The Prodigal Son (Finally) Comes Home
|
|
- Nancy Adams
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 The Prodigal Son (Finally) Comes Home October 27, 2007 was my 47 th birthday. You d think that these 7 s would have made it a lucky day in reality it was just another day in here. But the 28 th? The 28 th was indeed a very lucky night for me. A night of rebirth, renewal, and blessing beyond measure you see that night I, the prodigal son, came home to the Catholic Church. Outwardly in many respects it was just another day here in prison for me. Day number 4,575 give or take a day or two. But inwardly boy, there was a lot happening. I woke up about 5:30 a.m. knowing that in about 15 hours I would become a member of the Body of Christ, a member of the Universal Church a Catholic. Since I wasn t able to find a book titled The Complete Dummies Guide to Preparing for Baptism & Confirmation, I wasn t totally sure what I should do to prepare for tonight. Mainly, I just did what seemed right wish of course, that I had either found that book or had come across a burning bush in my path to tell me what to do! So I fasted. I read scriptures. I read some of the writings of my Patron Saint St. John of the Cross. I prayed. I showered four times: no, I wasn t getting particularly dirty that day. I was just so nervous that I couldn t think of anything else to do. Why was I so nervous? No, it wasn t that I questioned what I was doing that night. I wasn t worried that I was making some sort of eternal soul-damming mistake. I guess that part of it was that I didn t want to let down any of those who believed in me. I wondered: could I really live up to my potential as a Catholic? This Church is filled with thousands of saints official, unofficial, and quite-possible ones still alive and kickin on this planet. ME me, I m a twice-convicted felon. Me, in the same community with them? Could I really muster even 1/10 th the sacrifice, devotion, obedience to God that all those before me and currently outside these fences do? Can I truly stand up to any trial that my faith requires? Could I fervently defend the faith as I should? Could I even manage to pick up and carry my own cross as Christ tells me to in the scriptures? 6:00 p.m. The cell block went to dinner about 20 minutes ago. Roast beef and mashed potatoes one of my favorites! I know I know that while fasting I really shouldn t be thinking so much about the meal that I m missing. But for tonight, since it s my first sincere attempt of fasting it s okay. At least I m tryin I am truly learning from the experience Dad knows that I m tryin my best and as a Catholic (in just 2 ½ more hours!) I ll get better at it over time. So, instead of eating one of my favorite meals (sorry ) I head to the Chapel Prayer room to pray alone for an hour before things start. There will be an hour of singing and fellowship Mass will start about 8:15 p.m. By 8:30 or so the rites and Baptism and confirmation should begin for me! I pray every prayer for every single intention I can think of I pray to just about every Saint I can remember the name of. It s amazing how my mind goes blank at a time of prayer there s so many St. Teresa s how do I know that I m connecting with the right one? Some of the prayers are on prayer cards I ve accumulated over the past year. (I ve become a prayer card addict!) Some prayers are off-the-cuff, spontaneous ones. Hopefully the Saints are especially patient with my ramblings tonight! I pray as I have for weeks now, that my Patron Saint be somehow allowed to attend tonight. (I ve been told that Saints are sometimes allowed to return to earth, in spirit, for special reasons.) I pray and enlist Mary s and St. Jude s help in the cause just in case God needs more petitions than just mine in order to grant this deep desire of my heart for tonight. (I know I m still learning to understand that God doesn t think like I do.) I pray for each of the Catholic volunteers who come in here on Sundays and my Catholic brothers who live here in this place with me. I ask special blessings for each of them that helped me to learn and grow in the Catholic faith. First, as a seeker of knowledge about the Catholic faith then as an almost-catholic trainee. Tonight the training wheels will finally come off for good. But I know that without all their help, I d still be trying to figure out how to maintain my balance while turning corners
2 I pray especially for my best friend, little brother, and sponsor, Bryan. I pray about lots of different things for him. Like me, he needs lots of prayers I especially pray that he doesn t burn me with the light of Christ candle or doesn t set the altar on fire. (Honestly, I had a nightmare last night about something like that happening!) I pray for myself and I find that I m the person it s hardest for me to pray for dunno why that is. I pray for wisdom, for guidance, for the ability to be the type of Catholic that I have the potential to be. I pray to get better at fasting yes, I m still think about the roast beef! 6:50 p.m. For me, this was a very long 50 minutes of prayer! I head into the sanctuary. Mark, one of my favorite Catholic volunteers (he s kind of a combination of Father Flanigan of Boy s Town, and a starving stand-up comic), gathers about six of us together to pray a special prayer he brought. We make the sign of the cross in unison (boy, did I used to get all mixed up doing that!) and recite the prayer out loud together. I don t remember all of the words, but it had something to do with letting peace and holiness fill the sanctuary and kicking all evil out for the night. I remember wondering if this is something they usually do each Sunday before things start at 7:00 p.m. or if this is something special Mark brought in for me tonight. Is this supposed to mean that perhaps satan was gonna try to interrupt my reception into the Church or that in lieu of performing a full-scale exorcism on me, this was the best that Mark could come up with? But I kept those thoughts to myself (at least until now). In all honesty, I truly know that I ve been a pretty big sinner all of my life. Though admittedly, I never gave it that much thought. God knows literally that free-will hasn t been something I ve exercised all that wisely. A few weeks ago Father O Sullivan was counseling and educating me privately about the sacrament of Penance. At the time, the thought of having to confess some of my future sins (knowing the type I usually commit) quite frankly embarrassed and worried me. But of course I didn t tell Father that... but again, God knew literally. Then as I thought about it later that evening, I realized something. God sees and knows everything no great personal revelation there, huh? But because this is true, God was literally there every time I have sinned. So anything I ve done, thought about doing, or will do He already knows about it. So, it s really not like I can surprise, shock or pull something over on God. All Dad really wants is for me to be honest and tell Him what I ve done. Not so that He can punish me, or ground me like my earthly Father, but so that He can forgive me and so that I can repair the damage my sins do to our relationship of course, despite this personal epiphany, going to confession isn t something I m especially looking forward to. Not as bad as going to the dentist, but not as much fun as listening to one of Father O Sullivan s stories either! 