So much to write about - so little time to write!

This last month has been something else.  Something else, indeed!  Although I had made the discovery of my paternal DNA, and on paper, knew my ancestors/relatives, I had not had any luck connecting with a living person on my biological father's side of the family.  That is, until last week.  Previously, I had contacted a "potential" cousin via messenger, who said that "possibly" she might have relatives that had lived in South Dakota.  And then, nothing - no further contact.  And then later, I had actually discovered my half brother's daughter on Facebook.  However, my attempts to connect with her were not good.  She refuses to believe that her grandfather would have ever done "something like that".  After a brief message interchange, she also blocked me.  So, with a "last ditch" effort, I once again, messaged all of my cousins, hoping and praying one would hear my desperate plea to just have some information.  I don't even remember including a link to my blogpost about my DNA discovery.  But I had included the link.  

That day, I actually connected with my first cousin via email and then telephone.  He was completely accepting since the fact was our shared DNA made us undeniably first cousins.  As he said, "DNA doesn't lie"!  Not only did he provide me with family details, information I could not find anywhere else and also a 5 generation family tree, but 45 pictures of my paternal family.  He actually only met my biological father twice, but he remembers him being 6'5" and having a size 16 shoe.  Needless to say, this is a lot to process.  I haven't even had time to share the pictures with Gwen and Doug yet.  Between their busy schedules and mine, there has not been time!  But watch for future blogs with pictures of my new-to-me family and ancestors!  So, what have I been up to?

We took a family visit to the local Lego Discovery Center.  When I tell you this was a "pre-planned" visit, I mean it!  This is actually the fulfillment of a 2019 Christmas present!  Than there was Covid and the lock-down and then there was Jimmy (born in 2021) and not ready for Lego's until this year.  We had so much fun as a family and all of us (well, except Ellie) loved the 4D movie!  Jimmy even left the glasses on for the entire thing!  

We concluded the day with our family favorite - Portillos.  It is really something to do an order for 11 people!   But everyone always eats all their food when we go there.  It was interesting for me to sit next to Doug and watch him eat his Maxwell Polish.  It was Ken's favorite at Portillos.  Whenever our family is together, it is these little things that pop up and remind me of all Ken is missing out on.  

After a "normal" week and time to catch my breath, this past week was Bible Boot Camp Week at Fellowship of Faith!  

This year I helped out mostly with snacks and also helped out setting up some stations.  In my last blog I talked about taking Grace to a VBS program.  Now, it was Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna's turn!  Bible Boot Camp is not like a traditional VBS program in some ways.  However it is EXACTLY like any VBS because the kids hear Bible stories, they sing songs that help them remember the stories, they memorize Bible verses and have a wonderful time doing it!  Bible Boot Camp is an OUTSIDE program with obstacle courses, water balloons and slip and slide, plus capture the flag.  I think this might have been the first year that severe thunderstorms brought the fun inside for most of one morning.  The leaders did an amazing job setting up an indoor obstacle course, and the kids claimed it just might have been the best ever.  Thankfully, by capture the flag time, the severe weather had passed and outside play was able to happen.  Nothing beats seeing a church full of kids and youth and young adults singing and dancing and just having a celebration.  Each day had a "service project" that was completed at home. My favorite project this year, was a "Birthday Cake in a Pan" for the local food pantry.  Each family filled a foil cake pan with a box cake mix, a can of frosting and a can of soda.  You don't need any other ingredients so anyone receiving this from the food pantry can make a cake for a special occasion.  I don't know the exact number but a guess is around 40 will be delivered to the food pantry.  This project touched every child there. What a great way to extend the love of Jesus through a celebration! 

There is something about seeing families serving and learning together that is so good.  I was not the only grandma helping out!  My friend Colleen (another grandma) and I served snacks this year.  It was also wonderful to see several grandpas come to help with Firm Base  (Gwen and Tim's ministry - click the link to learn more) current mission while their grandkids were in Bible Boot Camp.  This "Container Home" project is in support of Good Samaritan Ministries in the East St. Louis area.  

