Pastor's Ponderings From Rev. Trish
September/October 2010
I was blessed to attend the Wisdom and Grace Conference held at Lake Junaluska, NC on August 9-12, 2010.
Bishop James Swanson, Holston Conference was the preacher for the event. I would like to share some of the
thoughts from his sermon. Bishop Swanson preached on “Refrigerator Soup”. There was
a member in one of the churches on his life journey that always made what she called
“refrigerator soup”. She would begin by reaching into the very back of the refrigerator,
moving forward she’d grab whatever was in the refrigerator and add it to the pot.
Usually it was a little bit of this and a little bit of that was added to her soup pot. For
juice, tomatoes would be added, at other times it might be broth, and then again it
may just be water. The pot would then be placed on the stove and allowed to simmer
for hours. When dished up, the soup was pleasing and a delight to the palate. The soup
was usually shared with others. Bishop continued preaching about the soup and how we
are all apart of God’s plan for His creation.
This comparison came to mind, so I share it with you. The church = the pot of soup. God reaches way
back into his refrigerator (creation), and puts a little bit of this and a little bit of that (people with a variety of
gifts) together in a pot (wherever the people are gathered at a particular time) then adds the “juice” (the
Holy Spirit). The soup simmers (the people live, grow, love God and come together). The result is a dish that is
pleasing to God (faithful, vital disciples) and a delight offered to others, bringing many to the table to feast on
the Bread of Life, and be filled with Christ. The seasoning/flavor for the “soup” comes from the
encouragement and inspiration of the members to those who are feasting or searching. We are living in a
time when more and more people need to hear words of encouragement and hope.
Just wondering… what it would be like if the following became our goal…
“You make me want to be like You - Your holiness I will pursue - I want the heart of Jesus
Show me the meaning of Your grace - I want to give the world a taste - Of the love of Jesus.”
“Make me salt - Make me light - Let Your holy fire ignite - Reveal Your glory in my life - I am not
ashamed To lift up Your holy name - Make me salt - Make me light”
As a city on a hill - A lamp on a stand - Mold me in Your image - The work of Your hand”
from Salt and Light by Jami Smith
Matthew 5: 13-14 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you
make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the
world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket.
Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your
good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (New Living Translation)
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July/August 2010
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Rethink Church - What if Church was a Verb?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Church” – is a verb –requiring transformative, collaborative action rather than simply a place where people gather to
worship on Sunday. This year the annual conference of the United Methodist Church of Kentucky meeting in Covington,
KY ‘churched’ the community. The Thursday afternoon of service found 600 people serving in the community; four
prayer walks took place, nursing home visits were made, 54 pints of blood collected, prayer shawls were made, 350
meals served, 285 food baskets handed out, 1700 bottles of water & cookies handed out, 1700+ health kits were sent to
the UMCOR disaster relief center…. The offering for Red Bird Mission was close to $200,000! That’s twice the amount
of the challenge. The golf scramble and ‘change for change’ for the Children and Poverty Task force brought in
$6000. That will fund six grants for congregations beginning new ministries with children and the poor. There was
passionate worship and inspirational Bible Study and Preaching. Truly, we were blessed to be blessings.
How can we become more than a place where people gather to worship on Sunday? On the cover of the book, 101 Ways
to Reach Your Community, by Steve Sjogren, it states “you may not be a gifted evangelist, but you do have the gift of
servant hood. You can use that gift to reach out to your community with the love of God. When people see the love of
God in action, they want to know more about Him. You can share your faith successfully.” I would like for us to begin
thinking of ways to impact the lives of the many folks that are in our building, those that pass by, and those in our
neighborhood.
I have scheduled a “Christmas in July” potluck for 7/25. After we eat and pray we will be in service to our community.
Plan now to be a part of this afternoon of service, there will be something for everyone no matter your age or ability.
As you look at our calendar from month to month, and the bulletin from week to week, it is my prayer that you will make
participation in passionate worship, radical hospitality, intentional faith development, risk taking service/mission and
extravagant giving a priority in your life as a part of the Body of Christ. We exist not for our own comfort and spiritual
growth; we exist to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Unless you are actively involved in the life of the Body of Christ you
will not have a full understanding of the why, where and when of God’s direction for the Body of Christ called Cooper
Memorial.
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May/June 2010
“What is she on a scavenger for Jesus?,” Jeremiah’s friend asked him this question when he told
them I would have some work to do for the church while I was in California for his graduation.
