Family Ministries
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Sunday, 27 November 2011 |
 While studying to get my degree, professors would constantly remind us how ministry is very time consuming and that we as leaders needed to take time out for ourselves. They would say that we should allow ourselves a personal health day every week. As I am now knee deep into ministry I understand what they mean. However, I find that I am also drawn back to the book of Genesis in the Bible and God taking the seventh day to rest. It's something everyone knows about but now-a-days I see parents, kids and families so exhausted. I recently went to a Christian concert featuring the singing group, Casting Crowns. It was truly amazing. They are talented and inspiring artists. But the amazing part came for me because the concert felt like a renewal, a personal health day. I got to sit, stand and listen to beautiful music and I got to hear the passion of my heart speak without saying any words. Sometimes we get so busy and so consumed by birthdays, dance class, the gym, work, PTA, emails, friends who need advice, etc that we lose track of our own voice and go into auto pilot mode. So it is my challenge to you and your family to constantly take a personal health day. Give that opportunity to your children as well. Mark it on the calendar as a holy day. Let God renew you. Let the voice of your heart speak to you.
God's Peace be with you,
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Monday, 01 August 2011 |
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 An old African proverb says, "It takes a whole village to raise a child". Recently, I discovered just how true this proverb really is. I have come to realize that it is part of my calling to help Gloria Dei recognize and embrace the importance of the spiritual formation of it's children. As a community of faith, we are encouraged to love and care for each other much as a loving family would and thus, I understand that my role as a Youth Minister is to help us all live into that reality. I would like to thank the congregation and the church council for "stepping up" and providing for the Youth Ministry Program here at Gloria Dei. I also would like to thank everyone for voicing their opinions and for taking ownership of passing on the faith to our children. This summer I have begun to see the sprouting of these "seeds of faith" in our youth, seeds that were planted by the members of this congregation long ago. On our two summer youth trips, I saw many of our youth challenge themselves, take a risk, struggle with their faith, and grow closer to God. Our San Diego Mission Trip and Rock-N-Water Adventure were awesome experiences for our youth to discover Christ's presence in their lives and in the world around them. I would personally like to thank you on their behalf for making these experiences possible by your support, your prayers and the tiny seeds of faith you planted in them long ago. My hope for Gloria Dei is that we come to grasp the significance of our role and presence in these youth's lives.
Grace and Peace,
Jessica Wernau |
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Parenting Tip - Fall 2011 |
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Monday, 01 August 2011 |
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 Being a parent or a grandparent comes with a lot of worry. There are a lot of scary things in our world and in our children's world. However, I have recently come to see, as a very loving over parenting sister, my worry was causing me pain and not helping anyone. I realized my only job was to unconditionally love my sister and then put her into God's protection. So this month I give you a prayer that will help you give your worries about your children and grandchildren (and even sisters) to God. A prayer like this helped me to know that I am not in control, God is, and all I can do is love.
Dear God: I surrender my worry about my child's well being to your Divine love and grace. I let go of controlling and over thinking each aspect of this situation with __________ and place him/her in your loving care. Thank you for taking this burden from me and infusing me with strength and faith as I put my trust in you. I know that the highest and the best is now unfolding for __________ in this very moment. You who have provided us with an abundant universe and joy beyond measure are providing for this child and I know that perfect order is at work. I am so very grateful for all the blessings in my life and thank you for moving me, in this situation, to a deeper experience of trust and faith.
Thank you, God, Amen!www.spiritualparenting.com |
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Share Easter's Message of Forgiveness |
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Sunday, 22 May 2011 |
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As we celebrate another Easter, young people (and adults, for that matter) may have heard the story so many times that they forget how it impacts them. Christians know that Jesus rose from the dead so we can spend eternity in heaven, but what does Easter mean for your teenagers - and your family - on a daily basis?
Because Jesus didn't stay in the grave, our sins are gone. The good news for teenagers, who often feel overwhelmed by temptations and failures, is that God not only forgives, but also forgets. He removes our sins "as far from us as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12). Easter's message, year after year, is that we are forgiven, no matter what sins we've committed. The weight of sin is released, so young people don't need to live with regret over past mistakes.
Look for opportunities during this season to remind your teenagers that Easter is specifically for them. Share the good news that each of us is a new person because of Jesus' "once-for-all" sacrifice (Corinthians 5:17). Then set an example by asking for and granting forgiveness within your family. Just as importantly, forget offenses by letting go of grudges, which take a toll on relationships.
Just as Easter is the most important Christian holiday, the Easter message of forgiveness is the most important news you can share with your teenagers. www.theparentlink.com |
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Thursday Morning "Coffee with Room for Insight" |
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Sunday, 22 May 2011 |
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Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Psalm 143:8 (New Living Translation)
Come join Pastor Brent every Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the Conference Room as we continue through the summer exploring the scripture readings from the previous Sunday. We will use the Daily Discipleship resources from the ELCA website that are designed to enhance our understanding of the Word and deepen our spirituality. Coffee, questions and conversation about the Bible - what could be a better way to spend a summer morning? Oh yeah, donuts! |
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Monday, 31 January 2011 |
Dr. Mimi Doe shares her top 10 guiding principles to nurture your teenager's soul. Today's teens face overwhelming issues - peer pressure, widespread instances of substance abuse, concerns about sexuality, the academic stress of high school, the risks and freedom of driving, and the worry about getting into a good college. It's no wonder that these years often become filled with poor decision making, and such a beleaguered battleground between parents and teens.
The 10 guiding principles below are from her book, "Nurturing Your Teenager's Soul" and enable teens to develop an internal framework and moral compass to stay centered during these turbulent years.
Principle 1: Realize You Are Part of Something Bigger
A connection with spirituality sustains teenagers throughout their inherently rocky transition into adulthood. A spirited life is much more than just decisions about faith. Kids want and need to define their own sense of spirituality. Parents can join their teens in this exploration process, as their children quest for an understanding of the universe and an individual sense of spirituality.
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