Tag: Bible Study

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Upson Downs 4.1.21

two lambs in a field
All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small...

Greetings! Tonight our men are reviving an old tradition- the baseball draft. I am giving thanks for the special memories that such celebrations bring. Jack Read has been participating in this event since his teen years; now he carries on his father’s legacy. Some things, of course, have been interrupted by Covid-19, notably dinner at Phillip’s and opening day at Dodger stadium. But many others remain the same, such as delicious varieties of hot dogs, haggling and negotiating over teams, and lots and lots of laughter. We have been watching The Chosen in anticipation of Easter and also plan to watch The Passion on Good Friday. We will join together for a celebratory meal on Easter Sunday. Easter is the ultimate joke on the Devil: “He is not here. He is risen!” He is risen indeed. Hallelujah! Sean, Kirsten, and Kristy came for a wonderful visit last week. We are so glad to be opening up again, albeit cautiously. It was especially great to enjoy a special meal on the Le’s first anniversary with much of the wedding party in attendance! Our international Bible study has been encouraging and kind of amazing too. Our visiting angels drop in from Mexico, Peru, Myanmar, and closer to home, Oregon. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we are teaching a Spanish Bible study and watching our kids. That’s a lot to cover for our little congregation. He is strong in our weakness. Well, that’s it for now. We are blessed to have the abundant life here, keeping us busy and living life with purpose. There truly is “never a dull moment.” Grace and peace to you all, and joyful Easter. God bless us all, everyone.

Regan

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Updates

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 8-27-2020

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!

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Gospel Updates

Upson Downs 5-1-20

This week we are digging into Matthew 18 for Bible study. As the time nears for Jesus’ suffering and death, things intensify greatly. More seems to be directed specifically to His disciples- who will remain faithful until the end? The same question is always posed to us; picking up one’s cross and following Him are not occasional acts!

Jose teaching recently with social distancing and remote connection support

We have been glad for those who are joining us remotely for Bible studies while we continue to maintain careful procedures at home. Recently we were reminded that in this time of pandemic, we should not be practicing social distancing, rather, we should practice physical distancing and social solidarity. What an important distinction!

…we should practice physical distancing and social solidarity

We give thanks for a new, healthy baby in our midst, and for all our wonderful kids who seem to be faring quite well in this time of uncertainty. We hope we are modeling calm and courage in the midst of the storm, always remembering that Jesus is in the boat with us.