Shannon and Lynne, leaders of women’s ministry at Wallenstein Bible Chapel, were eager for more.Specifically among the women at church, they wanted to encourage more connection with God and to foster deeper conversation with each other.Especially now – with the
A Time to Reap
Pastor Viji reminded me that as church leaders, we can learn something from the art of agriculture.Maybe it’s no coincidence that Jesus often used farming and gardening metaphors.So much patience is required.There is a time to plant.Sunshine. Water. Weeding. Pruning.Then
Betty
Over 80 years ago, a sweet little baby girl was baptized in her church.She grew up and her faith also grew up and matured.As an adult, she wanted to be baptized again with a fresh understanding of the meaning of
Virtual Bake-Off!
How to connect with congregants when you’re in stay-at-home orders and lockdown? Well, among all the characteristics needed in church leadership these days,creativity is certainly one of them.Sarah is one such leader who wanted to connect with kids and families
DIY Baptisms – Pinewoods Chapel
With restrictions and lockdown, lots of things have slowed down.First it was hard to access toilet paper and yeast.Then it was bike parts and lumber.Then, baptisms were added to that list! Lots of churches had to postpone baptisms last spring due
On-line Care – North Park Community Church
What a surprise to discover that online care groups work so well! When COVID hit last spring, the thought of moving from face-to-face to online – especially for support groups – seemed second rate or maybe better than nothing. BUT
Hope – Forestview Church
What gives Sarah, Pastor of Children’s Ministry at Forestview Church, hope in the midst of tough times is recognizing the thread of God’s care and leading throughout her life.Since high school days which were characterized by depression and anxiety and
Restoration
For one couple, divorce papers seemed like the only option.It felt hopeless –the bitterness, isolation, unwillingness to communicate, disinterest in God. But their pastor faithfully, persistently called and texted.Every morning for 8 months.With no response. And then miracle of miracles,
The Spirit…. gripped her heart!
“I want to be baptized!” she said. This coming from the woman who refused to speak about baptism.She would join zoom prayer groups and google meets with the churchbut would not talk about baptism. When she got to talk to
The Prodigal Son
We all know the story of the Prodigal Son.Perhaps one of Jesus’ most famous little stories.It grabbed Rembrandt’s attention 1500 years later.And almost 500 years after that, it inspired Henri Nouwen to write a book. One particular congregation, though, actually