Corrine Sharpe for being our nursery volunteers this week. Winnie Spoonts and Kristen McGeorge will be in the nursery during the worship service next Sunday.
KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club continues on Sunday evenings. We talked about trusting in God. We learned about Jesus’ disciples trusting in Jesus. The kids made their own snack (thanks Sherry), played games (thanks Dorothy) and had a Bible Drill. It was close, but Madeline came from behind to win. We’re all winners when we learn God’s word.
This week, we’ll learn about defending our selves physically and spiritually. A special guest will teach us some self-defense moves and we’ll learn some spiritual self-defense moves from God’s word. Dorothy is planning a special snack treat we will make.
Children grades 3 to 7 meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. We gather in the Fellowship Hall for singing, games, Bible study, crafts, competition and a ministry project. Sherry Snyder and Dorothy Gardner join me as leaders for the Kids Club.
VBS IS COMING
Mark your calendars for July 15-19, 2007. The Children’s Ministry Team is making plans to transform our children into ‘007 agents for God.
CELEBRATE THE MISSIONARY SPIRIT
St. Patrick is credited with bringing the Gospel of Jesus to Ireland in the 400s AD.
His real name is believed to be Maewyn Succat (he took on Patrick, or Patricus, after he became a priest). The story goes that he was kidnapped at the age of 16 by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland. During his 6-year captivity he worked as a shepherd and he began to have religious visions, and found strength in his faith. He finally escaped (after voices in one of his visions told him where he could find a getaway ship) and went to France, where he became a priest (and later a bishop). When he was about 60 years old, St. Patrick traveled to Ireland to spread the Christian word. Patrick used common objects to explain the faith. The shamrock was used to explain the concept of the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
Perhaps St. Patrick’s Day should be a day we are encouraged to share the Gospel with others. Perhaps we could be challenged to explain our faith to others by using simple objects of everyday life. So, put on your green and tell someone about Jesus!
May you continue to grow in the grace of the Lord this week.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Go mbeannaí Dia duit (“May God bless you” in Irish Gaelic)
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
A Musing for March 7
Are we getting smarter? Maybe product labels are an indication …
On a Sears hairdryer -- "Do not use while sleeping."
On a bag of Fritos -- "You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside."
On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom) -- "Do not turn upside down."
On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding - "Product will be hot after heating."
On packaging for a Rowenta iron -- "Do not iron clothes on body."
On Boot's Children Cough Medicine -- "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication."
On Nytol Sleep Aid -- "Warning: May cause drowsiness..."
On some brands of Christmas lights -- "For indoor or outdoor use only."
On an American Airlines packet of peanuts -- "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts."
On an American Airlines packet of peanuts -- "Warning: may contain peanuts."
On a child's Superman costume -- "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."
I’m not sure I want to know why these warnings and instructions were added to these products. I really hope no child every tried to fly with a Superman costume or that anyone tried to iron the clothes they were wearing. Much of this seems obvious. When Jesus told his disciples to love God and love everyone else it seems like an obvious overstatement. It might be like seeing another human being with a tag – “Do not abuse, exploit, damage or inflict pain.” God wants us to be smarter than that.
GROWING IN OUR FAITH DURING LENT
Our amaryllis bulb is not doing very well. We’re taking good care of it. It has sufficient water; it’s placed by the window during the week; the choir sings to it on Thursday evenings. Will it grow? Will it bloom? Will it be healthy? It’s easy to get a little discouraged.
It’s easy to get discouraged when we don’t see the spiritual growth that we desire. We need to persevere in our spiritual growth, trusting that God will bring the growth. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
KIDS TOGETHER
The kids continued making “stained glass” pictures for lent. The pictures are slowly appearing on the door between the sanctuary and the narthex. Last week we talked about using God’s word to counter temptation; the picture was of a Bible and lily. This week we talked about God’s sacrificial love and care for us; the cross is a symbol of Jesus’ love for us. Francesca Crane and Danielle Burkett were our volunteer leaders this week. Ron and Stevie Arena were to help, but Stevie was home ill. We prayed that God would make him better. It was great that Jacob brought a Veggie Tale DVD to share.
This week Dawn Flay and Dick Rusbuldt will lead the Kids Together program. Pastor Steve will remain in the sanctuary.
NURSERY
Thanks go to Joan Brior and Wendy Reid for being our nursery volunteers this week. Betti and Corrine Sharpe will be in the nursery during the worship service next Sunday.
KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club got off to a good start on March 4. We talked about temptation and trusting in God’s Word to help us when we are tempted. The children have taken on a ministry project. They will show God’s love to soldiers in Iraq with a care package. Betsy McGeorge talked to the group about her brother-in-law who is currently stationed in Iraq. The children will make an announcement during the worship service this week to invite you to help.
