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Hello Friends. Happy Monday. Today brings a different email to your inbox in light of my announcement shared last week and yesterday. Should you have missed it, Scott and I officially announced my resignation as the Director of Family Ministries here and God’s clear leading in bringing our season as church family members to a close. You can read the letter here.

This decision has not gone without many months of praying, discerning and seeking wise counsel. The longer we’ve discerned, the clearer God has been. We are at peace and confident in his provision in leading for whatever he has next for us - and for all of you! 

Accepting this role four and half years ago was a big step of faith and obedience, the same is true for stepping out of it. Serving each of you in this capacity has truly been a joy, thank you for entrusting me with this opportunity and responsibility. This will be my last Monday email, I hope you have found these weekly communications insightful, informative and encouraging. It has been an enjoyable way for me to connect with you each week. You will hear more soon from the Ministry and Nurture Commissions in regards to transitions and leadership. As my letter states, my last day will be Friday, August 21st.

Thank you for your gracious and supportive words to Scott and I over the last few days. Much of my prayer for you all is from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. I pray that you will lean into and trust the Holy Spirit inside of you. That you would continue to grow in understanding, knowledge and wisdom of the Word of God. May truth in love, grace and peace be on your mouths and hearts. I pray that you would trust Christ as the head of this church. That you would live lives worthy of the calling you have received. I pray that you will be strong, suit up, stand firm and pray on all occasions.

Hugs and love to you all. “For from him and through him and for him are all things.

To him be the glory forever! Amen.” - Romans 11:36

 

What WE’RE Learning This Week: A nugget of what our Lil’, Youth and Adults Roots heard this week

Lil’ & Bridge Roots Psalm + Big Idea: Psalm 84 – Joy is not an emotion! It’s a gift from God!

Youth Roots Psalm + Big Idea: Psalm 121: Do you need help?

How Every Generation Lives This Out: Talk as a family... How can we experience joy and sadness at the same time?

 

What I’M Learning This Week: Sharing what I’m reading and listening to lately

This song’s been around for a while but recently it’s been high on my “on repeat” list. Sure, it’s a song that has a beat that is hard not to get stuck in your head, but I’ve been finding it to be this really great praise-and-prayer song. You know, the kind that you just really belt out in your car when it’s just you and Jesus in there. 

As I’ve been jamming out to “Lead On Good Shepherd,” I’ve been thinking about what it means to us to have a Good Shepherd as our King. He guides us to rest, refreshment, safety, discipline and abundance. 

Because we have a Good Shepherd we can say, like David, “I lack nothing” (Psalm 23). Because we have a Good Shepherd, Jesus tells us that “we are known and can know” (John 10). Because we have a Good Shepherd, we know, without any doubt, that “SURELY goodness and mercy will follow us, all the days of our lives and we’ll dwell in the house of the Lord, forever” (Psalm 23). Amen!! 

Because we have a Good Shepherd, it’s really easy to pray (and praise!) a simple “Lead on, Good Shepherd.” Join me in that prayer this week?!

“Lead on, Good Shepherd

I′ll follow all my days

There ain't nothing sweeter

Than to watch You make a way

You′ve walked me through the valley

But You never steered me wrong

So lead on, Good Shepherd

Lead on”

 

Make Every Week Count: Parenting, Grandparenting & Spiritual Mentoring Resources

Something to Read: It’s not released yet, but I’d bet this will be an excellent read (and a realistic, relevant, much needed conversation in the Church!)! Pre-order a copy of “But What Do I Wear?: The Biblical Story of Clothing, How It Helps Us Think About Getting Dressed…” by Caroline Saunders

Something to Listen to: Oh man, this is a beautiful new worship song that you’ll want in your playlist! It’s “He Will” by Francesca Battistelli

Something to Follow: Who doesn’t love a pretty and inspirational phone lock screen?! Hosanna Revival has a whole library of really lovely ones!

 

How Can You Pray? Prayer Requests and Praises from Roots Ministries

PRAY for whatever is next! Remember… “lead on, Good Shepherd!”

PRAISE for 2 Corinthians 1:20 - “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.”