E-News Article
Focus on the Team – Part 1
On Monday, August 29, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees hit his 50th home run of the season. He leads the MLB in home runs this year as the Yankees pursue the World Series pennant. The post-game interview went like this, “It’s just another number,” said Judge, who was intentionally walked twice Monday before going deep. “It’s great, but I’m kind of upset we lost. It’s a close game we could’ve won.”“I’m not downplaying it. I just don’t like How COVID has affected us
They’re Baaaaack
Yes, the students are back in school. The teachers and admin folks are back in school (and that group has probably been back for a couple of weeks). And, yes, our discipleship programs are back and getting ready to kick off (have you signed up yet?). So, let’s look at a comeback story in the Bible. In the book of Exodus, chapter 2, we read that Moses was born, his mother hid him in a basket by the Nile river, How COVID has affected us
Loss to Life
Tears were shed. Suppressed sobs echoed throughout the room. The minister spoke words of comfort as family members and friends sat quietly ruminating on their loved one. A faithful father or mother, loving brother or sister, exiting this life into the next. The loss is palpable and long-lasting for those left behind. No amount of condolences nor homemade meals will take away the pain. It must be endured for months, even years to come. You may have endured the loss How COVID has affected us
Take a Second and Smile
Summer is almost over, school is getting ready to start, gas prices are high, grocery store prices are skyrocketing, and the housing marketing they say is cooling but try finding a place to buy or rent around here, we haven’t had enough rain, monkeypox is on the move, Covid is here and then gone and then here and then gone, summer colds are kicking us around, and what is up with my golf game? I can’t buy a birdie or How COVID has affected us
Judgy McJudgerson
The easiest way to lose my respect is to hear someone judging someone else. I will often become super defensive of the person being judged when this occurs. I’d like to pretend it’s because I’m a really good person but I know the truth. It’s because I fear judgment from God. Matthew 7:1-5 has always resonated with me. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with How COVID has affected us
I like Chocolate, and you?
In 1983, Christian singer, Steve Tayor, asked “Whatever happened to sin?” Seems people were doing whatever they wanted without any concern as to what God wanted. Not that this is anything new. Since the beginning of time, we have seen a steady erosion of the concept of sin. The word “sin” in today’s modern world has become a word either relegated to the church or used only as a joke. Sin is seen as old-fashioned and outdated. It’s not really relevant to How COVID has affected us
Don’t Judge Someone Else’s Journey
It is so hard sometimes to not be judgmental. We may look at someone else’s choices and wonder why on earth they would do what they do. The truth is we have not walked in their shoes. Even if we have had the same experience, it will be different from person to person. A few days ago I hiked with my sister on the north country trail. We hiked around 50 miles total last year and I really enjoyed it. How COVID has affected us
‘Merica: God’s Country?
July 4th is coming up and we all know what that means, right? American flags will come out of the closet. Churches will gear up for their independence day services. Patriotic songs like “God Bless America” and “This Land is Your Land” will be blasted over the radio. OH, and let’s not forget the most important part…FIREWORKS! In all the hustle and bustle going on during this time of year, we can lose sight of where our true patriotism should lie. Let me How COVID has affected us
Celebrate
Celebration! This weekend our country celebrates the declaration of independence from Britain in July 4, 1776. In addition to our freedom, we have much to celebrate as Americans. What do we have to celebrate as Christians? Let’s take a quick look at scripture. There are Biblical reasons for celebration. Celebrate when others celebrate Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Celebrate when good things happen to your neighbors, family, and friends. Lift them up with encouraging words. Give them a gift. Throw a party! Just celebrate with others who How COVID has affected us
Is God Calling You?
Has God called you? Maybe you think, “No, God hasn’t called me. God hasn’t called me to become a missionary. Or to give away all my money. Or to move across the country and start a new church.” Does God always call us to do “big” things? Or does he sometimes call us to simple, mundane acts of service? Like visiting a lonely shut-in. Or inviting someone over for dinner? Or attending church every Sunday? There are several examples in How COVID has affected us