| This last week, our high school students completed their study of The Good and Beautiful God. I have contemplated this last week the messages from the final chapter titled, “How to Make a Pickle.” In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves trapped under the “tyranny of the urgent”, believing that our worth is tied to how much we accomplish. The final chapter of The Good and Beautiful God challenges the cultural narrative that equates busyness with effectiveness, reminding us that humans are not machines. Though technology was supposed to create more leisure, it has instead filled our lives with more demands, leaving us feeling rushed and disconnected from what truly matters. James Bryan Smith warns that the danger of this mindset is that it leads us to prioritize efficiency over depth, making it difficult to grow spiritually in a meaningful way. Jesus modeled a life of balance, where rest and action coexisted in harmony. We see this model clearly throughout the Gospels, but specifically in Mark 1:35-39. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also, for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout all Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. Jesus never hurried, yet He accomplished all that God called Him to do. If we are to be Jesus’ apprentices, we must follow His example and intentionally slow down. Spiritual growth, like making a pickle, is a process that takes time. We must allow ourselves to be immersed in the narratives and practices of Jesus rather than seeking quick, surface-level change. When we stop, look, and listen, we begin to see God’s provision in unexpected places and experience His presence more fully. This chapter serves as a reminder for me that true transformation cannot be rushed. By ruthlessly eliminating hurry and embracing a slower, more intentional way of living, I can create space for God to shape me. Just as a cucumber must soak in brine to become a pickle, I must immerse myself in God’s truth, allowing it to permeate my heart over time. Only then can I truly reflect His love and wisdom in the world around me. Blessings, Katelyn Sanders |
| Spring Break! |
| Hello, Spring Break! Wednesday Evening Faith and Beliefs class at the Bunce home will take off tomorrow, March 19th. This class resumes Wednesday, March 26th. The Church office will be closed Thursday, March 20th. All Sunday Evening Classes will resume March 23rd. |
| Parenting with Purpose |
| Hey Moms and Dads, have your kids ever had a meltdown? Have you ever responded to that flip-out with your own meltdown? Come join us and speaker Barbara Gruener on Sunday, April 6th after the service, as she provides us with information to help us understand why meltdowns happen and gain tools to help navigate those family blowups. Parents with children of all ages are encouraged to attend. No-cost childcare and lunch will be provided. Registration for one parent is $15 and $25 for two parents. Contact Tena for more information. |
| Register for Parenting with Purpose |
| Church Family Directory |
| Thank you to everyone that completed Step 1 and Step 2 for the new church directory! If you still need to complete Step 1, you can do so here. Step 2 is now available to access on your computer or mobile device! You can begin the Step 2 process by visiting the Instant Church Directory member website: https://members.instantchurchdirectory.com/signup. Or you can download the Instant Church Directory app on your mobile device via the app store for apple users or google play store for android users. No matter how you choose to access Instant Church Directory, you will be asked to enter your email address as it’s listed on the form you provided in Step 1. If you entered an email for multiple adults in your household, you should be able to use either email to create a login. If you completed Step 1 and your email address isn’t found in the directory, email Jennifer Barmore or call the church office so we can help you be added. Once you enter your email address, follow the directions on-screen to complete the log-in process. After logging in, either on the website or in the app, click “Edit My Family.” This is where you will be able to add in a family picture, include birthdays or anniversaries, or make information private so only the church office has access to the information. We would love to have as many pictures and information included as possible by March 25th in order to make a few physical copies of the online directory available. Jennifer will be in the Coffee Cafe on Sunday, March 23rd to take photos and help you add them to the directory. If you would still like to be included in the online directory, you can be added anytime. Simply fill out the form by clicking Step 1 below to get the process started. If you have any questions about the process or need help completing any of the steps, please contact the church office. We are happy to help! |
| Online Directory AccessAccess to Step 2 available 24 hours after completion of Step 1 |
| Directory Website Directory for Apple Users Directory for Android Users |
| Easter Chorale |
| Easter Choir Rehearsals April 6th and 13th at 5:00 pm. Contact Bobby Kirkpatrick for more information. |
| We are blessed to have so many children signed up to hear about Jesus, but we will need Adult and Student Volunteers to make our week a true success. Please use the buttons (that are now working!) below to register. Even if you cannot physically volunteer, we thank you for praying for the many children and adults that will be on our campus in June. |
| Adult Volunteers Student Volunteers |
| Student Ministries Update |
| JH Bible Quiz Volunteers Needed |
| We are hosting Bible Quiz on Saturday, March 29th. There will be many people on our campus that weekend, would you be praying for this event? We are also in need of 30+ volunteers. Specifically, we need judges and scorekeepers during the meet. If you have an interest in volunteering, please reach out to Katelyn Sanders. |
| Missions Night |
| Missions Night is coming up on March 30th from 5:30-7:00 pm. There will be fun kid-friendly activities and a call with one of our missionaries. We can’t wait to explore how God is working around the world with you. |
