Journeying with Jesus

Karl Barth, the famous Swiss theologian once said “Take your Bible and take your newspaper, and read both. But interpret newspapers from your Bible.” Perhaps if Barth was with us today, he might replace “paper” with “app.” But, his point is well taken. We don’t do Christianity in a bubble. It is not a “private” religion, but one to be lived out in a community (the church) in the midst of a larger community (the world). And, we are called to look at the issues of our day through the lens of Scripture and avoid the temptation of letting our newspapers interpret the Bible. With that in mind, I invite you to join me monthly and wrestle with what it means to journey with Jesus in the world in which live.

So, what does it look like to be a Christian during the COVID crisis? Should Christians act, think or be any different than anyone else during this time? Peter, one of Jesus’ closest confidants wrote to the churches scattered throughout the ancient world to “be holy in all you do.” Holy means to be “set apart.” Paul was exhorting them to be different than the nonChristians who surrounded them. To act in accordance with the character of God. One recent author says this might come across at times as “weird.” Like if you find yourself caught up in a neighborhood gossip jam and refuse to engage in badmouthing a neighbor. You might be considered different, odd or yes, even weird, but weird in the best of ways.

So, how might we act “weird” when it comes to our current situation? Since a core teaching of Jesus is that we are to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mk 12:31) how might we “do” the pandemic differently than a person who hasn’t committed to Christian living? I think in part we ask the question “what act or set of behaviors (love) benefit those around me (neighbors) most? Simple, right? Maybe to understand but hard to live out. Biblical love always takes sacrifice. BY PASTOR RON GARNER Sacrificing our desires, our needs, our wants for the good of another person/people. Let me offer a silly example. If you told me that you have podophobia (the fear of feet), and you were coming to my house for dinner, the most loving action would be for me to forgo wearing my Keens. I love my Keens. In my will, I am going to ask to be buried in them. Sure, perhaps they are no longer fashionable but they are comfortable and keep my feet cool. But, what act benefits you most? For me to sacrifice my “right” to expose my tootsies, so I don’t inflame your foot fear. My love and concern for you should outweigh my desire to wear whatever I want to in the privacy of my home. Well, I think you already know where I am going. Yes, the mask debate.

I have some Christian friends who are making this issue about “rights” and “freedom.” As wonderful as those ideas are particularly for us Americans, these concepts, at least in how we understand them today, are foreign to the biblical writers. For example, when Paul talks about freedom in his letter to the Galatians, he means that a Christian is no longer bound to dietary laws or to rituals such as circumcision in order to be right with God. Jesus settled this at the cross. But, we shouldn’t use our newfound freedom from such obligations to indulge our desires but rather to “serve each other humbly in love.”

Honestly, I hate wearing a mask. It’s hot. It’s uncomfortable. But, I give up my “rights” of comfort to protect others from illness, particularly the most vulnerable. It’s not heroic, but it is a sacrifice. A small but significant way we can love our neighbor. To strongly encourage others to do the same might come across in some segments of our society as plain weird. But, weird in the best of ways. I believe this is in part what journeying with Jesus looks like during a pandemic.

contemporary worship casual dress sharing the love of Jesus

Sunrise & G3 come and see.

1111 Lewisville-Clemmons Road (336)712-8000 www.sunrise-umc.org | www.gathergrowgo.org After school care: Mary Potts (336) 941-7328 Join us outside on our shaded lawn for a socially distant worship service! Hope to see you Sundays at 10:30am

Healthy & Delicious After-School Snacks

BY LAUREN SEPHTON

After a long season of being home, it’s time to get back into the swing of things when it comes to feeding kids. To support a fresh and exciting rotation of after-school snacks, we’ve combined a list of fan favorites that keep life simple, clean, and delicious.

READY IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES:

Ants on a Log

Slice each celery stick diagonally into 2-3 pieces, then slather approximately one teaspoon nut butter of your choice on each piece. Replicate “ants” with dark chocolate chips, raisins, or chia seeds to make a miniature garden jungle.

A Nutritious Cinnamon Roll Smoothie

Blend 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, one-third cup oldfashioned rolled oats, 1 cup ice, 1½ frozen bananas, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup.

Chocolate Avocado Pudding

In a food processor, combine the 2 ripe avocados, 2 bananas, 6 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon to blend until smooth. Transfer the pudding to 2-4 small bowls to serve with fresh raspberries and additional chocolate shavings.

Zested Lime Guacamole & Tortilla Chips

Give your traditional guacamole a breakthrough flavor boost by mashing 2 ripe avocados in a small bowl, then mixing in the juice of 1 lime, 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and salt to taste. Serve with whole-grain tortilla chips for the ultimate savory satisfaction.

UNDER 15 MINUTES:

Italian Sub Pinwheels

For one serving size, place one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of plain hummus over the tortilla, then layer with 2 slices of turkey, 1 slice of provolone cheese, and 2 slices of salami. Evenly layer on some sweet pimentos, banana peppers, and fresh spinach. Carefully roll up the tortilla with the delicious fillings, then secure four even sections with a toothpick. Slice between each toothpick to create four Italian sub pinwheels.

Cookie Dough Energy Bites

In a food processor, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 1 cup (pitted and chopped) dates, 1 cup roasted almonds, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon sweetener (maple syrup or honey). Pulse until chopped and then process until ingredients are finely ground. Add up to 1 tablespoon ¼ cup mini-chocolate chips. Tightly press and roll together 1-2 tablespoons of batter per dough bite. Makes approximately 20 dough bites. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Apple Dipper Smorgasbord

Using a clean 12-cup muffin tin or 10-12 small bowls, place the following ingredients in individual cups: 2-3 apples (cored and sliced), ¼ cup cottage cheese, ¼ cup peanut butter or almond butter, ¼ cup jam or apple butter, ¼ cup yogurt, as well as a handful of shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, mini-chocolate chips, and bite-size-sliced cheddar cheese. A delicious mixture of textures and tastes to let your kid(s) be creative with their combinations!

GOT AN EXTRA MINUTE? Try out these snacks that will knock your taste buds out of the park!

Chocolate-dipped Frozen Banana Skewers

Simply slice each banana lengthwise into bitesized pieces, then press a small skewer into the center of each slice. Dip each slice into melted chocolate, then transfer to a flat dish lined with parchment paper to freeze for at least 25 minutes. Enjoy now or transfer remaining banana skewers to a freezer-safe bag to store in the freezer up to one month.

Zucchini & Cheddar Savory Muffins

Preheat oven to 350F and lightly grease or line a 12-cup muffin pan. In a large bowl, mix 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk olive oil, if the mixture is too dry. Transfer to a bowl and fold in

together 1 large egg, 1 cup milk, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and whisk just to combine. Then, stir in a finely chopped spring onion, 100 grams reduced-fat cheddar cheese, 130 grams grated zucchini, and (optional) 1 tablespoon freshly chopped rosemary. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin to fill each cup about ¾ full. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the savory muffins to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes, then completely on a wire rack. Store leftovers in an airtight container up to three days.

Who knows? Maybe you’ll find a few new favorites above or even become inspired for your own ideas that will become a new staple.