April 4-10, 2020: Prayers for Lent

These Prayers for Lent are taken from “Lent and Easter Wisdom” compiled by John V. Kruse.

Saturday, April 4: Lord, often I become so distracted by my busy life that I lose my focus on you.  Teach me to keep you as the ultimate priority in my life.  May my work and activities serve as means by which I am brought into deeper relationship with you.

Sunday, April 5: Lord Jesus, hear my cry and draw near to me when I call upon your holy name.  I humbly yet firmly trust that, through the power of your name, all things can be accomplished.  May your name always be praised.

Monday, April 6: Jesus, forgiveness can be one of the toughest things to do in life.  Wounds inflicted by others can pierce me deeply.  Keep me mindful of your unconditional love for me so that I may be truly sorry for having offended you. As I remember your own willingness to forgive me of my failings, I ask for the inner strength to forgive those who wrong me, especially when it is most difficult.

Tuesday, April 7: Generous Father, knowing that I am in your loving hands, I turn the cares and anxieties of my life over to you and confidently trust that you will take care of all of my needs.

Wednesday, April 8: Lord Jesus, you demonstrated your great love for me by all that you were willing to suffer for my sake.  I cannot begin to comprehend the depths of this love.  Keep me ever mindful of the great magnitude of your sacrifice.  Enkindled by the fire of your love may I too be willing to pour out my life so that I may make your love known in the world.

Thursday, April 9: Lord Jesus, giving of myself for the sake of others is one of the most difficult things to do in life, yet this is what you call me to do.  At the last supper you celebrated with your friends, you showed me that this is the way to a life worth living, this is the way to life with you.  May the example of your great sacrifice and loving service to others inspire and strengthen me to lay down my own life in loving service to others.

Friday, April 10: Jesus, my Savior, there are many reasons this day is “good”. Today we remember how you showed your love for us, how you conquered death and suffering and won our redemption for us, and how you demonstrated that to come to life, we must first die to ourselves.  Because of your sacrifice, death and suffering no longer have the final word.  The victory which you won through your death is truly good, and I praise you for it.  Today I unite my trials and sufferings with your own so that they too might become good.  I ask you to continue to pour out your blessings upon me and to be my strength as I seek to be your faithful disciple.

Sunday Worship - March 29, 2020

Dear Maranatha Family,

"The LORD is good, and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations."

--Psalm 100:5

Even in this season, even as we voice our laments and our urgent intercessions, we affirm this to be true. And since we do, we continue to turn to God in worship, offering our praise and our prayers, our cries and our trust, as we tune our ears to God's Word. 

Our format for worship this week will be very similar to the format we followed last week. Once again, we are providing the following resources:

  • A Liturgy/Order of Worship. You will find this document ATTACHED. There are several transitions written into the document that help facilitate this service--as well as a beautiful prayer written by Gail Wiersma. If you are worshiping with others present, I would encourage you to read these sections out loud to share in this together. If you are home by yourself, perhaps you could connect with a family member or friend over the phone or Facetime and worship together that way. In any case, I trust the attached liturgy will give you a sense of participating in a regular service even while we're apart.

  • Video Links. In order to facilitate our singing, Scripture reading, and the sermon time, here are several links for you to click when prompted to do so in the liturgy:

May the Lord bless our worship together.

As we prepare to worship, let's remember that we worship mindful of the gift of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is God's gift to us. It's time to rest and to center our attention on God. It's time to remember God's past deeds of creation and redemption and to anticipate what God will yet do through Jesus Christ. It's time to take note of God's good gifts and to give thanks. Even as we find ourselves enduring a season that is uncertain and distressing, may the God who gives and promises Sabbath Rest refresh and sustain you through Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Matt

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Tuesday, March 24 Update

Dear Maranatha Family,

"We lift up our eyes to the mountains--

where does our help come from? 

Our help comes from the LORD, 

the Maker of heaven and earth."

--Psalm 121:1-2

So here we are--Day 1 under the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order. As we continue to feel the effects of the spread of the coronavirus and COVID-19, let's continue to lift up our eyes--and our hearts--to the LORD, let's continue to pray, and let's continue to find ways to support and encourage each other and our community during this time. The Lord will see us through--and we're all praying the Lord will do so quickly.

