Christians around the world must have different ideas about the word "freedom," likely influenced by the politics of their country. American Christians tend to think of freedom as a right, or often times as permission to pursue happiness in whatever way you might choose.
The freedom Christ gives is something different. Eugene Peterson translates Galatians 5:16-17 this way: "Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness."
I found that interesting, so I looked it up in my trusty NIV, which says: " So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
Both versions bring us back to a basic (the basic?) truth of Christianity, one which we usually choose to ignore: people are prone to sin. But that is what makes the freedom that Christ gives so amazing.
As a teenager in the Bible belt, Christianity was primarily about "don't do this," or more accurately, "we don't do this [and so we're better than you].
Now I know that 1) we failed to recognize the problem of sin in ourselves and in the world. We are not better than anyone. 2) we failed to move past the do not's and move in to the do's. Left to our own nature, we will inevitably choose the wrong thing; we'll fall short. But with the freedom Christ gives, we now have the capacity for love, kindness, faithfulness, and joy, in all circumstances.
Freedom in Christ is not about being able to do whatever you want, (and its also not merely about abstaining from things). Freedom in Christ is not about being able to do whatever you want; it is the new ability to do things far greater than you ever dreamed of wanting.
6/30/11
6/23/11
new question
"How can I get our little boy to church more regularly when we live so far away?"
This question is a little tricky because if I could, I would just put the family on a lightning bolt so they could get to church in a flash, saving time and avoiding traffic. But if distance is the biggest problem, that's something I can't change. A few thoughts do come to mind though. The first ideas have to do with getting you to church and the others, with getting the church to you.
Disclaimer: I don't claim to be any kind of expert when I answer these types of questions. I take from what I've heard, add in my own experiences, and ask for everyone to join in the discussion. I hope that these questions will help everyone to share the things they've learned and strengthen our NPC/Children Ministry community.
First of all, pray. Since this is a challenge, it will take motivation, commitment, and maybe some creativity. Ask God to show you what you need to do. Ask that he would give you what is needed--from a motivated and joyful attitude, to the time you'll need to get ready, get going, and get here, to whatever else it is you need to overcome the obstacle.
1. Remember why it is important to you. Generally, I find that when something is really important (or mandatory) people make every effort to include the important thing in their life. You obviously see church as important, but ask youself HOW important is this to me? WHY do I think its so important? Eugene Peterson wrote that "Worship does not satisfy our hunger for God--it whets our appetite." (To me that is why church is important. Sometimes on the one hand, I only see church as my job, and on the other hand I want one hour in a special place to be the answer all my problems. But whetting my appetite... for if I have no appetite for God, then I'm starving without realizing it. And then what?)
But think it through for yourself and maybe you can write that down and place it somewhere you'll see it, as extra encouragement. The reminder may also make it seem like less of a task, and more of a joy, inspiring a "we can do it" attitude.
2. Reinforce to your son why it is important to you. I'm not sure how old your son is, but it can't hurt to fill him in on your committment to church. Maybe you have taught your child why to hold your hand while crossing the street, or why to say "please" and "thank you." Make him a part of the team committed to church, by explaining why you find it important. This also helps reinforce your own positive language about getting to church and making it work.
3. Change your routine. What is it specifically that makes the distance a big challenge? Is it early mornings? Is there too much to do before you can get out the door? Is it closed bridges? When Dr. Robbie Castleman was here two Januarys ago, speaking from her book Parenting in the Pew, she mentioned the idea of beginning Sunday worship on Saturday evening. Slow down the pace, get to bed early, anticipate the next morning, get clothes and breakfast as prepared as possible before you fall asleep. I know this is easier said than done, but practice makes perfect(?), and worship takes commitment. Talk with other parents about what works for them.
4. Don't give up when you can't make it. Every other summer when I was kid, my family and all my aunts, uncles, and cousins would go to the beach together. It was basically the only time I ever missed church (we were that family), but even on those weeks when we weren't at the church, we worshipped together. On the Sundays when you just can't make it, wake up and gather with your family anyway--even if its just two of you there. Sing, pray, read scripture, reflect on how God is at work in your life, marvel at God's creation. Keep Sunday--even just an hour on Sunday--a special time set apart for God, whereever you happen to be.
5. Find a nearby mid-week program for your son and a friend. Unfortunately, we don't have any mid-week program for kids at NPC. Maybe someday we can get that going someday, but it still might not solve your problem of making it all the way here. But maybe you could get to a church close by you on a Wednesday evening, easier than you could get here on a Sunday morning (don't get me wrong--we want you hear on Sundays too!!!). Maybe your son has a friend at school who attends a nearby church, and the two could grow in their friendship and their knowledge of God together during the week.
6. Talk to your deacons about local gatherings. I am positive you are not the only one who finds it a challenge to get to church regularly when you live far away. I am positive you are not the only one with a child who finds it a challenage to get to church regularly when you live far away. Talk to your deacons about getting together with other families in your parish or in nearby parishes, to worship, serve, or just hang out other.
7. Remind children's ministry to get outside our building. Oops. Children's Ministry basically only happens here on campus. We can get to where you are too. Talk to Jill and the children's committee about brainstorming ways for getting beyond our walls.
This question is a little tricky because if I could, I would just put the family on a lightning bolt so they could get to church in a flash, saving time and avoiding traffic. But if distance is the biggest problem, that's something I can't change. A few thoughts do come to mind though. The first ideas have to do with getting you to church and the others, with getting the church to you.
