Thursday Reflections – Milwaukee Mission Trip 2019
by ChurchMarketing.is Team
Hi Church! This is Sam (adult leader) along with Regina (freshman), Brianna (junior) and Christian Smith (junior). We’re here to tell you about our day today – Thursday, July 25th.
This year we are spending the week serving in Milwaukee. Next Step Ministries organizes the mission trip (www.nextstepministries.com), setting up our work projects, housing, food, and worship experiences.
How have you seen God work?
(Sam) I have seen God through the comradery in our team. Our group is made up of people from very different backgrounds. Since the very first day on site we have been getting along nicely, from rocking out to the radio to playing games while working.
(Regina) I saw God today through the friendships made in our group. I also saw God through all of the work we completed today. Everyone in our group seemed very comfortable with each other and I think God helped us with that as well.
(Brianna) I have seen God in many different ways this week. I saw God in my Next Step leader, Mike, the girls on this trip, Regina, Ashley, Liberty, and Alissa, and lastly I have seen God in my friend Noah. Mike is just filled with God. Mike is compassionate, caring, supportive, helpful, funny, and always willing to answer any questions that someone has, construction, God, or anything else.
(Christian) I have seen God in many things this week. First off, I saw him in the work our team has done. We were able to get so much work done as a team, in so little time. That alone is a work of God. I have also seen God work through a leader named Cody. He would show up at our work site, and bring us things we needed, or new materials to work on our project. I also saw God in putting our location of work in an area that was close to a source of water and a bathroom. These are just a few of the ways I saw God this week.
What has been the hardest thing about this mission trip?
(Sam) The hardest part about the mission trip so far has been the getting enough sleep to make it through the day. Sleeping in a room with 30+ other guys, some of whom are middle schoolers has its challenges. But through the grace of God and a little coffee I have been able to push through.
(Regina) The hardest thing for me has been the construction because I don’t have any experience. It’s also been hard to participate in certain things because I don’t always feel 100% comfortable.
(Brianna) The hardest part of the mission trip for me has been that I didn’t want to come. The thing is, it hasn’t been all that bad. I have enjoyed many things, but I wanted to be at home and relax. I wanted to work at my summer intern job and I didn’t know if my faith was “good enough” for the trip this year. The thing is I realized I don’t have to be good enough for other people; I am on this trip for God and I am good enough for Him.
(Christian) I didn’t have a hard part on this mission trip, due to all of the experiences I have had on my previous Next Step mission trips. But if there was any challenging part, it would be getting enough sleep.
What have you enjoyed the most?
(Sam) I have enjoyed many things about this trip. The music, the people and the experience have all been good and very eye opening.
(Regina) I have enjoyed dancing to music in the car, eating, going to bed, showering, laughing with friends, making new friendships, and bonding with people. There is also this game called “9 square in the air” that I really enjoy.
(Brianna) I enjoyed spending my time with my amazing leaders, especially EMILY!
(Christian) I have enjoyed making new friends, and hanging out with them the most. We have been able to play soccer, 9 square, and Mafia; and I only have God to thank for the chance to do so.
What is God teaching you?
(Sam) God has taught me patience and humility throughout this trip. Leading has really tested me in both departments and I feel that since the beginning I have constantly been growing as a leader and a Christian.
(Brianna) As I stated before, God is teaching me that I don’t have to be good enough for anyone because I am good enough for Him and He chose me when Jesus died.
(Regina) I think God is teaching me to try new things and be more open to friendships. I have done a lot of work and made a lot of great friends during this week.
(Christian) I have been taught that I need to start accepting help for my struggles in life, and that I have got to give love as Christ Jess has done, and is doing, for me. I also realized that I do not deserve what Christ has done for me, but it doesn’t matter because He loves me, as I should love others.
Each night of the mission trip, Emily is going to ask a few other people from the mission trip team to share some reflections. Stop back to hear how God is continuing to teach us and shape us this week. Also, you can check out the Church’s facebook page for pictures and other updates. You can also leave your questions and comments for the mission trip team here.
Hi Church! This is Sam (adult leader) along with Regina (freshman), Brianna (junior) and Christian Smith (junior). We’re here to tell you about our day today – Thursday, July 25th. This year we are spending the week serving in Milwaukee. Next Step Ministries organizes the mission trip (www.nextstepministries.com), setting up our work projects,...
Why Work?
by ChurchMarketing.is Team
“Mike.”
“MikeMikeMikeMikeMike.”
“Guess what day it is, Mike?”
It’s Wednesday, aka “hump day”, as I am writing this. Sometimes the work week can feel like a hill (or mountain) to climb up and down over and over again. At the end of Wednesday, for Monday-Friday jobs, we’re over the hump, over halfway done. It’s all downhill from here.
Why is work so hard? Why do we even do something we describe as such drudgery?
Pastor Mike did a great job opening our September series, including reminding us that practically, we work to provide for our lives. We work for some things we need, and we trade work for other things we need and want, usually with money as a convenient way of trading value.
