| “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11: 28-30 |
| For the past few months, I have spent time reflecting on and praying over the things that bring me true joy, as well as thinking on the things that are less joyful. Part of that spiritual practice is to lean into the joy as well as limit the things that do not. More recently, I came across the book, Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer. In his writing, Comer teaches what it means to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do as He did by focusing on spiritual practices. One of these spiritual disciplines I was especially drawn to was practicing the Sabbath. Initially, I thought our family was already practicing Sabbath by dedicating time for rest and reflection. However, Comer’s insights challenged me to reevaluate my approach and uncover the deeper, transformative purpose of Sabbath. Fast forward a couple of months and I found out that there were two of our high school youth that too were interested in learning more about Sabbath. That same week while at our church coordinators’ meeting two adults mentioned that they had been reading the same book and wondered if there might be a way we could implement some of those ideas at church. I suddenly felt the Spirit moving, you know the kind of feeling you get when you feel nervous in your stomach as if you are about to take the first big drop on a rollercoaster ride? Not only had Comer written the book, but he also designed a free online course over the past few years for churches to utilize in teaching these spiritual disciplines. Having a multigenerational interest in the topic, I knew the Lord was leading me to offer this course to our church family. Our class began meeting two weeks ago offering an opportunity to dive deeper into the practice of Sabbath and how it can be lived out meaningfully in our modern, busy lives. Not surprisingly we have been reminded that we are a society that is driven, exhausted and depleted, but by being counter cultural in truly practicing Sabbath we can not only be restored but renewed in our relationship with the Lord. You see, Sabbath is not about simply taking a break from our daily routines but taking time to delight in the Lord and allowing Him to delight in us. Comer’s practical suggestions for observing Sabbath- such as engaging in meaningful activities, prioritizing family and community and intentionally unplugging from technology- have encouraged me to be more deliberate in how I spend my Sabbath day. I have found that it is not only a day to STOP all things and rest, but also a time that invites me to DELIGHT in God’s creation and presence. As I continue to learn, I am discovering a deeper joy and fulfillment that goes beyond my previous understanding of what it means to truly practice Sabbath. In being with our Sunday night community class, I am excited to see how practicing Sabbath more purposefully will transform our lives as a whole, no matter our age or stage of life. As you go about your week, I challenge you to think about taking time in your schedule that you could possibly begin to carve out some space or even a full day to Sabbath. Be purposeful in turning off devices, skip running errands or spending money, consider canceling or even skipping extracurricular activities so you can take time as a family to STOP, REST, and DELIGHT in the Lord. May you be encouraged and drawn closer to the Lord and may He fill you with His presence and peace as you REST in Him. Blessings, Tena |
| Fall Potluck |
| There will be Fall Potluck this Sunday after the service in Friends Center. When dropping off food for the meal before the service, please bring your dishes to the Gym Kitchen. We are excited to gather and share a meal together. There is a link to sign up below. |
| Potluck Sign Up |
| Playground Fun! |
| Over the last few weeks we have had two new play structures installed in the playground area, one of which was constructed by Nathan Sheets, Matt Baize, Hunter Lee, and Nathan Browning (thanks guys!). If you get a chance, stop by and check it out. The new slides are super fast! This has been a big project, and we are looking forward to the continued process of making this space fun, safe, and functional for all of the children that use this equipment daily. |
| Family Movie Night |
| Everyone is invited to a churchwide outdoor movie night on Friday, October 18. Bring a chair or blanket as seating and your dinner and refreshments for the movie. Popcorn will be provided before the movie begins. The parking lot will open at 7:00pm and the movie will begin at 7:30pm. We will show Ron’s Gone Wrong on the side of Friends Center (gym building). |
| Movie Synopsis from Disney+: The story of Barney, an awkward middle-schooler and Ron, his new walking, talking, digitally-connected device. Ron’s malfunctions set against the backdrop of the social media age launch them on a journey to learn about true friendship. |
| Fall Festival |
| Save the date, October 27, for Fall Festival. We will host a fun evening of old-school Friends Fall Festival activities, snow cones, hot dogs, trunk-or-treating, and so much more! There is no cost to attend, but donations to the Shower Ministry are welcome at the door. Feel encouraged to invite your friends and neighbors. Be praying for ways that you can volunteer to help make this event a success. Contact Tena Roher if you have questions or would like to serve with us at this event. |
| Shower Ministry |
| The Shower Ministry for the Homeless is in need of donations. If you are cleaning out your closets or interested in blessing this ministry, there is a specific need for new or used men’s pants and shorts, and women’s leggings or pants. There is always a need for belts, undergarments, toiletries, and shoes. We are thankful for your continued support of this ministry. |
| Baby Elder Shower |
| Help us celebrate the Elder Family and their new baby girl on Sunday, October 13th at 2:00 PM in the Coffee Cafe. A link to their registry at Baby List can be found below. Baby Girl Elder Registry |
| Sunday Evening Activities |
| All Sunday Evening Activities have resumed at their normal times and locations. |
| Student Ministries Update |
| Bible Quiz |
| What is Bible Quiz? Junior High Bible Quiz is a fun, challenging, and in-depth way for 7th and 8th-grade students to study and memorize Scripture. Churches in our denomination meet 4-5 times in the spring to compete with one another. Team identity, competition, study, and travel all unite in Bible Quiz to create a tight-knit community between students and adult leaders. Not to mention memories that last a lifetime! |
| Join us for a Parent Informational meeting this Sunday, September 29 in the Friends Center Kitchen area immediately following FUSE at 7:00 pm. |
| reGeneration 2024 |
| reGENERATION 2024 is a formation-focused gathering of 8th grade – college students alongside adults, who want to go deep. This will be an opportunity to learn, practice, and apply what is taught through interactive experiential labs. Intentional time for specific spiritual practices will be provided. reGeneration participants will feel equipped and challenged as apprentices of Jesus to explore life with God in order to more faithfully seek God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven |
| Fill out the form below if you or your student is interested in attending reGENERATION and you wish to be contacted when registration opens on October 1. |
| reGeneration Interest Form |
| Children’s Ministry Update |
| “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 In Sunday’s Bible lesson, our children learned about Joseph and his journey from favorite son, to slave, to prisoner, to prince. They also learned that Joseph had a choice. He could choose to be scared OR trust God even though what was happening seemed like it could turn out bad. Joseph chose to TRUST God because he knew that God is good, even when things are hard. Life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes we find ourselves in situations that are difficult to understand. In these moments, we need to remember that God has a plan for us, just as He did for Joseph in the Bible. God would use everything that happened to Joseph, even the BAD things to do something GOOD! Here are a few fun ideas to do at home with your kids at home this week: Make a Joseph craft using pretzel rods, fruit loops, and/or candy discussing how we can still TRUST God that He has a plan for our life even when things seem to be hard or not going our way as they did for Joseph. Say this prayer together: Dear Lord, thank you that you are with me no matter what happens! Thank you that you can take something bad, and turn it into something good. Help me to TRUST you even when I don’t understand what is happening. In Jesus’ name, Amen. |
| Jane Beck Arrangements |
| We are saddened by the news of the passing of Jane Beck on Saturday, September 21. Jane was a long-time and faithful member here before moving to Chicago to be near family. There are plans for a funeral in the chapel next week, and as soon as more details are released, we will post information to the website. Please keep her family in your prayers. |
| Bell Friends |
| Bell Friends: Regular rehearsal times are Thursdays 12:30-2:00 PM. |