7:05 p.m. The sanctuary is filling up with people now, I m getting a different sort of nervous feeling. I start running through the rites in my head. When to say I do ; when to say Amen ; when to kneel wait a minute there s no kneeling involved! Why did that pop into my head? I ve read the rites so many times during the past two weeks. I just knew I should have brought the book with me. Where s Byran? Maybe he s home watchin T.V. or maybe he fell asleep whew, there he is! I just knew he wouldn t forget. Father s due her in about 40 minutes what if he s late what if he s forgotten we re doing this tonight what if I m drivin myself nuts! I see some of my non-catholic friends coming in. I wanted them to be here to share in this special night with me. Unbeknownst to them I have been praying during the week that not only would they attend, but that the Holy Spirit would use this opportunity to speak to their hearts. To me, at a time like this, denominational differences shouldn t matter minor spats over doctrine? Irrelevant! What s important a son that was lost has been found and is comin home to Dad! The music and singing starts. Such beautiful music thanks to the wonderful young ladies of St. Mark s choir. Thanks to Dick, another one of the volunteers, they re doing some of my favorite songs: At the Cross, Gentle Woman (I used to jokingly refer to it as Gentile Woman sorry mom!) and my favorite song they do, Abba-Father. I m enjoyin the singin I quit counting the minutes until Mass I quit worryin about whether or not Father will get here on time. I m surrounded by some of my closest friends some Catholic some not. But it s all good; we re all singing to praise the same Dad! - 2 -
3 Every once in a while I peek around to see who s here. I may be a bit paranoid, but it seems like some of my Catholic brothers are watchin me extra close making sure that I m not going to make a run for the door not a chance of that! But I wonder has anyone ever fainted during their baptism? Will Father be able to catch me? Will Bryan help or just watch? Forget all that I just wanna sing! 7:45 p.m. Father is here! I have a quick huddle with Father and Bryan up by the altar. A last reminder of what we re going to do and when and there isn t any talk of kneeling! My stomach starts to grumble thinkin about the roast beef again and my palms are sweaty. I remind Bryan to be careful with the Light of Christ he grins. I have to ask him what that means Bryan s as excited about this as I am. He s been eagerly awaiting the day his friend and big brother comes home! I leave to get a drink of water. Some of my closest Catholic brothers give me the look to see if I m tryin to escape. I smile and mentally reassure them me skip out? Not a chance. I return. My Catholic brother, Joe, strikes a match under the altar so he can light the candles. First, he almost lights the white cloth over the altar on fire then the match goes out before Joe gets the candles lit I guess that my nightmare was about the wrong person. Joe wanders off to get another match from a guard. I look over at Bryan to see if he noticed Bryan grins (again) with my little brother beside me, how can anything happen tonight that the two of us can t handle together I grin back. Then I remember! Bryan will still be comin at me in a about half hour with the Light of Christ I whisper to him, again reminding him to be careful Bryan gives me a brotherly pat on the shoulder and grins. I just know everything will be okay. 8:00 p.m. Mass begins Father s starting 10 minutes early but I ain t gonna interrupt him and none of the volunteers has the courage to interrupt him! I take a deep breath I wipe my sweaty hands on my jeans. Mass starts out in the normal consistent, comforting, and familiar order that it always does. Something that I ve learned over the past year to take great comfort in. I remember too that this exact same Mass has been celebrated in Catholic churches all over the world today. Even by the Pope I kinda wish that he was here for this. There is, however, one big difference between this Mass and all those other masses. During this one the prodigal son will be returning home at last! Sin-free and blessed. All the muck and mire of my past sins forgiven and forgotten washed away though it might take a fire hose to wash away 47 years of my misdeeds! I feel Bryan nudging me, I must have gotten lost in my thoughts it s time to go up by the altar and become Catholic. Ready or not, Jesus, here I come! As the baptism rite begins, all the nervousness quickly fades away. I feel an inner warmth and peace quickly filling me up inside. I m focused on Father as he blesses the water that will shortly be used to baptize me. I can sense Bryan still there beside me I look over quickly, just to be sure (he d better not have wondered off!) Bryan grins it s all good. As Father speaks, it seems like I can not only hear his voice, but I hear bits and pieces of Spanish sounding words and sentences whispered in my ear. But Bryan doesn t know Spanish Father knows Latin and Gaelic it s not that and Sister Elena is nowhere near me and her voice doesn t have that much bass and I know that it ain t me! Later on I realize that maybe St. John of the Cross really was here tonight the more I think about it, the more convinced that I am I know that others are gonna think I m nuts but Mary and St. Jude came through for me God granted my special wish for tonight! As the rite continues, I say I do at the right times Father has to prompt me for a couple Amens just like I thought, no kneeling involved! My palms are anointed. I can still sense Bryan beside me so far so good. As my baptism continued I began to sense others around me coming and going I wonder, did my other prayers get answered? I have a few Catholic friends outside of this place who I asked to join with me in spirit and in prayer at this time is it them? I also kind of boldly prayed a blanket invitation to all the saints in heaven when I was in the prayer room a few hours ago. Could it be that some of them are stopping by briefly to be witnesses to the prodigal son returning home? I just try to enjoy the feelings I try not to question it or analyze it. For a split second I think about looking toward the altar to see if there s any angels hovering over it, but I know that if I look and they re there, I d faint so I chicken out and don t look! - 3 -
