How Strange Is Your God? James Wood on the Idolatrous Voice of Christ

Read the whole article here https://mbird.com/2020/11/how-strange-is-your-god-james-wood-on-the-idolatrous-voice-of-christ/

ll week the forecast was bad. Weather.com showed only thunderclouds, rain, and a long series of yellow lightning bolts. But when the day came — a day when college-aged Christians would gather outside to protest human trafficking — the storms held off. The clouds came in, but the air was clear. One of my friends, an Evangelical, laughed: “God said to the rain, ‘Not today!’” She waved her hand as if pushing away the unwanted, as if that were how the weather worked. Her confidence left me quietly stunned. What was on the one hand a slightly humorous remark was also a major presumption: God would manipulate the forecast for our little event while storms ravaged elsewhere. This was the same month a typhoon killed 6,300 people in the Philippines……………………

Read the whole article here https://mbird.com/2020/11/how-strange-is-your-god-james-wood-on-the-idolatrous-voice-of-christ/

[Sunday] Misfit Kingdom - Nostalgia

Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]

Questions for the Week

1. What is your favorite Christmas movie and why?

2. Read Matthew 1:1.   Who does Matthew say Jesus is?

3. Read 2 Samuel 7:12-16.   Speaking on behalf of God, what does Sameul say David’s descendant will do?   How do you think that was misunderstood by the Jews living in Jesus’ day?  How is that misunderstood by us today?

4. Read Matthew 15:21-28.   What hope does the Canaanite woman see in Jesus?  What hope do you see in Jesus for today?

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---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today November 29, 2020

Worship Service 8:30 AM

Second Worship Service and

  video service www.gracelutheranpsl.com 10:15 AM

Zoom into Fellowship 12:00 PM - Noon

Korean Church Worship 1:00 PM

AA 7:30 PM

Rest of the week November 30 - December 5, 2020

Olivet School Tuesday, 8 AM - 1 PM 

Individual/Family Communion 11 AM - Noon

Bible Study at Church or on ZOOM 11 AM 

Advent Gathering - Fellowship - meal 5:30 PM

“Traditions” Carols & Stories 6:15 PM

Korean Church Prayer Gathering Saturday, 6 AM

For complete calendar information, go to www.gracelutheranpsl.com/calendar

COMING UP: December 7th - LWML meeting and decorating

December 8th - Adopt-a-Mile

December 9th & 16th - Advent meal and activities

December 13th - youth group outdoor games

Christmas Eve Services - 4 PM & 7 PM

Christmas Day Service - 10:15 AM

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK:  Dave Love - 12/01

ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK: Gene & Leigh Liagre - 12/01/1973 (47 Years) 

Joe & Linda Gannon - 12/04/1960 (60 Years)

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given by George Tsikoudis & Susan Schill in memory of Susan’s father, John W., whose birthday was December 2nd.

CHECK IT OUT THE 2021 FLOWER CHART is up and ready for you to sign up for donating flowers next year in memory of or to honor someone close to you, a special occasion or giving thanksgiving to God.  Weekly cost for the two vases of flowers is $30.00.

2021 ENJOYMENT COUPON BOOKS: are now available in the Narthex.  The coupon books sell for $35.00 each of which $10.00 is donated to Grace Lutheran’s Youth Group needs.

COMMUNION ON WEDNESDAY: If you, or someone you know, would like to celebrate Holy Communion but prefer a small group or unable to attend Sunday service, Pastor Cris has set aside Wednesday’s to celebrate the meal in small/family groups.   Please come by on Wednesday at: 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 or 12:00 (noon) and partake of this wonderful meal.  

CHRISTMAS CHILD THANKS It is heartwarming to realize our congregation is so willing to help others. We packed 163 boxes for the “Christmas Child Shoebox Project.” These boxes go to children around the world.  Each box is examined to ensure safe contents, PLUS the child will receive a leaflet in their language about Jesus. Millions have been sent worldwide over the years.  If you still wish to contribute, please, see me. Thank you! - Judy Fredrich, 772-237-2626 

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available for your convenience.  

