21 Finally, the time came for him to marry her. “I have fulfilled my agreement,” Jacob said to Laban. “Now give me my wife so I can sleep with her.”22 So Laban invited everyone in the neighborhood and prepared a wedding feast. 23 But that night, when it was dark, Laban took Leah to Jacob, and he slept with her. Understanding the historical and cultural background of biblical stories helps us grasp...  Read More

Today, we embark on a journey through the story arc of the Bible, focusing on the life of Jacob. Jacob's story is a complex one, filled with family drama that could rival any modern soap opera. He ends up with four wives and twelve sons, all of whom have their own conflicts. This summer, we will delve into the historical and cultural contexts of these biblical stories to better understand their si...  Read More

Last week, I took time away to plan the remainder of 2024 in regards to worship. I love spending this time with God and listening to where he wants our church to go. Most importantly, how he wants our energy to be spent. I'm a firm believer that when this type of work is done in advance, it makes it easier to adapt to all the things life throws our way. I have seen this come true so many times in m...  Read More

A 5-Week Series from the Old Testament on JUDGES, RUTH, & SAMUEL .  For a lot of us, recess is one of our favorite parts of the school day. We get to play dodgeball, hopscotch, or race our friends around the play area. Recess helps us to stay active so we can grow strong, but it also gives us a chance to grow in our relationships. In this five-week series, kids will discover through the stories in...  Read More

A Story Arc is one or more consecutive comic book issues that define a story with a beginning, middle, and end.The Bible is not just a collection of stories but a saga that intertwines with our own lives. It's the tale of Yahweh and Adam, the prodigal son and his ever-gracious heavenly father, humanity in its rebellion and God in its grace. This narrative begins with Eden and concludes once creati...  Read More

When you go to war, your people will serve you willingly. You are arrayed in holy garments, and your strength will be renewed each day like the morning dew. The way we express joy and enjoyment in our faith practices can serve as a powerful testimony to those around us. When others observe us genuinely enjoying our faith, it becomes an inviting beacon for them to explore what makes our community diff...  Read More

In 2019, Circle of Friends Services became a division of the Florida United Methodist Children's Home, now known as Residing Hope. This was a very important and vital addition to the growing range of services being provided by the Children's Home at that time. By providing trauma-based therapy to children and families at an earlier point, it was possible to avoid the need for higher levels of care...  Read More

They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— Prioritizing shared experiences of joy not only enhances individual enjoyment but also strengthens community bonds. By filling our "fun buckets," we sustain ourselves through challenging times and create a welcoming environment for newcomers. This principle of s...  Read More

But instead, you dance and play;you slaughter cattle and kill sheep.You feast on meat and drink wine.You say, “Let’s feast and drink,for tomorrow we die!” Integrating fun into our faith journey is not only permissible but beneficial for our spiritual health and communal bonds. Scripture supports the idea that enjoying life's pleasures, like the Israelites did with food and celebration, is an integ...  Read More

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength. Laughter and joy are often underestimated in their capacity to heal and mend our inner brokenness. As we navigate life's challenges, integrating moments of genuine joy and laughter can significantly shift our perspective, helping us manage stress and sorrow more effectively. This integration of joy is not just a nice ...  Read More

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Joy in our spiritual journey is not merely a suggestion, but a divine command. Scripture repeatedly calls us to embrace joy as a fundamental a...  Read More

I delved into the scriptural basis for our discussion by referencing Ecclesiastes 8:15, which advocates for enjoyment in life as a gift from God amidst the toil of human endeavors. This set the stage for exploring how fun and laughter are not only permissible but also recommended in scripture to enhance our spiritual and communal life.Drawing from personal experiences and biblical narratives, such...  Read More