In light of Gov. Whitmer's Executive Order, we wanted to send a brief update regarding how this affects our operations at Maranatha. Given all of the changes we implemented last week, this update is much shorter, but we do wish to inform you of the following:

  1. For these next three weeks, we will not be keeping regular office hours, so the building for the most part will be locked.

  2. Although the office will not be open, office staff will continue to be accessible by way of phone, email, and text. Please do not hesitate to contact staff members. In addition to being accessible by email and cell/home phone, we will regularly check the office voicemail, so if you leave a message for a staff member at church, we will get your message and respond to your call.

  3. Tammy is going to continue to operate Grace Space in "curbside pick-up/delivery" mode. If you or someone you know has need of any household items--or if you would like to help keep Grace Space's inventory well-stocked--please contact Tammy.

  4. If you are willing and able to financially support Maranatha's ministry during this time, we would continue to be most appreciative. Amber will regularly check the mail, so with the building mainly locked for the time being, we ask for now that if you are going to contribute an offering, you send it by way of mail. The Deacons will see to it that these offerings are counted, recorded, and deposited on a regular basis.

  5. Lastly here, it should go without saying, but to reiterate--if you or somebody you know is in need of food, household items, or financial assistance, please get the word out. We will do our best to meet each other's needs.

In addition to these updates, we also wanted to share the following with you:

  • Matilde Gonzalez Diaz shared information about a wonderful effort underway to help stock the inventory of medical supplies. Click here for more information.

  • If you would like to contribute to the community's coordinated response to COVID-19, here, once again, is the link for more information.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Matt

March 28-April 3, 2020: Prayers for Lent

These Prayers for Lent are taken from “Lent and Easter Wisdom” compiled by John V. Kruse.

Saturday, March 28: Lord, you did not lead by intimidation and fear but by loving service.  Teach me that the most effective means of leadership can be found in laying down my life and becoming the servant of others.  May I become the kind of leader who leads others to you.

Sunday, March 29: Lord, may I come to a deeper respect for the sacred space of your house where you are present not only through your Spirit but also in the body of believers gathered in your name.

Monday, March 30: Jesus, following you is not always easy and carefree.  It does require something from me; I must follow our commands.  Often out of pride or convenience, I seek to follow my own will instead.  Lead me through the narrow gate.  Be merciful and soften my heart when I stubbornly refuse to follow you.  Remind me that life with you is well worth any cost I may incur in following you.

Tuesday, March 31: Lord, I bear many burdens in life, some of which are imposed upon me by others.  There is also much that concerns me; bills, work, family, relationships, and simply how I am going to get through the day.  You knew very well the tribulations of human existence.  Yet you patiently accepted the shortcoming of others and the trials of life, even to the point of death.  When I experience trials and worries, I often become impatient and want instant solutions to my problems.  Give me strength and wisdom to be patient as I face the burdens and concerns of this life.  In doing so, may I learn the wisdom that comes in trusting in you and waiting on your assistance.

Wednesday, April 1: Lord, sometimes I avoid silence out of fear of what I might hear.  Help me to overcome this fear and to quiet the many noises that surround me so that I can better hear your voice in my life.

Thursday, April 2: Lord, may the example of your own life strengthen me as I seek to overcome the pride, jealousy, and backstabbing that lead to divisions between others and myself.  Help me to channel the love that you have given me so that I may develop life-giving relationships with others.  Unite us in our love for you and one another.

Friday, April 3: Jesus, given your own life experiences, you certainly understand that there are people who make life difficult for me.  I ask you to change my perspective.  Rather than seeing such people as a burden in life, may I see them as blessings.  Lead me to an awareness of how the trials and pain that such people bring can actually lead me to you.  Given my own shortcoming, teach me the wisdom of being patient with others as I surely want them to be patient with me.

March 21-27, 2020: Prayers for Lent

These Prayers for Lent are taken from “Lent and Easter Wisdom” compiled by John V. Kruse.

Saturday, March 21: Christ, I fill my life with so many activities and projects that I often make it more complicated than I need to. I further complicate my life by trying to understand and control all that is happening around me. In so doing, I distract myself from simple faith in you. Help me as I seek to unclutter my life and teach me the wisdom of simply and unconditionally trusting you.

