VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL -- “Planting + Sprouting + Growing + Producing + Picking!”

Dear Friends in Christ:

This is what is going on this week at Abiding Love’s “SON HARVEST COUNTY FAIR”. That’s the theme for this year’s VBS, Sunday—Friday, July 20—25. Each day, the children attending are being challenged to:
GROW “LOVE”
SPROUT “JOY”
PLANT “PEACE”
PRODUCE “PATIENCE”
PICK “KINDNESS”
These are five of the “Fruits of the Spirit” that St. Paul mentions in Galatians 5:22. A wonderful group of youth and adult teachers, coordinators, and other leaders are serving! “Thanks be to God!”

I would like to challenge you all to join us in a “Summer Bible Study” by using the following outline:
Day 1 Theme: GROW LOVE
Jesus’ Life Shows Love… Matthew 4:23-25; 26:3-4; Luke 2:4-7, 52; 23:33-34; 24
Because Jesus showed God’s love to us, we can show His love to others.
“[Jesus said,] ‘My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.’” —John 15:12

Day 2 Theme: SPROUT JOY
Joyfully Found: One Sheep and a Coin… Luke 15:1-10
God’s gift of salvation brings great joy and causes us to be thankful.
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” —Psalm 126:3

Day 3 Theme: PLANT PEACE
Don’t Worry—Have Peace… Matthew 4:23-25; 6:25-34; 7:28-29
When we depend on God’s care, His peace helps us not to worry.
“My peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” —John 14:27

Day 4 Theme: PRODUCE PATIENCE
A Father’s Patience Pays Off… Luke 15:11-24
God is patient with us and he can help us be patient with others.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” —Ephesians 4:2

Day 5 Theme: PICK KINDNESS
An Unlikely Hero—The Kind Samaritan… Luke 10:25-37
We show our love for God by being kind and compassionate to others.
“Always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” —1 Thessalonians 5:15

On behalf of the children, parents, and congregation, I want to thank everyone who is making this event possible! Our Christian Education Board, Tammy Santos, Director, is the sponsor. Melissa Kikta is the VBS Coordinator.

I, also, say “thank you” to our Christian Service Board, Tom Hokanson, Director, for sponsoring the “Community Service Week” emphasis providing children’s books, food, school supplies, clothing, and money in support of five special ministries. Thank you to everyone who has “given back the blessings”!

It’s ALL About Love! Thanks be to God!

—Pastor David Fetter

♥ ♥ ♥

A Mountaintop Experience!

Dear Friends in Christ:

It was good to be away, and it’s good to be back from my continuing education retreat in the mountains of Colorado. Mary and I had an inspiring, restful, joyful, and challenging experience from the lectures, the fellowship, the worship times, and the beautiful scenery, weather, and wildlife. The words of Jesus in this past Sunday’s Gospel reading (Matthew 11:28) are so true: “Come to me, all that are weary… and I will give you rest.”

Jesus himself identifies with us in this human need. Later in Matthew’s Gospel we read (14:23): “After Jesus had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray.” Thanks be to God for such special times!

While in Colorado, we were also able to spend some free time visiting some local artists and crafts persons. Mary and I have both some of the same as well as different interests. We try to respect that. So, one day I found myself in a “Quilting Store”. As I was trying my best to appreciate this place, I was surprised when I came across a table that contained a variety of Christian literature, etc.! One book immediately caught my eye. It was titled “Dear Jesus”, by Sarah Young. As I opened the book’s cover, I read these words: “Seeking His light in your life… From your heart’s deepest cry to life’s joyful praises, you can bring everything to Jesus! Come confidently into His presence and find out what He has to say about your intimate longings and struggles. Draw closer to the One who understands you perfectly and loves you eternally. He’s waiting to hear from you.”

The book contains a series of prayers followed by answers from Jesus, and accompanying quotations from the Bible that support the prayer concerns. I share one of these prayers and answers with the hope that it speaks to your need:

(Prayer…)
Dear Jesus,
I desperately need to learn how to live in the present moment. My mind so easily slips into the future, where worries abound. I also spend way too much time analyzing things in the past. Meanwhile, splendors of the present moment parade before me, and I’m too preoccupied to notice. Part of the problem is my tendency to strive for self-sufficiency. Help me learn to rest in Your sufficiency, depending on You more and more. Amen.

(Answer…)
Beloved, you need My grace in order to live in the present. Grace is all about My provision for you, and accepting that goes against the grain of your natural tendencies. Do you really believe My grace is sufficient for you? If so, then it makes sense to stop your anxious striving. My grace is indeed sufficient for every situation you will ever encounter. However, you must learn to receive My provisions by looking to Me continually. Each day you face a number of situations requiring My help. Moment by moment. I offer to you the needed assistance. Your part is to recognize your neediness and receive what I offer. My Presence is with you always, providing everything you need. Don’t worry about tomorrow’s needs. My sufficiency is for one day at a time—today!

“But Jesus said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

—Pastor David Fetter