Book Club - Suite Francaise

We have decided on a book Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky. Barnes and Noble describes it as:

"Beginning in Paris on the eve of the Nazi occupation in 1940. Suite Française tells the remarkable story of men and women thrown together in circumstances beyond their control. As Parisians flee the city, human folly surfaces in every imaginable way: a wealthy mother searches for sweets in a town without food; a couple is terrified at the thought of losing their jobs, even as their world begins to fall apart. Moving on to a provincial village now occupied by German soldiers, the locals must learn to coexist with the enemy—in their town, their homes, even in their hearts.

When Irène Némirovsky began working on Suite Française, she was already a highly successful writer living in Paris. But she was also a Jew, and in 1942 she was arrested and deported to Auschwitz, where she died. For sixty-four years, this novel remained hidden and unknown."


A couple of women in the church have read it and recommended it. It certainly sounds interesting. If anyone wants to discuss it once I've read it, I'd love to. I have also reserved The Year of Living Biblically at the library. It just looks to good to pass up.

Church Book Club - November Reading

Has anyone read this book?



We left our book club last month without picking a new book and frankly I’m a little nervous about attendance. A couple people recommended books that other book clubs are doing, but I’m not sure that it is worthwhile doing books that other groups are currently doing. It may reduce the possibility of people coming. As we are a church group, I thought this book might bring up some very interesting conversations.

These are the other books that I was considering.






Let me know if you have any insight on any of these. I welcome your help.

All Church Activity - Kick Off Operation Christmas Child

I have to do an all Sunday School activity next Sunday as we kick off our Operation Christmas Child Collection. I am thinking of trying to do a rotational system. The OCC facilitator’s package comes with a great DVD full of videos about the program, but we have watched the video every year. Usually I have all the kids come together, watch a section of the video and then do some sort of note making that we include in the boxes. Last year, we also took a picture of all the kids to include in the boxes too. The problem is that there are so many kids, I’m not sure that they all stay focused. This year I’m thinking of breaking them into four groups maybe pre-k –k, 1- 2, 3-5, 6-8 and then having four stations.

STATION ONE can watch the DVD – there are plenty of different levels so we can choose to watch sections appropriate to their age instead of boring the older children or being too advanced for the younger ones.

STATION TWO can create wrapping paper. Instead of buying wrapping paper, it might be a great idea to have the kids create the paper. I will have to check on prices of butcher paper. We can supply stamps, markers, and stickers to decorate the paper. Note to self: I will need a lot of extra hands in this station.

STATION THREE can create the note cards. The OCC site has a PDF note card that some of the younger kids can do, but I’ll have to think about what the older kids can do.

STATION FOUR - HMMM? Here I may need some assistance – Maybe we can do a verse memorization or a group prayer. Maybe a relay. Perhaps they could decorate some Christmas cookies to serve at coffee hour. I am really open to ideas.

I have a week and a half to get it all pulled together. If anyone else does Operation Christmas Child and does related activities with their Sunday school, I would love to hear about it. We aren’t doing the Children’s Sermon related to OCC until Dedication Sunday in November, so I have barely even begun to think about that.

Children's Sermon - You Mouth is Your Rudder

I am so happy to see you all here today.

One of the last times that I talked to you, I mentioned that you should think and pray about scriptures. To show you that I was serious about this fact, I would like to show you one way that I do this. I read a devotional. I have found I really like the Upper Room Devotional, but there are all kinds of other devotionals: Devotionals for kids, for moms, for men, for teens, for girls. Devotionals usually have you read scripture and then have some commentary about it. Some devotionals include prayers, related scriptures or quotes, or sometimes even a game or comic. When I was reading mine the other day, September 24th actually, I thought of you all. The topic was “A Gentle Answer” and the reading was James 3:2-12.

First, I thought that the book of James may be one of the lesser known of the 66 books so you may find that interesting. Actually, I thought it might be interesting if you challenged your parents or older brothers and sisters tonight to list as many books of the Bible as they could and then you could check to see how close they were to 66.

