Katy Lucas-Lenten Reader Article

Here is an article that Katy Lucas wrote for the church wide Lenten Reader-All I have to say is I was blown away by it. Enjoy

Our world is so very busy! It feels sometimes as though the life is slowly being squeezed out of Time, creating a breathless, flat mentality that carries us through our days. My mind is constantly sidetracked from the splendor of God by astoundingly trivial things. Who has time to sit and ponder religion when there is homework to be done?! The amazing sacrifice of Jesus can be pushed to the back of the mind by looming relationship problems, a very unsatisfied mother pontificating the virtues of a clean room, or the pressure of being "perfect" that seems to be taking over our society. And yet, when I stop to think, to really think about Jesus, I am overtaken with an awesome joy.
Jesus faced it all. His simple message of unconditional love was constantly shot down with skepticism and the grumbling of those set in the old ways. Sometimes, I find myself grumbling. How many of us have been so frustrated with the unpredictable circumstances of life that we throw our hands in the air and cry out "What good are you to me now, Jesus? I know you love me! I know you're up there somewhere watching over me! But right now, in this moment, that doesn't change the fact that I'm suffering." Sometimes, we forget what Jesus meant when he said "I am the bread of life." It's easy to be consumed with hunger and want nothing more than a satisfying snack. But Jesus is not the type of bread one eats greedily, and then forgets about until the next pangs of hunger. Jesus sacrificed himself so that we, these easily distracted, unworthy children, might have eternal life. One bite, and the hunger is eradicated forevermore. Our spiritual cravings to belong, to feel loved and fulfilled, have already been met, ever since the day the Son of God sacrificed himself for our sins. He did it not because we're unworthy sinners a muck with corruption, but because we are imperfect children who make mistakes, but are beloved all the same.

I invite you to take a moment of prayer. Wherever you are, pause and consider the magnitude of Jesus. Let his presence enfold you with all of its awesome power.
Father, we understand that life cannot always be "perfect." Our grumblings and complaints stem from the pressure of a world filled with doubt. Ease our suffering, Lord. Help us to realize that you are always, always with us, and that the bread of your salvation will never run out. Help us to share your love with others, to spread your message to those who are starving. Lord, open our hearts to the fact that "perfect" is not a slim body, or a nice pair of clothes, but a humble carpenter with callouses on the hands that shaped us. You are the bread of life, Jesus. Bon apetite. Amen.

Katy Lucas

Ski Trip Memoirs

We got back from our spring break ski trip earlier today and everyone probably went home and crashed. Everyone had a great time and there were no serious injuries. (just a couple cases of altitude sickness) Other than that I think the closest we came to injuries were Grant running into a pole (but the pole took the worst of it) and Kyle scraping his chin while sliding down the mountain on his face, and Marshall hurting his backside by skiiing backwards and falling down. And everyone could of gotten hurt by laughing so hard while we were having dinner in Denver. You probably had to be there to know how funny it was (or maybe we were just deliriously tired and everything seemed funny)

I hope everyone had a great time and was able to get some rest today and enjoys the rest of their spring break.

remember what Frodo did.....
and don't compromise your faith

grace & peace
Kevin

What is Different?

We went on our confirmation field trip yesterday and it was a very different experience for everyone. First we went to the Seventh Day Adventist Church service in Keene. This service was different for a couple of reasons. First-the worship service was on a Saturday and not a Sunday like we are all used to. And second the worship service was in spanish. It was interesting to watch and experience the service and how they worshiped. Everyone we met there was so nice and helpful to all of us.

Next we went to the Union Gospel Mission in Fort Worth. Union Gospel Mission is a homeless shelter in downtown Fort Worth. We got a tour of the facility and met some of the people who live there and some of them who work there. The workers that we met there used to be residents of Union Gospel Mission and now are employed there as workers. They were able to put their life together and get back on their feet.

I was so impressed by how well the confirmation class did and how they interacting with everyone while we were there. When we started to talk about our experiences at the worship service and Union Gospel Mission we talked about how different they were than us.....And then we realized that they were not that different than us. Most of us have everything we have while the residents of the homeless shelter do not. But they are not that different than us. Some of them just made one mistake or just had a little bit of bad luck. Remember that they are not that different than us and treat them as one of God's chosen people.

Discipleship... What is that? (by Courtney Traylor)

What is a disciple? I hear many different answers but one is true to me. What a disciple is, they are a believer of Christ. That's what I think, but you have to decide that. If you are a believer, you are a disciple. Everyone thinks if you just come to church on Sunday and show that you are a Christian there, and don't show it at school, etc. You aren't a disciple. They are wrong! Many people come to church and leave what they have to say and how they show they are a Christian with Christ. You don't have to show everyone all the time. If you believe and follow God you're a disciple. But what are some ways we can show that we are disciples? Maybe, telling others about Christ or inviting them to church. You can also serve others. D-I-S-C-I-P-L-E, is the sermon series Pastor George is talking about. It's mainly what disciples are and what we are supposed to do as being disciples. Mainly, that is what a disciple is and what we do.

Courtney Traylor

The Day that Never Comes

I spoke last week about what everyone could pick up for lent and started to think about when I started to learn to play the guitar. I had a guitar given to me years ago and practiced every day for about a month and then got busy and kept pushing it to the back burner when something came up and eventually quit playing. I keep thinking month after month that this is the month that I pick a day and start playing again and learn to play the guitar.....but that day never comes.

I often wonder how often we put God on the back burner with our busy schedules which might include school, homework, practices, and what we do with our free time. (if we have any left)

I encourage everyone to spend at least a few minutes each day with God-spend as much time as you can in prayer, in scripture, and just spending time with God.

Grace & Peace
Kevin

(and I did pick up the guitar today)

Family

Periodically I will share thoughts about family on this blog since family and community are important to me and to everyone else. Kathy and I watched Carson, well we always watch Carson, and Lydia for a few hours at home this weekend. I understand now how difficult and fun it must have been for my mom to watch me and my twin brother Jason at the same time, all the time. Watching two kids was much more work that watching one. And they were happy and content to play the whole time, except when we tried to put them down for a nap-they were having none of that.
I can't imagine taking care of two kids at that age at the same time, all the time. It makes me appreciate what my mom did that much more. I guess what I'm trying to say is thanks mom.

And of course Carson says hi to his mimi and can't wait to see you

love
Kevin