Tag: babies

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Upson Downs 9-4-2020

Another busy week flies by here at Church of the Servant King. We are getting ready to celebrate Labor Day weekend with a barbecue and a celebration for Abby’s third birthday. A heat wave is expected, so we may need to barbecue in our wading pool. 

We finished reading Where Is God in a Coronavirus World? and are finishing up Families at the Crossroads which presents a cogent argument for a new paradigm for the church. ..

“We do well to remember that the early church was based in the households of Rome. The Christians of the New Testament worshiped together in their homes, welcomed and supported missionaries in homes, evangelized in homes, assisted the poor in homes and challenged the undue claims of Caesar in homes. On all counts, they regarded the home as something more significant, more challenging, more exciting than a haven.” 

Rodney Clapp Families at the Crossroads: Beyond Tradition Modern Options

The book is remarkably relevant today though it was written in 1993. 

Our new babies are thriving. Surprisingly although close in age, Rocky has far outdistanced Julia in size (and appetite!) They’re gradually getting the hang of nighttime vs. daytime, for which their parents are very grateful.

We give thanks for our Thursday night Zoom Bible study which is taking us and our guests through the book of Matthew. We have new folks “Zooming” in, as well as our “regulars.” In spite of Corona-virus, we are able to reach into our community and even further in the world (Mexico and Myanmar.)

Please continue to pray for us. Further up and further in.

Regan

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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

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Hospitality Our story Updates

Upson Downs 7-22-20

Upson Downs 7/22/20

Well, it’s been an exciting week! Of course, life in the Kingdom should always be exciting, challenging, daunting, and life-giving. This week has been especially so since both of our expectant mamas have been experiencing high blood pressure, with concerns for the babies’ and moms’ health the subject of many prayers. 

Currently, Mary and Cassidie are in a bit of an uninvited contest over who will deliver first! We will keep you posted. During Covid times hospital protocol has drastically changed, so obviously the expectant dads will need extra prayers too. Looking back makes one realize the awesome privilege it is to be a coach, support, and partner with mothers and fathers in the labor and delivery process. 

Appreciation box for delivery personnel
Everyone needs encouragement and appreciation, a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name.

We are continuing to seek new avenues to reach out to our neighbors, essential workers, and friends and relatives who are experiencing isolation, uncertainty, and suffering from lack of vital connections. We strive to “see” those around us, always reminding ourselves to “above all hold unfailing our love for one another.” Some small ways we are putting this into practice is providing drinks and snacks for hard-working delivery people and mail carriers. We’ve had several “thank yous” for such a minimal effort on our part. Everyone needs encouragement and appreciation, a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name.

Thanks for reading our updates, for your concern about our life, filled with ups and downs, but life abundant. Stay well, and keep us in your prayers.

Regan Read