4 Time to lean over the font so that Father can baptize me here we go! Father begins to pour the water across my forehead it s freezing cold Joe! Joe has threatened to put ice in the water he did the next best thing he must have gotten the water out of the ice cold drinking fountain a little while ago. I hadn t been warned that baptism would literally take my breath away. But ultimately, I don t care not to say that I won t get even with old Joe someday. The white cloth across my shoulder. Bryan lights the Light of Christ candle from the altar he carefully hands it to me. He s smilin and I m sure there s a very tiny tear in his eye though I won t ask later, cause my tough little brother would never in a million years admit it. My worry was unfounded Bryan didn t set the altar on fire and he didn t brand me with the candle. The Light of Christ seems to brighten the sanctuary. The room feels bigger and smells sweeter I still don t have the courage to look towards the Altar to see if there s any Angels in the hood. The Confirmation Rite begins. I can feel Bryan s hand over my shoulder. As Father s talking, I can feel Bryan s hand shaking and it feels like something else that I can t describe is happening. Is this what it feels like to be filled with the Holy Spirit? (Afterwards, Bryan told me that his hand wasn t shaking that much huh?) It feels like there s electricity in the air it kind of feels like it does when I ve been out in a lightening storm. (As a child, I was kind of encouraged to play outside no matter what the weather.) But unlike those times, I feel no fear. I feel at peace I feel deep comfort I feel light-headed with joy I don t feel even the least bit of craving for roast beef! I still occasionally hear bits and pieces of Spanish words and sentences I hope that St. John of the Cross is helping Father what a cool concelebrated event I wonder which one of them will sign my baptismal/confirmation certificate? I still feel others coming and going around me afterwards I really begin to wonder who they all were. Were they Saints? Family in heaven? My Catholic friends popping by? I guess I ll just have to ask when I get to heaven. I can feel a zap as Father anoints my forehead kind of felt like it does when someone zaps you with static electricity. I sneak a quick peek down to see if my feet are still touching the ground rats! I m still earth-bound but it s all good! Way too soon it s all over and everyone s applauding. I give Father a hug and a whispered thank you I feel a power and strength there that I just somehow knew isn t his I wouldn t be surprised if it was directly from God through Father. I turn to hug Bryan. He s not much for hugs but tonight, quite frankly, Bryan doesn t have a choice. As I m hugging Bryan, I hear whispered in my ear welcome home, Juan de la Cruz (my baptismal name John of the Cross) now, what was it I missed for dinner tonight? Mass continues Bryan tries to slip into the second pew, leaving me in the front row to wait for my First Holy Communion all by myself. I quickly give him the universal big brother gesture to get back here! We started this journey together about a year ago when Bryan patiently tried to start teaching me the Rosary. When I finally managed to get it memorized he was the only one who noticed that I wasn t using my cheat sheets. There s no way that I wanted to finish this without my little brother by my side where he truly belongs besides, someone s gonna have to catch me if I start to see Angels hovering over the altar. Before I know it, Father is changing the host and the wine into the body and blood of Christ. It s almost time watching Father doing the transubstantiation somehow felt different inside me. I guess there really is a difference between being at Mass as a new-catholic and participating as a full Catholic. Father motions to me to come up to the Altar for my First Holy Communion. I look over at Bryan and he gives me that universal little brother signal to go for it dude! I look out into the sanctuary and see my friend and my brothers; Catholics and non-catholics alike they re all here to witness my final steps home. My Catholic brothers are grinnin somehow I don t think they re even thinking about me running for the door! I receive the body and blood of Christ as a true Catholic for the first time. Thanks to horror stories about people spilling the blood or dropping the body, I am a little nervous but no problems! It really isn t anything at all like I expected. Then again, it seems like every single blessing God has given me over the past year has always surpassed the imagination of my limited human mind! It didn t taste like a cracker or like wine. It didn t taste like blood or like I imagined flesh would. Again, I had heard stories of these substances being tested after transubstantiation and being biologically found to be human flesh and human blood so again, I wasn t sure what to truly expect. I can t really - 4 -
5 describe it other than to say that it tasted exactly like it was supposed to. All I knew for sure is that it was indeed the body and blood of my Lord and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I had also kind of expected that there would be a little zap of something immediately afterwards. There wasn t. It was more like a gradual, yet distinct feeling of warmth, peace and a shared love between me and Jesus that filled my whole inner being again, beyond my ability to describe. I must admit too that I was just a tiny bit disappointed to not hear that whispered Spanish voice in my ear. But that was okay whoever it was that had been here tonight to help guide me home and to guide me to my place in the body of Christ and in the Catholic Church in short, he was here exactly for the time he was supposed to be! Afterwards, I slipped back into the second pew to kneel and to prayer to thank my God, my Lord, and my Savior for all the wonderful gifts He gave me this night. I especially thanked Jesus for willingly suffering as much as he did just so that I would have a future with Him for giving up His life for a yet to be born me. As St. Mark s choir began singing One Bread, One Body (another one of my favorites) I couldn t hold my own tears back any longer there truly were angels in the sanctuary up by the Altar just not hovering! I sensed Bryan kneeling in the pew in front of me to pray. I gave into my first temptation as a Catholic I leaned over the pew one last time to hug my little brother again. I thanked him for all that he did to help bring me home tonight even in the midst of his own prayers Bryan grins again. I didn t know it at the time, but less than 36 hours later Bryan was unexpectantly transferred to another prison. But God knew and I guess that s one of the special blessings I received that night -- God allowing Bryan to stay here just long enough to finish the journey we started together. Bryan was the one who sat with me at my first Mass and taught me what to do and when it seems only right that our last Mass together was to bring me home to Dad. Remember at the beginning of this when I told you about my nervousness: my worries about letting people down, worrying about living up to my potential as a Catholic, withstanding trials, carrying my own cross all these things? Well, they re not totally gone. God, Jesus, Mary, St. John of the Cross, and all the saints in Heaven are doing what they can to help me. They re at my side and watchin my back and through prayer, I have no doubt that Bryan s continuing to do what he can to help too. So overtime, I m pretty sure that I ll get better at all of this. At this time, I m not totally sure why I ve written all of this down. My original intention was to just write a couple of pages nothing anywhere near this long! I ve wondered perhaps too whether this experience was supposed to be a private and sacred thing I dunno, don t ask me in case you haven t heard, I just recently became Catholic. All I truly know is that I wrote this because that small quiet voice in my heart and in my soul told me too which means that God is ultimately behind this. For too many years, I ve ignored that voice now it s time for me to at least try to listen! May your life always be like Lifesaver Candy (Holy) Juan de la Cruz - 5 -
Name: The Make Up Packet and the Parent Report Form should both be completed and returned to the teachers at the next scheduled class session.