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “livestream” Bible study online (www.GracelutheranPSL.com) with ZOOM, for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.  ** You are also welcome to attend the Bible Study at church, in person!  ** Seating with social distancing along with wearing your mask is now happening,  at the Bible Study on Thursday at 11 AM and at Worship on Sundays at 8:30 AM and 10:15 AM.
GIVING - We are here to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time” to those in our church and community. Thank you for your past and continual prayers and financial support to Grace and your community.We have added Paypal for online donations. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Service of Thanks 2020

Click here for Service https://youtu.be/FDyOSFS9ii4

Nostalgia

Christmas contains so many memories. Movies, songs, and baked things which yearly cause us to dive into the deep well of Nostalgia. At the beginning of the Christmas story, Matthew is asking the reader to dive into the deep well of Nostalgia about Jesus roots.

Sermon Playlist

Watch Full Servies & See Bulletins

You Are Forgiven

Read the Article here https://www.1517.org/articles/you-are-forgiven

When I was 15 years old I stole my parent’s car to hang out with this girl I was crushing on. Have you ever done something stupid like that before? Yeah, no driver’s license yet; not even a permit! But wait – it gets worse! I devised a plan to steal their 1988 Chevy Astro minivan so I could drive from where I was living in New Jersey over to Pennsylvania when my dad was out of town and my mom was working late (yeah, pretty sure that’s a felony). And I almost got away with it. In fact, I would have if it wasn’t for the guilt welling up inside me. So, the night before my dad was coming home, I fessed up. By the way, my dad’s name is Thor – so you can imagine why I was a little nervous confessing!……………….

Read the Article here https://www.1517.org/articles/you-are-forgiven

You Are Forgiven

[Sunday] Christ the King

Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]

Questions for the Week

1. Skim over Matthew 23-25.  What is Jesus primarily talking about?  How does it make you feel?

2. Think of a time when things seemed out of control in your life. Where did you think God was in that time?   

3. Read Matthew 25:31.   At the end times where does Jesus say he (the son of man) will be?   

4. Read Matthew 25:32-40. How do the sheep (the righteous) respond when Jesus tells them all the good kingdom of God work they had been doing and welcomes them into his kingdom?   Think of a time when you didn’t realize when God was doing his Kingdom work through you as you were his hands and feet loving others.

---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today November 22, 2020

Worship Service 8:30 AM

Second Worship Service and

  video service www.gracelutheranpsl.com 10:15 AM

Zoom into Fellowship 12:00 PM - Noon

Korean Church Worship 1:00 PM

AA 7:30 PM

Rest of the week November 23 - 28, 2020

Olivet School Tuesday, 8 AM - 1 PM 

Individual/Family Communion Canceled this week

Thanksgiving Day Thursday

Korean Church Prayer Gathering Saturday, 6 AM

For complete calendar information, go to www.gracelutheranpsl.com/calendar

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK (and last): Trudy Miller - 11/16, Brad Lynch - 11/17, Cassie Britwell - 11/23, Leigh Liagre & Jake Blizzard - 11/24, Brian Blizzard - 11/26, Raquel Thomson - 11/28.

ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK: Kent & Linda Bowen 11/26/1983 - 37 Years

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR This Sunday: are given by Bill & Kimberly Bowen in celebration of Kent and Linda’s anniversary.  Last Sunday from the Korean Congregation.

CHECK IT OUT THE 2021 FLOWER CHART is up and ready for you to sign up for donating flowers next year in memory of or to honor someone close to you, a special occasion or giving thanksgiving to God.  Weekly cost for the two vases of flowers is $30.00.

2021 ENJOYMENT COUPON BOOKS: are now available in the Narthex.  The coupon books sell for $35.00 each of which $10.00 is donated to Grace Lutheran’s Youth Group needs.

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available for your convenience. 