Secondly, I thought this would be appropriate because it speaks to my comment about the Bible that although it is an old book, it relates to our life today. The Bible gives us direct instruction about how we are to live our lives. The particular reading for today relates to our mouths.

I assume you all have a mouth. How many of you have a brother or sister? How many of you have parents? Well, then this scripture speaks to you directly.

James 3:2-12 (New International Version)

“2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.

3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt[a] water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”

Have you ever yelled at your brother or sister? Or gotten mad at your parents and said something mean? That is exactly what this scripture is about. If we say that we are trying to be Godly and therefore praise God, should we use the same mouth to be mean or hurtful. If we use our mouth to say prayers, should we use the same mouth to use bad words? When we use our tongue for evil or bad, we aim our entire life in that direction. If you want to do well, then speak well.

The devotional actually goes on to tells a story about a woman who was quite upset. She called to complain about service on her computer. She was really angry and ready to scream at whoever answered the phone, but when the woman answered the phone she was very pleasant, “Hello, how can I help you?” With a little of her thunder stole, she told her complaint to which the woman replied apologetically, “I am so sorry, we will be right over to take care of your problem.” By being nice to the complainer, everyone’s mood changed. Bad was made good.

So I encourage you to live as you believe and to let your tongue direct your body toward goodness.

Let me finally share with you from the devotional, the prayer for that day. Before my words of prayer are said, I fold my hands and bow my head.

“Father, help us to mirror the character of your son, Jesus, not only in good times but also when we are tired, frustrated, and upset. Amen”

A Prayer - - -

I’m asking for a small prayer for a small child. Our friend’s daughter was placed in the hospital to help her fight off an infection. She has Cystic Fibrosis. I encourage you to go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s website to learn more about this disease. In the meantime, please send a prayer for a small child who is not sleeping her own bed tonight but in a hospital and for her parents and brother, who are watching over her.

Favorite Sermons?

This weekend as I mentioned I did the Children’s Sermon again, due to the illness of the regular lady. I felt very badly about the situation since the regular woman is still not feeling well. I asked her sons how she was doing. The boys, who are adults, both have special needs. They related how badly their mother felt about not being present at church to give her “favorite” sermon. This favorite sermon has become a bit of insider joke in the church. I cannot tell you how many years she has given the same sermon. The sermon has no scriptural basis, but is related to the children of the church listening to their parents as we all set you for our local fair. Most people were thrilled not to hear this same sermon again. It made me realize that I better be wary of creating a “favorite” sermon. Being able to refer to the sermon as “favorite” may imply that I have told the sermon one too many times.

Mission Mondays - Box Tops for Education

In these tough economic times, it is always helpful to find ways to help that don’t cost you more money. Certainly you can always offer sweat equity, but here are two related ideas that build on actions you already take. Most people are already familiar with the traditional Box Tops for Education: clip, collect and send in those little boxtop coupons found on our food packages . However, some people may not realize that if your school is not already listed, you can add it in. This is not just true for public schools but also for private schools and homeschool organizations. Also, the program does not end with boxtops. Since all of us need to shop, if you do so through their online corridor, you will not only buy what you need, but also will be adding a donation to your chosen school without spending a cent yourself. BoxTops has partnered up with companies like JcPenney, Staples, Barnes & Nobles, and many, many more. Donations for your purchases range from .5 - 22.5% depending on the store's particular arrangements. Both of these programs are terrific opportunities to help out, without cutting into your already tight budget.

God's Plan - I am his pawn

Today, I gave one of the Children’s Sermons. I cannot say that I felt that the spirit within me. I felt rushed and skipped key parts that I wanted to get across. I was complemented by those that heard it, but I did not feel I had gotten across what I had wanted, what I felt I was supposed to get across. I sat back down in the choir pew after finishing. Fortunately, one of the other choir members hugged me from behind and complemented me in my ear. I tried again to release my vanity into the air. If there was a message to heard, God would be sure that it was heard. It was not for me to worry. I had done the best I could for that day, that moment. It amazes me how this journey of faith continues. I thought that I had come so far and now I am realizing that I haven’t even put my shoes on to start the journey.