Confirmation Session 5 - January 2017 Sacrament of Baptism Make Up Packet Name: This packet has been designed for the student, with the aid and supervision of a parent, to complete at home when he/she
More informationI soon had the fire blazing and everyone s spirits soared. The kids started giggling
Christmas Eve 1881 Do not look with scorn on those who beg you for a piece of bread. Do not turn them away from your full tables. Help them and God will also help you. Perhaps it is in this way that God
More informationScripture Stories CHAPTERS Jesus Christ Blesses His Disciples, Peace in America, Book of Mormon Stories
Episode 29 Scripture Stories CHAPTERS 47-48 Jesus Christ Blesses His Disciples, Peace in America, Book of Mormon Stories [BEGIN MUSIC: Scripture Power] [END MUSIC] Because I want to be like the Savior,
More informationHey, Cyn! Haven t seen you a long time! What s up? I said. Cyn seemed worried, but then again, when isn t she?
March 7 I started my day as usual: wake up, get ready for school, head to school, then be in prison for 7 hours. I was on my way to torture class, aka gym, and I saw my friend, Cyn, heading there too.
More informationReward Chart. I prayed. I Completed the Challenge! I Read My Devotion. Day Three. Day Four. Day Five. Day Seven. Day One. Day Two. Day Six.
Reward Chart I prayed Day One Day Two Day Three Day Four Day Five Day Six Day Seven Bonus DAY I Read My Devotion I Completed the Challenge! Learning to Pray Day 1 Jesus, I just want to talk to You. You
More informationBaptism Lesson for Young Believers
Baptism Lesson for Young Believers Important letter to the Parents: Congratulations on your child s decision to complete this baptism lesson! Your child will learn some amazing things about God s love
More informationPUTTING OTHERS FIRST BY GIVING UP WHAT YOU THINK YOU DESERVE. PUTTING OTHERS FIRST BY GIVING UP WHAT YOU THINK YOU DESERVE.
PUTTING OTHERS FIRST BY GIVING UP WHAT YOU THINK YOU DESERVE. M E M O RY VE R SE Don t do anything only to get ahead. Don t do it because you are proud. Instead, be humble. Value others more than yourselves.
More informationGOD TELLS US TO BE DILIGENT TO OBEY
GOD TELLS US TO BE DILIGENT TO OBEY DILIGENCE IS focusing on the work God has given me. When God was disappointed with how evil His creation had become, He decided to start over. He told Noah to build
More informationWHAT IT MEANS TO BE BAPTIZED
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 January 10, 2016 WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BAPTIZED On the Christian church calendar, today is The Baptism of the Lord Sunday. On this day, we remember and commemorate the baptism of Jesus.
More informationTwenty-Third Publications
PEP TALKS for , A Division of Bayard; One Montauk Avenue, Suite 200; New London, CT 06320; (860) 437-3012 or (800) 321-0411; www.twentythirdpublications.com ISBN: 978-1-62785-162-6 Copyright 2016 Connie
More informationParents: Things to Keep in Mind for Baptism
Parents: Things to Keep in Mind for Baptism Before the Baptism: Stake Baptisms are scheduled for the second Saturday of each month. Check the list of Baptism Dates for 2010 for your child s baptism day.
More informationFollowing Jesus means learning all we can about him. Bible Verse
Nicodemus Comes to Learn From Jesus Lesson 5 Bible Point Following Jesus means learning all we can about him. Bible Verse For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone
More informationParting is such sweet sorrow. Those words come from Shakespeare s play, Romeo and
1 Parting is such sweet sorrow. Those words come from Shakespeare s play, Romeo and Juliet. Even a fictional love story knows that good byes are painful. But only in Christ is a goodbye sweet sorrow. Sweet
More informationThe William Glasser Institute
Skits to Help Students Learn Choice Theory New material from William Glasser, M.D. Purpose: These skits can be used as a classroom discussion starter for third to eighth grade students who are in the process
More informationAUDIENCE OF ONE. Praying With Fire Matthew 6:5-6 // Craig Smith August 5, 2018
AUDIENCE OF ONE Praying With Fire Matthew 6:5-6 // Craig Smith August 5, 2018 Craig // Welcome to all of our campuses including those of you who are joining us on church online. So glad you are here for
More informationMagnify Lesson 2 Aug 13/14 1
1 Series at a Glance for Elevate ABOUT THIS SERIES Parents love to give their kids gifts, but did you know that our Heavenly Father loves to give us gifts even more? God made each of us unique and gives
More informationNATHAN: The thing is I didn t want to watch them. SID: I m sure.
