For the Children and Children at Heart

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. Mark 6: 30-32

Is It Time For A Vacation?

I would venture a guess and say that we have all been on vacation before. I also know there are folks reading this that NEED a vacation NOW.

Some of the places I have gone on vacation in the past… Florida, England, Ireland, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Syracuse. I know, Syracuse doesn’t sound like a vacation spot at first because it is just a short drive down the 90 and there’s no beach. But sit tight and you’ll understand why it has been one of my favorite places to go. There are places I have on my vacation bucket list. The Grand Canyon, hiking a mountain in a state park in the midwest, San Diego California, camping in the Adirondacks. Where have YOU been on vacation and where would you like to go?  

Did you know that Jesus taught his disciples that it was important for them to take a vacation? Jesus' disciples traveled from town to town telling others about God and His love for them. They traveled every day preaching, teaching, and healing the sick. They worked so hard that they often didn't even have time to stop to eat or sleep. They became very tired.

When Jesus saw how tired they were, he said to them, "Come with me to a quiet place and get some rest." The Bible then says, "So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place." There are some things I want you to think about here.

First, Jesus said, "Come with me." When we take a vacation, we need to remember to take Jesus with us. Some people never give Jesus a thought when they go on vacation. We should include Jesus in all that we do. A vacation away from home shouldn’t be a vacation away from Jesus.

Second, the Bible says the disciples went away to a quiet place. Their main purpose was to rest and renew their strength. Some people plan a vacation that is so full of activities that when they come home, they are more tired than when they left! Remember I told you about my vacation to Syracuse? I went 4 summers in a row. I went alone. I stayed in a hotel. I read by the pool. I walked around the state fair and spent time just sitting and people watching. My phone was on silent. I didn’t have to think about work. My kids were safe and being taken care of. I had a dog sitter. It was just me, with no real plan, and no schedule. It was a few days break away from life at home and it was perfect. I always returned refreshed, relaxed, and refocused. And isn’t that what Jesus wants us to do?

I hope that you make time to go on a summer vacation. You don’t need to go far, and it doesn’t have to be for long. Just remember wherever you go you take Jesus with you, and don't forget to set aside some time for rest and relaxation while you’re away.

JULY

02 - Andrea McCarthy

02 - John & Jeannette French

03 – Tracy Barnowsky

03 - Jim & Phyllis Hoskins

11 – Deanna Skare

13 – June Brant

23 – Greg & Darlene Stoos

AUGUST

01 – Al & Sandy May

05 – Joan Miller

10 – Bob & Jane MacPeek

12 – Bob MacPeek

19 – Dustin Skare

19 - Tyler Siekmann

07 – John French

11 – Bud & Judy Martin

14 – Sandy Bittermann

28 – Ken Kowalski

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before you seeking your comfort, guidance, and protection. The news is swirling with accounts that are scary concerning the coronavirus. So many are sick, some have died, and all are impacted by the resultant events in their local communities.

For those who are feeling afraid, we call upon the strong name of Jesus. More than any other command in all of scripture, you instructed us to not be afraid. Our times are in your hands, and we trust in you. You can use even the brokenness of creation to bring you glory; we ask that your resurrection power be at work in this situation and equip us with your hope.

For the individuals who are hospitalized, we ask that your protective care and healing be upon them. We know that your unconditional love continues to pull us near, even when others around us might be tentative or afraid. Be a felt presence with those who are fighting—help them to know the depth of your love anew.

For those who are tending to people who are sick, we ask for an extra measure of your grace. Give them the wisdom they need to effectively administer care while safeguarding themselves and others. You are our Healer; we give thanks for all who serve as instruments of healing. Be with their hands and feet as they serve as yours.

For the families who have lost loved ones, we pray for your peace. Welcome those who have passed on into the joy of your eternal home, a home where there is no more sickness nor pain. May they delight in your presence as we receive the comfort of that promise.

Father, we hate that we have seen these deaths, and we ask that you put an end to this virus. Strengthen our immune systems in fighting it. May the seasonal turn to warmer weather eliminate it. Be with those who are working toward preventative measures.

In the meantime, Lord, help us to make smart decisions. Guide us to do what we can to protect ourselves and our families, and then leave the rest to you. We offer our praise that we worship a God whose eye is on the sparrow. We know you are ever mindful of us and our wellbeing—that hasn’t changed.

As we as individuals pull closer to you, we ask that we as citizens of the world soften towards each other. The virus has impacted our common humanity, demonstrating that what unites us is stronger than what divides us. Help us to make inroads of connection with one another that will sow seeds of future blessing for all.

Your hope—like your love—is unflappable, always giving us reason to offer you thanks. We pray these words collectively in the victorious name of your Son, confident that you have heard us, Amen.

• Author Unknown

01 – Alice Davies

03 – Kristin Siekmann

15 – Ed Wierbowski

16 – Joe & Ann Sikora 

17 – Amanda Beaver

23 – Bill & Linda King 

24 – Sue Kostorowski

25 – Ann Sikora

29 – Ken & Marybeth May 

31 – Bud Martin, Shawna McCarthy, Pastor Kevin

It certainly has been an interesting couple of weeks. We have been instructed by the government and the CDC to stay home and practice social distancing. Churches are closed. Schools are closed until April 20th (for now). Non essential workers are no longer allowed to work. People are hoarding toilet paper and chicken.

This isn’t an ideal situation we are in. There is so much that we could spend our days complaining about (I read more than my fair share on social media). And yet, when we stop to think about it, there really is a lot we have to be thankful for.

I have played more cards and board games with my kids. We get to cook together, do crafts and projects. We go for a walk almost everyday. We stay up later than usual and sleep in a bit. Our days have no schedule, but we get our work done. The kids “go to school” in their pajamas. We are safe and healthy, and we have each other to hug every morning when we get up, every night before bed, and anytime we want throughout the day.

 I know God is with us during this storm, just like He has been through every other one we’ve been through.  I know I’m not alone in this either. He’s some proof from others in our church family...

“As far as I know we are healthy. We have a house full of food. I am able to work from home. We have projects to work on and books to read. We are sheltered, warm, and not alone. We are connected to literally hundreds of friends and family via Facebook, email, texting.”

“I am thankful we have savings to cover any bills while only one of us is working right now.”

“I am thankful for the health of family and friends and my faith in God that we will get through this.”

“I am thankful for our church family and the ability to stay connected, a safe place to live, and to be around those who love me. “

And while we can count our blessings each and every day, there are still things that remain on our hearts that need to be lifted up in prayer.

• Prayers for the medical staff everywhere, and for their knowledge and ability to help no matter what the risks are. 

• In addition to the health care workers and all that are in essential jobs and continue to work, I pray for the vulnerable ones in abusive relationships and the young people in abusive families. The stress of this situation can only be making their situation worse.

• I pray for the safety of all the essential personnel and that people that are home will enjoy the extra time with family. 

• Prayers for anyone that is not lucky enough to have extra money or food. 

Your church family is here for you if you need anything. Stay connected. Call. Write. Get on the computer and video chat. Pastor Kevin is always available by phone or email too. We WILL get through this! We are blessed beyond measure, even during days of uncertainty. 

From April Messenger by Andrea

14 – Kylie McCarthy & Judy Martin

16 – Carol Janicki

19 – Bob & Sharon Wilde (ANNIV.)

24 – Linda King

28 – Kevin Janicki

29 – Amy MacPeek