Sunday, March 22: Lord, you call me to follow you because you want what is best for me in life. Yet, sometimes I turn away from you and then suffer the consequences of having rejected your life and love. When I choose darkness and death, call me back to your light and life. I ask for forgiveness for the times I have hurt my relationship with you.

Monday, March 23: Lord, this Lent I hear you calling me to turn toward you, the source of true life, and away from the “dead-end” of my old way of life. May the acts of self-sacrifice I perform this holy season serve not as a cause of self -satisfaction and pride but be means by which I am reminded of my spiritual hunger for you.  Turn me to you, Lord.

Tuesday, March 24: Lord, it is easier to speak of my faithfulness than to live it from my heart. I do not want to live a life of hypocrisy where my words say one thing but my heart and actions say another. Give me the strength and courage so that I might be a person of integrity. Permeate me with the fire of your love so that my words are not empty but reflect a heart and life devoted to you.

Wednesday, March 25: Lord, this Lent help me let go of the pride that hinders my relationships with you and with others. Lead me out of my sense of self sufficiency and superiority to recognize my total dependency on you. As I grow in humility, let me cling to the treasure that can be found through life with you, a treasure that the world does not begin to offer.

Thursday, March 26: Lord, as I gaze at your face I see myself as you call me to be. May my heart, mind, and will be stirred by this encounter. While you serve as a mirror of me I also desire to become a mirror that reflects your presence to the world. Assist me as I strive to become more like you by living in simplicity, humility, and love for others.

Friday, March 27: Lord, you call me to follow you by taking up my own cross in life. Grant me strength and courage to more willingly and lovingly embrace the trials, struggles, and persecutions of my own life so that your glory might shine through me.

Wednesday's Update: Ministry for Now

Dear Maranatha Family,

The LORD is our shepherd, we shall not want.

He makes us lie down in green pastures, he leads us beside quiet waters, he restores our soul.

He guides us in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil. 

For you are with us. 

Your rod and your staff, they comfort us.

You prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. 

You anoint our heads with oil; our cups overflow!

Surely your goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives, 

and we will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

The more things change, at least this testimony stays the same--because the LORD never changes. Thanks be to God. As you continue to adapt to a very different rhythm of life in almost every respect, be sure to pause to reflect on the Lord's gracious presence with you. He is our Rock--and the Good Shepherd.

And, the Lord Jesus continues to guide and strengthen his people--the Church--even now. As he said, "I am with you always." Those are assuring words that he spoke to instill confidence in us. So let's be confident in the Lord. The Lord will see us through.

We've seen together how the Lord has proved faithful in many different and challenging circumstances, and that will prove true in this, too. In fact, I suspect that with me, in at least some way, you've been able to see the Lord's faithfulness already in this. One of the ways I've been blessed to see this has been the way Maranatha's Council has rallied together over several emails to chart an initial path for Maranatha during this time. To be sure, the path itself does not feel very satisfying given that our ability to be together has been so severely restricted, but Council members have been generously collaborative and virtually of one mind in making a number of decisions in recent days. That is a gift for which I am thankful.

And that brings me to the main purpose of this message, namely, to communicate to you a number of updates on our shared ministry at Maranatha. So without further ado, here goes.

Sunday Worship. In light of current recommendations from the CDC, we have cancelled all worship services (including 2.42 Groups) through April 5. Given the current outlook, we may well have to extend this, but not going beyond April 5 at this point allows us to at least take a look at things before Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. During these Sundays we are away from each other, we will continue to send out resources for worshiping in your homes. Stay tuned.

Maranatha Events and Programming. With one exception (see next), ALL activities and events are cancelled until further notice. With the CDC's current recommendation that we limit our going out and avoid gatherings of 10 or more people, this decision simply removes ambiguity. As with worship, we truly hope to be able to make plans for in-person activities sooner rather than later.

Grace Space. In light of the anticipation that the need for household goods will only increase during this time, we have agreed that it would be good to keep Grace Space operating as long as we have an adequate inventory of products. However, given our current practice of "social distancing," we have made modifications. In sum, Grace Space will essentially become a "curbside pick-up" service. As Tammy schedules guests, she will take orders over the phone, box them up before guests arrive, and then either bring them to vehicles or have guests pick up boxes from tables outside. In light of this streamlined service, we will not need volunteers during this time. HOWEVER, if you are still able to donate products for Grace Space, that would be most welcome. We expect the church building to be open during regular office hours; otherwise you could coordinate a drop-off time with Tammy, Amber, or me.