These old shipping containers are given a second chance by recycling them into homes for the many homeless people in the East St. Louis area.  Firm Base acquired these two containers which have been cleaned, painted and converted into usable space.  There is interior wiring and plumbing pre-set as well as drywall.  When this pre-finish is completed, these will be transported to Good Samaritan, where they will be set on foundations and connected to water/sewer and power.  This project has several completed homes, already occupied by people who had no where to live.  I can't think of any better way for kids to see service in action than through their friends and family.   This week, all the kids at Bible Boot Camp played, ran and shouted right by these container homes as the grandpa's worked!  And most of the youth and young adults who were helping with Bible Boot Camp had already cleaned and painted and pulled weeds around the existing container homes in East St. Louis.  This photo is from the Boulder Mission Trip in early June, 2023.

Having these Container Homes right on the property of Fellowship of Faith brings the Mission Trip back home and helps shares the mission.  Seeing moms and dads and grandmas and grandpas making time to help others, will help change the world of tomorrow. 

I have seen Jesus working in so many ways during these past few months.  In just a matter of weeks, I found out more about my parentage, connected the dots to find my family, got connected with the right person, have photo's and information to fill a family tree and even more.  I have also celebrated being together with my family, enjoyed spending time with my grandkids, had time with friends, and even had some time just enjoying the outdoors (when it wasn't a heat advisory or an air quality alert).  In it all has been a great measure of peace.  I can't recall a time when I have felt more joy and more peace in just the normal day-to-day.  Every day has brought something new to me. A new understanding, a new discovery, a new thought.  New is especially good when you are approaching your 69th birthday and so many things seem old.  Someone recently asked me how I was "handling" finding out all my growing up years contained hidden untruths.  I am so thankful that Jesus is taking care of it all.  The evidence of this is that peace and joy.  I wake up each day, thankful for all the new that is ahead.  That is good advice for everyone, not just us old folks!  

Jesus, thank you for always being with me.  For your presence in my life, your peace and your joy.  Holy Spirit, remind us each day to walk forward into the new that you are bringing to us.  Keep our eyes set on you, Jesus as we share you with the world around us.  Amen

Waiting and preparing.....Advent

 It's been a busy time getting ready for Christmas.  I started assembling all of the gifts I have purchased and made a list of the missing items.  This year I also have a list of yet-to-arrive things that may be "lost" in shipment!  I am right there with everyone else, I guess.  It has been a a contemplative time for me.  Each ornament I put on my tree seemed to bring back a memory.  And I wouldn't want it any other way.  This year I especially focused on this ornament.  In 2013, I actually wrote a blog about that included this ornament.  But this year, my thoughts are a bit different. I've been thinking about legacy.  

This ornament has a unknown age.  I know that it came from Germany.  I know that it was brought to the United States by my Great Grandparents, Ernst and Clara Toensing around 1871.  They already had four  children when they began their journey.  Sadly, their youngest child died during the journey.  When they arrived in the United States, they settled in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Their family grew to include five more children, including my grandfather.

Clara was never in very good health after the trip here (as you can see by the picture above).  She died when her last child was only 9 years old.   As far as I know, the story behind this ornament has been lost.  I don't know if it was already old when Clara and Ernst received it.  Could it have been on their parent's tree for years?  Possibly.  Was it a wedding gift?  Maybe.  I can imagine that deciding what to carry with them during their journey across the world, was very difficult.  So this was a precious item for them.   By the time my memories of Christmas begin, my mom always hung this ornament on our tree.   She had cared for her father and her aunt (who had helped raise her) in their old age.  So she had inherited this ornament after their deaths.  For mom, this ornament held memories of her own Christmas celebrations and my usually stoic mom, was very sentimental about it.  I remember the year that she brought this ornament to me to hang on my own tree.  She was dividing up her Christmas stuff among my siblings and knew that I especially loved this ornament.   When Gwen and Doug got married, I passed a couple of special ornaments on for their families.  I  have some pink bells that were made by Ken's grandma Baker.  Each of my kids have one of those on their tree.  And I  have some china "Choir Boy ornaments that my mom got for our family tree, long before I was born.  So, for me, those have always been on my Christmas Tree.   My mom gave me three, so Gwen and Doug each got one.  I love looking at their trees and seeing these pieces of history living on into another generation.  

Christmas is full of traditions and customs for every family.  I love that Jesus is the focus of the holiday for our family.  We have always celebrated Advent and use the time to retell the Bible stories that reveal God's plan to bring Jesus into the world.  The Advent wreath helps us to focus on one theme or story and remember just how amazing God's rescue plan was to bring a savior into the world.  Yesterday I had the privilege of helping in the Rock (the children's Sunday School at Gwen's church).  The message was that Jesus came to bring Good News to the world.  The reminder was that we all have good news to share with others.  