Children's Sermon - Parable of the Wheat

As we talked about last time, this book, the Bible, is full of stories. Some of the stories that you will find are called parables. Jesus actually tells many parables in the New Testament. Does anyone know any parables? (if you get them to respond and get a good list of them, you do not need to continue with the next line)

Some parables that you may be familiar with are the Mustard Seed, the Lost Sheep, Laborers in the Vineyard, the Talents, the Good Samaritans, the Prodigal Son, but there are also many, many more.

I looked the word up parable online; this is the definition that I found: "1. A short moral story 2. Any of the stories told by Jesus to convey his religious message." A synonymous word is fable. See the unique thing about a parable is you are hearing one story, but if you think about what you are hearing you will realize that there is another story hidden inside it. The hidden story often carries with it a moral.

Today, I am going to read you the parable of the Wheat in Matthew 13:24-30.
“Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'

" 'An enemy did this,' he replied.

"The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'

" 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' “(NIV)

In this particular case, Jesus helps us along in our understanding by explaining the parable a few verses later in Matthew 13:36-43, but I think that if we really put our thinking caps on, we can figure it out for ourselves.

Have any of you gardened?

Have you planted seeds? What did you plant?

Did you have to weed after that? Was it hard sometimes to tell the difference between the weed & the plant?

Which is good, the weed or the plant?

Which is bad?

What if we imagine that this garden was full of people instead of plants? Are there good and bad people?

Ok, what if the garden wasn’t a garden but the whole world? Who do you think the gardener of the world might be? (make sure that they come to the conclusion that the Gardener is God).

You guys are very smart! So when we hear the parable of the wheat we are to understand that Jesus is talking about us. That at the end of times God will separate the good from the evil. The good will be rewarded in the Kingdom of heaven.

Some of Jesus’ parables are easy to understand and other times they take a lot of thought and consideration, but I encourage you to read more of them by yourself or with your parents. If you ever want additional help understanding them or you are not sure if you have discovered the real secret message – I’m sure that (insert your minister's name) will happily discuss your thoughts.

Before my words of prayer are said, I fold my hands and bow my head:
Dear God, Please be with us as we explore your words. Help us to uncover the meanings in your world and to lead our life in the way your word directs.
Amen

Am I Mary or Martha?

I have been mulling over the devotional that I read the other day. It spoke to working for the church, but not working with the spirit. This devotional spoke directly to me. I tend to get so caught up in plans and activities that I forget what I am there for. Church can become a chore and not a joy. It made me think of the story of Mary and Martha:


"As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Luke 10:38-42 (New International Version)

I need to take a breath and focus on my real purpose. This certainly does not mean that I cannot help out at church. It just means that I need to remember what I am really there for.

Pentecostalism - Feeling the Holy Spirit

Today, our minister spoke of the Holy Spirit. He equated the Holy Spirit with the third rail that can be found on a subway. He spoke of the Father and the Son being the two main rails, but the Holy Spirit being the energizer. As he spoke a different visualization came to my mind. I thought of a canister of helium getting blown into a balloon. God being the canister, the balloon being Jesus, and the helium being the Holy Spirit. Thinking on it a little more, perhaps the balloon should be us, but I’m not exactly sure how I would carry out the analogy from there. I think the reverend was right in one aspect, we, our Methodist / Congregational – united mix, does not think on the Holy Spirit much. We associate being moved by the Holy Spirit as being too radical. There is no jumping up in my church or calling out as the Spirit fills you. We are fairly orderly and reserved. Certainly, we could all think more on our relationship with this part of the trinity. As he spoke, I had to contain myself from jumping up and saying “Amen, Brother!”. And there are times when I feel moved to do something like that, but I reserve myself. I can count the number of times I have experienced people getting physically moved by the Spirit. I have always felt slightly uncomfortable when it has happened, but also I have looked on the people a bit admiringly because clearly they had allowed God into both their mind and body.

Pentecostalism is now the largest growing segment of Christianity, according to the book Our Religions.

I thought it rather interesting that when I came home Pentecostalism came up again when I got home as the news was abuzz with vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin’s religious background. You guessed it – Pentecostalism. I was certainly glad that I had already been introduced to this segment of Christianity, so that I didn’t see it quite as differently as I once did.

