Happy Friday! As we want to have hope for the quarantine restrictions to lift, we must still hang on. This to shall pass. But while we are here… how are you staying connected? With God? With others? Are you choosing contentment?
Stay Encouraged & Equipped, Issue 4 is updated. We hope that you will find encouragement as you read through the posts this week in the following areas:
• FAITH: Stay Connected, by Dave Grube
• FINANCES: What to do if you are out of Work and How to look at Debt from a Biblical Perspective shared by Brian Johnson
• FAMILY: Family snuggles and a good book, shared by Vicki Dolsen
• FREEDOM TO WORSHIP: Choruses of Contentment, shared by JD Dulinsky
• FRONTLINE & BEYOND (Community): Grace’s Table update on funds raised! shared by Missions Committee
Each section is under the accordion menu. click the heading to read the content.
Stay Encouraged & Equipped.
FAITH
Stay Connected
One of the most important aspects for any church is that of developing and keeping strong connections with each other. And at no time is this more needed than that right now.
Years ago, when I was an assistant coach with the Grand Rapids Hoops of the Continental Basketball Association we played an exhibition game against Duke University. It was my first experience at Cameron Indoor Stadium and what an experience it was. Students came in three hours before the game just to establish “their place” for the game and to let the opposition know they (Cameron Crazies) were going to be there in full force. It was a statement that this was “their team” in “their house” and they demonstrated great passion and ownership of it. Now keep in mind this was only an exhibition game between a professional team and college team!
While there, I roamed through the hallways leading back to the locker rooms and offices and noticed that all along the walls were pictures of past teams, former players and pictures of big games and famous last second shots. It was very impressive to say the least.
But not only was there evidence of the past through pictures, plaques and awards but to my astonishment as I continued my walk I bumped into former Duke Players. They were there in full force, all ages representing different decades of teams. They were there to continue the legacy with the new players and show support for “their university” by being in attendance. They were also an integral part of the pre-game by interacting with players and fans and reestablishing themselves as the ones who “paved the way” and set the standards for the current basketball program. Again, keep in mind this was only an exhibition game…but they still showed up!
What a difference it makes when we get involved, participate and support one another…especially when it isn’t expected! What an encouragement it is to others when we just show up.
So, during this time of uncertainty let’s all make an effort to show up because we need each other now more than ever. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 gives us some instructions, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…”. And Philippians 2:1-4 tells us, “if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others”.
You see, if we’re looking after each other we don’t have to be so concerned with ourselves because someone is looking out for us. So, I want to encourage you to make the effort and just show up and stay connected with each other!
D. Grube
FINANCIAL
So all of the sudden our finances face much uncertainty. Will the economy come back quickly? Will my job income continue like before COVID-19? The reality is that with these pandemic times, we are facing more unknowns than normal when it comes to our money. These articles are selected to help us navigate our way through this unprecedented season. Dive in and get great biblical wisdom on how to move forward managing our financial resources!
Coronavirus: What to Do if You’re Out of Work
How to Look at Debt from a Biblical Perspective
FAMILY
While your family is together, consider engaging in a book series and read it aloud. Jenny L. Cote is the author of two adventure fiction series’. The first two-book prequel series, The Amazing Tales of Max & Liz, introduces Max, Liz, Kate and Al, a group of animals assembled by the Maker to lead you through pivotal points of history in The Ark, the Reed, and the fire Cloud..Nigel, a British mouse, joins the team in book two, The Dreamer, the Schemer, and the Robe.
The book series continues with a team of seven animals assembled and now known as the Order of the Seven. This team continue behind the scenes in the lives of Noah, Joseph, Isaiah, Daniel, the Christmas story, Jesus, the Disciples, Paul and the early church… through Biblical and world history up to modern times with Patrick Henry and the Revolutionary War, and C.S. Lewis and World War II.
Create memorable moments and engage in Biblical history with Max, Liz and the Order of the Seven. https://www.epicorderoftheseven.net/books
FREEDOM TO WORSHIP
I’m not sure where you stand, but I am more of a “half glass empty” type of guy. It can be so easy for me to focus on what I don’t have, rather than seeing the blessings of everything God has already given me. To combat worry and anxiousness, I am learning the art of contentment.
This week’s playlist helps remind me of the goodness of God. Join me in the quest for joy, while engaging and listening to Choruses of Contentment. May you find contentment as you take time to worship.. In response to requests to make this playlist available in an ad-free zone, the playlist is available on several apps:
FRONTLINE & BEYOND
Frontline family you have exceeded our goals once again! Thank you for Being the Church and giving generously.
THIS WEEKS CONTRIBUTORS
