Afraid We'll Pick Up Right Where We Left Off

 Hi,

It's been a very quiet week around here. I looked through my phone to see what pictures I could post. I have:

Dirty linens that were delivered to us at work from the rental company. I need to take care of that on Tuesday.

Our garage roof. It's a flat roof and I have to get up there a few times a year to clean off the pine needles from our neighbors tree that clog the drain.

New instructions for how to turn the house lights on in our Sanctuary at work. They got a new light board and there's no 'house lights' button for cleaning. 

So, no real pictures to show you. But I do have these - 

Seeing the news stories about President Carter building houses after he left the White House was amazing! Made this even more special - 

And then this one -

We had a Kids Ministry Training Lunch yesterday, where we all eat together, then break off into our teams: Preschool teachers, 1st-3rd grade teachers, etc. And I met with the amazing Special Connections Leaders. Each of them have a heart for kids with special needs and are excited to get started.  I've created the leaders handbook with topics like What is a Disability; Characteristics of Disabilities, De-escalating Potential Situations along with basic information about check-in procedures, snack time... I've sent it off to our Media/Communication team and should get it back in a couple weeks. 

As we get closer to re-opening I found myself getting really nervous. I can't believe it's been a year since we closed the class! I realized that I was afraid we'll pick up right where we left off, with kids biting and kicking and throwing things... I confessed it to the Lord and poured my heart out to Him. Then I started to come across things like the one above and was reminded that He's right here with me. This is His ministry, His desire for our church and He's already got a plan. There's nothing to be afraid of, I trust Him completely.

Deuteronomy 31:8 - The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid.

John 14-27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  

 

So, we reopen on February 16. We've got a team of seven leaders so far but we're always looking for more. We'll only have class during one service to start and when we get a few more leaders, we'll be able to open the class for both services each Sunday. That's our goal and I know that'll meet a huge need. The 16th is comin' up fast!