Pastor Mike also drew us back to the creation story, where we are reminded that God created us to work, to govern and care for His creation. He created us to “cultivate the soil” (Gen 2:5), to “tend and watch over” (2:15) the garden. Mankind was created to care for creation. We are part of the ecosystem of God’s creation, and we have been entrusted with the position of governing it.
We work for the good of all of God’s creation, because that is what He created us for.
Only after the sin of Adam and Eve does this work become such a struggle (Gen 3:17).
So now we struggle for the good of all creation. Our work is a blessing to the Earth, and all those around us.
You are a blessing sent by God to His creation, including people.
And even though we rebelled, and continue to fall short, He saved us and continues to send us out to do the work He designed us for. We don’t work to earn salvation, we work as a love response to God who already saved us.
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:8-10
Unique in all of creation, He formed mankind by hand. God hand made you for work.
As we look closely at work, this month, we’ll explore:
- The gift of being able to create, through our work, and how it is a labor of love.
- The motivation for work, God already saved you, and He invites you to be a co-creator with Him!
- The purpose we were designed for, to work, to be active as God is active.
- The role we are entrusted with, the managers of God’s creation.
- The praise to God that our work can pour forth, testifying to the Who we belong to.
“Mike.” “MikeMikeMikeMikeMike.” “Guess what day it is, Mike?” It’s Wednesday, aka “hump day”, as I am writing this. Sometimes the work week can feel like a hill (or mountain) to climb up and down over and over again. At the end of Wednesday, for Monday-Friday jobs, we’re over the hump, over halfway done. It’s all downhill from here. Why is work...
Why Should I Care?
by ChurchMarketing.is Team
I’m pretty sure that most of you reading this don’t know Allen Henderson.
You never experienced his LARGER THAN LIFE presence.
You never heard his (in)famous pig call ringing through the sky.
Probably never got a big bear hug from him, listened to one of his sermons, sat through one of his children’s chapel talks, or sat down and had a beer and meal with him.
So, why would you care that on October 2nd in the late afternoon in front of his church, responding to a call, he was beaten to death? Why should you care that he was within weeks of retiring from full-time ministry? Why should you care that he leaves behind 7 grandchildren and his dear wife, Kris? Why should you care that he served as chaplain for the Ft. Dodge Police department? Why should you care about Ft. Dodge, Iowa? Why should you care that the new pastor is coming next month and has some pretty big shoes to fill?
You don’t know him. Your lives didn’t intersect.
So, why should you care?
———————
The news ABOUT people bombards us. The stories ABOUT peoples’ plights and losses, and life-experiences wash over us…frequently leaving us numb to their reality. The stories lack a certain human element. We’re removed. Not close to it. Because we don’t know them, their stories don’t impact us.
Why should I care?
And, the frequency and depth of the stories, on TV, Radio, Facebook, Instagram, leave us numb. We have heard it all so many times. Nothing is surprising anymore. Their stories don’t impact us.Why should I care?
The volume of hurt and need in our world is so overwhelming that we despair. We couldn’t possibly put a dent in the pain. Too deep. Too much. So, we choose to remain distant. If we were to care about all of it, we wouldn’t be able to handle it. We can only take so much. I have enough hurt and need in my own circle of influence to occupy my heart, to fill my calendar.Why should I care?
———————
Isn’t it true that unless the need strikes close to home, we are inclined to not care…that much.
———————
Within that reality, there is a truth that calls us. It goes something like this:
- God so loved the world that He gave… (John 3:16)
- As the Father has sent me, even so, I am sending you! (John 20:21)
God cares! So much so that He offered up His only Son and sent Him NEAR!
He compels us to care enough to come NEAR!
So, at the beginning of a new month, and a new quarter of planning…the final push to the end of another calendar year, I’ve been thinking…
- Let’s not allow Elsa and Karen and her small team of servants be the only ones who care about feeding hungry families.
- Let’s not allow Emily and her amazing team of servants and parents to love and care about our youth.
- Let’s not allow our professional preschool staff to be the only ones who care for the families in our community.
- Let’s not allow a few to care about 1:1 discipling and encouraging others in their walk with Jesus.
- Let’s not allow someone else to share the Gospel of Hope in Jesus with someone who is not yet a follower of Jesus.
- Let’s not allow our amazing team of caregivers who visit the sick and shut-ins be the only ones who care.
- Let’s not allow organizations like DAIS, and individuals like Alex Gee be the only ones who care about the societal epidemics that are killing us.
- Let’s not allow 20 families be the only ones who care about our AM2FM campaign enough to give sacrificially to eliminate our mortgage and secure our future for vibrant ministry to this community and this county.
- Let’s not allow someone else to support the church financially so we can have all we need to connect people to life in Jesus.
Let’s not sit back and assume that someone else will care.
Let’s not only care about our own interests and let “others” care.
Let’s not allow overwhelm to leave us numb to the hurts and pains we see.
