Reformation Bible Study

This Sunday we begin a new Bible study as we look forward to Reformation Sunday (10/29). In 500: The Impact of the Reformation Today, we examine how a lone monk’s actions 500 years ago continue to have a great impact. Hear from some of the world’s greatest scholars on Martin Luther and the significance of the Reformation for our modern world. This study reveals how the Reformation surrounds us more than we realize through religion, politics and our society.

We will meet in the Family Life Center between services. Hope to see you there! 

 

Finding Peace Among Chaos

Summer has quickly come and gone, and now I am finding myself trying to adjust to the busy schedule of work, school, and kid’s schedules.  Oftentimes this task can be overwhelming and leave a person exhausted.  I am often trying to find time to fit in time with my husband, time with my kids, and time for myself.  At the end of all of this chaos I often feel very empty.  I keep telling myself in time it will get better, but the truth is the to do list never ends.  I am ashamed to say I have felt this way a lot lately.  I have always felt that when I reach the extremes of various emotions, God has a way of talking to me.  Often this is through exposing me to various situations that help me realize that I spend way too much time focusing on things that in the end are not very important.

As many of you know, I am a Licensed Physical Therapist.  With that being said, I encounter a lot of interesting situations, especially in the Pediatric World.  I have met many awesome families who have the overwhelming responsibility of not only parenting their child with disabilities, but also having to be their nurse and caretaker.  Many of these families have to be with their special needs child 24/7 for the child’s safety.  Some of these parents even have to sleep in the same room as their child for pulmonary or cardiac reasons.  When I talk with these parents, we are able to carry on conversations just like I do withmy friends at church.  I am always amazed at how much responsibility lies on their shoulders, and they are not complaining.  That is just the way their life is and they are very happy to have this time with their child.  These families help to remind me what is important in life; and that is my religion and time with my family.

It is sad that I have to be exposed to somebody else’s struggle to remind myself to take time and breathe.  My best days are when I start in devotion, followed by Christian music as I feed the kids prior to school.  By the time I leave for work I feel I am at peace.  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  John 14:27.  I pray that you have peace within as you go about your daily life.  If you do not have daily peace, I pray that you will find the time to dig within the scriptures, and that it can fill your life like it has filled mine.

 

Becky Aragon, GSLC President

Notes from the Head Elder

Can you see from your seat?

As a person of average height, I generally have no problem seeing our Pastor when he preaches. Of course, sometimes a taller person sits in front of me requiring a little more effort to see what is going on up front. 

How about your children? Can they see from your spot when they are seated with you or on the floor standing? When our children were small, we went to a conference on worship and the worship leader had us sit in the back as if we were small kids. We could not see anything going on; it was as if nothing was happening as we could see nothing.

We were recently at a baseball game and the stadium officials made a great effort to ensure everyone could see the action, including stopping people from walking up the steps when a batter was at the plate. I am sure you want to see the action regardless of your age; whether you are at a baseball game or sitting in church, all of the action is up front.

At Good Shepherd we love kids and we want them involved in what is going on up front. Here are a few tips to ensure you and your children are getting the most out of our Sunday morning worship service:

  • Sit with your children in the front of the church so you and your children can see the colors on the altar as well as Pastor as he moves.
  • Explain to your children why Pastor stands in different locations and point these times out to your children. (Please ask if you do not know for certain.)
  • Active looking and listening will assist in enhancing the worship life of your child.
  • If they cannot read, have them listen for key words or phrases such as Jesus or love. Look ahead in the readings and pick some words out for them to keep them engaged.
  • If they can read, have them follow along and have them point out key items to you. We played a game on Sundays called “what sin was discussed in the sermon and readings.” This is easy enough to play and can provide a good discussion for after the service.
  • Participate in the service joyfully. As you know, our children model our behavior. Even though they will not yet understand the service, they are always looking around for clues on how to act from us.
  • Explain the service to your children. It is easy from the front rows as they can see what is happening.
  • Encourage them to participate by saying “amen” or teaching them the Lord’s Prayer.
  • Involve your child in the worship service by singing, folding hands, standing and sitting with you.
  • We expect everyone to get up from the worship service at some point. It happens to adults and children.

The point is: What we do on Sunday to engage our children will shape them powerfully and forever. Also, if you cannot see what is going on, please move forward so that everyone you came with can see.

But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16

-Glen Leavens, Head Elder