During these spring weekends we will take a look at a variety of issues related to family.  We will look to scripture and the traditions of the church to help us grow in our own situations and circumstances to understand more fully how to support and encourage others who are in situations differing from ourselves. For a listing of the entire series click here.

April 30/May 1: GROWING KIDS GOD'S WAY

                           Luke 15.11-32

One of the great assets of this congregation is that it is an inter generational congregation. We have people from every generation.  Parents with young children say how wonderful it is for their children to be a part of church family where there are adults who are like grandparents to their children.  Likewise I hear from older adults how much they enjoy the Children's Moment because it gives them hope for the future to see children open to growing in their love of Jesus.  We also have every age in between our youngest ones and our oldest ones. Fewer and fewer congregations are able to say this in today's world.  So what makes us different?

One of the aspects that makes us different is our willingness to encourage one another.  Encouragement is a true blessing in today's world.  Our congregation is made up of members who delight in witnessing the Children's Musical even when their children are long gone from home.  Our congregation is made up of members who greet young people and say we are so glad that you are here! (On Palm Sunday we had two teen-agers from Hales Corner Lutheran church studying United Methodism and our congregation.  They could not believe how friendly people were to them.)  Our congregation is made up of members who are willing to make and send cards and cookies, deliver pumpkins and prayer shawls to our homebound members because they are part of Christ's family.  I could go on and on with wonderful examples.  Paul says to Timothy in his second letter to him, 'You are so blessed.  The faith of your mother and grandmother has deeply influenced your life.'  Our generations bless one another. 

Over the next several weeks we are going to look at the blessings and challenges of different stages of life.  We are beginning the series by looking at raising children in God's way.  In Jesus' parable, The Prodigal Son, the father has his hands full at raising children with two completely different personalities.  The father is a wonderful example for us of how he could love both of his sons with his whole life, heart and soul. God, too, loves each of us with our differing personalities and parenting styles.

Join me in worship this weekend as we begin a new sermon series.  In the studies done in our ministry area, parenting and family matters are at the top of the concerns and interests of people.  Take a moment and invite someone to come with you this weekend.

See you in church!

Pastor Susan