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Hello friends! Happy May! This time of year makes me so happy! Though I haven’t had 

near enough time to tackle the weeds and mulching items on my to-do list, I am grateful for this spring-summer season we’re in! 

 

My calendar this month holds a lot of meetings, and though that has felt daunting as I look ahead, I’m reminded of what a gift it is to have so many of your willing spirits to work alongside as we continue the work on the kingdom in lots of different ways! 

It’s another Wednesday Roots Night this week! We’re coming down to the end of this year's gatherings, so don’t miss out on a great family meal and fellowship! Though Pastor Kevin’s Bible Study has concluded for the season, you’re still welcome to join the discipleship discussion group that is led by Mary Etta Reinhart and Kerri Kreider! As always, youth and elementary aged activities start at 6:30pm. Lil’ Roots are wearing their class colors - PreK: Yellow, K-1: Green, 2-3rd: Blue, 4-5th: Red!

On Friday morning, the new Mother’s Ministry will meet again! I’m proud of Paige Herr for working to bring this ministry that she is passionate about to life! If you’re a mom of littles, or know moms of littles, invite them to join! There’s more information on our website.

I’m very close to being finished with our report from the D6 Conference two weeks ago! There’s SO much information to process! I am excited about what God revealed to us as things to celebrate in our Family Ministry endeavors as well as areas for us to continue to work on! Watch the Gathering Area and my email next week for the full report!

I will be in and out of the office this week as my family will be celebrating the life of my grandfather, Jim Garber, who went to be with Jesus last week. I’m looking forward to honoring all of our moms, grandmas, aunts and spiritual moms on Sunday for Mothers Day! 

 

What WE’RE Learning This Week: A nugget of what our Lil’, Youth and Adults Roots heard this week

Our Family Theme: Abundant Riches in Christ

Our Root Text: Ephesians 1:3–23

Verse of the Month: Ephesians 6:11

How Every Generation Lives This Out: Teach family members how to grow in their knowledge of God and how to use their attitudes and actions to demonstrate thankfulness for His blessings.

 

What I’M Learning This Week: Sharing what I’m reading and listening to lately

As I shared above, my Grandfather passed away last week. He was 92 years old, and lived a full and beautiful life. He and my grandma would be married for 70 years this June. They had six children, 24 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren. Yes, we’re quite the tribe! He claims “it all started with a walk in the park” with my Grandma. 

Grandpa never missed a birthday phone call, he was persistent in prayer, he loved Grandma unconditionally, but more than any of that, he loved the Lord deeply. By the grace of God, that legacy of faithful following after Jesus has rippled out to all 110+ of us. There is no doubt in my mind that when he met up with Jesus in heaven last week, he heard “well done, good and faithful servant.” 

I’m recalling David’s words in Psalm 61 as I think on Grandpa Garber’s legacy. In this Psalm David is “feeling faint and inadequate, found assurance in the strength of his Rock and encouragement in God’s enduring promises.” It’s hard to imagine, but I’m sure like any believer, my Grandpa had seasons in his walk with the Lord where he too, felt like David, pleading with God to “lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (vs 2). Because of Grandpa’s faithfulness, I can pray verse 5 in gratitude, “For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.” Grandpa's days were many, “his years for many generations” (vs 6). Now, that lucky guy is in the midst of “God’s presence for ever” (vs 7), “singing the praise of His name” (vs 8). 

A lot in my world has been hard and heavy this year. I, like David, have been feeling faint of heart more times than not in the past several months. But, thanks be to God, because of a “heritage of those who fear your name”, I too can claim the Lord as my “refuge and strong tower” (vs 3).  

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus, come. 

 

Make Every Week Count: Parenting, Grandparenting & Spiritual Mentoring Resources

Something to Read: Just got this book, it’s a great conversation starter for helping the Lil’ Roots in our lives to unpack the big emotions that we all have inside of us! Check out What to Do with Your Whirly, Swirly Thoughts!

Something to Listen to: This song has been popping around on Instagram for a while, but it’s a really precious testament to what it looks like to do family discipleship. Listen to The Sacred Mess, it seems like a fitting nod to Mother’s Day!

Something to Follow: Another good episode from the Focus on the Family Podcast… Preparing for the Empty Nest Years

 

How Can You Pray? Prayer Requests and Praises from Roots Ministries

PRAY for another group of our Church Board. This week let’s pray for our Property Commission members as they work to make decisions on behalf of our physical building and property. 

PRAISE for those who shared their musical gifts with us through singing and ringing yesterday!