Children grades 3 to 7 meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. We gather in the Fellowship Hall for singing, games, Bible study, crafts, competition and a ministry project. Sherry Snyder and Dorothy Gardner join me as leaders for the Kids Club.
VBS IS COMING
Mark your calendars for July 15-19, 2007. The Children’s Ministry Team is making plans to transform our children into ‘007 agents for God.
SPRING AHEAD THIS WEEK
Please remember that this is the Sunday we observe the rite of Daylight Savings Time. This year we spring ahead in the winter just to confuse us more. The deeper questions are, why are they saving it, and where do they keep it? Why is it just an hour? Why not a day, or a week, or a month? Perhaps the big wonder is whether or not my VCR/DVD will start blinking “1:00” on Sunday. Life is full of mysteries … like daylight savings time.
May you continue to grow in the grace of the Lord this week.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Tempus fugit utrum ludis necne (“Time flies whether you’re having fun or not”)
On a Sears hairdryer -- "Do not use while sleeping."
On a bag of Fritos -- "You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside."
On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom) -- "Do not turn upside down."
On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding - "Product will be hot after heating."
On packaging for a Rowenta iron -- "Do not iron clothes on body."
On Boot's Children Cough Medicine -- "Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication."
On Nytol Sleep Aid -- "Warning: May cause drowsiness..."
On some brands of Christmas lights -- "For indoor or outdoor use only."
On an American Airlines packet of peanuts -- "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts."
On an American Airlines packet of peanuts -- "Warning: may contain peanuts."
On a child's Superman costume -- "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."
I’m not sure I want to know why these warnings and instructions were added to these products. I really hope no child every tried to fly with a Superman costume or that anyone tried to iron the clothes they were wearing. Much of this seems obvious. When Jesus told his disciples to love God and love everyone else it seems like an obvious overstatement. It might be like seeing another human being with a tag – “Do not abuse, exploit, damage or inflict pain.” God wants us to be smarter than that.
GROWING IN OUR FAITH DURING LENT
Our amaryllis bulb is not doing very well. We’re taking good care of it. It has sufficient water; it’s placed by the window during the week; the choir sings to it on Thursday evenings. Will it grow? Will it bloom? Will it be healthy? It’s easy to get a little discouraged.
It’s easy to get discouraged when we don’t see the spiritual growth that we desire. We need to persevere in our spiritual growth, trusting that God will bring the growth. Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
KIDS TOGETHER
The kids continued making “stained glass” pictures for lent. The pictures are slowly appearing on the door between the sanctuary and the narthex. Last week we talked about using God’s word to counter temptation; the picture was of a Bible and lily. This week we talked about God’s sacrificial love and care for us; the cross is a symbol of Jesus’ love for us. Francesca Crane and Danielle Burkett were our volunteer leaders this week. Ron and Stevie Arena were to help, but Stevie was home ill. We prayed that God would make him better. It was great that Jacob brought a Veggie Tale DVD to share.
This week Dawn Flay and Dick Rusbuldt will lead the Kids Together program. Pastor Steve will remain in the sanctuary.
NURSERY
Thanks go to Joan Brior and Wendy Reid for being our nursery volunteers this week. Betti and Corrine Sharpe will be in the nursery during the worship service next Sunday.
KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club got off to a good start on March 4. We talked about temptation and trusting in God’s Word to help us when we are tempted. The children have taken on a ministry project. They will show God’s love to soldiers in Iraq with a care package. Betsy McGeorge talked to the group about her brother-in-law who is currently stationed in Iraq. The children will make an announcement during the worship service this week to invite you to help.
Children grades 3 to 7 meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. We gather in the Fellowship Hall for singing, games, Bible study, crafts, competition and a ministry project. Sherry Snyder and Dorothy Gardner join me as leaders for the Kids Club.
VBS IS COMING
Mark your calendars for July 15-19, 2007. The Children’s Ministry Team is making plans to transform our children into ‘007 agents for God.
SPRING AHEAD THIS WEEK
Please remember that this is the Sunday we observe the rite of Daylight Savings Time. This year we spring ahead in the winter just to confuse us more. The deeper questions are, why are they saving it, and where do they keep it? Why is it just an hour? Why not a day, or a week, or a month? Perhaps the big wonder is whether or not my VCR/DVD will start blinking “1:00” on Sunday. Life is full of mysteries … like daylight savings time.