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM!  Pastor and Coli will be hosting Zoom to Coffee at NOON every Sunday for those who would like to join in fellowship “virtually” to see and chat with Grace members and friends.  All are welcome!
GIVING - We are here to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time” to those in our church and community. Thank you for your past and continual prayers and financial support to Grace and your community.We have added Paypal for online donations. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Movies You Can Watch With Your Extended Family That Are Actually Good

Read Full Article Here https://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/movies/movies-you-can-watch-with-your-parents-that-are-actually-good/

OK, presumably, not many of us are headed home for the holidays. Unless you’re already living with your parents (which, all things considered, is neither unlikely nor anything to be embarrassed about) you’re probably, hopefully keeping Thanksgiving a small, socially distanced affair this year as we all do our best to flatten that nerve-wracking curve until the vaccine starts rolling in.

But being socially distant doesn’t mean we’re not involved with our families at all on the big day. Teleparty, for example, is a great way to watch movies together over long distances. It synchronizes Netflix, HBO Max or Hulu movies over multiple accounts so you can all watch a movie together and even keep the conversation going with each other.

Ah, but what movie? Assuming you’ve already made it through the ranks of the Pixar classics and Disney’s better options, you might be looking for a solid option to watch with the parents. Of course, nothing with any spicy content will do — there’s nothing worse than white-knuckling it through a sex scene with your mom and dad right there. You also don’t want too much swearing or grisly violence. But you do want the movie to be good, right? Just not too good in a way that some relatives might consider “pretentious” or “artsy-fartsy.” You want it to be wholesome but not stupid.

What’s a movie-lover to do?

Never fear. We at RELEVANT have combed through the ranks of movies to find some broadly appealing options that should win over anyone on your list………………………………

Read Full Article Here https://www.relevantmagazine.com/culture/movies/movies-you-can-watch-with-your-parents-that-are-actually-good/

[Bible Study] Mark Chapter 4 - Zoom to Scripture

The Importance Of Spiritual Dry Seasons

Read the Article here
https://www.relevantmagazine.com/faith/the-importance-of-spiritual-dry-seasons/

If you’ve ever been to the top of a mountain, you know nothing quite beats the experience. Sure, the hike to the top was difficult, but nothing beats the sense of fulfillment of overcoming an obstacle in order to enjoy a beautiful view. Sure, you could probably just Google images from the top of the mountain but everyone knows that’s just not the same. The struggle adds immeasurable value.

There is no denying that our world today tends to want easy access to blessing — without having to endure the harsh lessons of a wilderness. Therefore, it may profit us to discover what a desert experience can offer. 

Deserts inspire worship

My first encounter with the enormit……………….

Read the Article here
https://www.relevantmagazine.com/faith/the-importance-of-spiritual-dry-seasons/

[Sunday] Rain on Enemies - The Party

Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]

Questions for the Week

1. Read John 3:16.  What gift does God promise you?  Why does He give you this gift?

2.  Read Matthew 5:43-48.  Why does Jesus say to love your enemies?

3.  Why does loving your enemies show God’s abundance and His generosity towards you?

4.  When you look at the world with the eyes of Jesus, seeing God’s abundance all around, how does your view of the world change?  How might this view change the way you live?

---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today November 15, 2020

Worship Service 8:30 AM

Second Worship Service and

  video service www.gracelutheranpsl.com 10:15 AM

Zoom into Fellowship 12:00 PM - Noon

Korean Church Worship 1:00 PM

AA 7:30 PM

Rest of the week November 16 - 21, 2020

Olivet School Tuesday, 8 AM - 1 PM 

Individual/Family Communion Wednesday, 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 & Noon

ACC Board Meeting Wednesday 3:00 PM

ZOOM Bible Study Thursday, 11:00 AM

    www.gracelutheranpsl.com

Korean Church Prayer Gathering Saturday, 6 AM

Operation Christmas shoebox packing Saturday 9:00 AM till completed

For complete calendar information, go to www.gracelutheranpsl.com/calendar

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Trudy Miller - 11/16

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God by the Korean congregation.

CHECK IT OUT THE 2021 FLOWER CHART is up and ready for you to sign up for donating flowers next year in memory of or to honor someone close to you, a special occasion or giving thanksgiving to God.  Weekly cost for the two vases of flowers is $30.00.

2021 ENJOYMENT COUPON BOOKS: are now available in the Narthex from Susan Becker.  The coupon books sell for $35.00 each of which $10.00 is donated to Grace Lutheran’s Youth Group needs.