Indeed, I had some work to complete - this article. It became a catch phrase for the week…, but for
me it became a mission: to find Jesus wherever I could. On the drive home, I started my list…where
did I find Jesus. The list was quite lengthy. I will give a summary.
Where did I see Jesus from April 6 – April 13, 2010?
-in folks stepping up to fill in at Bible Study and Worship
-in people going the extra mile to offer rides: to and from the airports, in wheelchairs and golf
carts at the terminals.
-in people offering directions and assistance to other travelers
-in conversations of strangers to pass the time on the plane, train and bus.
-in friends offering rides, meals, a place to sleep…assistance with packing and moving out, in general
just helping out and being there.
-in the laughter, tears and hugs of children
Of course there was evidence of His handiwork and power in the beauty of the nature: the beach, the
sunset, the flowers, the surf, the desert, the wind and the rain.
In summary Jesus was everywhere, not really hidden. I just had to look. It was refreshing to see the
church in action. Maybe we need to be the church rather than just talk about it... or sit in a building and
call it church. I wonder…. what would happen if we “rethink church” - what if church was a verb?
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Mar/Apr 2010
Lent is upon us; the forty day period of reflection and preparation before Easter.
It is a necessary prelude. The death and resurrection are true whether or not we prepare for Easter.
For some Lent becomes a period of self denial and sacrifice. I have heard of people giving up
chocolate, coffee, sweet tea, soft drinks, even television for the forty day period. Others have
added disciplines; such as Bible reading, prayer, daily special offerings, deeds of mercy and justice.
All of these actions are designed to help us on our spiritual pilgrimage.
This year as I have been preparing for the Lenten season my thoughts have been haunted by a
verse that I learned in elementary school; “March – comes in like a lion, out like a lamb.” My
memories of elementary school were we talked about the weather: storms and wind and then the
beginning of spring and how things calmed down, at least until the April showers would bring May Flowers.
As we get serious in our discipleship, it seems like storms come upon us.
The closer we draw to Christ, sometimes the more complicated the journey becomes. We are
tossed about on all sides. Yet, we have the promise that God is always with us,
(John 14:18, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20). Therefore, we need to endure the “storms”
of the journey and face the lions that might roar at us. Be assured that as we pass through
them or stare them in the face we are not alone. God is with us. We can find comfort in the
fact that others have made this journey as well. Once we pass through to the other side of
the storm, we experience a peace, and sense of strength unlike any we’ve felt before.
We find rest in the arms of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins the world.
May you face the Lenten journey unafraid this year, knowing that as the storms rage, God calms his child!
Lent is upon us; the forty day period of reflection and preparation before Easter.
It is a necessary prelude. The death and resurrection are true whether or not we prepare for Easter.
Please join me as we as prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.
Please see the calendar and watch the bulletins for opportunities to aid you on your pilgrimage.
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Jan/Feb 2010
It is hard to believe we are on the doorstep of a new year. For a moment, let us reflect on this past year of 2009.
We implemented the mission of the month program, which saw more people involved in mission in the first 4 months than
we had projected for the year. We experienced a slight increase in attendance of visitors and
new members. Our people continued to be generous in their giving. We held our second
Consecration Sunday Celebration. A preschool class on Sunday morning was added, other
classes took on new identities and focus. We celebrated our Scouting ministries: BSA Pack
190, BSA Troop 190, BSA Crew 190, BSA District Committees, GSA Troop 1794, GSA
Troop 1355, GSA Troop1021/242, GSA Troop 331, GSA Service Unit Meetings and Area
Events, continued to house the Okolona AARP, offered a flu clinic to the community,
participated in bell ringing for the Salvation Army. This summer we had a combined
worship experience and rocked the Crocodile Dock for VBS. We celebrated new arrivals
for the Mousers and Duncans, and grieved the loss of members Ralph Adams, Dorothy
Jared, and Tom Tichenor as well as several other deaths in the extended family of the
church. We continue to pray for comfort for these families during this season of grief. We
continue to take part in the Okolona Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service and Good Friday
Service with Okolona Presbyterian and Bethany United Church of Christ. We again
provided food baskets for ten families and had our second annual Thanksgiving Dinner for those who wanted to be with
friends and church family. Our Forever Young Group continues to meet, as does Sacred Stitches, Lamplighters, and Lydia
Circle. Currently we are gearing up for the 12th season of Upward Basketball, and continuing the discussion for soccer. The
Church Health Team, consisting of Deborah Bluestone, Mary Beth Granado, Renee Hudgell, Bob Murphy, and Bob Smith,
began reading and discussing “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations”, by Bishop Robert Schnase. They hope to have a
report at the Leadership Team meeting in January as we work through the Natural Church Development Program with Rev.
