Do you know anyone in our community who is struggling to secure basic needs, anyone who has lost their job, or who is in danger of losing their house or apartment?  With many need meeting organizations having to close their doors we want to be in the practice of sharing, meeting and tracking needs in our community.  The link below is a tremendous way to share the needs you or people you know may have.  We can’t promise that we can meet every need, but we can pool resources to help.

Just fill out the form below, include your information in case we need further details (your information will be kept confidential), and then hit submit.  Easy as that.

Crazy times have hit the world like never before. Did you ever think you’d be reading about parenting during a pandemic? Change is hard, and finding our way into the “new normal” can be challenging.  These are unprecedented times — schedules are suddenly wide open and home, school, and work are jumbled up like never before. What an opportunity to learn, play, and grow with your children! They’re watching you and need you now more than ever. This topsy-turvy time can be a gift. Make the most of it by connecting with your kids in new, meaningful ways.  

It is our belief that during adversity we have an unparalleled opportunity to gain new and life-giving perspective; perspective that brings God’s grace and truth to life in any circumstance.  Here are some ways you can support your kids during this time:

1. Help them find their security in the Lord, not earthly things

Over the next few weeks (and perhaps months) we’re going to be pressed like never before to understand that reality is ultimately not about earthly circumstances. It is about eternal perspective and promises. Though hard to put in practice, we encourage you to join us in the discipline of reminding ourselves about this attitude, even choosing to find joy.  

The world will certainly throw challenges at your kids long after they are out from under your care. What you model during a crisis may be one of your most potent teaching opportunities to prepare your kids for a life of faith that overcomes trials.  

Easier said than done, but here are a few ideas: 

• Memorize Bible verses as a family
• Play worship music during the day
• Spend time in the Word daily
• Get outside and marvel at God's creation
• Recite scripture when you feel anxious

2. Spend as much time connecting as a family as possible.
 
The current situation has given us unique opportunities to be together – to make memories so that years from now your kids will remember how resilient their family is and some of the interesting things they did. Here are a few practical ideas you can utilize now for parenting during a pandemic (or anytime!):

• Make sure to regularly build in times to laugh.
• Consider more frequent board games and popcorn.
• Daily outdoor adventures in open spaces.
• If you are doing school at home with your kids, remember that their connection and felt safety is more important than academic achievement.
• Include your kids in making plans to do something fun the next day.
• If sensible, make the fun be about blessing and serving others. This gives kids something to look forward to – which helps mitigate pervasive stress. It also gives you practical opportunities to share Jesus’ love with neighbors.

One of the most powerful “connectors” is to empathize with kids. If they are struggling, or unhappy, you can validate it with empathy before working to coach some solutions. Perhaps like this: “I know it’s so hard to miss your games! I can understand why you’re so disappointed. I remember when…(insert a memory of a challenging time in your life here).”
3. Help them understand the situation in terms they can understand and help them find ways to be a blessing to others
The less kids understand about change, the more they tend to be anxious. And the more they forget (along with us) that God is always up to something…and it’s always something good. As you embrace such truth, help your kids learn right alongside you about God’s presence in adversity.
It's good to talk with your kids about what's going on and how God can bring good out of a dark situation.  Perhaps you can say, “It’s hard to understand, but God is with us in this! This is a new kind of germ that the doctors don’t understand yet. And they’re worried that it seems worse than other germs. So they are making rules to help keep people safe. It’s hard isn’t it? But we’ll make the best of it. God is with us!”
Then ask them to repeat this in their own words. Try saying some short prayers together. Keep it simple and light. Work so it begins to feel normal and natural for the kids to talk about God and pray about it.
Knowing that God uses all things for good, wonder together as a family how you could be a blessing to others.

• Consider painting pictures or sending cards to an older person who may be experiencing loneliness due to social isolation.
• Work with your kids to make a daily schedule that includes work, learning, play, or rest. Knowing what’s coming will reduce everyone’s stress.
• Get as much big muscle movement in during the day as possible.  

4. Give your kids grace.  This situation is hard for them, too. 
 
In seasons of stress we’re all more inclined to sin. Parenting during a pandemic is no exception! At the end of the day, the corrective solution to all of the problems we face is to confess our sin and lean into God’s mercy and grace. Be transparent with your kids about your own struggle with this. Grace is needed for all.
In some respects, it’s when life is hard that we can best understand our need for a Savior. So when kids seem more unruly than usual, find your way into God’s grace. Perhaps like this: “I know it’s hard when life is so different. And I’m sorry I’ve been more stressed and even sinned against you by my impatience. Will you forgive me?”  We will have opportunities to speak about the problem of sin and selfishness, learning to be content in difficult circumstances, and the great grace of Jesus for all.
 

Most of us are probably so familiar with doing things online that worship online isn’t such a big shift.  For others it might feel as strange as ordering dinner from a menu in an unfamiliar language.  So here are some tips to help you get the most out of online worship.
 
Gather the whole family:
No one needs to dress up.  You can all gather in your PJs, grab some coffee or a favorite snack and sit on the comfy couch, but make sure you make it a family event.  You can even pause the worship to talk about questions.
 
Prepare your heart
Before you start worship pray that the Holy Spirit would make you aware of God’s presence.  Yes, right there in your home, God is with you!
 
Sing along
Come on, you do it in your car, right?  Just belt it out right there in your living room, or wherever you’re watching.  The more you sing out loud the more natural it will feel.
 
Take notes
The message notes are provided right along with the message.  They are downloadable and printable.  Or go old school with a spiral notebook and a pen.  I frequently use old sermon notes to study and pray with more depth.
 
Respond
Post a response on the website or on our Facebook page.  Here’s the link.
Your post can be a statement of testimony, a praise, a note about how you responded to what God is showing you through this service, even a question the content brings up for you.
 
Talk About It
We’ve also included a Talk Sheet for further study and discussion.  You can use the talk sheet with your spouse and family, or call up a friend and discuss it with them.  Some of our community groups are even talking about discussing the talk sheets via a Zoom conference meeting. 
 
We’re all holding out hope that life can return to normal soon, but till then – worship in your PJs.