C hildren ’s ministry
CONVERSING WITH GOD ON THE JOURNEY
TAKE BOLD STEPS IN 2020 *Plan to travel with a Purpose* Mt. Hood, Oregon’s Camp Arrah Wanna April 17 - 19
I started to notice that when on a journey I was most open to seeing God. Yes, it is true that God was there at home waiting to reveal truths but it was harder to empty myself of responsibilities to notice and receive them. I began to see the vastness of God as I travelled. Experiencing God’s geological masterpieces in the Cascades of the Northwest as I backpacked to the base of Mount Jefferson. Feeling in my body the difficulty of pedaling up and down hills in the head winds of the Columbia River Gorge. Listening to the crash of the angry ocean winter waves while walking down a secluded Oregon beach. Delighting in the taste of the blueberry orchards of the Willamette Valley. God knew this was the time that we communicated the best. Seeing, feeling, listening, tasting and even struggling was the way of learning for me. The practice of 40 days of Lent is a similar journey of stepping out of the mundane and becoming acutely aware of God. In my mind’s eye I can see the Via Dolorosa in the old walled city of Jerusalem. There are very small postings along the rocky road that commemorates the stages of the cross. One really must be looking for them to find them. The modern city buzzes outside the walls. People walk by and never notice. I sip the tart sweetness of freshly pressed pomegranate juice. The greatest event in history would be easy to overlook if one is not looking. The journey is intentional and so must be our personal Lenten journey this year.
Blessings on your journey, Pastor Cheryl
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Confer with other American Baptists of the west how to lead our church in the process of “Growing Young” in this new decade.
*SUMMER 2020* Kodiak Island, Alaska to the Kodiak Baptist Mission June 21 - 27 Along with other westerners, work, serve, worship, and discuss together what our American Baptist churches can offer in this new decade.
*Bold Steps* • • •
Challenge yourself Share your ideas Seek understanding of God’s presence: In community In study In work In the natural world
*Traveling with a Purpose is a Life Changer* Contact Pastor Cheryl for more information.
Junior Disciples Winter Campfire Sunday, March 15, 4:30-6:00 p.m. Bring a Friend Pastor Cheryl’s House Warm clothes necessary More information? 951-640-3616