Fred Goodwin as our coach. Just a few of the things I remember…can you add more to the list?
What a year, we celebrate but now must plan for 2010. What can we do better? Where are the areas for
improvements? How can we continue to offer Hope and Love through Jesus Christ? There are three questions I would like
us to pray about as we go into a new year; send your responses to the church office: (1) What would you like to see happen
at Cooper Memorial this year? (2) What needs to take place for that to be accomplished? and (3) Are you willing to help
make it happen?
Use the words of the following hymn as a devotional tool for January. “This Is A Day of New Beginnings” United
Methodist Hymnal, 1989, #383.
This is a day of new beginnings. A time to remember and move on, A time to believe what love is bringing while laying to
rest the pain that’s gone. For by the life and death of Jesus, God’s mighty Spirit, now as then, can make for us a world of
difference, as faith and hope are born again. Then let us, with the Spirit’s daring, step from the past and leave behind our
disappointment, guilt, and grieving, seeking new paths, and sure to find. Christ is alive and goes before us to show and
share what love can do. This is a day of new beginnings; our God is making all things new. In faith we’ll gather round the
table to taste and share what love can do. This is a day of new beginnings; our God is making all things new.
Shalom
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Nov/Dec 2009
Fall... one of my favorite times of the year, but then again so is spring, summer, and winter. There are special things about each season where I find blessings.
Fall is full of color – the leaves changing, fall pansies, the mums; crisp mornings; pumpkins; Indian corn; apples, cider and festivals.
Winter - the freshly fallen snow reminds me of the purity of Christ and how our sin is washed away. I love the picture that is painted when the ice is hanging on everything. (Okay, I will admit that last winter there was a little much – but you have to admit it was beautiful.)
Spring brings forth with new life from the gloomy days of winter. The daffodils, tulips, and dandelions begin to make their appearance. Then come the variety of other spring flowers and the trees sprout new leaves. The robins return; in pastures you see colts and calves as you drive through the farming communities
Summer is hot and humid, full of bright sun. Laughter fills the air as people gather outside, at the pool, on the lake, at the beach.
I am just thankful for each new day and season that I am blessed to experience.
As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, I hope that all of us can find the many blessings that are in our life waiting to be counted. There is enough negativity around us. As God’s people, let us plan to live as a people that are giving thanks as a part of our daily lives. Share your blessings with others. Find the good in people. Praise God for His handiwork.
I hope that the following words will express gratitude to God for the things one has at the end of the harvest season. See the following site: http://www.prayer-and-prayers.info/thanksgiving-prayers/be-thankful-than...
Be Thankful Thanksgiving Poem
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
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Sept/Oct 2009
Consecration Sunday Is Coming
Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view
the money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, such
congregations see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their
relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a percentage
of their incomes.
Our congregation’s finance committee has selected the New Consecration Sunday
Stewardship Program as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our
stewardship education emphasis this year.
New Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her
own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. Instead of treating people like
members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want
to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. New Consecration Sunday encourages people toward
proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, “What percentage of my income is God
calling me to give?”
During morning worship on Consecration Sunday, we are asking our attendees and members to make their
financial commitments to our church’s missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community
and around the world.
Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily by attending
morning worship on Consecration Sunday. We urge people to attend who feel strongly opposed to
completing a card. The procedure is done in such a way that no one feels personal embarrassment if he or
she chooses not to fill out a card.
We will do no home solicitation to ask people to complete cards. During morning worship our guest leader
will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, climaxed by members making their commitments
as a confidential act of worship.
We will encourage participation in Consecration Sunday events through the Consecration Sunday team and
Leadership Council. Since we will make no follow-up visits to ask people to complete their cards, we will
make every effort to inform, inspire, and commit everyone to attend Consecration Sunday worship.
Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday events.
Pastor Trish Smith
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July/Aug 2009
I was just wondering…have you ever had a time when you felt completely empty. For the last two months, as I have been attempting to
write this article for the newsletter, this is where I’ve been. Several times I would sit and look at the blank page and think, “I have nothing
to say; I am completely empty of any thoughts to put on paper.”
Frustration would set in. I would find something else to fill the time and come back later. This process repeated several times. So now
the deadline has passed and still no article for the newsletter.
