building community beyond Sunday morning Are Groups new? Yes and no. We’ve had small groups for decades, but they were often called “classes” and came with the corresponding connotation of going back to school – not an exciting prospect for most people…and we scratch that learning itch on Sunday mornings as we listen to teaching and figure out how to apply it to our individual lives. That should be a regular part of our lives, but it’s not designed to build relationships beyond those moments. Sure, you can sit in the same section and say hi to the same people every week, but we need more. One of our Group leaders, Dave Goldsmith, said it best: “The greatest value of Groups is not what we learn but who we meet.” You might not meet your new BFF in a Group. However, you will undoubtedly experience community with fellow travelers on this Jesus-following journey. You will connect with people you’ve never met before and have the chance to forge relationships that could last the rest of your life. Why Groups? Our relationship with Jesus is intensely personal, but it was never meant to be lived alone. We have Christ, and we have each other. Hebrews 10:24-25: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

managing what we have to love God and others Stewardship is just a churchy word for “let’s talk about money,” right? Not exactly. The essence of biblical stewardship is managing everything God brings into a believer’s life in a manner that honors God and impacts eternity. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Just as God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it (Genesis 2;15), God has also given us life and put us in an environment with gifts and resources to manage its care. What does good stewardship mean in our day-to-day lives? It does mean managing our money well and giving our tithes and offerings, but it also means managing our other resources well. For instance, we can use our bodies to physically serve God and others or invite people into our homes to build relationships and share the love of Jesus. We can use our vehicles to deliver food, give someone a ride, and bring people to church. All of this takes time - another resource to manage to God’s glory. Our time isn’t just about the activities in our schedule; it’s about honoring God, living purposefully, and loving others well.

4 little ways to have a BIG impact on your kids’ faith What’s the most influential factor in a child’s faith walk? Parents. Wow! That’s intimidating, isn’t it? It doesn’t have to be. Try out some of these simple ideas to make faith concepts come alive in the busyness of your family’s life. Prayer spot. Turn an ordinary spot into something special! Pick something you drive by regularly and have your kids call out, “prayer spot!” every time you pass it. When they do, have them pray -- for the day, for a person, just to tell God thanks. Driving devotionals. Not everyone can find a peaceful space or quiet time in their house...when everyone is awake. So, how do you do devotional time?. Have someone read a devotion on the drive to school. Got little kids? Let an app do the reading! Got older kids? Empower them to lead a family devotion on any Bible story they want! Serve together. Find an opportunity to serve at church or in the community that works for your whole family! On the way, list as many ways that Jesus served others as you can think of. Remind your kids you are following his example! Talk about it. The simplest and most important thing we can do to strengthen our kids’ faith is to talk about it! When you see your child act like Jesus, tell them! “Wow, I love the way you ____! I think that’s what Jesus would have done, too!” Labeling behaviors that resemble scriptural truth helps our kids see how God is using them right now! Don’t give up! “So, my dear brothers and sisters (or Parents), be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

How do I worship God when I’m so busy I forget to even think about Him? If I’m being completely honest, there are a lot of moments throughout the course of my day when I’m not thinking about God. I’m not proud of that, but it’s the truth. Now, maybe you’ve written me off, taken me to prayer, or perhaps….maybe….you can relate with me. We can get so focused on what we’ve got going on throughout our day that at certain points, God can become an afterthought. At times, we can know He’s working but fail to acknowledge His work. Despite my occasional lack of consciousness in the workings of God, I know He never stops thinking about me. God says in Isaiah 41:13, For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. God is right there when I need Him. He’s just waiting for me to call His name so He can help me throughout my day. No matter where I’m at or what I’m doing. Worship is simply acknowledging God’s goodness. It’s not singing a song; it’s not playing an instrument. It requires a heart centered on just praising God for who He is. Take time today to worship Him in whatever way you’re led.

It’s funny how our experiences shape our perspectives. To many, the church was only ever Sunday morning in-person worship music and a message. For others, it was food around a family dinner table with neighbors and friends. Particularly in the aftermath of the past year, some experience church through a screen connecting with other churchgoers through chat. And you all might be right. What is so powerful about our GOD is HE is not limited by our definition of the Church. We serve a creative and generous GOD that isn’t limited by time or location. He is within YOU. So, don’t let your perspective of Church limit what God wants to do through YOU! As your perspective of what church is and what church isn’t changes, be reminded of what church could be. Let's take time out of our jam-packed lives and dream! Get a different perspective and know we follow a God of limitless perspectives. Go be the Church!