FAMILY MEALS… CONTINUES: Our collection of food and money for the “Family Meals” concludes today!    All food and monetary gifts are greatly appreciated.

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available for your convenience.  

MITES BOXES RETURNED?  LWML Sunday was observed last Sunday.  In celebration of this , we had placed a display of the Mite boxes for each of you, men & women, to take, to fill (coin, check or cash) and to return.  The Mite box is the container used to gather the funds that help support various local and international mission organizations which , in turn, share the Gospel and love of Jesus. 

“OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX PROJECT”:  Please drop off your packed Shoeboxes this week November 15-20, between 9 AM and Noon.  Then come and join us this Saturday, 9/21,  from 9 AM till finished helping us pack the boxes.    Thank you, Judy, 561-315-9555

COMMUNION ON WEDNESDAY: If you, or someone you know, would like to celebrate Holy Communion but prefer a small group or unable to attend Sunday service, Pastor Cris has set aside Wednesday’s to celebrate the meal in small/family groups.   Please come by on Wednesday at: 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 or 12:00 (noon) and partake of this wonderful meal.   

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM!  Pastor and Coli will be hosting Zoom to Coffee at NOON every Sunday for those who would like to join in fellowship “virtually” to see and chat with Grace members and friends.  All are welcome!

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “livestream” Bible study online (www.GracelutheranPSL.com) with ZOOM, for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.  ** You are also welcome to attend the Bible Study at church, in person!  ** Seating with social distancing along with wearing your mask is now happening,  at the Bible Study on Thursday at 11 AM and at Worship on Sundays at 8:30 AM and 10:15 AM.

GIVING - We are here to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time” to those in our church and community.  Thank you for your past and continual prayers and financial support to Grace and your community.    We have added Paypal for online donations. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Gripped Pictures

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God’s Hands Across America

Read the Article here https://mbird.com/2020/11/gods-hands-across-america/

In 1986, there was a nation-wide campaign called Hands Across America, in which 5 million people held hands in a human chain for fifteen minutes along a path across the continental United States. It took a staff of 400 people and a slew of celebrity cameos nine months to prepare and publicize. The event was deemed a success — money was donated to charity and there was an increase of “homelessness awareness” — but it didn’t exactly bring everyone together. While some cities had enough participants for lines to be six to ten people deep, there were inevitably big pockets where the chain was broken, specifically the low-population areas of the midwest and the desert southwest. According to the Los Angeles Times, there were big gaps in some of the dodgier sections of East LA, and volunteers had a hard time recruiting people to join the chain from their front porches………….

Read the Article here https://mbird.com/2020/11/gods-hands-across-america/

[Bible Study] Mark Chapter 3 - Zoom to Scripture

Wisdom for When Things are Out of Control

Read the article here. https://www.1517.org/articles/wisdom-for-when-things-are-out-of-control

To be sure, Ecclesiastes is one of the most daunting and frustrating books to sermonize. Chapters 7—10 are especially problematic with their wide assortment of proverbs and pronouncements about life’s inequities. The Preacher’s labyrinthine observations regarding life “under the sun” continually confound clergy and laymen alike. Renowned Scottish orator Alexander Maclaren, for instance, asserts in one of his sermons on Ecclesiastes 12 that the Preacher’s conclusions are a mix of untruths, partial truths, or exaggerations.(1) This is indicative of the varied and assorted opinions one can find when trying to determine the precise meaning of the Preacher’s sayings.

In fact, it is on this point that I diverge from Maclaren’s estimation ………………………..

Read the article here. https://www.1517.org/articles/wisdom-for-when-things-are-out-of-control

[Sunday] Garden & Deserts - The Party

Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]

Questions for the Week

1. Describe a time that you destroyed a gift that was given to you.  How did you feel?  How did the gift giver respond?

2. Deuteronomy 11:8-12.  Who gives Israel the promised land, and who cares for it?   

3. Describe a time when you forgot that God has given you everything, what motivates you to do this?

4. Read Exekiel 36:22-36.  Who will ultimately restore us who squander away the gift?   What does it look like for Him to do this for you? 