1 Nathan Morris, a young man with serious addictions and immoral lifestyle, watched a supernatural video when the glory of God filled the room and overpowered him. And today he s appearing to millions
More informationAlb Cincture Stole Chasuble
Teaching Mass Each Sunday we go to Church to celebrate Mass because Jesus told us to. Jesus started this Tradition at the Last Supper before He was crucified. At the Mass, we come together as disciples
More informationDON T SPILL THE GRAPE JUICE CHILDREN S MINISTRY NEWSLETTER Contributing Editor: Bess Croyle
DON T SPILL THE GRAPE JUICE CHILDREN S MINISTRY NEWSLETTER Contributing Editor: Bess Croyle MINISTRY DIRECTION The Lord s Supper is one of God s most wonderful gifts to His people. Jesus made very special
More informationTHE SERENDIPITY OF EPIPHANY Dr. George O. Wood
Dr. George O. Wood My Christmas message today is The Serendipity of Epiphany. Preachers should never use a title you have to start the sermon to explain the title. Epiphany of course is the Greek orthodox
More informationIowa Journal of Cultural Studies
Iowa Journal of Cultural Studies Volume 1998, Issue 17 1998 Article 27 Paper Dresses Laura Young Copyright c 1998 by the authors. Iowa Journal of Cultural Studies is produced by The Berkeley Electronic
More informationIf you get it you get it, if you don t, you don t. Like literally, that s how it ended. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
1 Easter 2018 I don t like Easter much. I know you do. I get it. Its the bunnies and chocolate and hiding and cute gifts and new dresses and seeing family. Alright, I like all that stuff too. But man,
More informationThe Creed for Kids. Lenten lessons based on The Apostles Creed. First Alliance Church Kids Ministries Where God changes kids who change the world
The Creed for Kids Lenten lessons based on The Apostles Creed First Alliance Church Kids Ministries Where God changes kids who change the world The Apostles Creed? What s that? What s a creed?! So glad
More informationA PRAYER FOR RENOVATION IDENITY THEFT Ephesians 3:14-15 // Craig Smith November 20, CRAIG: Good morning. AUDIENCE: Good morning.
A PRAYER FOR RENOVATION IDENITY THEFT Ephesians 3:14-15 // Craig Smith November 20, 2016 CRAIG: Good morning. AUDIENCE: Good morning. CRAIG: So I had a little bit of a tense day on Friday and I don t wanna
More informationWe can help others learn about God by sharing God s Word.
Tell Everyone Lesson 13 Bible Point We can help others learn about God by sharing God s Word. Bible Verse Tell everyone the good news about Jesus (adapted from Mark 16:15). Growing Closer to Jesus Children
More informationLESSON 3 JESUS WALKS ON WATER
LESSON 3 JESUS WALKS ON WATER Bible Reference: Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21 Key Verse: Matthew 28:20 Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. OVERVIEW - Bible Story
More information3.1 Small Group Lesson Elementary
September 30 th, 2018 Mad Props Moses: The Early Years BIG IDEA: God is our protector, so I don t need to be afraid. BIBLE BASIS: Exodus 1-2 KEY VERSE: I am the Lord your God. I take hold of your right
More informationMessage Experiencing Jesus 03/23/2014
Message Experiencing Jesus 03/23/2014 DO YOU KNOW HOW TO PRAY? I heard a story of a ship that was sinking in the middle of a storm, and the captain called out to the crew and said, "Does anyone here know
More informationWho is Jesus? Mark 3:20-35
Who is Jesus? Mark 3:20-35 Introduction - Who is Jesus??? Your opinion? All of us have strong opinions o We love to pretend that we are real open minded o But in reality we are only open minded about that
More informationCalvary United Methodist Church August 27, TIMELY DECISIONS Rev. R. Jeffrey Fisher
Calvary United Methodist Church August 27, 2017 TIMELY DECISIONS Rev. R. Jeffrey Fisher Children s Sermon: Psalm 62:5-6 Children s Message did not record. Message: 1 Corinthians 10:9-13 Time. We ve all
More information2014 Honduras Mission Devotions. Bethel United Methodist Church
2014 Honduras Mission Devotions Bethel United Methodist Church See His Children Speak His Truth Do His Work Share His Love We invite you to follow along each morning about 8:00 am as we do our devotions.
More informationFaith Works (James) / Sermon 1: Trials & Temptations June 5, 2016
Faith Works (James) / Sermon 1: Trials & Temptations June 5, 2016 Faith Works. If you were here last week, you might remember identified that as the theme of this book: Faith really does work. And James
More informationThe Text That Saved My Life. By: Jackie Boratyn. State University watching the all-state theater performance of some musical; a show that even to
The Text That Saved My Life By: Jackie Boratyn I was 16 he was 16 this had to be a dream. There I was sitting in the theater of Illinois State University watching the all-state theater performance of some
More informationPaul Teaches About Self-Respect
Paul Teaches About Self-Respect Ephesians 2:8-10 The Point We respect ourselves. Large-Group Lesson 3 CHOOSE YOUR OPTIONS Each option below is designed to last 10 minutes. The option used to tell the Bible
More informationImmanuel Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL December 13, How Can I To Rejoice at a Time Like This?
Third Sunday of Advent Rev. Darrell Debowey Immanuel Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL December 13, 2015 Philippians 4:4 7: 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness
More information... Daily Devotions. Devotions August 23-29, 2015 Pastor Richard Likeness Ascension Lutheran Church, Minocqua, WI
.... Daily Devotions Sunday, August 23, 2015 Devotions August 23-29, 2015 Pastor Richard Likeness Ascension Lutheran Church, Minocqua, WI Text: Luke 2: 29-32 29 "Master, now you are dismissing your servant
More informationAwake? Bridge. You ve got to admire the attentiveness of a good soccer goalie. I remember, when my son,
Awake? Isaiah 51:4-6 Jude 20-25 Mark 13:24-37 Last Sunday of the Church Year Jesus said: Concerning that day or that hour [of His return], no one knows, not even the angels in Heaven, nor the Son, but
More informationSermon by Bob Bradley
Sermon by Bob Bradley COPYRIGHT 2018 CAMPBELL CHAPEL FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH 1709 Campbell Drive * Ironton, OH 45638 What rejoices your heart? Sunday, November 4, 2018 Bob Bradley Luke 15:25 Now his elder
More informationGrowing Up Catholic: First Reconciliation. Parent Resource Book
Growing Up Catholic: First Reconciliation Parent Resource Book . Session Child Page In this session you and your child will remember his/her Baptism. Baptism is how we begin our initiation into the Church.