Let’s not allow the assumption that “it will never change” leave us inactive and unresponsive.
Let’s not be deceived that “feeling sorry” for someone’s predicament is actually caring.
My invitation this month is to open your heart to Jesus. Watch Him as we ask the question “Why Should I Care?” Watch, listen, learn, and then…follow Him!
Pastor Jeff
I’m pretty sure that most of you reading this don’t know Allen Henderson. You never experienced his LARGER THAN LIFE presence. You never heard his (in)famous pig call ringing through the sky. Probably never got a big bear hug from him, listened to one of his sermons, sat through one of his children’s chapel talks, or sat down and had a beer and...
Good Enough
by ChurchMarketing.is Team
I am a good _____________________ when I ________________________________.
How do you fill in that statement? What unconscious thoughts like that run through your head during the day? What expectations are you using to define your worth?
Our world is filled with “good enough” expectations. Books, media, videos, magazines – they constantly bombard us with how to be better, how to be more, the best ways to parent/eat/work/relate/and on and on. Often, without knowing it, we take these expectations upon ourselves and begin to define our worth based on them.
And then we fail. We can’t live up to those expectations.
We begin to adopt a value system for ourselves based on those unmet expectations. When we are successful, we are worthy. When we fail, we are unworthy. Sadly, this value system then works its way into our relationships. We base others’ value and worth on the expectations we have set. Our patience, love, and compassion for others begins to be based on whether or not they have earned it. It is a cycle that just doesn’t work. It is not how God designed us to live.
God’s desire is for us to live in a way that embraces His definition of who we are. When we clothe ourselves in who God says we are, we no longer ride the roller coaster of emotions and expectations that come from the world’s value system.
His labels for us are permanent.
There is nothing that can strip away the identity that God has given to you. You don’t have to work harder to be more valuable to God. Your value is defined by the blood of Jesus and that was HIS choice to give to you, not based on who you are or what you do. And that is true of each and every other person as well.
So how do we move from the roller coaster of personal and worldly expectations to living out God’s identity for us?
- Acknowledge. Start by identifying and acknowledging the expectations you place upon yourself, the ones you adopt from the world, and the ones you place on others. Use the statement at the top and write them down. Ask God to reveal them. I am a good husband when my family is financially secure. I am a good employee when I meet every deadline. I am a good Christian when I read my Bible every day. I am a good parent when my kids are well behaved. Spend time reflecting on your responses to various situations and the “good enough” expectations that are prompting those responses.
- Start with God. When we use our own expectations to define our worth, our statements begin with “I” – I am worthy because I got a promotion. I am not good enough because I yelled at my kids too much. Those value statements put ourselves at the center. However, when we start our value statements with “God”, our identity is shifted. God has redeemed me. I am valuable in spite of my failures. God has gifted me. My talent is a reflection of God’s creativity.
- End with God. Being given a permanent identity in Christ doesn’t mean the tasks of the world disappear. And it doesn’t mean we should go about our lives half-heartedly or choosing sin. Instead, our identity in Christ drives how we live out our daily lives. I work hard at my job as a way to give glory to God. I care for my children as an act of worship to God. I can choose a holy life through the power and victory given to me in Jesus.
- Embrace God’s Expectations. God’s desire is for you to know him, love Him and to let your life be a reflection of that love. He wants you to live in the freedom that comes from knowing that you are beloved, chosen, redeemed, and victorious. Hosea 6:6 says,
“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.”
As we begin to reshape our understanding of who God says we are, and where our worth really comes from, we then begin to see others in the same way. As you release yourself from those expectations, you can release others from them as well. And then you can experience the freedom that comes from knowing that God has made you “good enough”.I am a good _____________________ when I ________________________________. How do you fill in that statement? What unconscious thoughts like that run through your head during the day? What expectations are you using to define your worth? Our world is filled with “good enough” expectations. Books, media, videos, magazines – they constantly bombard...
An Important Update from Pastor Jeff
by ChurchMarketing.is Team
Brothers and Sisters of the Church and friends in our Dane County Community,
"Fear not, for I am with you always. Be not dismayed, I am your God. I will help you, strengthen you and uphold you with My righteous right hand!" Isaiah 41:10
With God, the entreaty to “fear not” is always followed with a promise! So, with confidence in our God, we trust in Him to be with us during all times and all circumstances. That means that during this uncertain time with the coronavirus, we put our trust in God, as well as being prudent in making decisions.
Fear is a natural human emotion. Faith is a gift from God given to His people. Both exist in us. So, we are trusting, praying, confident, unwavering, AND cautious, serving, leading for the sake of our community.
The coronavirus pandemic has given us an unprecedented challenge AND opportunity.
After much prayer, consultation, and, at the recommendation of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, we have decided to suspend all gatherings at the Church at least through March 29th. We will re-evaluate and share our decision for what we will do after March 29th by March 27th.
