March 2021
Last month's "Home-Based Faith" series was in response to the reality that our homes have become the center for growing and nurturing our faith. "Home-Based Faith" was a teaching-based series that also suggested ways to practice and use the spiritual gifts we have received from God.
LOOK! THIS IS WHAT OUR MEMBERS DID:
1. Spiritual Formation At Home: The "Good Tree" Challenge
As a way to grow faith at home, there was the "Good Tree Challenge." Church members submitted photos of a tree that inspired them while on a walk. The photos were then shared during the Sunday service.
"I find this one very intriguing. Roots are grown aside a Rock." - Stacie Lieu
"These are the trees in our backyard today. They remind us of both the fragility and strength of man." - Suzanne & Dan Harrel
"I came across this blossoming tree on my walk this afternoon. I like it because trees that blossom (especially during winter time) remind me to hope that a renewal is to come." - Pam Libed
“Branches that reach out and surround you with the comfort of our Savior.” - Pat Kruse
"My next-door neighbor's Magnolia tree brings me peace and comfort when I sit and pray in my backyard." - Jonathan Fung
"This is a picture I took of The Lone Cypress a few months back. It is possibly as old as 250 years, and has been scarred by fire and held in place with cables for 65 years. It reminds me that as we go through our lives, we are scarred by many things. But God is like the cable, grounding us and keeping us standing through all of it. I think that’s pretty cool!" - Debbie Wright
2. Spiritual Direction At Home: Send A "Card or Love Note" Challenge: People were delighted and blessed to receive cards, love notes, text messages, or phone calls from others in the church.
3. Spiritual Gifts At Home: Use Your Spiritual Gifts For Someone Challenge: Cooking for others was a great example of meeting this challenge: home-made minestrone; Naga pork with bamboo shoots; stir-fry; and BBQ wings & rice brought joy to others.
"The Upper Zoom" & Spiritual Gifts: Our congregation has responded well to our Zoom prayer events. There is a great urgency to pray more during these trying times. Our members are looking forward to more prayer events in the future.
When ordinary people do simple things consistently, God blesses the simple acts of faith and kindness.