Material Needs. It should go without saying, but if you find yourself--or if you know somebody--in need of anything due to supply shortages or reduced income or both, please do not hesitate to contact the office or a Deacon (Larry Bredeway, Edith Hemmeke, Chris Larson, Lori LeFebre, Mark Michmerhuizen, Gary Wolters). There is no shame in asking for help. We are in this together. We will do our best to provide for each other's needs. 

Spiritual/Emotional Support. Once again, it should go without saying, but if you--or somebody you know--could use some encouragement or guidance during this time, please do not hesitate to contact me or an Elder (Jeremy Baas, John Dykstra, Steve Groen, Matt Klinkman, Dale Rosema, Bob Schippers).  There is no shame in acknowledging concern, anxiety, discouragement, confusion, etc. We are in this together. We will do our best to provide for each other's needs.

Connect, Connect, Connect! Ok. So we can't be together in person very much right now. But let's not lose track of each other! Connect on FaceBook. Call each other. Send emails. And cards. Write a letter, put a stamp on it, and mail it! Some of this will happen naturally, without even thinking about it, which is great. But who might especially welcome a phone call or a card? Or how might this season be an invitation to connect with a person you don't know very well? A quick email to that "stranger across the aisle" might just result in a new "pen pal"...and maybe a lifelong friend. 

Serve? What might serving look like during a season of "social distancing"? We'll have to get creative, to be sure. And some of us will be able to serve less if it's more prudent for us to stay home or if we are now caring for additional children at home--and that's perfectly understandable. But perhaps you need to run to the store and you'd be more than happy to shop for somebody who can't get out. Or perhaps you plan to make a lasagna but decide to make two because you want to deliver one to somebody else. Or perhaps you can provide transportation. Or perhaps you can fix a leaky faucet. Or perhaps you could...? You catch my drift. If you would be willing to serve in one of these ways or in some other way--or if you have a need to be served in one of these ways or in some other way--please say so. Let's get this off the ground by funneling these communications to Amber, and we'll see where this goes.

Office Hours. For now our goal is to have somebody in the office during all posted office hours (Monday, 8:30-12:30; Wednesday, 8:30-3:00; Thursday, 8:30-4:00; Friday, 8:30-12:30). If we expect significant deviations from that, we will communicate to you accordingly. And of course, if you plan to stop in but want to verify that the building will be open before heading over, simply call ahead of time to confirm.

Offerings. And then there's this. We fully recognize that the economic outlook has changed significantly in the last week and that many of us are facing the possibility of--and perhaps already experiencing the reality of--reduced hours and income. So we ask this with great sensitivity, but we need to ask: In light of the fact that Maranatha has ongoing expenses and financial obligations, if you are able, would you be willing to mail your offerings to church for the time being? Or, if you give by way of cash rather than check, would you be willing to coordinate your giving with the office or a Deacon? In either case, if you are willing and able to give during this time, please designate if you would like your offering to support the General Fund, the Benevolence Fund, or Faith Promise (keeping in mind that you could designate funds to support more than one cause with each offering, and keeping in mind that, generally speaking, the General Fund requires a greater number of dollars than either of the other two causes). Thank you for considering this. As time goes on we will be sure to update this request as needed.

That is enough for now, but hopefully that gives us all enough of an overview for what our shared life at Maranatha will look like for the time being. It isn't what any of us truly want, of course, but the Lord will see us through and, we trust, in due time allow us to gather as we are accustomed to doing. Until then, we will be sure to stay in contact with additional updates. And if you have any questions about what ministry looks like now--or ideas for what ministry could look like now--please do not hesitate to contact me.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Matt

Response to Coronavirus

Dear Maranatha Family,

It has been quite a week, hasn't it? 

As we all come to terms with the disruptions of day-to-day life caused by the spread of the coronavirus, the Council of Maranatha has been in dialogue about how we might respond to the recommendations of health officials and the State of Michigan as we consider our ministry here. In considering our response, we have sought to avoid both overreacting and under-responding. We hope we have achieved our objective, but in any case we ask that you receive our decisions with grace. We'll be the first to the first to acknowledge the variety of legitimate decisions that could be made during a time like this as well as the disappointment of having this aspect of life disrupted along with so many other aspects of life. That said, we trust that what has been decided as of now both honors the recommendations we are hearing and gives us space to find ways to carry on ministry creatively and faithfully in the midst of limitations.

