Tag: Christianity

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Christianity

Article: Barryton, MI Church Changing the Story

little girl helping her brother with homework
Photo by olia danilevich on Pexels.com

I had the pleasure of interviewing a pastor and his wife about a Michigan church that helped their school during COVID and how churches make a difference.

Barryton Church of God in Michigan changes the story by helping their local elementary school during the COVID-19 crisis

Here is a link to a PDF of the article.

Michigan Church Changing the StoryDownload

The church is making a difference by working with what they have and where they are at. Gerald Rosely is the pastor at the church. His wife, Veronica, noticed there were some teachers and school administrators that attended the church.

Before COVID-19 affected the community, Veronica had begun a ministry with the Barryton, Michigan elementary school. When everything changed in 2020, she realized the church needed even more help and sprung into action.

I love how this church is reaching out and making a difference instead of turning inward. It is a great example of how we can all make a positive impact if we open our eyes and see what needs are in our own communities.

Churches really do make a difference!

Categories
motivation

Is Your Soul for Sale?

What have you sold your soul to today?

  • Is it media?
    • Your favorite news source?
    • Social Media?
    • Music
  • Gossip?
    • Celebrity gossip?
    • Workplace gossip?
  • The promise of quick relief through a chemical?
    • Legal?
    • Illegal
    • Prescribed?

Mark Batterson’s quote struck a nerve with me:

Quote by Mark Batterson: "Not many people sell their souls to the devil, but many of us sell our souls to the culture."

We sell our souls daily. What are you selling it to? Make sure it is a wise investment.

Categories
Sermon Notes Sketch notes

Sketch Notes: Because He Lives, All Fear is Gone

Sermon sketch notes based on "Because He Lives, All Fear is Gone."
I took these sketch notes at Salem Church of God in Clayton, Ohio

This sketch note page is from yesterday’s sermon at my church. Pastor Steve Southards from Salem Church of God continued his sermon series based on the song, “Because He Lives” by Bill and Gloria Gaither.

I loved the tin pan illustration Pastor Southards shared at the end. His grandfather loved to garden. When Steve visited, he would see aluminum foil pie pans hung over the garden. His grandfather put them there to scare away the birds, deer and other animals that wanted the tasty fruits and vegetables. Steve observed if a bird was smart, he might look for the foil pans because that would signify something good was nearby.

Too often, what scares us could actually hide the blessing we desire the most. Great sermon, as always from Pastor Southards.

Categories
church cartoons Easter holiday

No Easter Egg-stravaganza here

Cartoon of a pastor and a boy with an Easter egg basket. The Pastor says, "Eggstravaganza was yesterday. There's no Easter eggs up here."
Judging by this cartoon, perhaps I have Egg-stravaganza PTSD. I have been through my fair share of Easter egg hunting events. It can take over a church before you know it.

In fact, if the egg hunt was inside, the pulpit would undoubtedly be used as a hiding spot. I am guessing the pastor knows that is the case and he his hiding the really good chocolate, peanut butter eggs inside the pulpit. I know that is where my grandfather hid the really good treats from his grandkids. 

I drew this cartoon for the Church of God ENewsletter.

 

Categories
CHOG News Newsletters

Why should I let my light shine?

cartoon of two men. One says, I would like to let my light shine, But I'm afraid I would be accused of arson.
This cartoon appeared in the January, 2015 CHOG News e-newsletter

 

Thanks to Jesus words in Matthew 5:16, Christians love to go around talking about letting our lights shine. As an introvert, that verse has sounded like a threat to me instead of a dose of encouragement. If I let my light shine, do I reveal something I may later regret? Will I look like a fool because what I shone light on was a nice, little skeleton in someone’s closet?

Then again, whenever I listen to the news and hear the latest doom and gloom about the latest crime, terrorist attack or miscellaneous dirty deed, I realize the world could use a little more brightening.

Should I let my light shine? What’s the alternative? Do I sit around and watch the world get darker and scarier? Or do I do something good with what I have? Should I be concerned someone will take my good deeds and turn them into something horrible like arson?

Dr. Martin Luther King went endured abuse and lost his life in the name of civil rights. If we do good, can we expect abuse? Yes, people who go against the status quo and reveal darkness can expect pushback. But light and love must prevail.

On this Martin Luther King day, I am reminded of one of his quotes:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

Martin Luther King, Jr. at brainyquote.com

Should I let my light shine? Yes, I’ll do the best I can. It’s the only way to drive out the darkness.