More informationChristian Worship UNIT STUDENT REPORTS AND ANSWER SHEETS
Christian Worship UNIT STUDENT REPORTS AND ANSWER SHEETS STUDENT REPORT DIRECTIONS When you have completed your study of each unit, fill out the answer sheet for that unit. Do only one unit at a time.
More informationStorms of Life. Facilitator s Guide. Sherry Carter. Sherry Carter
Storms of Life Facilitator s Guide Sherry Carter Sherry Carter www.sherrycarter.com Welcome! Thank you for the commitment you ve made to facilitate Storms of Life. I pray you will be blessed as you lead
More informationfrom the desk of... Rande Wayne Smith D.Min., Th.M., M.Div. HAPPY RENEW YEAR
from the desk of... Rande Wayne Smith D.Min., Th.M., M.Div. #785 31 December 2017 New Year s Eve HAPPY RENEW YEAR The Revelation 21:5 Guess what? We ve almost done it. We ve almost made it through another
More informationJonah Part One: Jonah Disobeys God Lesson Aim: To know God watches over and rescues us.
Teacher s Guide: Ages 2-3 Prophets & Promises Part 2: Elijah through Malachi Unit 8, Lesson 38 Jonah Part One: Jonah Disobeys God Lesson Aim: To know God watches over and rescues us. THE WORSHIP Who God
More informationHOW GOD SPEAKS (Part 2) JOHN 10:1-6, 14-16, 27; ACTS 13:1-3
1 HOW GOD SPEAKS (Part 2) JOHN 10:1-6, 14-16, 27; ACTS 13:1-3 Charlie Frank raised an elephant named Neeta from birth and trained her as a circus performer. Once he retired, he gave Neeta to the San Diego
More informationSend Us Your Light: The Listening
Christmas Eve Morning December 24, 2016 Ellis White, Pastoral Intern Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church Send Us Your Light: The Listening Luke 2:25-35 Good morning and welcome to Chapel Hill, especially if
More informationCampbell Chapel. Bob Bradley, Pastor
Campbell Chapel Bob Bradley, Pastor Redeeming the Time Sunday, April 22, 2012 Bob Bradley Ephesians 5 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the
More informationThe Signs of Baptism: A Shower of Gifts
The Signs of Baptism: A Shower of Gifts Catherine Maresca The Church is abundant in showering gifts on its newest members. Through Baptism, God gives the joy of the risen life of Christ, the strength of
More informationCommunion Instruction
Communion Instruction At-Home Study Packet by Pastor Young Our Savior Lutheran Church Fishkill, New York 845-897-4423 Introduction To the Child: Congratulations! You are moving into an exciting new phase
More informationSo the past two summers I was an intern for this youth ministry in this small little beach town called Ocean Grove in New Jersey.
Dealing With Those Whose Faith is Weak McBIC // Sunday, July 23 (Introduce myself?) Over the past number of weeks we ve looked at all these different conflicts that the church at Corinth was having. From
More informationDream Come True. each day, which is the only thing keeping me awake. I wonder who and what I ll make of
1 Allison Hullinger Dream Come True As I lay my head down to rest each night, it s my only time to escape. I reflect on each day, which is the only thing keeping me awake. I wonder who and what I ll make
More informationWalk in Love, Not Lust
Walk in Love, Not Lust Blueprint: God s Design for the Church Ephesians 5:1-6 If you have your bibles, take your bibles out. If you don t have bibles, go ahead and stand anyway, and we are going to turn
More informationAnger Management. A Six - Week Bible Study Six steps to controlling anger Mary Southerland
Anger Management A Six - Week Bible Study Six steps to controlling anger By Mary Southerland Mary Southerland Web: www.marysoutherland.com The Stress-Buster E -mail: mary@marysoutherland.com Study Guide
More informationSession 3 OLDER UNIT 31 1 UNIT 31 // SESSION 3 // CYCLE 1
Session Title: The Church Showed Favoritism Bible Passage: James 2:1-13 Main Point: James calls us to treat people with mercy because Jesus shows us mercy. Key Passage: I have been crucified with Christ,
More informationDevotion Guide for Coaches
Devotion Guide for Coaches OVERVIEW The Book of Matthew records a life changing message from Jesus called the Sermon on the Mount. In chapter five, Jesus shares his heart with his disciples and gives blessings
More informationMarch 24-25, Palm Sunday. Jesus is the promised king, and we can praise him. Luke 19:28-40
March 24-25, 2018 Palm Sunday Luke 19:28-40 Jesus is the promised king, and we can praise him. Connect Time (15 minutes): Five minutes after the service begins, split kids into groups and begin their activity.
More informationChristmas: Where Fear Meets Hope
Christmas: Where Fear Meets Hope Luke 1 & 2 Charles Dickens featured three ghosts in his classical story A Christmas Carol : The Ghost of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future. Each evoked
More informationDo You Understand? LESSON SEVEN. 70 LESSON SEVEN Monthly Theme We look for ways to help others.
LESSON SEVEN Do You Understand? References Acts 8:26-39; The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 106-109 Memory Verse I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for... salvation (Romans 1:16,
More informationFor I ne er saw true beauty till this night.