I was awakened early this morning with this thought; when all else fails, go to the Source and be filled. I have read Scripture, listened
to music and read some poetry. Read John 4: 1-15.
The following poem is one that speaks.
Speechless
I don't know what to write
or what to say.
I can't decide how I feel,
thoughts and emotions colliding.
All I know is I'm feeling something,
and I don't know how to let it out.
I pull out pen and paper;
the page stays blank.
I drop to my knees to pray.
Silence.
My mouth cannot form the words my heart feels.
No markings of a pen can do it justice,
so I sit here quietly,
resting from my worries,
knowing that you're holding me tight,
and forming prayers from my innermost feelings
because words cannot express.
Megan, 17 North Carolina (www.upperroom.org/devozine/2009/mayjun/electropoetry)
Vacation was a busy time; we celebrated Jeremiah’s graduation from the Naval Academy.
Annual Conference was good; saw many friends and colleagues. You can view the highlights on the conference web site –
www.kyumc.org, click on the link for Netnews.
VBS (July 13-17) is coming together under the leadership of Chris Robinson and Danielle De Vincentis. Upward Soccer will happen this
fall, Donnie Mills. Both are need of volunteers. Please call the church office to volunteer.
We continue our “Missions of the Month”. Wayside Christian Mission scheduled for July will be rescheduled for later in the year.
Don’t forget the pool party on July 19, Oldham County Aquatic Park, 6:30-8:30pm. We will picnic in the park next to the pool before going
in.
Shalom---- Rev Trish
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May/June 2009
I read this quote in a devotional about four years ago by Hodding Carter that has stuck with me.
“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots, the other is wings.” This
thought has challenged me as a mom and caused me to examine my efforts in raising my boys. I
had to ask myself, “What am I doing to give my boys “roots” and “wings”.
The author of the devotional went on to point out that, “a child who knows they are loved unconditionally
is a child with roots, they’ll stand in the storms of life. On the other hand, give
them self-worth and teach them to dream, and you’ll give them wings.” What a wonderful word
picture. As parents, we try to prepare our children for every possible situation. But you know, as you watch them go out
that door, there’s that nagging question, “will they be o.k.?”…” Are they really ready to use their wings?” As parents, we
need to have faith in our kids before they can really have faith in themselves. I believe we need to expect great things of our
kids, as long as we have given them a healthy, fertile environment to grow in. By providing training and encouragement for
them to grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually we are giving them the “roots” they’ll need to stand in the storms of
life.
My boys never cease to amaze me with what they can do and how much they have grown in both wisdom and character. So
why am I so quick to be critical; to point out some minor detail that really makes no difference in the big scheme of things?
I know there are going to be disappointments and mistakes made. These are all a part of growing up, how I respond to them
in these times is the issue. While I focus on the roots, I need to keep in mind the wings as well. I need to encourage them to
dream big dreams. I need to let them know that I love them and am praying for them. They need to know I am proud of
their accomplishments. Even more they need to know I love them just because of who they are. This is the work of helping
shape those wings…delicate and sensitive. I picture the wings of a butterfly, bright and colorful, full of life yet so fragile
and sensitive.
Can there be any two areas of parenting more diverse and yet so vital to one another than the idea of giving our children
“roots and wings””? I know of none. The wisdom, creativity, and sensitivity required for us, as parents, to do this
effectively can only come from God. We’d be sadly mistaken to think this could be accomplished with our own wisdom
and strength and limited understanding. In Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) we read “train up a child in the way they should go and
when they are old they will not depart from it.” There are also guidelines in Deuteronomy 6: 6-9. Check it for yourself and
see if there might be something there to help you in giving your kids “Roots and Wings”.
As a part of the body of Christ, we have agreed at a child’s baptism that we would assist the parents in rearing their
children. Let us take seriously the role we play in helping a child establish their “roots and wings.”
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March/April 2009
In the last edition of the newsletter, I challenged everyone to join me in praying John Wesley’s covenant prayer daily for a month during January or February. What a two months it has been; an ice storm, power outage for 6 days at the parsonage and a wind storm. When I was without power it was an inconvenience, not a way of life. I can’t imagine how dark life would be without the power and light of Jesus in my life. Praying the covenant prayer has been a journey that brought me to a deeper sense of His presence in my life and a desire to please Him more. I found that as I willingly placed myself at the Lord’s disposal everyday, I am able to accomplish more for Him.