Here, then, is where things stand right now:

  1. We have decided to cancel both services for this coming Sunday. This is disappointing for a number of reasons, including the fact that we were to hear from the GEMS and Cadets on Sunday morning and from Joel Van Dyke Sunday evening. However, with the current emphasis on "social distancing", we think this is the prudent call to make for this week. We will plan to hear from our GEMS and Cadets on another Sunday and, hopefully, from Joel Van Dyke as well. Joel, unsurprisingly, has cancelled his trip to Michigan this weekend but is hoping to reschedule for later in the year.

  2. I am hoping to organize a conversation with Council members early next week so that we might begin to think about the shape of ministry during this season. For the next several weeks, congregational ministry might well look different, but it will continue. We will keep you posted on what we will be encouraging as soon as we make decisions. 

  3. As for scheduled activities next week, we will send out an email on Monday morning with updates and recommendations.

  4. On Sunday morning, our goal is to share with you a video by way of email and Facebook. This will not be a complete worship service. On it, though, I will say a few words to acknowledge these circumstances, share a couple of Scripture passages and some comments on them, and offer a prayer. We hope this will be one small way for us to be together this weekend "in spirit and in truth" if not in person.

This is our current update. As mentioned above, we will be sending out additional communications in the near future. If you have any questions, however, please do not hesitate to contact me (matt@maranatha-crc.com).

In addition to what has been written above, here are a couple of notes:

  • We will post the cancellations of Sunday's services on both WOOD-TV and WZZM to ensure that members not receiving email still learn about our decision to cancel. That said, if you know of individuals who do not receive these emails but would appreciate hearing this and future updates, please do call them to fill them in.

  • Be mindful of those who might be particularly lonely or resource-constrained during this time. A phone call to an isolated person could prove to be very encouraging. And if you're aware of somebody who is resource-constrained, please communicate that need if necessary and we'll see if there is a way for us to respond to that need.

Finally, it goes without saying, but we encourage you to be in constant prayer. Pray for the sick and grieving, for the lonely and afflicted, for our elected officials, for our health officials and health care workers, for our business leaders, for families, for anyone else who comes to mind, for healing...and for the glory of God through Jesus Christ to be made manifest even in the midst of these challenging times.  

Grace to you and peace,

Pastor Matt

Holy Week Schedule 2020

We have lots of reflecting and remembering to do before we reach the culminating week of Lent, but we wanted to remind you of the special dates and times of our Holy Week services that we celebrate at Maranatha.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8, NIV

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Chili Cook-off 2020 Winner!

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And the winner from Wednesday night’s chili cook-off is… Livie Van Appledorn! Congratulations!

We had such a fun night sampling everyone’s chili - they were all so delicious!

(If you look at the previous post, you’ll see the picture from the chili cook-off in 2018, when Livie also won :) It must have been a foreshadowing of what was to come!)

Annual Chili Cook-off: Sign up now!

The temperatures are dropping outside, so let’s make sure we heat up inside. There’s no better way to do that than to hold our Annual Chili Cook-off! This Wednesday night event has become a fun tradition that includes delicious chili, several hundred sample cups of chili, and a bit of friendly competition.

Here are the details: On Wednesday, February 19, you can bring your favorite pot of chili to church before 5:15pm and serve it to the hungry hoards. Then, everyone votes for which chili was their favorite, and the winner gets an awesome prize!

Sound fun to you? Sign up at church or send us an email at office@maranatha-crc.com. Below is a picture from a few years back; the fun hat gets worn by the winner :)

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Missionary Update: Rev. Jerry An with Back to God Chinese Ministries

Wondering how the recent Coronavirus outbreak is affecting churches in China? This article, published by the Christian Reformed Church, explains how churches can continue to minister to people while their doors remain closed due to the virus. Rev. Jerry An, who we sponsor through our Faith Promise giving, is putting all of his time and effort into training Chinese pastors and church leaders to lead web-based church services.