May you continue to grow in the grace of the Lord this week.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Tempus fugit utrum ludis necne (“Time flies whether you’re having fun or not”)
Monday, March 5, 2007
Sojournal article for March
Teach your children the language of faith
There is an old joke that circulates among missionaries and other expatriates.
Q: What do you call a person who speaks three languages?
A: trilingual.
Q: What do you call a person who speaks two languages?
A: bilingual.
Q: What do you call a person who speaks one language?
A: American.
Linguists tell us that the majority of people in the world speak more than one language. In Bolivia, I was always amazed to find people, who had no more than a 3rd grade education, but could fluently speak Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, some Portuguese and English. Many of my theology students could easily pick up Greek or Hebrew.
Linguists also tell us that children learn languages much faster than adults. You don’t have to tell me that; I remember when my daughters were chattering with the kids on the street and I didn’t have a clue what they were saying.
Language is the basis for culture, learning and communication. Regardless of your position on immigration, English is necessary to succeed in American society. Being bilingual is a distinct advantage.
What about faith?
How absurd it would be to say, “English is the language I prefer, but I don’t want to push it on my kids.” Or maybe, “I’ll raise my kids without a language, and when they are old enough, they can choose for themselves.” How about, “I hope they grow up to speak English, but it’s really not my place to push a language on them.”
It sounds absurd, but in many ways, we treat our faith like that. Passing on our faith should be as natural as speaking English to our children.
Linguists tell us that the best way to learn a language is by total immersion (a good word for Baptists). We can learn a language in a classroom situation, but by encountering it and using it in everyday activities, the learning process is enhanced. Faith is not something that is learned at Sunday School alone, but by living in a family that is fully immersed in living its faith on a daily basis.
The great prophet Moses put it this way:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV)
The Lenten period is a great time to teach our children the language of faith. “¿Se habla Christian?”
Pastor Steve Crane
There is an old joke that circulates among missionaries and other expatriates.
Q: What do you call a person who speaks three languages?
A: trilingual.
Q: What do you call a person who speaks two languages?
A: bilingual.
Q: What do you call a person who speaks one language?
A: American.
Linguists tell us that the majority of people in the world speak more than one language. In Bolivia, I was always amazed to find people, who had no more than a 3rd grade education, but could fluently speak Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, some Portuguese and English. Many of my theology students could easily pick up Greek or Hebrew.
Linguists also tell us that children learn languages much faster than adults. You don’t have to tell me that; I remember when my daughters were chattering with the kids on the street and I didn’t have a clue what they were saying.
Language is the basis for culture, learning and communication. Regardless of your position on immigration, English is necessary to succeed in American society. Being bilingual is a distinct advantage.
What about faith?
How absurd it would be to say, “English is the language I prefer, but I don’t want to push it on my kids.” Or maybe, “I’ll raise my kids without a language, and when they are old enough, they can choose for themselves.” How about, “I hope they grow up to speak English, but it’s really not my place to push a language on them.”
It sounds absurd, but in many ways, we treat our faith like that. Passing on our faith should be as natural as speaking English to our children.
Linguists tell us that the best way to learn a language is by total immersion (a good word for Baptists). We can learn a language in a classroom situation, but by encountering it and using it in everyday activities, the learning process is enhanced. Faith is not something that is learned at Sunday School alone, but by living in a family that is fully immersed in living its faith on a daily basis.
The great prophet Moses put it this way:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV)
The Lenten period is a great time to teach our children the language of faith. “¿Se habla Christian?”
Pastor Steve Crane
Friday, March 2, 2007
A Musing for March 1st
Perhaps you’ve heard …
… a man was opening a new branch of his business, and one of his friends decided to send flowers for the occasion. The flowers arrived and Joe read the card. It said, "Rest in Peace." Joe, enraged, called the florist to complain. The florist replied, "Sir, I'm really sorry for the mistake, but rather than getting angry, you should imagine this: somewhere there is a funeral taking place today, and they have flowers with a note saying, "Congratulations on your new location."
I like to view the afterlife as a continuation of our present life, only in a new location. Our actions and attitude should be the same, only in a new location. Our present life is practice for our eternal existence.
GROWING IN OUR FAITH DURING LENT
I want to thank Pastor Mike and Pastor Dick for helping with the children’s sermon this week. Pastor Dick helped the kids plant an amaryllis bulb (which he graciously supplied) and we talked about what is needed to care for the plant: water, plant food, sun. Pastor Mike helped us to understand that we need prayer, bible study and fellowship to grow in our faith.
Each week during Lent we’ll check the growth of our amaryllis bulb and we’ll also check on our own spiritual growth. God wants the gospel to grow in us. The Apostle Paul told the church in Corinth, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6) We need to let God work in our lives to bring spiritual growth.
