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Upson Downs 8-27-2020

Greetings readers, once again it’s been awhile since I last wrote. When it seems life will slow down, it just gets busier. But that’s a good thing (I think.) We have been praying for people to show an interest in Bible studies, or perhaps just asking life questions. Our prayers have been positively answered, and folks are coming our way with various questions, curiosity, life issues, and experiences. We have gone global with some of Jack’s contacts in Myanmar participating in our Thursday Zoom Bible studies, as well as folks throughout the United States and also Mexico. In addition, we have two personal Bible studies happening weekly face-to-face (or mask-to-mask!) We also have a Sunday morning socially distanced gathering which includes 4-6 visitors at various levels with different needs and wonderings. Be careful what you pray for! 

This year we thought we might need to skip our spectacular Celebration of the Children, but decided to go ahead with a revised, truncated, covid-style COC. As usual, God multiplied our loaves and fishes and we had a great time with our kids. Our water day was really amazing with an impressive water slide and plenty of shenanigans. We saw some fun movies, enjoyed buddy dinners (at home), played hilarious yard games in which we all remembered our childlikeness, and we took this small opportunity to honor and appreciate God’s gifts of our children. We do need to be reminded of our Savior’s admonition to “turn and become like children.” This seems to require prodding at times, as well as personal decisions to embrace Jesus’ words. It was good and important, and we trust that the event was pleasing to our Lord. 

Once again, God sent more than just a cup of cold water our way in the form of Kirstin and Sean, courtesy of our brothers and sisters at Refuge. They may seem unlikely angels, but it was timely and much needed. They watched our kids, sawed logs, mowed lawns, ran errands, cooked dinner, organized, and pitched in wherever and whenever needed. With only minor burns and other mishaps, they definitely laid down their lives. This is the family of God as it should be. We prayed them on their way this morning, and hope their journey home is safe and uneventful.

Stay well and encouraged. Rejoice in the Lord always!

Categories
Gospel

A voice in the wilderness

Thursday Bible Study News

Recent Zoom Bible study
Scott teaching a recent study 8-6-2020

Recently we have updated our format for Thursday Bible Study a little. Since the Spring with COVID-19 we have had a Zoom option for people to come and join while we had social distancing at home.

We have seen that if everyone is logged in to the meeting with one or two people per screen, it is a lot easier to hear and see everyone. This also allows for us to include more people in the teaching on Matthew’s gospel that Scott Kjos is doing. In addition, parents with small children can attend and be a part of the meeting.

Recordings are being made with Zoom and shared on here on this YouTube playlist so that we can review the teaching and share with others. We would be glad to have others join, so for the most current information please check our Connect page.

See you for Thursday Bible Study. This week we will discuss Matthew chapter 4.

Categories
Updates

Upson Downs 8-7-2020

This week we are all giving thanks that the new babies are back to birth weight and thriving. With their early appearances and various health challenges, it’s been even harder to adjust to the “new normal” (whatever that is) with newborns than usual. It’s great that fathers these days are given time off from work, too. What a wonderful gift to parents and infants as well.

We find ourselves challenged and excited about many new opportunities coming our way. Accordingly, we are rearranging our schedules and teaching times to accommodate new folks who are asking some of the great questions of life. As we are admonished, we must always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that lies within us. If we really believe that Jesus has the words of life, we must be equipped to share those truths. We are utterly dependent on the partnership of Christ’s Holy Spirit in all our endeavors. If there’s no hope in Jesus Christ, then we are without hope, indeed. Especially in these days where hope seems to be in short supply, we want to be purveyors of it even more than ever before. John Lennox’s book, Where Is God in a Coronavirus World, has been timely. Although small, it covers weighty matters succinctly. 

If there’s no hope in Jesus Christ, then we are without hope, indeed.

We teachers are preparing for another strange and remote school year, seeking to use the many new tools and technological advances wisely. Some of us have a much steeper challenge than others in that regard. We want to reach and to care for our students as best we can from a distance. Nothing can really replace the experience of being face to face, connecting personally, not virtually. But we will strive to make the most of what we have, and like everyone else, hope and pray for breakthroughs in the eradication of a virus that currently holds the entire world hostage. At the same time we are giving thanks to the God of all hope who keeps us busy, gives us purpose, and reminds us of his constant presence among us.

Stay well,

for Church of the Servant King, Regan