Among the dozens of articles and posts I have been reading since this past Tuesday from religious leaders, business leaders, and government officials, I have been reminded of the importance of balanced, thoughtful, and collaborative decision making in unprecedented moments. Here is one paragraph that really captured my imagination and heart.
“Higher brain thinking is all about solutions, being open to new ways of doing things, and keeping your neuropathways in a position where you can think. In all crisis situations, people naturally go into the lower brain. Fight the temptation and stay focused on all of the good that’s in place. Although canceling sporting events, conferences and school is disruptive and disappointing, it’s likely lives will be saved because of those actions.”
Read more from Laura Gallagher, President of the Creative Company… https://thecreativecompany.
- No gatherings at the Church through at least March 29th
- No preschool through March 29th
- Announcement concerning what will happen after the 29th by at least March 27th
- Worship will be live-streamed at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings through March 29th
- Keep checking our website and your email for up-to-date information.
- Feel free to share anything we share with you with neighbors, friends and family members. We are working on creative ways to stay connected with you throughout this fluid situation.
- Pray for God’s reign to be seen in our church and through us and others in our community in such a profound way that many would come to know Jesus' love in new, and dynamic ways.
- Continue to pray for your leaders for wisdom, courage, and creativity.
- Continue to support your preschool and church with your financial gifts so we can remain a strong presence in this community. You can give online here during this time: https://www.livelifetogether.
com/give
Brothers and Sisters of the Church and friends in our Dane County Community, "Fear not, for I am with you always. Be not dismayed, I am your God. I will help you, strengthen you and uphold you with My righteous right hand!" Isaiah 41:10 With God, the entreaty to “fear not” is always followed with a promise! So, with confidence in our God, we...
Why? What? Clarification and Updates
by ChurchMarketing.is Team
We know that yesterday's announcement about suspending gatherings at the Church may have come as a shock, and you probably have a few questions.
We want to reiterate that these decisions have not been made out of fear or panic. Instead, they have been made from rational love. We want to heed the call to love our neighbors, and part of loving our neighbors is to help protect and prevent illness. We also know that there are a lot of unknowns with the Coronavirus. We trust those in authority and who work in high levels of public health. We humble ourselves to recognize that we are not fully aware of what it takes to contain an outbreak, or what the effects of a possible outbreak would be, and will join with them in their desire to be proactive against COVID-19.
Therefore, we are heeding recommendations from the Wisconsin Department of Public Health. They recommend that gatherings (even under 250) consider cancelling if there are people from a wide variety of age groups, vulnerable populations who might attend, and if the gathering is not immediately essential.
While worship and gathering together is an essential part of the Christian faith, we do not believe that we only follow Jesus through those activities. Our faith is not minimized if we miss church a few times. In fact, what a great opportunity to intentionally think through our own personal worship practices in our homes. And this is also an opportunity to help us consider broader ways we can show love to our community. Can we offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor? Can we give up some of our stash of sanitizer and clorox wipes to the neighborhood school? Can we offer to watch a neighbor's child if schools or events are cancelled? Can we be intentional to reach out in friendship to fellow believers and build stronger relationships with each other, outside of meeting at worship?
Here are some decisions we want you to be aware of:
- There will no gatherings of any kind at the Church building through March 29th. This includes Bible Studies, worship, youth events, and outside groups who use our facility.
- The two exceptions to the above statement are: counseling services through LCFS and what is needed to ensure the essential business of the Church can continue.
- We support lifeGroups who choose not to meet together during this time, but understand this is the choice of each lifeGroup.
- The staff is still available. Please email or call should you need something. We are still working, but may be doing so from our homes a little more than usual. (contact information is below)
- We will make future decisions by March 27th and will inform you of those as soon as possible.
- Our preschool classes are also cancelled through March 27th.
- Please check the homepage of our website (livelifetogether.com) for livestream worship (9am on Sundays) and other announcements. Our facebook page will also have information and links.
We know that yesterday's announcement about suspending gatherings at the Church may have come as a shock, and you probably have a few questions. We want to reiterate that these decisions have not been made out of fear or panic. Instead, they have been made from rational love. We want to heed the call to love our neighbors, and part of loving our...
Responsiveness: A Pledge to the Light
by ChurchMarketing.is Team
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8-9, NLT).
