I serve as the Content and Community Manager for The Network, a role that I truly love. I have a passion for connecting people and am grateful to see how God is at work in the CRC and beyond. I'd love to answer any of your questions and help you get involved!
Thank you for sharing this, Michele! You are speaking so much truth (in grace) in this post. I just started reading the book Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family and am finding much overlap with what you just wrote, especially as it relates to recognizing our own brokenness (and our own need for God's grace and forgiveness every single day) and also remembering that we are "ambassadors of God" and that "we are tools in the hand of God to bring change, but we can't change our children."
Amen, Michele to "our tendency to emphasize behavior without tying it to the gospel." This is new to me but it makes so much sense. When we are daily reminded of our own dependence on God's extravagant grace, it DOES create a change in us (and our kids). But focusing just on behavior for behavior's sake does not have the same impact.
I hope to grow in financial generosity this Lent. My pastor has been challenging us to grow in generosity and lately I have been hearing God call me to think about giving outside of my (carefully calculated) comfort zone. I also want to be, at the core, a cheerful giver.
Thanks Jim! I hope that sharing the Gospel is central to everything we are trying to do. Is your church planning any special events to bring people in (and together) this winter?
Thanks for unpacking the reasons your church does what it does, Gary. I love that you have coffee before church to welcome new faces and also serve those who come to church early (staff, praise teams, etc.). Also appreciate how you mentioned the blessing that the servers receive in serving and getting to know others. Seeing this role as a privilege changes the whole outlook!
Interesting observation, Hetty, and a good conversation to start I think. I hope that people still do invite others into their homes on a regular basis and this is a huge opportunity to build deeper relationships (great idea on children having friends over).
Posted in: Is There Still a Place for Church Libraries?
I LOVE this Debbie! I personally think the library is an amazing resource for church members and such a smart, faith-forming idea.
Posted in: What Refreshments (If Any) Does Your Church Offer Before or After Worship?
Andrea, thank you so much for sharing. Love that you get outdoors and also love that you purchase fair-trade coffee. Thoughtful buying choice!
Posted in: What Refreshments (If Any) Does Your Church Offer Before or After Worship?
Any ideas on what kinds of healthier options might work well for churches? I'm thinking fruit but wonder if there are other options.
Posted in: "That Was the Best Thing I Heard Today"
This might be the best thing I read this week. Thanks for sharing, Ron!
Posted in: Sinners Parenting Sinners
Thank you for sharing this, Michele! You are speaking so much truth (in grace) in this post. I just started reading the book Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family and am finding much overlap with what you just wrote, especially as it relates to recognizing our own brokenness (and our own need for God's grace and forgiveness every single day) and also remembering that we are "ambassadors of God" and that "we are tools in the hand of God to bring change, but we can't change our children."
Posted in: Sinners Parenting Sinners
Amen, Michele to "our tendency to emphasize behavior without tying it to the gospel." This is new to me but it makes so much sense. When we are daily reminded of our own dependence on God's extravagant grace, it DOES create a change in us (and our kids). But focusing just on behavior for behavior's sake does not have the same impact.
Posted in: What Is One Way You Hope to Grow Spiritually This Lent?
I hope to grow in financial generosity this Lent. My pastor has been challenging us to grow in generosity and lately I have been hearing God call me to think about giving outside of my (carefully calculated) comfort zone. I also want to be, at the core, a cheerful giver.
Posted in: What Outreach Events Are Happening at Your Church This Winter?
Thanks Jim! I hope that sharing the Gospel is central to everything we are trying to do. Is your church planning any special events to bring people in (and together) this winter?
Posted in: Justice, Grace, and Worth: Rachael Denhollander's Victim Impact Statement
"Forgiveness still requires justice." Amen!
Posted in: What Refreshments (If Any) Does Your Church Offer Before or After Worship?
Thanks for sharing Michele! The prep is helpful. Also, the birthday treats sound delicious :)
Posted in: What Refreshments (If Any) Does Your Church Offer Before or After Worship?
Thanks for unpacking the reasons your church does what it does, Gary. I love that you have coffee before church to welcome new faces and also serve those who come to church early (staff, praise teams, etc.). Also appreciate how you mentioned the blessing that the servers receive in serving and getting to know others. Seeing this role as a privilege changes the whole outlook!
Posted in: What Refreshments (If Any) Does Your Church Offer Before or After Worship?
Interesting observation, Hetty, and a good conversation to start I think. I hope that people still do invite others into their homes on a regular basis and this is a huge opportunity to build deeper relationships (great idea on children having friends over).