For I ne er saw true beauty till this night. Romeo Sunday, March 9, 10:49 p.m. Last night of spring break I m not a Shakepeare fan, but I love this quote because it s so romantic. When Romeo saw Juliet,
More informationJon Hauerwas May 29, 2016 Community of Character. a time in her life that she had overcome adversity, and ultimately, what that
Jon Hauerwas May 29, 2016 Community of Character I once saw an episode of Modern Family where the oldest daughter was applying to college. And as a part of that process, she needed to write an essay about
More informationA Sermon from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
A Sermon from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 introduction Here in seminary, we study a lot of great theologians. Barth. Luther. Augustine. And I like all of those guys just fine. They had some really good things
More informationFreedom: 12-Step Spirituality for Everyone Step 7: Trusting God to Do Something With Us John 3:1-8
Rev. Kathleen McShane July 15, 2018 Freedom: 12-Step Spirituality for Everyone Step 7: Trusting God to Do Something With Us John 3:1-8 Pastoral Call to Worship We are, every one of us, this mix of glory
More informationFlorence C. Shizuka Koura Tape 1 of 1
Your name is Flo? And is that your full name or is that a nickname? Well, my parents did not give it to me. Oh they didn t? No, I chose it myself. Oh you did? When you very young or..? I think I was in
More informationReal Treasures of Heaven
Real Treasures of Heaven Bible: Real Treasures of Heaven (Treasures in heaven) Matthew 6:19-24 Bottom Line: Live like you know what really matters. Memory Verse: Whoever can be trusted with very little
More informationKindergarten Memory Book
Kindergarten Memory Book Bible Bees A memory book for kindergarten. Compiled and written by Joyce Ellis and Claire Lynn Illustrated by John Lautermilch Awana Youth Association Canada, 178 Highway 20 W.,
More informationTeach Me to Pray Part 1 Sermon by Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church 10/2/2016
Teach Me to Pray Part 1 Sermon by Pastor Joe Davis Union Baptist Church 10/2/2016 I. INTRODUCTION Imagine what it must have been like to be one of the 12 disciples of Jesus. Throngs of people were constantly
More informationManual for Coding Meaning Making in Self-Defining Memories. (Adapted from Coding Manual for Relationship Memories) Kate C. McLean & Avril Thorne
Meaning-making p. 1 Manual for Coding Meaning Making in Self-Defining Memories (Adapted from Coding Manual for Relationship Memories) Kate C. McLean & Avril Thorne University of California, Santa Cruz
More information3.2 Large Group Lesson Elementary
Mad Props Moses: The Burning Bush BIG IDEA: God is always with me, so I can have the courage to do what He asks. BIBLE BASIS: Exodus 3:1-7:13 KEY VERSE: Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong
More informationly 1 Simp WISE ly 1 Simp WISE
Simply WISE 1 Who is? is like the wind... You can feel Him but you can t see Him. is a Spirit is a spirit, invisible to us. (Colossians 1:15, 1 Timothy 1:17) 2 fills the universe. There is no place you
More informationPray More Lenten Retreat - Transcript. The Grace Trifecta, Part III: The Sacraments Allison Gingras
The Grace Trifecta, Part III: The Sacraments Allison Gingras Hi, I m Allison Gingras of Reconciledtoyou.com. And in this third session of the Grace Trifecta or prayer, sacrament, and scripture, during
More informationTake a look at this verse. In the space below, complete the phrases about God.
WEEK ONE READ 1 JOHN 1:9 DAY 1 Find a REALLY dirty penny and let s perform a little science experiment. Ask an adult for some lemon juice or ketchup from the kitchen. Place that dirty penny into the bottom
More informationSpeaks to Samuel 1 Samuel 3:1-21
Session 6 God Speaks to Samuel 1 Samuel 3:1-21 Worship Theme: God directs us. Weaving Faith Into Life: Kids will learn how to follow God s directions. Session Sequence What Children Will Do Supplies Let
More informationThis book belongs to:
Foursquare Missions Press 2003 This book belongs to: LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE A Course For Young Believers (Suggested ages 3 rd 6 th grades) Written by Mary Lou Canata Illustrated by Eric Jansen Printed
More informationFORGIVING. week 3. Theme. Memory Verse. Bible Verses. Big Idea. Goals. FORGIVING like Jesus
week 3 FORGIVING Theme FORGIVING like Jesus Memory Verse 1 John 2:1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father--Jesus Christ,
More informationMessage Not a Fan 04/30/2017
1 Message Not a Fan 04/30/2017 Is Jesus enough! Good Morning Church! God is Good! and All The Time! So I didn t want to Miss the opportunity to bring you the Last sermon/message of the Not a Fan preaching
More informationTHE PEOPLE THAT MAKE XP3 HIGH SCHOOL. Contributing Writer Rodney Anderson. XP3 HS Team Sarah Anderson CJ Palmer Steve Underwood
Sometimes it feels like certain parts of faith are restricted to super-spiritual people. But in this three-week series we ll see that, because of Easter, God doesn t restrict our access to Him, He gives
More informationGo confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you ve imagined. ~ Henry David Thoreau
8 Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you ve imagined. ~ Henry David Thoreau Introduction Once upon a dream enchanted every mother saw her daughter s name ablaze with a radiance
More informationSermon by Bob Bradley
Sermon by Bob Bradley COPYRIGHT 2018 CAMPBELL CHAPEL FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH 1709 Campbell Drive * Ironton, OH 45638 The Day Came Sunday, August 5, 2018 Bob Bradley We are going to read from the gospel
More informationFamilyLife Today Radio Transcript References to conferences, resources, or other special promotions may be obsolete.