The Second through Fifth graders got sticky notes and they wrote Good News things they could share with "My World", "My family", "My school", "My Friends", "My Neighbors".  I especially loved this poster to the world.  If you look closely you can see "Jesus is coming" "Jesus has come"  "Jesus saves us" "God loves us" and more.  What a great lesson for these kids to know that it is wonderful  to share this good news with the world.  

I am so thankful that my ancestors knew and honored the story of God's rescue plan. They brought their faith and traditions to the United States when they came here.  They built a church so that their children and their new neighbors would hear the Good News.  

Ernst Toensing built this church with the help of his brother (who also came to the United States at the same time).  Zion Lutheran Church was the sight of the baptisms of Ernst and Clara's five children born here.  And it was also the location of the funerals of many of them and their descendants.  The cemetery across the street from this church, has the "Toensing family plot, the final resting spot of my grandfather and grandmother along with many other relatives.  That church is still holding weekly services for recent immigrants to the United States, the Hmong community.  I am so thankful that the legacy of my great grandparents is sharing the Good News of the birth of Jesus, the great rescuer who came to save us all.   

Jesus, thank you for coming to our rescue through your birth, life and death.  Holy Spirit, give us all boldness to share this incredible good news with those around us.  Thank you for songs and carols that continue to tell the story.  Thank you for candles and lights that remind us that the light of the world was born in Bethlehem.  Jesus help us keep you in all of our celebrations during this season.  Amen

Being an observer to something really good...

 

It was so good to be able to watch (and participate) in the yearly Vacation Bible School program that is called Bible Boot Camp at Gwen and Tim's church.  I got an extra bonus this year, when there was an opening to help with the preschool kids one day.  It was so much fun!  There is nothing I love more than watching all the kids have so much fun learning about Jesus. 

Gwen and I were talking about the very first time that I coordinated a VBS program.  I think it was in 1987.  I pretty  much made it up as I went along.  We had several dozen kids and it rained all week.  We were doing this program in a really small space and with very little help.  What I most remember about that week is the joy on the faces of the kids.  Although I had been leading the Sunday School program for a couple of years, there is something totally different about a summer program.  A few short years after that VBS, I began the most amazing times serving  the Lord in children's ministry.   

Time spent with children is never wasted.  As a matter of fact I just heard yesterday that the best way to de-stress and relax is to play with kids.  I know that this is certainly true for me.  Every single second that I spend with my grandchildren is life giving.  Whether it is playing cards or games or pretending alongside a 4 year old, it simply fills me and makes me smile.  Sharing God stories and the love of Jesus with children is so much more than just "helping out" or "babysitting.  Over and over the Bible shows the importance of children in Jesus ministry.  Jesus told his disciples that they needed to be like a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven.  In fact, the Bible is filled with stories about children and how God loves them.  Most of you know that God put children on my heart and gave me a passion to see more for the kids than just a couple of Bible stories.  Through Holy Spirit inspiration, I wrote and planned a station rotation Sunday School program that was way before this model became the norm in schools and churches.  There were after school programs, mid week programs, Bible studies, and worship times for even the youngest preschoolers.  I know that these little ones can and will be touched by the Holy Spirit if we just create the atmosphere and expectation for it to happen.  Leaving my time working with children was hard.  VERY hard.  But, I felt God calling me to move into a new areas.  Over the next few years, I began to understand that the message that was so big in my heart - the value of children experiencing a real relationship with Jesus - needed to be heard by the ADULTS.  Sadly, the entire time I was pouring my heart and soul into children's ministry, the leaders - the adults - didn't really see and/or understand what Jesus was doing in and for the children.  As a matter of fact, there were some that didn't want this for the children.  As the years passed, the heart of God for children never left me.  While Gwen had been a part of much of my ministry (mostly as a leader), she was pretty clear that her calling was with the youth.  However, when Jesus has a plan and a destiny, it will be accomplished.  Gwen is now the Next Gen Director at her church.  And this includes ALL the children - from birth - college age.  Watching her accomplish so much more than I could have ever dreamed of brings me to tears.  Even during 2020 and the COVID pandemic, she planned and carried out ministry that has touched and changed families.  Watching the church filled with children, seeing the youth serving and leading, filled me with joy.  I am so thankful that I get to be an observer to all that Jesus is doing.  And it is good!