---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today November 8, 2020

Worship Service 8:30 AM

Second Worship Service and

  video service www.gracelutheranpsl.com 10:15 AM

Zoom into Fellowship 12:00 PM

Korean Church Worship 1:00 PM

AA 7:30 PM

Rest of the week November 9 - 14, 2020

LWML Meeting Monday, 12:30 PM

Olivet School Tuesday, 8 AM - 1 PM 

Veterans Day Wednesday

Individual/Family Communion canceled this week (11/11)

ZOOM Bible Study Thursday, 11:00 AM

    www.gracelutheranpsl.com

Korean Church Prayer Gathering Saturday, 6 AM

For complete calendar information, go to www.gracelutheranpsl.com/calendar

COMING: Saturday, November 21st, Operation Christmas shoebox packing, 9 AM.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Kevin Garbers - 11/9 and Lois Danzo - 11/13

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God by 

Chuck & Joyce Strickler.

2021 ENJOYMENT COUPON BOOKS: are now available in the Narthex from Susan Becker.  The coupon books sell for $35.00 each of which $10.00 is donated to Grace Lutheran’s Youth Group needs.

ALL LADIES! You are invited to join us for our November LWML gathering here at Grace, tomorrow, at 12:30 PM.    This will be an inspiration, with a great time for all.  Refreshments will be served.  Contact Shirley Mullins for more information. (719) 482-6058

FAMILY MEALS… CONTINUES: Our collection of food and money for the “Family Meals” will continue through November 16th.    All food and monetary gifts are greatly appreciated. 

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available for your convenience.  

MITES BOXES FOR ALL!  LWML Sunday will be observed TODAY.  In celebration of this , we have placed a display of the Mite boxes for each of you, men & women, to take, to fill (coin, check or cash) and to return.  The Mite box is the container used to gather the funds that help support various local and international mission organizations which , in turn, share the Gospel and love of Jesus.  Hopefully, by taking a Mite box will help remind us daily that all, great or small, gifts can be used to bless many with the gift of the Gospel.    

“OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX PROJECT”:  Please keep your packed Shoeboxes at home until November 15-21, 2020 between 9:00 and Noon.  Thank you, Judy, 561-315-9555

COMMUNION ON WEDNESDAY: (Canceled 11/11) If you, or someone you know, would like to celebrate Holy Communion but prefer a small group or unable to attend Sunday service, Pastor Cris has set aside Wednesday’s to celebrate the meal in small/family groups.   Please come by on Wednesday at: 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 or 12:00 (noon) and partake of this wonderful meal.   

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM!  Pastor and Coli will be hosting Zoom to Coffee at NOON every Sunday for those who would like to join in fellowship “virtually” to see and chat with Grace members and friends.  All are welcome!

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “livestream” Bible study online (www.GracelutheranPSL.com) with ZOOM, for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.  ** You are also welcome to attend the Bible Study at church, in person!  ** Seating with social distancing along with wearing your mask is now happening,  at the Bible Study on Thursday at 11 AM and at Worship on Sundays at 8:30 AM and 10:15 AM.
GIVING - We are here to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time” to those in our church and community. Thank you for your past and continual prayers and financial support to Grace and your community.We have added Paypal for online donations. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Covid Style Youth Retreat, Nov 7th

November 7th from 6-8:45 PM
Romans 8:38-39
Get to Grace around 5:30PM

Going live at 6 PM

We will have Pizza and Snacks and Starbursts.

The Night will be filled with Speakers, performances by bread of Stone and Group discussion.

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Pre Gathering Bible Study

What the Night will Look Like

Virtual Gathering Elements EMCEE Wes Wright Live - Wes is back again to be our EMCEE for the event and will be appearing live throughout it! He will be sharing some social challenges throughout the night so be ready! Winners will be shown live during the gathering with chances to earn prizes. Instagram @MSYG_flga #gripped2020

Bread of Stone Music - We welcome back BoS to lead our worship! A song list will be made available if you want to print lyrics sheets or listen to their music ahead of time. Stay tuned!

Main Speaker Sessions - Dr. Jake Youmans and his high school daughters Leilani and Maile will be unpacking our theme from Romans 8:38-39 in three mini sessions during the night!

