by Karen Drotar | Sep 6, 2017 | Faith, Worship |
Like many families we gathered for the unofficial last day of summer on Labor Day. After praying for those who labor for our country, their physical hardships, and their needs, we went to play. Going to the Lake during the summer is a haven for our family and watching my daughter take her boys tubing, as I did with her many years ago, is such a joy. At our haven we spend hours laughing, swimming, eating, and sometimes we just sit quietly and watch the sun play on the water. We all need a haven—a place of escape from our busyness—a place to just “be.” We need such times and such places to live a healthy life.
Even Jesus needed to get away from time to time. He would steel away from the crowds, from the busyness, from the demands of daily life to find some peace, to reflect, and to pray. I often picture him beside the lake watching the sun dance on the water, or in the hills feeling a refreshing breeze. At such places we are on holy ground and we are blessed.
by Karen Rocco | Sep 5, 2017 | Children, Faith, Fellowship
The reading club came to an end in a Super way! After finishing up our Super Reader Capes, some of our favorite stories were read to us. We played Super Group Games and then we all worked together to make a Super Size Sundae over 8′ long! With so many toppings to choose from, it was hard to pick our favorites. After a summer full of fun and reading, we all are officially Super Readers!!!
by Karen Rocco | Aug 16, 2017 | Children, Faith |
In Kids’ Church, we have taken a Road Trip without leaving the building! We witnessed Peter making a mad dash to the beach when he saw Jesus. A trip to the museum reminded us about the past and how we can learn from our mistakes, just like Saul. Outside play is always needed and got us up and running! We even went to summer school and learned how Jesus enjoyed going to temple to learn and teach. The last trip, we took, was to camp. It is a place that you can do crafts, sports, take hikes and make a true friend, even though it might only be for the summer. Join us to finish out the Road Trip as we go to the fair, the pool and then back home! Whew! We will need a rest after all of this!
by Karen Drotar | Aug 10, 2017 | Faith
I’ve been packing and unpacking a lot during the last several months for trips long and short as well as purposeful and fun. In July I jokingly said to my husband, “I’ve been dealing with a lot of baggage lately.” To which he gave me “that look.”
We often talk about the baggage we carry in life from various life experiences, some of our own making and some hoisted upon us by others. With growing wisdom and faith we learn to deal with that baggage because we all know that baggage weighs us down!
I always thought that dealing with my personal baggage was my burden and I had to work it out on my own. But faith has taught me that God not only cares about our baggage but God will also carry it if we are willing to give it up.
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11: 29
by Julie Stuneck | Jul 18, 2017 | Faith, Fellowship, Mission, Music
I was recently asked to share where I saw Christ while on a Mission Trip. My answer was in all the connections we made with other people – connections to the members of our team, to the other team that was at the center at the same time, the staff and to the wonderful people we were serving. There was even a connection made to my grandfather that week! With each conversation and through the work done, I could feel God’s love moving back and forth between all of us.
I have the same sensation when working with the people in our church. The bonds created in the music ensembles are more than just friendships – they are based on Christ’s presence as we work together. Christ is in our boisterous fellowship after worship, in thoughtful study and discussions in Sunday School classrooms and can be felt when we help people through the Food Pantry and Clothes Closet. I even remember leaving a long Administrative Board meeting one night and feeling that God had been in our, at times, heated discussions. These connections tingle with the special sense of purpose that comes from Christ’s presence and God’s love.
I hope you feel that special tingle as well and look forward to making new connections, while strengthening the ones already made.
by Karen Drotar | Jul 12, 2017 | Faith, Fellowship, Mission, Youth |
As we returned from our Mission Trip with the Nehemiah Mission in Cleveland, our team was asked to share the answer to this question: Where did you see Christ? I was touched by the answers of the youth and adults and they made me think of the various situations in which we found ourselves as well as the people we encountered.
One young woman talked about a family we met while painting their house. They had had so many serious set-backs, yet laughed and spoke with joy, and that amazed our team member and made her think about how she would react to disappointments in her life.
Another member of the team saw Christ in another team we met at the mission from Mount Vernon and how they welcomed us into their fellowship even though we were strangers to them.
I saw Christ in the people we served. They were, unsurprisingly, appreciative. But what really stood out was their generosity. So often those who have the least are the most generous! The lady we helped obviously didn’t have a lot, yet she surprised us with watermelon and cantaloupe on the hottest day of our painting project. It was delicious and so very humbling. We came to give to her, but she gave to us—not only the fruit that she shared but also the love that she shared. I saw Christ in her. How do others see Christ in us?