Jesus, thank you so much for your plan and purpose and destiny for children.  Holy Spirit, help us to hear your plan for each of us.  Give us courage to walk out those plans, even when others don't understand. Thank you Jesus for your love and care for every child.  Continue to pour out creative ideas and give strength and stamina to all those who hear your heart for children.  Thank you for your love for us.  Amen

Best part of any day is time with the kids!

I have been finding the blessings in each and every day.  It hasn't been difficult because I have had plenty of time spent with the grands.  Spring has come to Chicago.  My flowering tree has sprung into full bloom, in spite of freezing weather over the last week.  We even had a day with some persistant snow flurries,  But, in spite of that, I am filled with hopefulness and joy.  

Being with Grace one day a week has been so good.  She has changed from a toddler to an imaginative preschooler.  I love her ability to pretend and make stories happen no matter what we are doing.  She is very ready for her new baby brother, who she says will be coming in the "summer".  I have a feeling that in a just a few short weeks she will realize that summer has come a bit ahead of time in her house!

I love the fact that in addition to my weekly visits with Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna, I get some extra time when Gwen and Tim lead youth retreats for their church.  Over the years, it has been bitter sweet with each of the kids getting older and therefore GOING on those retreats with Gwen and Tim.  This year only Zeke and Anna were with me.  And during that time, Anna was lamenting the time when (very soon according to Zeke) he would also be gone and she would be the "youngest, only child".  I reminded Anna that I was also the youngest of my siblings and there were some perks to that.  I am sure that when that time comes, we will find plenty of fun things to make it not so bad.

We got to a couple of playgrounds during my stay.  Most were teeming with kids.  Such a wonderful sight and so unusual during the last year of COVID scare.  Zeke had a baseball clinic, and it was so fun watching him play.  He is surely an athletic kid that manages to do well at what ever sport he attempts.  

This was a short retreat, but these kids managed to try to squeeze in every activity that we could.  So a movie night was in order, complete with popcorn and warm blankets.  I reminded them that the summer mission trip is not that far away, so we will have plenty of time for all the fun things.  

My list of hope-giving blessings included so many things.  I had a special breakfast out with a good friend one day.  It was just so good to actually SEE her face and share a meal.  One day I met a new neighbor!  What a blessing it is to have someone who is near my age moving in right next door.  Very unexpected and so wonderful.  Recently I had dinner with some new friends and then attended their book club meeting.  It was so fun to be with new people and see my world expanding.  A few weeks ago, Susie and I spent the weekend away scrapbooking.  Both of us were glad to get some much needed progress on our projects.  It was also great to be away (even though it was local) and spend time together.  We managed to get in a couple of (socially distanced) swimming sessions, which I loved.  It has been so long since I have had a time away like this.  I truly cherished every second of that time.  One day, as I was recording my daily blessings, I added the school buses that I had encountered all over during my errands.  It is amazing to know that most of the kids are finally back in school, at least part of the time.  It is seeming very likely that soon, we could see even more of the restrictions around the pandemic being lifted.  I confess that I am waiting anxiously for travel and possibly some conferences to attend.  

I know that the Bible tells us to think on good things.  That when we do this, it will keep our thinking sraight.  And thinking about all of these blessings is certainly helping my thinking.  I have been reading through Isaiah for the last few weeks and I am always amazed by the new things that I see each time I do this.  There has been encouragment and help in this study, through a sermon series at Fellowship of Faith, led by Pr. Dave.  I have loved digging deeper into Isiah, even though I would have told you that it was my most read Old Testament book besides Psalms.  I know that so much of my renewed good thinking has come from this study.  So here is one more encouragment to make it a point to really read and study scripture.  There is no better time than now, to help renew our minds with good thoughts and more scripture.

Jesus, thank you that you left us all the instructions that we need through the Bible.  Holy Spirit, help us remember to keep our thinking straight.  Give us courage to delve into even the parts that we don't understand.  Thank you Jesus for providing good teachers through pastors and fellow "travelers" along our life path.  Keep those blessings coming to each day.  Amen

 

He is Risen! Wonderful Easter celebration!