The Parable of the Vineyard Understood

Matthew 20:1-16 (King James Version)

“For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house, Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.”

The parable of the vineyard is so antithetical to our American morals. We are told, “Work hard and you will earn your reward,”, “The early bird gets the worm”, “First come, first serve”. We practically invented the theory of survival of the fittest. So it seems foreign to us that Jesus could tell a story where people that work all day in the vineyard are rewarded the same as those who only worked an hour.

I had never heard this parable as a child. When I can across it in my Sunday school curriculum for the first time, I could not process the story myself, let alone teach it. I was very lucky that we were using a curriculum that told me exactly what to say. I couldn’t quite grasp unequal work, equal pay. I understood that it was the wine maker’s prerogative, but why would he do such a thing.

As I recommend to others and to my students at the time: I though on the scripture, I prayed on the scripture, I read and talked to others about the scripture.

I realized that I was looking at the parable backwards; I was focusing on what we could do to receive the reward instead of focusing on the winemaker giving the reward. The reward, eternal life with God, is given by God to all whom ask. It is wonderful that some live a good long Christian life. It is good that some come to God in the middle of their life. But, it is also good to come to God at the end of your life. Even if it takes your entire life to come to him, the reward is the same.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (King James Version)

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

There is no reason to be jealous or angry at another’s reward for we are all receiving the finest reward. No longer is there a beginning or an end of the line. No first and no last, but an eternity in heaven for all that believe in the Lord.

Tax collecting - Righting the Wrongs of Government

Tax collectors are not exactly shown in a good light in the Bible. Not per say because Jesus was against the idea of taxes that needed to support government, in fact Jesus says:

“And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.” (KJV) Luke 20:25

He was against corruption and usury that came along with this job. Tonight and tomorrow morning, I have the unique blessing to right the government wrongs just a bit. I sit on the board of assessment appeals: A unique board where people can come to complain that their taxes were set too high and if they can provide proof, this board can adjust their taxes as deemed reasonable. While this is not exactly throwing over the tax collector’s table, it is trying to make the tax assessment fairer.

One of the disciples was actually a tax collector. Matthew 9:9 describes his transformation from tax collector to disciple:

“And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.” (KJV)

I don’t expect to have such an experience tonight, but I hope that I would have the faith the Matthew had. How scary and difficult to walk away from a sure job to follow a man that many of the priests were speaking against? Matthew’s choice reminds us all to keep our priorities straight. Nothing should take precedence above the call of God, least of all money or other earthly assets.

“And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (KJV) Matthew 19:24

Matthew’s choice is an example to all of us how simple the choice should be. Let us all pray to have the strength that Matthew had.

A Culture of Life / A Culture of Death

Why in our country do we have to make every issue a political issue? What exactly is a culture of death. Today, we had to put our dog down. He has been our trusty dog for 12 years. We took him in when he needed a home, but as with other times that you help others, we got back 100 fold what we gave to this adorable dog. Certainly, I don’t believe that I belong to a culture of death for euthanizing a dog whose quality of life had evaporated over the last few days. Why do we have to use such politically charged terms, when what we are talking about choice that pain people on a very deep level. We get so caught up in the black and white, we fail to appreciate the shade of grey that lead to the choice which we so easily condemn. What if instead of standing on either periphery, we leapt into the middle and tried to help the people that have to make these choices? What if we could preempt these choices from ever having to be made? Perhaps if we stopped being so high and mighty, we could leave the judgment to God and instead be his hands on earth to comfort his children in their time of crisis.

I can tell you I personally have struggled with the choice to euthanize James. I could not come to terms with making a choice that I believed was God’s. I prayed for his intercession, but He left the situation in my hands and I could not continue to see him suffer. Fortunately, the Veterinary Hospital staff was wonderfully supportive and helpful. Their compassion was much appreciated at such a difficult time. As the doctor said, it is his job to help animals live a happy and healthy life, but this is also a part of his job, assisting animals out of suffering. It is not a part of his job that he enjoys, but he is glad that he is able to help them in their time of suffering.