Every morning and every evening, my dad faithfully sends out a prayer via text message. Admittedly, I sometimes read through a prayer quickly rather than truly offering it up to God as my own. Whenever I do take the time to meditate on the words of the prayer, to feel them in my spirit and devote them to God, I am reminded of how brightly his divine light shines. I will conclude this article with a prayer I have been returning to often. Today we find ourselves in a situation largely unprecedented. We are transitioning from winter to spring, a movement usually characterized by lightness of spirit and an increase in sunlight. And while we have indeed been enjoying spring-like weather and plenty of sunshine lately, we are also in the midst of a moment in human history that is perhaps most accurately described as dark and intimidating. Some of us may be privileged and blessed enough that COVID-19 circumstances have not dramatically altered our standard of living. We may be working remotely, or working fewer hours, or spending more time with our children, but we still have shelter, food, and safe drinking water. We may experience tight finances for several months, but we are secure in the knowledge that we will weather this storm. For others, basic necessities and safety are not foregone conclusions. Before I say more about responding to this difficult situation, I want to ask boldly that for those of us who have the means, we consider supporting local organizations that are meeting immediate, desperate needs for our neighbors (including but not limited to food and childcare). If you have questions about how best to do this, United Way of Dane County is a good place to start -- there are opportunities to volunteer and donate -- and please feel free to get in touch with me directly. I have already seen our church family caring for one another and empowering one another to care for others in our lives to the extent we are able to do so. We are working in good faith to respond to a situation that is constantly changing, operating within constraints that shift daily, sometimes hourly. We are striving to keep in mind the difference between reacting (repeating an action, carrying it forward by way of doing it over again) and responding (to answer or pledge again). Even though we find ourselves in dark, scary circumstances, we can follow the Light of Jesus’ love, pledging over and over again to act in radical compassion and care. For me, this pledge is difficult to live out when my social interactions are limited to my immediate family for days on end. We test and push one another, and I am usually the first to lose patience and perspective. The more often I return to the Holy Spirit’s presence, meditating on how I am blessed to carry that presence into the world by caring well for myself and others in the midst of painful, messy circumstances, the more I am able rest securely in the present moment, trusting that God will reveal to me the specific paths to enact such care. Those revelations rarely come when or how I would prefer, and often they highlight paths that seem mundane, but they consistently come with perfect, divine timing, and without fail, they bring me closer to God and his ceaseless, radical, complete love for me. Whether you find yourself feeling anxious or depressed today, thankful for the extra time you have to be in relationship with your family and neighbors, or somewhere in the middle of that spectrum, today I am praying for each of us that we cling to the eternal light of God’s heavenly Love. May God bless you through this prayer as I have been blessed.It’s a good morning, Lord, because as on every morning, you’re here with your love. Thank you for another day of grace. Help me to walk in your paths. May I fully recognize and appreciate the love you have shown by laying down your life for me and by the way your guiding and protecting hands enfold me with your love. May my heart respond to your love by spreading your love in my little world today. Use me today to do your work here on earth and to put in a good word for you. Amen.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will...
Online Worship and Children
by ChurchMarketing.is Team
One of our Values at the Church is Home+ (a home centered on Jesus becomes the epicenter of an active faith life). While the Coronavirus pandemic is altering almost everything we knew as normal life, I am also seeing how it is perfectly equipping us, as families, to embrace this value.
One of the biggest upheavals that we are seeing in our Christian lives is a change in our Sunday morning routines, from in-person gatherings to in-home online services. However, gathering as the Body and coming together for teaching, encouragement, and equipping remains just as important. And it is still just as important for our children to be included in these gatherings and to see it as a priority in our lives.
So how do we do that well? How do we continue to prioritize corporate worship within our family units?
In our home we have a 4-year-old and a 6-year-old. There is a strong temptation to use these online worship experiences as a much-needed break, to let them play in a different room so I can curl up with a cup of coffee and finally hear an entire sermon! To give in to that temptation, however, is to neglect a powerful and important moment that God is giving us in our home.
Moms and dads, grandparents, caregivers - I hear you. You are tired. You are playing multiple roles in your home that weren’t there three weeks ago. The idea of re-teaching your children how to do “church” can feel burdensome. With a little intentionality, however, I do believe that God can make these new Sunday morning routines something that blesses our families and jumpstarts a new focus on Jesus in our homes. Here are a few things we have been trying in our home.
Prepare for Worship
Take the 30 minutes prior to the online service to get yourselves in the proper mindset. Rushing everyone to the computer just as the service is starting will make it feel like an interruption in the day versus a planned, welcome activity.
- Get dressed. Encourage your kids to put on their nicer clothes, brush their hair, and prepare to enter a time of worship as if they were going to church.
- Get the wiggles out. Turn on some songs on youtube (we love Lifetree Kids and Listener Kids) and dance and jump for a few minutes.
- Eat breakfast first. Full bellies will help everyone feel comfortable and settled.
- Pray. Five minutes before the service starts, take some deep breaths together and pray. Ask God to help you be present, to put aside distractions, and to engage in a time of worship. Pray for the pastor and musicians and anyone helping to lead the service.
- Technology Placement is key. Put the computer where your toddler can’t reach it. Put AWAY your other devices as well. Have one, central, piece of technology that entire family is gathered around together.
- Keep little hands busy. In our home we put our computer on the coffee table, the kids sit in little chairs at the coffee table, and we have adult coloring books available for them to use during the service. Have your children pick out the items they want to use BEFORE church starts so they don’t have to get up during the service.
- Snacks. Some things stay true no matter the environment. A bowl of Cheerios is a lifesaver whether in a pew or on your couch.