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Need a laugh?

This picture is sure to cause you to giggle :)

Not only does our library have cool jokes, we have puzzles to lend out too! Puzzles are a great pastime to our cold Michigan winters, so if you like to puzzle, grab one soon.

Our library is open during church office hours as well as on Sundays before and after our worship services.

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Faith Promise Update: Introducing DeLyssa Begay

​Through the years of supporting Rehoboth Christian School by way of our Faith Promise offerings, we have connected with different people at the school. For 2020 we hope to connect most closely with DeLyssa Begay, who teaches English in the High School. Below is a newsletter to help us get to know DeLyssa better.

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Nizhónígo Nináánááhai Dooleeł! 

by DeLyssa Begay

Yaa’teeh! Hello, the above heading is “Happy New Year” in the Navajo language. 

My name is DeLyssa Begay, I am from Rough Rock, Arizona. My Navajo clans are the root of who I am in the Navajo culture. My mother’s clan, which is now mine, is Dibe Lizhini which translates into Black Sheep. It means that I am born into the Black Sheep People and they are my relatives. The Black Sheep clan is an adopted clan in the Navajo Clan system. My ancestors on my mother’s side are from the Pueblo people of New Mexico. 

My father’s clan is Honagaanii/One-Who-Walks-Around People, and I am born for his clan. My maternal grandfathers are Todicheenii/ Bitter-Water People, and my paternal grandfathers are Tachiinii/Red-Streak-into-Running-Water People. All of these people are my relatives. I grew up in a very rural part of Arizona. Rough Rock is located in the foothills of Black Mesa. My extended family has a mix of religions: Quaker Friends, Non-practicing Catholics, Navajo Traditionalists, and the Native American Church. I grew up in the mix of these different traditions and cultures. I identify as a member of the Quaker Friends, but attend many of the Christian Reformed services. 

In the picture above, I am in the woman in blue standing next to my dear friend and Rehoboth’s admission’s director, Mrs. Verlena Livingston. My Navajo name is “Going-to-War.” Traditional Navajo female names often referenced to “war” and “battle.” I grew up immersed in the Navajo culture - many of my mannerisms and behaviors are the result of my Navajo upbringing. For example, I am used to the doorway facing the east direction, I call all elders my grandmothers and grandfathers, I do not step over people who are sleeping or lying on the floor, and I will often roll or run in the first snow so that I am accustomed to the cold. These are just a few things that have cultural significance and are habits that I have formed since childhood. Many of these are also signs of respect to older Navajo people. I was not aware of how these behaviors were ingrained in me until my nieces and nephews were born. When they arrived and we as a family raised them, I noted what we taught them. We taught them to know their clans, to work and help others, and to know the importance of prayer.  I took this picture last week; it is my Black Sheep family’s homestead. This is part of Rough Rock, Arizona. 

I accepted Christ as my savior in March 2011. Even though I grew up in a mix of traditions, it was not until the end of an unhealthy relationship that I gave my heart and life to Christ. My Aunt Helen was a pastor of the Quaker Friends Church in Rough Rock. I went to church to see her, and I felt pulled into the church and sat through the service. I called on God and He answered. Later, I encountered several life changing and challenging events and He stayed with me through it all. Actually, through a series of events, He led me to Rehoboth Christian High School. Rehoboth has been a place of refuge as I started to heal from past situations. I was surrounded with colleagues, friends, and community who are God-centered. As I continue my journey, I hope to share God’s love and compassion with my students and community. 

I feel selfish in focusing on my healing, but I hope to share with students what God can do in our lives. I previously taught in Arizona’s public and federal schools for fifteen years before Rehoboth. In my six years at Rehoboth, I’ve taught English Communications 1 & 2, New Mexico History, Drama, Media, and Academic Support. I have taken on subjects I had not previously taught, but with God placing me in a supportive environment I have expanded my teaching experience. 

Prayer Requests: 

Last semester, I read several journal entries from students who experienced moments of hopelessness and challenges in their faith. Several Native students shared that they may feel like outcasts in their family because they believe in Christ. I often pray for my students who have lost a parent or guardian or cannot be with their biological parents because of divorce or substance abuse issues. It is common and challenges students’ concentration in class and self-esteem.