I think we could all learn from that philosophy. Instead of being a culture of life or a culture of death, let’s have a culture of compassion.



In loving memory of James
1-5-96 to 9-11-08

Creationism vs Evolution - The Report

I thought you might like to see Jacob's (age 11) response to his Sunday School Homework. I hope no one is offended by the use of their picture for something other than their expected use. This is the opinion of ds. He does not believe that a belief in creationism nor evolution precludes the belief in the other.

Genesis 1

1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

3And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
4And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
5And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
6And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
7And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
8And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
9And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.

10And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.

11And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

12And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
13And the evening and the morning were the third day.
14And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

15And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
16And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.

17And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
18And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
19And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
20And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.



21And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
22And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
23And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.



24And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
25And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.


26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

29And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.

30And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
31And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Genesis 2
1Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
3And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
(KJV)

Creationism vs Evolution

Ds has started 7th grade in our church Sunday school. This is a big deal because the 7th grade teacher is very serious and very literal in his biblical teachings. Ds is very nervous about this teacher. Teachers before Mr. R have been smiley and helpful. Mr. R. (although I personally know him to be very friendly) come across very conservative. He almost always has a suit on with a bow tie. His posture is perfect and he is often known to crrect the students’ English.

“Can I go to the bathroom, Mr. R?”

“I don’t know. Can you? May you is a whole other question.”

DS survived his first class with Mr. R without any complaints but with homework. Ready for this . . . This could either be your 7th grade Sunday school homework or a Nobel Prize winning thesis. “Which do you believe to be true: creationism or evolution? Bring in proof to support your choice.”

So I asked DS his opinion so that we could start working on his project. Without batting an eye, he replied, “I believe in both. I think they are both right.” I figure with a response like that next Sunday may be very interesting. Maybe I can talk DH into staying at the campsite just a little longer.

Children's Sermon update

FYI – The Children’s Sermon went well. As I anticipated, I received many comments about doing them all the time which made me very uncomfortable especially since the reason I was doing it was because the other person wasn’t feeling well. Even as I walked down the aisle after church, Mrs. P gave me a hug, “That was fantastic. It even had to do with the Bible.” She chuckled. I cringed. I really don’t want Mrs. N to feel like she is being pushed out - - -especially since I am moving and won’t be able to continue. Of course, I wouldn’t mind if she was inspired to frame her sermons, probably more correctly currently called stories, with a scriptural base. Anyway another woman in the congregation and I will be rotating until Mrs. N feels well enough to return, so I am open to any Children sermon ideas.

Missions Mondays – CROP walk

Have you ever participated in a CROP walk? Our family has done many. I actually walked with the children before they could walk themselves. Our church works with three other nearby church to host the annual walk which is usually in late October. We have walked in shorts, raincoats, and parkas. One year it actually snowed. CROP walks are a great way to get exercise, spend time with the family, and raise money to end hunger around the world. Fortunately our organizers usually plan a long and short route in an attempt to be as inclusive as possible. I am posting about this now in case you are so inspired that you wish to set up a walk for your local community. To see a listing of walks that are already scheduled, go here.

CROP walks are one of the many great works performed by Church World Services. Checkout their website to find out more about their programs.

Prayer Cards

As another portion of DH’s Woodbadge, he has created prayer cards for the Boy Scout patrol boxes. Each grouping has 9 or 10 different prayers for the scouts to choose from when they are counting. Often Scouts and people in general are hesitant to lead grace because they are unsure of exactly what to say. So DH found a couple quick prayers and printed them off on a business card templet. We cut them apart and laminated them. I was so taken by his idea, I asked for a set for our house and a couple extras for Christmas gifts.

If you are interested in his templet, just email me and I will have him forward it.

Children’s Sermon – Threefold cord – Ecclesiastics 4:12

Do you know what this special book is I have with me today? (show the Bible) It is a best seller. It is better seller than the Magic Tree House. It is a bigger seller than Harry Potter.

This book is not actually a book but a library. It is a collection of 66 books put together in two major sections or testaments.