With this edition we find ourselves in the midst of Lent, a time of preparation, accompaniment, and journey. The whole church prepares itself to live more deeply into the baptismal covenant in worship, in
small-group meetings, and through personal and corporate disciplines of devotion, worship, mercy, and justice. We prepare and assist those that are new to the Christian journey as well as those who may have left the church and are seeking reconciliation and renewal. We begin the journey of this season together, grounding
ourselves in the two primal facts of Christian existence -- our mortality, symbolized in ashes -- and our Lord who has conquered death, symbolized in the sign of the cross in which those ashes are applied.
During Lent, there will be opportunities for small group gatherings beginning March 1, 2009.
Please see the calendar and schedule in this publication and make your plans and reservations to attend. Reservations are requested so as to have enough books.
It is my hope that as we journey these 40 days of Lent, we will reflect on the following words from Henri Nouwen,
Listen to what God is saying to us:
“You are my child,
You are written in the palms of my hand.
I have molded you in the secret of the earth.
I have knitted you together in your mother’s womb.
You belong to me.
I am yours. You are mine.
I have called you from eternity, and you are the one who is held safe and embraced in love from eternity to eternity.
You belong to me. And I am holding you safe and I want you too know that whatever happens to you,
I am always there. I was always there; I am always there;
I always will be there and hold you in my embrace.
You are mine. You are my child. You belong to my home. You belong to my intimate life, and I will never let you go.
I will be faithful to you.”
(an excerpt from a lecture at Scarritt-Bennett Center, Nashville, February 8, 1991)
Reflect on the feelings that come as you read this description of God’s embrace. Draw near and feel His arms around you.
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Dec 2008
The Space of Advent
Have a very blessed day!
WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS is like waiting for a star to fall. We know it will come, streaking across our lives with promised Light, but we can grow weary from the Advent strain of waiting. … We have been given this stretch of time and space of Advent. Here we are invited to grow in patience and to position our lives so that we do not miss what God is doing in the wide expanse of the world.
- Pamela C. Hawkins Simply Wait: Cultivating Stillness in the Season of Advent From pp. 54-55
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Submitted by Pastor Trish on Mon, 11/10/2008
Pastor's Ponderings from Rev. Trish
READY OR NOT, we’re coming up on another December; probably my favorite month in the year. Traditionally, I’ve had a hard time reconciling the way we do Christmas with my commitment to simply follow Jesus, but recently I’ve discovered increasing spiritual meaning in celebration. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son … so that we might receive adoption as children” (Gal. 4:4-5). What could be more exciting than that?
- Derek Maul In My Heart I Carry a Star: Stories for Advent From p. 12
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Submitted by Pastor Trish on Mon, 11/03/2008
In his book, Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions, George Barna shows that by the age of 13, “it is already set in the mind of a child - and they will take it all the way through adult life – everything they’re going to believe about the Bible and about God,” and “how that is going to affect them for the rest of their lives…they’ve got it by the age of 13”. He reminds us that “we only have a short period of time to share the love of Jesus Christ with these kids. “It’s a race to the heart of a child, and the first one there wins.” Through our children’s ministries, we’re on a mission to reach the hearts of children
in our community. Will you help?
Will you help win the race for God by introducing children to Jesus Christ? I have listed some areas where you might consider entering the race.
- 1- Serve as a prayer partner and worship buddy for a child
- 2- Serve as a mentor in the educational opportunities
- 3- Love them no matter what!
- 4- Take part in ministries that are planned;
- 5- Suggest activities and other ministry events
Upward Basketball – need coaches, refs, concession workers, visitation team, prayer partners, friends to open and close for practice, devotion leaders Sponsor a child whose family may not have the money for them to play. (maximum time commitment: November – March)
Scouts - leaders and assistant leaders, support fundraisers, share your skills and knowledge that would help the scout meet badge requirements, service as a host/hostess as they are in building
Vacation Bible Schools – teach, assist in classroom/crafts/music/recreation, provide snacks, work in the kitchen, financially support, and be a host/hostess as we have guest in our building. Time commitment: one week in summer, a Saturday during Advent and Lent.
Educational Opportunities – teach, assist in classroom, provide craft supplies
Fellowship Opportunities - serve as a leader of a small group activity, support financially, chaperone outings and/or retreats.
Ponder this Scripture: One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. . When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” The he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16 (New Living Translation)
The race to the heart of a child is not a sprint, it is a marathon. It takes time and patience. Not every event will reach every child. That is why we need a wide variety of events and activities, and every member of the team participating.
Will you join the team to win the hearts of children for Jesus?
Rev. Trish