Author Archives: hydesvillechurch

Coffee? On purpose.

by

1

coffeepurpose

To help us remember our goals in a simple way we are using the phrase “Connect, Grow, Serve, Go!”  Of those four, “serve”, is probably the most challenging.   It takes extra effort and purpose to make time in our schedules that focuses primarily on others…or so it seems.  When we think of “Connect” it is about US connecting.  “Grow” is about US growing, “GO!” is about US going, but making time to “Serve” is about…um…somebody else!

If you are not involved in serving and would like to be, here is a great way to start.  On Sunday mornings most of us are met by a warm and friendly environment, a cup of coffee and a selection of donuts. We have the opportunity to visit with friends and encourage each other before the service begins.  But of course that means there is always someone “serving” in order to make it a nice atmosphere for everyone else.  Would you like to be a part of the coffee team? If so, contact the HCC church office at 768-3767.  Thank you!

Beautiful Conversations

by

1

ht17

One of the joys I have in my work is in introducing (or reintroducing) people and watch as they find common ground and ways to encourage each other.  Those from different generations have the potential to be a tremendous support and encouragement to each other.  The one who is seasoned by the experience of walking with the Lord for years has volumes of wisdom on the perplexities of life.  Younger generations have an energy-packed enthusiasm and unbridled passion for dreams yet to be..both have different perspectives that can bless the other.  It warms the heart to watch people reach out to each other with mutual respect.

This is an aspect in the life of the church that often is unavailable in other social circles. We tend to spend the lions share of our time with people who are much like ourselves – in age, in economic circumstance, in culture and tradition.  But richness comes from breaking out from some of those circles and seeing the world through another’s eyes.  And therein lies some beautiful conversations.

 

Children Playing:Music In The Key of Life

by

1

baby_musicIt’s a gray day out there.  In Humboldt County we have had a few days of glorious sunshine and so it is with a tad of disappointment that this day is starting under the cover of clouds. Funny, how we can be affected by the weather.  However, as in much of life, gray days can be greeted with a change in perspective that changes everything.

So while it is gray outside, inside the church building there is a colorful array of tables, foods and flowers and the buzz of happy activity as the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) moms meet.  One can sense the multitasking, high energy and early morning activity that has already taken place just for these moms to get in the door.  The nurture and care of little ones is a high calling, but it doesn’t feel that way in the day-to-day “clean up on aisle 15” ambiance that fills the home of a preschooler, or two or three.

And so these moms meet, and once the little ones are settled into the play area with the caregivers, one sees the look of relief on the moms faces as they travel down the hall for a little adult conversation, a delicious meal and a time and space to breathe freely.  Down the hall from my office I hear the happy sound of children playing:  Music in the key of life. MOPS is an oasis of cheer during a pressure-filled season of life.

And so, while the sky is gray outside the inside environment here is warm and sunny. There is nothing like a caring group of friends traveling along together, helping each other through the messy yet fulfilling like of a preschooler mom.

Putting on Clothes

by

0

clothes

I can’t read Ephesians 6:10-20 without thinking of that dear friend and mentor of mine, Mary Couchman.  I imagine now that heaven echos with her laughter.  She taught me some important life and ministry lessons, and among them was how to put on clothes.

Admiring the relationship that Mary, and her husband, Leonard, had with the Lord I asked Mary to teach a workshop on prayer several years ago.  She said yes, and while she was in her eighties chronologically, her zest and spirit for life made her more “young” and vibrant of heart than people half her age.  Mary talked about the “armor of God” and how to suit up every day, ready for a spiritual battle.  She explained how to pray as we put on clothes for the day.  As we studied this passage in Ephesians she would point out, “when you are putting on your shirt or blouse, pray as I “put on the breastplate of righteousness.”  While putting on shoes think of “having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”

Mary’s words reminded me that a desire to increase my prayer life can be done in the hum and rhythm of everyday activities.  It’s finding ways to keep Jesus foremost in our hearts and minds.  Oh, that I would learn more from Mary’s example.

Open Door

by

1

opendoor

“For I was hungry, and you fed me.  I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.  I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.”  Matthew 25:35

Our fascination with social media pinpoints the fact that we long for significant relationships.  For all the opportunity we have to keep connected to hundreds of people’s lives we still, as a society, are a lonely people.  We may have crowds of acquaintances but still feel the lack of deep bonds with people for whom we truly care for, and feel safe in their presence.

Nothing takes the place of being present – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  We long for that “glad welcome” into our lives that says, “welcome, come in, I’m glad you are here.”

The basis of the Hospitality Home Tour that the Women’s Ministry at Hydesville Community Church is sponsoring this week is to give our ladies a taste of that “glad welcome.”  Truly, if we felt more at ease to welcome people into our imperfect homes, then we would have the opportunity to welcome people into our lives and hearts.

And that is a good connection.

 

Children Singing

by

0

kidssing copy

What is more joyful than to hear children singing?  We are tremendously blessed to have our Children’s Ministry Director, Kelly Losey, who orchestrates such times for our children and our congregation.  Singing is a way to remember important concepts about who God is, His love for us, and His promises to His people.  We grow spiritually when we learn to sing and trust God even during troubled times.  It’s a part of worship and a happy part of the Christian life.