It’s Impossible To Find Happiness In An Election

Read the whole article @ https://www.relevantmagazine.com/current/its-impossible-to-find-happiness-in-an-election/

“Don’t you realize elections have consequences?”

“If ____ doesn’t win, I’m leaving the country!”

“If you vote for _____, as far as I’m concerned, our friendship is over.”

Social media is littered with people’s election declarations. If you haven’t seen at least one of these phrases on your social feeds yet…you’re either not from the United States, or apparently I need you to teach me your secrets. Everyone’s taking sides, and even worse, the sides are deeply polarized.

No one’s denying it: presidential elections are important. 

But we’ve become obsessed. We’re glued to the news cycle and the polling numbers……………………..

Read the whole article @ https://www.relevantmagazine.com/current/its-impossible-to-find-happiness-in-an-election/

[Bible Study] Mark Chapter 2B - Zoom to Scripture

How Dirty Dancing with Jesus Can Set You Free

Read the Whole Article Here https://mbird.com/2020/10/how-dirty-dancing-with-jesus-can-set-you-free/

It is late, almost midnight, and I call an emergency staff meeting. Sitting in a circle, as I prepare to speak with our 14 college-aged summer staff members, I feel like a fraud. I told them that we could do this. That God would bless our efforts. We just finished our second week of the summer and we are dealing with a situation that may put the rest of the season in jeopardy. 

One of our staff members has been exposed to the coronavirus and will have to be quarantined for 14 days. While at this point they exhibit no symptoms, if they test positive or start to get sick, the rest of our staff will be at risk of getting sick or having to be quarantined. This may start a snowball effect that results in our cancelling the rest of our summer. Not to mention that it would be a devastating blow to my own personal sense of self-worth.

Camp Arcadia is a Christian family camp on the shores of Lake Michigan that has been around for almost 100 years, with families returning year after year. It is more resort than rustic. I’ve often described it as Dirty Dancing with Jesus — nobody puts Jesus in the corner. At Camp Arcadia we normally serve around 3,000 people a summer, with around 42 college-aged staff. This summer, under the COVID-19 restrictions, we had created a plan to serve around 1,000 guests with just 14 staff. Many thought (including me) that we might not be able to have any camp at all. So having camp, even a much reduced camp, was a pivotal decision.

We had spent months planning how to run camp during a pandemic. Then, we spent a week training the staff and ………………………………………..

Read the Whole Article Here https://mbird.com/2020/10/how-dirty-dancing-with-jesus-can-set-you-free/

Jesus is Bigger than Your Vote

Read the whole article Here. https://www.1517.org/articles/jesus-is-bigger-than-your-vote

You are free from allowing anyone to cast doubt on your salvation based upon your political preferences. And free from causing anyone else to question their faith due to what Christian convictions they may have to compromise to vote in one direction or the other.

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It’s been quite a while since I’ve written anything. Between running a very demanding business during COVID and just an overall lack of inspiration I haven’t had much time or energy to write anything. But here I find myself at my keyboard this morning with more time on my hands, because my business is seasonal, and for the first time in months I feel like I have something to say.

If you have spent any time on social media or in front of a television this Summer and early Fall you have been bombarded with encouragements to vote. I can’t remember any other election in my lifetime where there has been so much emphasis placed upon the importance of registering to vote. We are continually being told that this is “the most important election in our lifetime.” I don’t know if that’s true or not, maybe it is, but who decides these things?

The NFL is running a whole campaign urging Americans to vote. Facebook is even paying for ads on television, as if their ubiquitous “are you registered to vote?” banner on your newsfeed isn’t enough! So in the spirit of election season, I’ll add to the cacophony with another encouragement to vote. Yes, if you’re of voting age and you live in a place where you are given the freedom to cast your ballot then by all means show your love for neighbor and go vote. However, please recognize that your vote does not define you, it’s not your identity, and those that vote differently than you are certainly not your enemy (but even if they were you’re still commanded to love and pray for them (Matt. 5:44)……………

Read the whole article Here. https://www.1517.org/articles/jesus-is-bigger-than-your-vote