- Encourage dialogue. Ask your children questions during the sermon. Talk about the words in a song. You now have freedom to engage with each other during worship.
- Teach Discipleship Skills. Help your child find the passage of the day in their own Bibles. Have the Lord’s Prayer written out so they can pray with you. Talk about the sermon when the service is done. Have your children watch you as you give online so they can continue to connect our offerings as a part of our worship.
- Teach the rhythm of your particular worship experience. I can now encourage my 6-year-old to pause and pray during the service without worrying about disturbing the people next to me. I can walk over to my 4-year-old and put my hands over hers. Consider the habits that you want your child to continue when you are able to worship together in person again.
- Worship Freely. Do you sing off key? Who cares! (God doesn’t). Does a song make you want to dance? Go ahead! Do you want to shout Amen during a powerful message? Shout it loud! Your children are watching your emotion and engagement during the service.
- This is new for everyone. It won’t feel natural at first. It won’t feel easy at first. But we will adjust. Your children will adjust. Ride out the tough moments and soak in the joyful ones. Be patient with each other, yourselves, and keep your expectations realistic.
One of our Values at the Church is Home+ (a home centered on Jesus becomes the epicenter of an active faith life). While the Coronavirus pandemic is altering almost everything we knew as normal life, I am also seeing how it is perfectly equipping us, as families, to embrace this value. One of the biggest upheavals that we are seeing in our...
Overwhelmed
by ChurchMarketing.is Team
For many, this Easter season seems a bit underwhelming. Maybe social-distancing has you in a general malaise. Maybe your usual family get-together is becoming a meal of shifts, a drop-off, or is just canceled. Maybe news about the COVID-19 pandemic is overwhelming all the other news. Maybe you’re sick, or know someone who is. And maybe you’re life has been disrupted by the loss of a job. In addition there is fear, anger, and many of the stages of grief, as we grieve the loss of the way things were, even the loss of the way we expected to celebrate Easter. We may even admit to ourselves that we’re expecting to be underwhelmed this Easter.
On the Today Show, the morning of Maundy Thursday, Cardinal Timothy Dolan addressed the difference this year in how our practices have been disrupted. And he suggested that this,
“might be an invitation to all to rediscover the genuine mystery and message of what Passover and Easter are all about.” “Most of the time when we celebrate Passover, some of my Jewish friends tell me, or when we Christians celebrate Easter, we’re kind of remembering something that happened long ago. Well, that isn’t bad. It’s good to do that, to remember the Exodus, to remember our Lord’s suffering, death and resurrection. Remembering that isn’t bad. But for both of us as Jews and Christians, the celebrations of our holy days are a lot more than remembering, because we actually re-live them. The Lord asks us to enter into these mysteries and to be absorbed by them and to make them part of our lives which he intends them to be.”
This is why we have a Maundy Thursday worship service, a Good Friday service, and Easter services. We re-tell, re-enact, and re-live the central events of Human History. This is the time when everything changed, when our lives turned upside-down. This is our story.
As the disciples were with Jesus in Jerusalem for the Passover, I’m sure it was strange. They felt Jesus clean their own feet. They heard Jesus say that one of them would betray Him?! They went out after dinner to pray, and Jesus was arrested. Everything seemed to be coming undone. There was a secretive trial at night. Only a few days ago “Hosanna” rang in their ears as crowds praised Jesus as the Messiah, and now the crowds chant “Crucify Him!” They see the great healer beaten and whipped bloody, and raised up on a cross. None of this is what they expected when the week began. The one who raised the son of the widow of Nain, the daughter of Jairus, and Lazarus from the dead, died. The Sun itself stopped shining from noon until 3 in the afternoon. And the temple curtain was torn right down the middle. They must have felt both underwhelmed by what they expected of Jesus, and overwhelmed by how upside-down everything was.
Our Easter experience is very different this year. Underwhelming according to our expectations, and we’re overwhelmed by how wrong this all seems. This year, Easter hits much closer to home.
We need to be delivered.
We need to be saved.
We need everything to be fixed.
Where is God?
We’re tired of being afraid, isolated, and alone.
And this is the very world God sent His Son into. The disciples were grieving, feeling isolated and alone. Everything that happened that Easter was so wrong and upside down. Overwhelmed by grief and circumstance they couldn’t believe the news when the women ran back from the empty room.
The one who hears your every prayer, every sob, and dries every tear has overwhelmed your weakness, your isolation, your brokenness, your fear, your need, and your sin. HE overwhelmed death. God sent His Son to be near us, so that we would never be alone, so that we never have to be afraid, so we wouldn’t suffer death as a final separation from God, so that we could be with Him forever.
This season things seem upside-down. But God, through Jesus, flipped the upside-down right-side-up, and we are restored and guaranteed life in Him. This is our story. It’s overwhelming to be in a place of such need and to know that Jesus came near to keep us near. We can live confident new life in Him right now through our baptism. And just as Jesus’ tomb was empty, so ours’ will be when Jesus comes again.
