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

I am so excited about the number of new families joining the church in the past year. These new families have brought many new children, and Katie has done a fantastic job in Kid's Club. I'm trying an experiment to connect our new families with a group called Friends Unleashed. Over the summer, we're going to do some fun weekend outings that are family-friendly so you can bring the kids with you. The...  Read More

He said,“I came naked from my mother’s womb,and I will be naked when I leave.The Lord gave me what I had,and the Lord has taken it away.Praise the name of the Lord!” God sets boundaries that are designed for our good, even when they involve denying our desires. Understanding that these boundaries are rooted in divine wisdom and love helps us accept and embrace them, fostering deeper spiritual matu...  Read More

This past Saturday, we had our quarterly Parent's Day Out.  This quarter's was themed Mad Science.  The Big Kids had fun doing different science projects - they made playdough, Elephant Toothpaste, bouncy balls and more!  ...  Read More

It’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself. While technology can significantly enhance our ability to connect with others, it can also become a barrier to meaningful relationships if not used wisely. The wisdom of Proverbs 25 reminds us that moderation is key in all things, including our engagement with technology. Reflecting on our technology use allows us ...  Read More

May 4th is International Firefighters Day. On Sunday May 5th at their local 12:00 pm, Firehouses and others all over the country will pause to remember the men and women who are no longer with them by sounding off. Since we won't be together at that moment, I encourage you to take a moment to stop and pray for all of those who will be remembering a lost friend or loved one..You might notice if you...  Read More

32 David replied to Abigail, “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent you to meet me today! 33 Thank God for your good sense! Bless you for keeping me from murder and from carrying out vengeance with my own hands. Navigating family dynamics requires wisdom, especially when confronted with unwise or harmful behaviors. Inspired by the story of Abigail, we learn the importance of acting with...  Read More