The Bible contains stories that are very old. Stories that talk about the beginning of the Earth itself. It has stories about families like yours. It tell of Jesus and the people that spread Christianity after Jesus was crucified. It has action and intrigue, birth / death. It even speaks to us today.

Now I don’t mean that the book itself talks, but if you read it or have it read to you, it will give you advice and tell you how to be Godly children.

Today Reverend Riggles is going to talk to your parents about one scripture in particular, Ecclesiastics 4:12. ______________________, would you read us the scripture.

(let the child read the scripture)

When we read scripture, we should think on what we have read. We can talk to others about it. We can even read book’s about what we’ve read. And then we are to apply it to our own life.

Does anyone have any idea of what this scripture means?

Let me ask you some questions.

_____________, I need you to paint one of the classrooms. Is that a big job? Would you like some help? How about if ________________ could help you? What if _________________ helped you too? How does this job look now?

How about if instead of sending 70 plus people to Kentucky (you can replace this with any of your missions projects), we sent only one? Could we accomplish the same amount? Even if it were just Mr. Davenport?

We all know the fair is coming. If you could go by yourself, would it be fun? How about if you could go with one very best friend? What if you could go with a bunch of friends?

If you had a very big job and needed a rope, which one would you like to have with you (show several different diameter ropes).

“9Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

You are strong when you stand by yourself, even stronger when you stand with one friend and stronger still when we all stand together.

Today we stand united under God, getting ready for a great Sunday school year. Before my words of prayer are said, I fold my hands and bow my head:

“Dear God,
Thank you for bringing us all back safely. We are happy to see all our old friends and look forward to meeting new friends. We hope that you will look over our entire congregation and teach us all that we can rely on one another. Help our congregation to be a threefold cord.
Amen”

Children's Sermon

Being asked to perform the Children’s Sermon is a double edge sword. There is a dear sweet lady that usually does our children’s sermon, but she is unable to do it this week. The problem is that Mrs. N, although very well meaning, tends to give kindergarten lessons instead of a sermon that has any relationship to God and the Bible. She gives us stories of cows, rare plants, and snowmen. Sometimes she even reads children’s books directly. As a fellow bibliophile, I appreciate good books, especially children’s books, but I just don’t get the connection. She is great at telling stories. I, and several of the other congregants would just appreciate it if she would somehow tie her stories into the Bible, the commandments, Jesus’ life – something. Sometimes she comes so close, I can hear the scripture in my mind, but it never comes out of her mouth.

A few times, I have done the children’s sermon and received many compliments. Some people even asking that I would do the children’s sermon always; all of them ending their comments with an appreciation of the use of scripture. They say that we should take the job away from Mrs. N, but I don’t want to do that. I appreciate all that she has done for our church and her family is an inspiration. I want to do a good job tomorrow, but I don’t want to cause anymore chatter.

Children's Sermon - Need a Topic

The minister just called and the person who regularly does the Children’s Sermon cannot do it this weekend, and he asked if I would do it. So, well, I am open to any ideas.

Our children’s sermons are fairly short especially on a communion Sunday. It is Rally Sunday i.e. the kickoff for the new Sunday School year. Our minister said that he is speaking on working together using the Ecclesiastics scripture

“And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12

He said that he is going to focus working together.

As he spoke, I was thinking:


“1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2"Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6: 1-4 (NIV)

Help! What are your thoughts?

Bible Gateway

Do you ever have those times when you think you know a scripture, but you can’t quite remember how it goes? This is the site that I go to. Search by keyword, by subject, or by Chapter and verse. On their home page is posted a verse of the day. And you can search scripture in more Bibles than I knew existed. They even have audio versions. There are reading plans, commentaries, dictionaries, and study tools. I have only touched the surface of what is available. It has been so important to me that I have put it on my favorites and probably refer to it daily. I highly recommend that you add it to your favorites too.

Dear God, Please Show Mercy

There is twice in my life that I have prayed to God for death. I know that we are supposed to cherish life and I do, but there is a point that the question becomes what is life. I also however have learned that I don’t have it in me to be God and instead rely on Him to be merciful.