Christ is Risen!
And so shall we!
Share your Easter celebration in the comments, on Facebook, or via email: [email protected]
For many, this Easter season seems a bit underwhelming. Maybe social-distancing has you in a general malaise. Maybe your usual family get-together is becoming a meal of shifts, a drop-off, or is just canceled. Maybe news about the COVID-19 pandemic is overwhelming all the other news. Maybe you’re sick, or know someone who is. And maybe you’re...
An Update for my Church Family
by ChurchMarketing.is Team
Mid-April finds us all continuing to navigate changes and establish new routines, asking questions about when closed spaces will reopen, caring for ourselves and others as best we can, living mindfully one day at a time. For me, this month is characterized by an additional, significant transition.
This week I started a new job as general manager of Perennial Yoga and Meditation, which has studios and vegan cafes in two locations (Agora in Fitchburg and Garver Feed Mill in Madison). I have been part of the Perennial community for several years, practicing yoga there regularly, completing my yoga teacher training with instructors there, and building strong relationships. After prayerful consideration and discernment about where God was leading me next professionally, I responded when this role opened.
I’m happy to share that I will retain several hours a month as a church employee in the role of Community Development Coordinator. This means I’ll continue to stay abreast of community needs and celebrations by serving in several capacities: as our church’s Adopt-a-School liaison with Leopold Elementary School, on the leadership circle of the Dane County Domestic Violence Community Coordinated Response team, as a participant in Joining Forces for Families meetings, and co-leading the Fitchburg Faith and City Leaders network. I’ll communicate regularly with other church staff members to share ways our church, corporately and as individuals, can partner with and serve our neighbors.
My teammates here have graciously agreed to take responsibility for tasks I performed in the capacity of Staff and lifeServe Coordinator. Jess O’Malley will take over human resource responsibilities such as employee benefits administration and will serve as point of contact with our accountants and insurance companies. Amy Meyer will take over the lifeServe area, focusing on supporting and building our team of volunteers who serve here at church, and creating monthly Server Schedules. I’m also grateful to Pastor Jeff, Pastor Matt, Emily, Karen, and Tom, who will help with other tasks as needed. I hope you’ll join me in saying a prayer of thanks to God for creating each of these amazing human beings, including all of our Preschool teachers as well, in unique ways to serve on staff here, connecting people to life in Jesus.
I am so blessed to have been part of the church staff team since 2013. My time here has been characterized by growth, support, challenge, faith, transformation, and, most of all, love. In addition to working at church, I married Matt here, sought counseling here, participated in Maryke’s and Ceren’s baptisms, helped with Higher Ground, belonged to three lifeGroups, and served on the leadership board. I cherish all of these milestones and seasons, and thankfully my transition to a new job does not mean I have to say “goodbye,” as my family and I will continue in our church membership and participation in lifeGroup, lifeWorship, and lifeServe alongside you, our beloved church family. I put together a wordle to highlight the many ways I’ve experienced my time as a Jesus follower here in Fitchburg thus far; there are some heavy, difficult words interspersed with the more positive words, and for me that is a testament to how this place has (i.e. YOU have) truly cared for me and one another. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have about my departure from my previous role at church or what’s next, so don’t hesitate to reach out: [email protected]. Peace be with you, and I look forward to seeing you, virtually and in person, again soon.
If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law
(Romans 13:8b, NLT).
Mid-April finds us all continuing to navigate changes and establish new routines, asking questions about when closed spaces will reopen, caring for ourselves and others as best we can, living mindfully one day at a time. For me, this month is characterized by an additional, significant transition. This week I started a new job as general manager...
Supporting Teens during Safer-At-Home
by ChurchMarketing.is Team
Today's blog post is brought to you by our fabulous youth ministry intern, Renata Jaeger. Currently a junior at UW Madison, Renata loves coffee shops, her kitties, and helping teens love Jesus!
Students of all ages are facing some pretty stunning losses during this uncertain time of Safer at Home and social distancing. Slowly but surely, everything that they’ve been looking forward to has been getting cancelled: Graduation ceremonies, prom, sports, jobs, internships, etc. If you have a student stuck at home, chances are that their emotions have been all over the place as they try to cope with these sudden losses. I know that my siblings and I have been trying to navigate feelings of frustration, anxiety, confusion, and sadness on a daily basis. Here are some strategies for parents/guardians that might help to support their students and address the unforeseen challenges that this pandemic has created… especially when most adults are probably struggling just as much as we are.
Offering Outright Empathy
All students know deep down that it’s not their parent’s fault that they’re stuck at home. At the same time, it can be very easy to assume that they know you feel bad that they’re stuck at home, even if it’s not your fault. A vocal validation of their feelings, such as a genuine “I’m really sorry that you’re missing out on that, I know that’s so disappointing,” is a really powerful way to let your student know that you feel for them. It won’t solve all their problems, but it’s a way to support them as they navigate their emotions.