FamilyLife Today Radio Transcript References to conferences, resources, or other special promotions may be obsolete. Changed Heart, Changed Life Guests: Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan From the series:
More informationCONFIDENCE LESSON 3 LEARNING TO LIVE IN CONFIDENCE
CONFIDENCE LESSON 3 LEARNING TO LIVE IN CONFIDENCE NOTES GET HEALTHY: CONFIDENCE Lesson Three: Learning to Live in Confidence Looking Back: Spend a few minutes reviewing last week s homework. How did you
More informationGREAT. by Parrish Turner. Copyright 2017 PARRISH TURNER
GREAT by Parrish Turner Copyright 2017 PARRISH TURNER TIME Sometime in the future PLACE The Great Pyramids of Giza CHARACTERS : a traveler SCENE The man walks on and slumps off his huge bag. He stretches
More informationc h a p t e r 1 God Talk Theology That s great. I d be happy to talk with you about that. Leader Guide
c h a p t e r 1 God Talk Theology Making Sense of Scripture So, I d like to learn more about the Christian faith. That s great. I d be happy to talk with you about that. I know some things. My parents
More informationanyone left awake in the house. I unlatch the door as quietly as possible, tiptoe in
The First Sip When I let myself into the house at 4:00 am, I normally do not expect to find anyone left awake in the house. I unlatch the door as quietly as possible, tiptoe in dragging my bags behind
More informationPhilippian Jailer. Lesson Text
Lesson Text Acts 16:16-34 Lesson Objectives The students will identify three ways in which Paul and Silas were positive examples and, therefore, helped the jailer to become a disciple. The students will
More informationSermon for Pentecost XV Year A 2017 Forgiveness Intended for Good
Sermon for Pentecost XV Year A 2017 Forgiveness Intended for Good Here is a cautionary tale about children s sermons and why so often adults learn more than the children. This is a story about the first
More informationIdeas to Teach I ll Follow Him in Faith
IDEA #1 ask the learners questions to help them reflect on the message of the song (Teaching, No Greater Call, p. 172) Part A (approx. 5-7 minutes): Scriptures Newspaper Picture of Christ & the Children
More information12 "On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR PERSONAL CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY WHY PEPARE A PERSONAL TESTIMONY? In John 4:39, a woman has a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. She is convinced that He is the Lord that was promised
More informationFirst Reconciliation & First Holy Communion Preparation
First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion Preparation 2017-2018 A GUIDEBOOK FOR CANDIDATES AND PARENTS St. Elizabeth of Hungary Prayer for Parents Heavenly Father, make me a better parent. Teach me to
More informationDo you want this gift? John 20:19-31
Do you want this gift? John 20:19-31 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said
More informationA Good Stain Randal Stephens
A Good Stain Randal Stephens I am an usher at my church, have been for a while. I suppose its one of those jobs you sort of fall into at first and end up with by default. Someone can t be there one Sunday
More informationBut Carrie had a tough spirit and was determined to fight on in spite of her terminal diagnosis. The Gift of Evangelism Eph 4:7-13, 1 Thess 1:4-6
The Gift of Evangelism Eph 4:7-13, 1 Thess 1:4-6 So friends, what s the best Christmas present that you ve ever received; a particular toy beautiful jewelry a new car? Well as you contemplate an answer
More informationCan a Christian enter God s presence?
Can a Christian enter God s presence? I have heard 'we are about to enter God's presence' or 'let us draw near to God' many times at the beginning of services. Are these phrases true? Do we really believe
More informationChildren s Sermon 1 John 3:16-20
Calvary United Methodist Church March 23, 2014 PERFECT PLAN Rev. Dr. S. Ronald Parks Children s Sermon 1 John 3:16-20 We welcome our children to the front of this worship space this morning. Last week
More informationUnit 1 Summary: Circle Up
Unit 1 Summary: Circle Up T here is an amazing God working behind the scenes of our everyday lives. While our lives may seem ordinary and boring, this God is just waiting to break into our day and take
More informationGod Has a Big Story, and I Can Be Part of It!
April, 16, 2017 DATE God Has a Big Story, and I Can Be Part of It! PONDER POINT Bible Passage: Genesis Revelation (The Big God Story/Easter) THE BIG GOD STORY Worship & Welcome (5 minutes): Begins class
More informationFreddie s Christmas (Fiction) Written by Bill Williamson
Freddie s Christmas (Fiction) Written by Bill Williamson The snow barely covered the driveway, but it was snow. Christmas was barreling down on us quickly and the weather had changed with a white Christmas
More informationEasy Clues to Find and Fulfill Your Purpose. Doug Addison [Episode 07] March 8, 2017
Easy Clues to Find and Fulfill Your Purpose Doug Addison [Episode 07] March 8, 2017 Hi, friends, and welcome to another Spirit Connection podcast. This week I want to talk about how easy it is to find
More informationWhat is the purpose of these activities?
Lesson Goal: The children will learn God has a plan for our lives. They will also learn that it is our job to be obedient and constantly seek His will. Main Point: God Provides A Plan For Our Future! Bible
More informationLIFE Meeting Miracles December 2, 2014
LIFE Meeting Miracles December 2, 2014 1. Icebreaker: Snowball fight Vince 2. Opening Prayer Charlie/Sarah 3. Large Group: Story/Reflection Sarah 4. Witness Talk Mrs. McCoy 5. Large Group: Video/Questions/Reflection
More informationMiss Values: For the interview portion of our pageant, each finalist will answer the question, "What do you value?" Miss Pious, what do you value?
[We started the performance as though we were in the middle of the talent portion of the pageant, with Miss Phoney Baloney performing a mock talent (of her choosing). Then Miss Values said something like,
More informationMagnify Lesson 4 Aug 27/28 1
1 Series at a Glance for Elevate ABOUT THIS SERIES Parents love to give their kids gifts, but did you know that our Heavenly Father loves to give us gifts even more? God made each of us unique and gives
More information