What a glorious and wonderful Easter celebration my family had this year.  We were all very aware that we completely missed Easter 2020.  I found myself trying to remember what we had done for Easter last year, what the kids had worn on that day, where we had been.  And then, the realization hit - thanks to COVID we did not have any family time last year.  Quite frankly, due to Ken's illness beginning in January of 2020, most of last year is a bit of a blur.  Then you add COVID quarantine on top of that blur and it is possible to kind of lose 2020.  We certainly missed Ken during our time together this year.  The wonderful weather, amazing church service, and fun time with the kids made this a memorable time.  We will not forget Easter of 2021.  

The weather was just perfect.  It was sunny and warm, exactly like you would want an Easter to be.  We have had our fair share of very cold and even snowy ones.  This day was perfect for being outside and running around looking for those Easter eggs.  

All of us, even the adults had a great time walking around the yard, during the egg hunt.  This year the kids each had different eggs, so it was much easier to help them.  Tim did a great job making it extra hard for the older kids to find their eggs and it actually took them a fair amount of time to find them.  

Just being together was something to celebrate.  We are so thankful that we (the adults) have all managed to get our Covid vaccines before the arrival of Baby Boy Rowley (expected in late May).  And knowing that we are all safer now, sure makes our times together less stressful.  I am extremely thankful to NOT have to decide if it is worth the risk to go to the store for food.  I used a lot of food delivery and contactless pickup in the previous months.  Knowing that I am more protected is really a gift.  

The Easter morning church service was exactly what I needed.  I have been going to church via "live stream" for most of the past year. I am so thankful that this option was there.  It has allowed me to continue to worship, even though we were stuck at home.   Actually being in the church, surrounded by my family, and the bigger "church family", pouring out praise and worship to the Risen King,;;;;;;; well it filled my soul and my spirit.  It was an awe-inspiring service.  I encourage you all to watch it here - Fellowship of Faith Easter Service   I really feel like I have turned a corner.  I know that the last six months have been a time of adjustment to being on my own.  And, while I know that I will face continued times of grief and uncertainty, the path ahead seems much clearer now.  Certainly the spring weather, the increased hours of sunshine, the decrease in the fears and worry over Covid is a part of this.  But I am convinced that working through a Bible Study on "The Quest", has helped me break out of the standstill position I was in. That Bible study plus this Easter worship proved to be the catalyst for change for me.   I love feeling expectant for the year ahead.  I am not sure what it will look like for me, but I am convinced that I am moving forward and it is so good.  

We all need more good news.  Overall, this past year has been HARD!  The news was never good.  I am working to start and end everyone of my days finding the good news of that day.  All you have to do is look for it!  Good things are happening out there.  I plan to use the next few blogs, to fill the airspace out there with positive, helpful, wonderful things.  I would love to hear from all of you.  Help me fill the world with hope and positivity.  Let's all bring more sunlight, more good news to others.  

Jesus, thank you for being the Risen, Reigning King of Kings!  Thank you for loving us so much that you suffered and died for us.  Holy Spirit give us courage to see beyond the darkness and to find the light.  Thank you for filling our hearts with your love.  Help us continue to look for the "Good News".  Jesus, you are that good news!  Amen

Having a servant's heart starts young for some....

This past Sunday was a super fun day for me.   I had been watching Gwen's kids while Gwen and Tim attended an out of town wedding of a former youth member from their church.  It just happened to fall on this special Sunday -  the Rock Soup Kitchen.  The Rock is the Children's ministry of Fellowship of Faith.  I have heard about this event for many years, but I have never actually witnessed it.  All I can say is WOW!  Instead of just TALKING about being a servant to the children, they give them an actual, meaningful way to serve their church family.  Members create homemade soups and bring them in crock pots.  The children are given jobs, appropriate for their ages.  I loved that Pr. Dave encouraged the congregation to "allow the kids to serve you!"  He went on to explain that often adults just jump in to "help" thinking that they can do a faster or better job.  But especially on this day, it was important for the kids to be able to SERVE.  Lia and I got to sit back and be served, since she is now out of ROCK and in BOULDER (the Middle school/High school ministry). 

Our first treat were these adorable turkeys that Anna's class had made.  Such a cute addition to the meal.  

Zeke's class was in charge of the drinks and also the bowls and spoons.  Each of the kids had a chance to do most of the jobs in each age group.  

Ellie's class got to serve the soup.  She got to serve some wonderful homemade Green Chili Enchilada soup.  There were so many varieties that it was hard to pick which wonderful smelling soup you would try.  I actually picked the Ham and Bean soup in the first picture and it was delicious!