KIDS TOGETHER
We had a good group at Kids Together this week. Natalie Heaps and Ezria served as our volunteer leaders. We enacted the Scripture of the Temptation of Jesus; the children took turns being Jesus and the Devil. We learned that when temptation comes, we should go to the Bible (God’s Word) for help. The children started coloring stained glass pictures of a Bible and lily, but time ran out before we could finish. We hope to add new “stained glass” pictures each week during Lent. They will decorate the door that leads from the narthex into the Sanctuary.
This coming Sunday we will continue our Lenten journey in Kids Together. We will learn what a chicken can teach us about God’s love and care for us. Ron and Jane Arena will be our leaders this week.
NURSERY
Each week nursery care is provided during worship. Joan Brior and Wendy Reid are our nursery volunteers this week.
KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club begins on Sunday, March 4. Children grades 3 to 7 are invited to meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. We will gather in the Fellowship Hall and begin with singing and games. Bible study, crafts, competition and a ministry project will be a part of our evening. Sherry Snyder and Dorothy Gardner join me as leaders for the Kids Club.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS FOR PARENTS
This Sunday is the last of our classes on “God’s Word for Parents.” Jesus wasn’t a parent (unless you believe some of the recent spectacular claims), but he had something to say about children and to parents. The followers of Jesus also had concerns for the Christian family. This week we’ll center on God’s word for parents in the New Testament. The class is for parents, grandparents, those hoping to be parents, and anyone interested are invited to participate. We meet Sundays at 9:45 am in Room 2. Bring the kids; we have classes for them as well.
“The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
May you grow in the grace of the Lord this week.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Pactum serva (“Keep the faith”)
… a man was opening a new branch of his business, and one of his friends decided to send flowers for the occasion. The flowers arrived and Joe read the card. It said, "Rest in Peace." Joe, enraged, called the florist to complain. The florist replied, "Sir, I'm really sorry for the mistake, but rather than getting angry, you should imagine this: somewhere there is a funeral taking place today, and they have flowers with a note saying, "Congratulations on your new location."
I like to view the afterlife as a continuation of our present life, only in a new location. Our actions and attitude should be the same, only in a new location. Our present life is practice for our eternal existence.
GROWING IN OUR FAITH DURING LENT
I want to thank Pastor Mike and Pastor Dick for helping with the children’s sermon this week. Pastor Dick helped the kids plant an amaryllis bulb (which he graciously supplied) and we talked about what is needed to care for the plant: water, plant food, sun. Pastor Mike helped us to understand that we need prayer, bible study and fellowship to grow in our faith.
Each week during Lent we’ll check the growth of our amaryllis bulb and we’ll also check on our own spiritual growth. God wants the gospel to grow in us. The Apostle Paul told the church in Corinth, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6) We need to let God work in our lives to bring spiritual growth.
KIDS TOGETHER
We had a good group at Kids Together this week. Natalie Heaps and Ezria served as our volunteer leaders. We enacted the Scripture of the Temptation of Jesus; the children took turns being Jesus and the Devil. We learned that when temptation comes, we should go to the Bible (God’s Word) for help. The children started coloring stained glass pictures of a Bible and lily, but time ran out before we could finish. We hope to add new “stained glass” pictures each week during Lent. They will decorate the door that leads from the narthex into the Sanctuary.
This coming Sunday we will continue our Lenten journey in Kids Together. We will learn what a chicken can teach us about God’s love and care for us. Ron and Jane Arena will be our leaders this week.
NURSERY
Each week nursery care is provided during worship. Joan Brior and Wendy Reid are our nursery volunteers this week.
KIDS CLUB
The Kids Club begins on Sunday, March 4. Children grades 3 to 7 are invited to meet from 6:00 to 7:30 every Sunday evening during lent. We will gather in the Fellowship Hall and begin with singing and games. Bible study, crafts, competition and a ministry project will be a part of our evening. Sherry Snyder and Dorothy Gardner join me as leaders for the Kids Club.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS FOR PARENTS
This Sunday is the last of our classes on “God’s Word for Parents.” Jesus wasn’t a parent (unless you believe some of the recent spectacular claims), but he had something to say about children and to parents. The followers of Jesus also had concerns for the Christian family. This week we’ll center on God’s word for parents in the New Testament. The class is for parents, grandparents, those hoping to be parents, and anyone interested are invited to participate. We meet Sundays at 9:45 am in Room 2. Bring the kids; we have classes for them as well.
“The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
May you grow in the grace of the Lord this week.
Pastor Steve
This Week’s Motto: Pactum serva (“Keep the faith”)
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