Make Room for Happiness
When every single day is the same cycle of online classes and walks around the block, it can be really easy for students to detach themselves emotionally from whatever they’re doing. One way that my parents have helped my siblings and I remember that good things are still happening is by asking us each to share one thing that made us happy at the end of every day. Making time to celebrate the little joys in this new normal is something small that goes a long way.
Remember the Value of Alone Time
All students, no matter what age they are, gained some degree of independence by going to school every day. With that gone, they can be scrambling to have control over some aspect of their lives and one way parents can help them do that is by setting aside some alone time every day. Simply communicating that you won’t take it personally if they need to take a break and have some quiet time to themselves makes a big difference. This may also alleviate the pressure some students may feel from being around their parents 24/7.
Treat Students as Competent Decision-Makers
Making students a part of the decision making process is another way to give them some control over their daily lives. For example, giving them a list of things you’d like them to complete throughout the day but asking them to put together their schedule may help them feel like they’re bringing something to the table. It could also be as simple asking them to plan dinner one night a week. Being genuinely interested in their solutions or ideas can not only help them feel like their voices are heard, but also let them know that you trust their ability to be independent.
When Emily and I meet with your students at our virtual Higher Ground, most say that they really appreciate all the extra time they get to spend with their family. Your students really are enjoying spending time with you, even if it doesn’t seem like it. I encourage you to take this as an opportunity to give them a little extra support and to learn more about them as people. You’ve got this!
Today's blog post is brought to you by our fabulous youth ministry intern, Renata Jaeger. Currently a junior at UW Madison, Renata loves coffee shops, her kitties, and helping teens love Jesus! Students of all ages are facing some pretty stunning losses during this uncertain time of Safer at Home and social distancing. Slowly but surely,...
Praying for Impact
by ChurchMarketing.is Team
Now more than ever what we have been discovering over the past 15 years is true. The church is not a building, or a place we go. The church is the body of Christ living out the mission of connecting people to life in Jesus wherever we are. We need to be the church. The world needs us. Our city and neighbors need us. Each person needs us. What do we have that they need? Simply put, Jesus. They need the peace that the presence of Jesus brings. They need the hope that does not disappoint. They need the power that the Holy Spirit brings. There is no mistake where you live and who you interact with, and the impact you can make as you are your authentic Jesus following self and bring Jesus with you wherever you go.
We need to keep learning to discern who God has purposely placed in our circle of influence. And learn to discern who God is calling you to develop a spiritual friendship with.
Once we have discerned the names, we then can begin to intentionally pray for those people and develop relationships that allow us to share Jesus. Prayer is vital in asking God to prepare their hearts and make them ready to receive the truth about the Gospel. Prayer is what is needed to prepare ourselves as well, to listen well and know what to say and what not to say and to have opportunities to share about Jesus.
We use the term impact list to refer to a short list of people in our lives with whom we are intentional in cultivating a spiritual friendship. Ask God who he wants you to be intentional with. When you have discerned who it is, write their names down on a 3x5 card or on your phone so you frequently are reminded about them, and then pray for them. Perhaps you already have a list like this, ask God if there is someone else he wants you to be praying for. Watch God at work. Trust him with those people you listed, seeing them like God does, as dearly loved people made in His image in need of a relationship with their Creator, not as a project.
Here are some scripture verses to pray for those people, place their name in the blank and daily pray for them.
Although _____________ has been spiritually blind, please give him/her eyes to see
Jesus. (John 9:25)
Lord, may ____________ know that You desire for him/her to be saved and come to the
knowledge of Your truth. (1 Timothy 2:4)
As _______________ begins to hear Your voice, may he/she not harden his/her heart.
(Psalm 95:7-8)
Jesus, I pray ____________ will be pierced to the heart when he/she hears the good
news about You. (Acts 2:37)
May _______________ know his/her sins have caused a separation between him/her
and You, God. (Isaiah 59:2)
Help ________________ to understand that he/she can have forgiveness through the
blood of Christ. (Ephesians 1:7)
Jesus, may you make your home in ______________’s heart as he/she learns to trust
in you. May his/her roots grow down into your love. Help ___________ to have the
power to understand, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep God’s love is and
be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from you.
(Ephesians 3:17-19)
Awesome God, by your power, rescue __________ from the kingdom of darkness and
move him/her to your Kingdom so that ____________ can share in the inheritance that
belongs to all your people who live in light. (Colossians 1:12-14)
Perhaps there are other verses that you have been praying for those on your Impact List, there are certainly more than are listed here. We have the greatest news to share, and there are countless ways we can be a part of the work that God is doing RIGHT NOW.
“...enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”
Acts 4:29b
Now more than ever what we have been discovering over the past 15 years is true. The church is not a building, or a place we go. The church is the body of Christ living out the mission of connecting people to life in Jesus wherever we are. We need to be the church. The world needs us. Our city and neighbors need us. Each person needs us. What...