They had the recipes near each soup so that you could make them at home.

Anna's class was also in charge of collecting the dirty dishes to take them to kitchen.  Quite a big job for these 4's and Kindergartners.   All of the kids did a wonderful job of smiling and asking if there was anyone who needed anything.  I was extremely proud of our three servants.

I can't think of a better way to help the children feel a part of the church than to help serve.  The large crowd of people eating this soup reflected the congregations willing participation in this event.  This is just one of several ways that even these young children have a chance to serve throughout the year.  

Many of you know that Children's Ministry has been my passion forever.  I invested many, many years of service with children and youth in all kinds of ways.  Because of this, I have witnessed so many children grow into adults who love and serve Jesus.  I believe that there is nothing that Jesus loves more, than seeing children serving others.  Leaving Children's Ministry was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.  But, as with so many things, there is a season for everything.  And my season of serving in that way was done.  I am so thankful that I get to watch (from the sidelines) as Gwen has stepped into a new role as Children's Ministry Director at Fellowship of Faith.  Gwen and Tim have been serving with the Bolder Youth Ministry for many years and they will continue to serve there.  Gwen has been helping in ROCK for several years and  this opportunity came at exactly the right season for her and it was clearly a God-orchestrated event.  Don't you just love how Jesus knows how to bless you?  This is such a blessing for me to see Gwen pour ideas and vision into an already great program.  

So, this Thanksgiving (or really any time) watch for ways to let those that are younger than you, serve and bless you.  I know that sometimes it is hard to accept help, but remember that you might be helping grow a servant heart.  Let that young boy hold the door open for you.  Or let that sweet teenage girl help you on the stairs.  Being served will bless you also.

Jesus, thank you for your servant heart that even washed the feet of your friends.  Holy Spirit, help us all to not only look for ways to serve others  but give us soft hearts to be willing to accept help and let others serve us.  Thank you for great ideas that help our children learn and grow.  Continue to speak to us all with new and creative ideas to help us reach our world.  Thank you for your great love for us.  Amen

Why Maundy Thursday is a favorite of mine....

I just love Maundy Thursday.  It is not a very well known or much celebrated day, but for us Lutherans, it is always a part of the Easter Season.  It was the celebration of the Last Supper - a way to remember the beginning of our Communion services - the time when Jesus and his disciples celebrated Passover together.  It was also the night that Jesus was betrayed and arrested.  This was all enough for me to appreciate those church services on Maundy Thursday.  For me it was a time to feel especially close to those first disciples, and to Jesus. 

Then about 20 years ago, I had two experiences that changed everything for me about Maundy Thursday.  The first was a presentation by a man from "Jews for Jesus".  He celebrated a Passover Seder with us and revealed Jesus in the celebration.  It was really an eye opening time with the realization of the connection between this Jewish festival and our Communion.  The second experience was the Maundy Thursday just a few days after that Passover meal, that included everyone sitting at tables and eating a meal together.  Then the Pastors washed the feet of each of us
Later in that service, everyone was called to come up and join together as we took Communion together, all standing around the altar (which was truly a "Communion Table").  The words in the Bible describing the Last Supper became real to me that night.  I have longed for that experience again on each Maundy Thursday since then. 

Maundy Thursday came this year.  It was particularly special because Zeke had decided to take his First Communion at that service. 

Gwen and Tim's church is a wonderful mix of things that make it Lutheran, yet relevant and attractive to young and old alike.  They do Maundy Thursday beginning with everyone sitting at tables, with bread and wine, grapes and juice as the center.  Those who have decided to make this their first Communion are called to the front and asked to share why they have made this choice.  I loved the variety of testimonies shared.  One young man shared that he wanted to make this HIS faith rather than just his parents.  Another shared the desire to be closer to Jesus.  One girl talked about getting strength from Communion.  Among other things, Zeke shared that he wanted to be a disciple of Jesus.  So many personal reasons, shared publicly with their church family.  

The Pastor told the story of the Last Supper and talked about the fellowship that happened that night around that table.    Psalm 51 was shared. There was time for prayer.  Then the oldest person at each table - and that was clearly me - passed the bread and the wine (juice) to everyone at the table.  Really a wonderful way to remember why Communion is such an important part of our faith - something that has been celebrated for centuries.  It was for me, a reminder of that service long ago.