Disclaimer: I don't claim to be any kind of expert when I answer these types of questions. I take from what I've heard, add in my own experiences, and ask for everyone to join in the discussion. I hope that these questions will help everyone to share the things they've learned and strengthen our NPC/Children Ministry community.
First of all, pray. Since this is a challenge, it will take motivation, commitment, and maybe some creativity. Ask God to show you what you need to do. Ask that he would give you what is needed--from a motivated and joyful attitude, to the time you'll need to get ready, get going, and get here, to whatever else it is you need to overcome the obstacle.
1. Remember why it is important to you. Generally, I find that when something is really important (or mandatory) people make every effort to include the important thing in their life. You obviously see church as important, but ask youself HOW important is this to me? WHY do I think its so important? Eugene Peterson wrote that "Worship does not satisfy our hunger for God--it whets our appetite." (To me that is why church is important. Sometimes on the one hand, I only see church as my job, and on the other hand I want one hour in a special place to be the answer all my problems. But whetting my appetite... for if I have no appetite for God, then I'm starving without realizing it. And then what?)
But think it through for yourself and maybe you can write that down and place it somewhere you'll see it, as extra encouragement. The reminder may also make it seem like less of a task, and more of a joy, inspiring a "we can do it" attitude.
2. Reinforce to your son why it is important to you. I'm not sure how old your son is, but it can't hurt to fill him in on your committment to church. Maybe you have taught your child why to hold your hand while crossing the street, or why to say "please" and "thank you." Make him a part of the team committed to church, by explaining why you find it important. This also helps reinforce your own positive language about getting to church and making it work.
3. Change your routine. What is it specifically that makes the distance a big challenge? Is it early mornings? Is there too much to do before you can get out the door? Is it closed bridges? When Dr. Robbie Castleman was here two Januarys ago, speaking from her book Parenting in the Pew, she mentioned the idea of beginning Sunday worship on Saturday evening. Slow down the pace, get to bed early, anticipate the next morning, get clothes and breakfast as prepared as possible before you fall asleep. I know this is easier said than done, but practice makes perfect(?), and worship takes commitment. Talk with other parents about what works for them.
4. Don't give up when you can't make it. Every other summer when I was kid, my family and all my aunts, uncles, and cousins would go to the beach together. It was basically the only time I ever missed church (we were that family), but even on those weeks when we weren't at the church, we worshipped together. On the Sundays when you just can't make it, wake up and gather with your family anyway--even if its just two of you there. Sing, pray, read scripture, reflect on how God is at work in your life, marvel at God's creation. Keep Sunday--even just an hour on Sunday--a special time set apart for God, whereever you happen to be.
5. Find a nearby mid-week program for your son and a friend. Unfortunately, we don't have any mid-week program for kids at NPC. Maybe someday we can get that going someday, but it still might not solve your problem of making it all the way here. But maybe you could get to a church close by you on a Wednesday evening, easier than you could get here on a Sunday morning (don't get me wrong--we want you hear on Sundays too!!!). Maybe your son has a friend at school who attends a nearby church, and the two could grow in their friendship and their knowledge of God together during the week.
6. Talk to your deacons about local gatherings. I am positive you are not the only one who finds it a challenge to get to church regularly when you live far away. I am positive you are not the only one with a child who finds it a challenage to get to church regularly when you live far away. Talk to your deacons about getting together with other families in your parish or in nearby parishes, to worship, serve, or just hang out other.
7. Remind children's ministry to get outside our building. Oops. Children's Ministry basically only happens here on campus. We can get to where you are too. Talk to Jill and the children's committee about brainstorming ways for getting beyond our walls.
Parents, join the discussion! What other thoughts or answers do you have regarding this question?
6/16/11
church as a mission
 |
| syncing The Jesus Film |
The kids who came to the event heard from a Wycliffe missionary about her family's experience in the communities they worked with. Our kids also made cards and bookmarks telling of God's love, to send with NPC's Keith Patman as he traveled to Central Africa to do this work.
 |
| tiny toads |
I got back from Central Africa last week. The Church as a Mission potluck seems like a long time ago, but since it was just last week that I gave the translators the bookmarks the kids made, I thought I'd send you a follow-up and some photos.
 |
| translation team |
After spending the first 2 weeks checking Bible translation in 2 languages in Chad, I went to Bangui, Central African Republic to lead The Jesus Film workshop. Teams from 8 languages completed work on synchronizing their scripts with the action on the screen. They also produced Scripture-based booklets in their languages.
 |
| materials in 8 languages and npc gifts |
Last Wednesday we had a closing ceremony. Each of the 8 teams received a stack of the materials they'd published in their languages during the workshop, and on top of each pile were 2 envelopes from the NPC kids. The translators appreciated this gesture and were also very glad to receive the additional video players that the adults at the potluck provided through their contributions.
6/6/11
favorite things
Last Sunday
I asked a few kids
"What was the best thing
about Sunday School/your Sunday School teachers
this year?"
...
"Chapel is probably my favorite."
"I like when we get to act in the plays."
"Our teachers are like...very tolerant of us. They're very patient."
...
Thank you parents and Sunday School teachers for making this year great!
Hear more answers to kids favorite things, and get a chance to thank teachers at our special chapel this Sunday, June 12. Remember, its a "reversed" schedule- so parents, meet with Jill at 9:15 in the gym while kids go to Sunday School; we'll meet back together for chapel at 9:50.
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