The first time I remember praying for death was when my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 / 4 esophageal cancer. She had contracted pneumonia and had thrown blot clots in her body. She was in surgery and my father and I were sitting on the bench outside the hospital. I sat and began to pray, but I realized that I wasn’t sure what I wanted. Certainly, it would make sense to pray for her recovery. I paused and looked to heaven. Was that indeed the best course? Should she recover to die a painful prolonged death? I prayed to God for Him to do what was best even if that brought sadness to those of us left behind. I asked him to keep her from suffering as much as possible. She did come out of that surgery, and unfortunately went through many more surgeries before dying a few months later.

I am faced with this same thought now, but this time for a dog. Our dear dog, James, is 12 years old and decaying practically before our eyes. We have had him to the vet several times and we are told that it is just age. He has lost much of his fur and his ribs ripple through his skin. When he was laying down the other day, I thought there was a growth coming from his side, but it turned out to be his shoulder blade. He is having accidents around the house and is taking medicine for that. A sweet nurse there keeps telling me that I’ll know when I need to take the next step, but I don’t have it in me. He is having a hard time getting up and often needs help, but he also nuzzles up to those he loves. He is eating and drinking. The term puppy eyes can even apply to geriatric cataract clouded eyes. How can I let go of this dog that has been a part of the family for so long? He would guard the kids and I when my husband traveled and curl up on my feet when I was reading. In the yard, we have never had to leash him as he always stays around. So again I find myself praying to God for mercy. The God of Life and Birth, I am calling to for mercy in death, to assuage suffering, and to call our James home. Amen

UPS Brough Packages of Hope

I have gotten two deliveries this week: one, my package from Operation Christmas Child with all the materials for our church’s kickoff and two, a package from PRAY publication for my husband’s program on God & Me.

Operation Christmas Child as I mentioned on August 26th is a program run by Samaritans’ Purse that delivers the word of God with shoeboxes filled with toys for children around the world. In an effort to assist those spearheading the program at their church, Operation Christmas Child provides organizations with prayer cards, DVD’s, bulletin inserts, and more. This will help me put the program together properly for a great kickoff and continued reminders during the weeks of the collection. Our final collection day (shh! Don’t tell anyone. It is a collection day only for those that “forget” the week before. Experience has taught me well) and wrapping day, November 16th is also OCC’s Shoebox Dedication Day so I will be giving the Children’s Sermon. As I’ve been mulling over how I may do the sermon this year, I have decided that I may work with the children to create a Mad Libs type prayer - not to be funny, but to include their ideas in the final prayer. Our church is familiar with the program and knows the concept from my previous year’s presentations.

The PRAY publication box held the God & Church and God & Life student workbooks, mentor workbooks, and counselor workbooks. As part of my husband’s wood badge, he made it a goal to plan, promote, and execute a God & ME Protestant program through our church. As Boy Scouts only affects the two oldest segments, those are the segments we are going to make sure are run. If others want to include the younger two segments, we will happily assist them, but it is not absolutely necessary to run this lower section of the program. I worked on this program 4 or 5 years ago when our children were in the younger levels and was very impressed. And for those of you that know my husband’s propensity to assign me extra work, as you expect, I will be running one of the levels. Fortunately, the break will allow DS to take one level and DD to take the other. We will be promoting the Protestant version, but there are religious awards for almost every religion under the son. I’m sure as I work through teaching this program you will hear more about it.

These two boxes will certainly bring us plenty of work but also the joy that the work of the Lord can bring.

Mission Mondays - Free Rice

What if feeding the world was as easy as playing a game? I am always looking for ways to help that allow me to do more with what I have i.e. boxtops for education, ink cartridge and bottle recycling for a cause. My family gives finacial and physically. Those areas are tapped, but sometimes helping can be as simple as doing things we do anyway but in a new way. Today I found Free Rice. I have added a widget below so that you can play any day. The interesting thing about free rice is that you can advance your vocabulary or try one of there other subjects grammar, foriegn language, world capitals, art. I encourage you all to try it. Certainly this is an easy and fun way to help the world.



As always, if you have a mission that you would like to have promoted, please email me.