I am so thankful that I got to be a part of such an important event for Zeke.  Gwen and Tim have done a wonderful job of making their faith real everyday.  That has translated well for their children.  I love seeing these important milestones being passed down to the next generation.  Most of all, I am so thankful that my grandchildren will grow up knowing and experiencing what Maundy Thursday is really all about, and knowing Jesus personally.  

Jesus, thank you for leaving us this life-giving meal.  Holy Spirit remind us that fellowship, eating together and caring for each other are all part of God's plan.  Give us the courage to slow down and take the time to sit and talk and share with others.  Thank you for Fellowship of Faith church and the messages that are shared.  Jesus, bless these young people who boldly shared their faith, with your presence and power.  Thank you Lord for family.  Amen

"Disciples who go make disciples!"

I had the great pleasure today of attending Bible Boot Camp with Gwen and the kids.  This Bible Boot Camp is not your traditional Vacation Bible School.  In fact, it only slightly resembles anything you might think of when you hear VBS.  There is singing and there are memory verses but there are no crafts!  And the kids get assigned "homework" each night! (More on that later).  The kids are divided into teams (Red and Blue) and then into crews with leaders and junior leaders.  Lia was extremely excited to be a junior leader this year.  The majority of the activities take place outside and each crew sets up their "camp".  There are some amazing obstacle courses - even for the preschool kids!  And water play every day.  Gotta love a hose on a 90 plus degree day! And there are some rousing games of capture the flag also!

But here is what makes this camp so amazing to me.  The focus this year is on refugees.  So each of the crews of kids represents a country. Zeke is in Russia, Ellie is in Serbia, Anna is in China and Lia is a junior leader in Turkey.

Beyond just hearing some Bible stories and singing some songs, these kids are learning about what other kids from around the world, who are refugees, experience every day.  They are learning that Jesus loves us all.....even when we are different.  And then the kids are seeing exactly how blessed we are in the United States.  Today's video Fereshata's Story - 15 year old in Afghanistan actually moved me to tears.  I was thinking how good it would be for all of the parents to watch these videos that their children are seeing each day.  Every day is a different country and a different story.  In this video the children heard that Fereshata's father and brother had died.  Her mother works for $20 a month!  Yes - a month!  Her two younger sister ages 8 and 11 make and sell bread in the camp to try to earn a bit of extra money.  Only one sister age 13 goes to school.  But she teaches all of the sisters at night.  They have to walk to get water and they don't have electricity.  Yes, I could see the shock and surprise on many of the kids faces.  There were some very earnest prayers said for this girl and her family as well as all of the refugees in Afghanistan, after watching this video.  

The homework for each night is really a family project that involves some kind of service.  Today the kids all went home with garbage bags and rubber gloves and their homework is to clean up a park or some area in their own neighborhood.    What a great way to encourage service from even the youngest children.  Can you imagine some of the conversations around the dinner table after the kids participate in this kind of program?  They are learning about the love of Jesus.  They are seeing some of the issues in the world around us and then they are finding a way to share the love of Jesus right where they live.  What a very powerful message.  

Today as I was sitting in the China Camp (actually a blanket fort built out of chair stacks in the corner of the Sanctuary) with Anna, I was thinking about the more than 35 years that I have been around VBS programs.  I love that this program is so relevant for today.  Refugees are in the news almost every day.  Now when the children see and/or hear these stories, they will have faces and names and pictures to put with them.  They will know that they can pray for these people to know the love of Jesus. They will remember that Jesus loves us ALL - even if we are different.   And each one of them will have learned some ways to serve Jesus right now at whatever age they are - right where they live.  Their shirts say "Disciples who go make disciples" and that is exactly what this program is all about. 

As I looked around the room at the end of the day at all of those very wet but happy faces, I could see some future missionaries, some leaders and teachers, some pastors and worship leaders. But every face was the face of a servant disciple.  Kids who were being trained to go out into the world and show the love of Jesus and make disciples.  Now that's what the world needs!  

Jesus, thank you for Fellowship of Faith and the leaders who make this program possible.   Thank you for all of the children that are participating in this program.  Holy Spirit, help each child to hear and remember exactly what you know they need!  Thank you for videos that help us all to understand better the trials faced around the world.  Jesus, help us all to have servant hearts that want to show the world how much YOU love them!   Amen