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Seeing in 20/20

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Pretty clever, huh? Alright, it may be a bit cheesy, but you can really only use this series title once, so you better believe we’re using it! Here’s a bit of an overview of the sermon series that we started a week and a half ago. The series title plays off the idea of 20/20 vision in a couple of ways.

First, there’s the conviction that Scripture corrects our vision so that we see what we need to see, meaning it brings into focus what we see by faith. For this aspect, we’ll spend the first part of 2020 in the Gospel of John, paying particular attention to passages playing off the idea of seeing.

The series title has another dimension as well -- that of what we are actually seeing in the year 2020. What are the realities we notice? What is trending? Why? And how does what we “see” in Scripture help us make sense of what we are seeing in day-to-day life?

We’d love for you to think about these things with us on Sunday mornings at 9:30am!

Preparing Our Hearts for the Coming of the Christ Child - week #5

Prayers for December are written by Kim Butts ©2012 Harvest Prayer Ministries, www.harvestprayer.com.

Sunday, December 29. “Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts” (Isaiah 26:8).

Lord, prepare our hearts to desire You. We wait for You, as we walk in Your ways. We will continually desire Your name as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child.

Monday, December 30. “May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones” (1 Thessalonians 3:13).

Lord, prepare our hearts to be strong. We want to be blameless and holy in Your presence when Jesus returns. Please encourage us in every good deed and word as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child. (see also: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; Psalm 27:14)

Tuesday, December 31. “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17).

Lord, prepare our hearts to be turned toward family. Will You draw us together as a family (in our homes and in our churches) so that we will become a people prepared for You? Help us to be clean and pure before You as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child and as we step into a new year of service in Your kingdom!

 

 

Preparing Our Hearts for the Coming of the Christ Child - Week #4

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As we journey through the month of December, feel free to use the prayers below as your prayer guide. Prayers are written by Kim Butts ©2012 Harvest Prayer Ministries, www.harvestprayer.com.

Sunday, December 22—Fourth Sunday in Advent. “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15).

Lord, prepare our hearts to be cheerful. May we always find joy in You, even in the midst of difficult times. Father, help our hearts to have a continual feast as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (see also: Proverbs 17:22)

Monday, December 23. “And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well” (Luke 12:29-31).

Lord, prepare our hearts to be free from worry. We know that worry will take our minds off of You, so help us to see Your kingdom for all that we need. You are our provider as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (see also: Ecclesiastes 11:10)

Tuesday, December 24. “He answered: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Luke 10:27).

Lord, prepare our hearts to be loving. There is no other like You. Your Word says that to love You with all of our heart and soul and strength and mind is the most important thing. We are also to love one another deeply, from our hearts. Father, help us to love our neighbors as ourselves as we wait for the coming of the Christ Child. (see also: Matthew 22:37-38; Mark 12:23-33; 1 Peter 1:22-23)

Wednesday, December 25—Christmas Day. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Lord, prepare our hearts to shine Your light just as You have come to shine among us! You have given us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God! May our hearts shine brightly in a dark world as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child.

Thursday, December 26. “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir” (Galatians 4:6-7).

Lord, prepare our hearts to reflect the Spirit of Your Son. We can call You our Abba Father, because of Jesus. We belong to You as songs and daughters, not slaves. May we reflect the Spirit of Jesus to everyone we meet, as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child.

Friday, December 27. “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart” (Proverbs 3:3).

Lord, prepare our hearts to be faithful. Strengthen us out of Your glorious riches with power through Your Spirit so that Jesus will dwell in our hearts through faith. May love and faithfulness never leave us as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child. (see also: Ephesians 3:14-19)

Saturday, December 28. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

Lord, prepare our hearts to tell others about You! There are so many hungry people out there asking questions. Give us boldness to tell others what You have done in our lives. Help us to always be prepared to reach people for Jesus as we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child.

Making Spirits Bright with Sounds of the Season

The Thrive High School Youth Group treated our church to a night of delicious food and beautiful music on December 11. Following a turkey dinner that they served us, they showcased their musical gifts by singing Christmas songs, playing instruments and performing Christmas readings. We are so grateful for our youth and the huge part that they play in our church!

All proceeds from this special night went towards their summer mission trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Enjoy the pictures below! Their festive Christmas attire shows a bit of this group’s personality :)