Day 538: Fast Lunch

This Lent season, 2nd Pres members are fasting the mid-day meal every Thursday. It's been a neat reminder and a practical way for me to welcome the Lord into more space in my day. Some church members are also coming together for a time of devotion, solitude, and fellowship.
This week, I shared the thoughts below from a new favorite blog, burningbushes.org, authored by one of my Converse classmates, Nicole. This is reminds me, what really feeds me.

...I was reminded of the power of His Word and its sufficiency. There is so much reading at my fingertips these days, that I often forget the fact that the truest story, the best story is also the oldest story. I guess at times I can assume that because I’ve already the Bible through a number of times, it’s now old hat. I think that some email or blog post or book or article has more for me at this moment than those ancient words. I forget that God’s Word is living and active…more alive than any person living now. His Word is more relevant to me than any recent story or message...

Source

Day 521: Rachel's Shower

Guacamole. Brittany's perfect recipe. Because the bride loves avocados.

"Sweet Sushi." In honor of the first date.

Apple Pie. Our bride's favorite dessert.

Laura's cheese ball recipe, made by Laurie. It's the grooms favorite...we had it even though he was not there.

Chicken Salad. Great chicken salad. The bride's recipe.

Carrots. Because we thought we should have something healthy.

Rasberry Coffee with White Chocalote Creamer. It makes the world go round.

Red. Our bride's wine of choice.

Green Tea. Hot and cold, because because the bride loves both.

It was a perfect menu for a perfect shower. There is something so personal about a wedding shower. Every bride is so different. And being on this side of marriage, I realize more and more the unique gifts of each couple and each marriage. And in our new home, I realize more and more about engaging personalized attention to detail in our own ministry of hospitality.

On Sunday, our house was the setting for a cozy getting together of 25 women who love Rachel and are so excited she'll be marrying Ethan in a matter of weeks. I never imagined so many people could fit in our living room so well. And Rachel said she was so blessed by all the pictures, notes, and gifts that guests contributed that afternoon.

It was so fun to through the shower with Holly and Brittany. So wonderful to celebrate with women of 2nd. So delightful to watch Kylie and Blakely, from our children's ministry, be our little gift runners. And most of all, such a blessing to get to pray over this bride-to-be and their upcoming marriage.

My the Lord continue to work in them and through them, for His glory!

Day 508: Babies, Babies, and more Babies

Hensley Kate.

Eva.

Caroline.

Amelia.

Will.

Wyatt.

Piper.

Cameron.

Kaylynn Grace.

And now one more of my bridesmaids is pregnant...

I am surrounded by babies.

At 2nd Pres, surrounded.

Among friends, surrounded.

Everywhere, surrounded.

Disclaimer: Often I resist the urge to write excessively about this. People seem to think that since I am married and Christian and like kids, that I want to have one immediately. But right now, I am a newlywed and eagerly enjoying this season of our life and family. I can't imagine anything else at this point.

Maybe that is because everywhere I turn, every meeting I go to, in the background of every phone call I get, there are babies. I hear them. I see them. I train people to care for them. I listen to moms and dads worry about them. I pray for them. I pray for people who want to have them. I learn about them. I love being with them. I get such a sweet fill of babies.

I think back to the text message I sent on the night I learned Caroline Grace was born. "REJOICE." That was all I typed in response. That was all I could think. And since then, that word, "REJOICE" has been on my mind. I pray continually that our hearts and lives with REJOICE at the beautiful of life. New life and the developmental discoveries babies make are such a captivting reminder. God is good. He is at work. He is worthy of our awe and worship. And when we look into cribs, we get a front row seat to the glory of His creation.

REJOICE.

Day 504: Get ready for summer....

Friday will have VBS planning in full swing! This year, we'll be using Standard Publishing's Main Street cirrculum.
It's inside out. It's upside down. But must importantly, it is "where Jesus makes a difference every day!"

What I like best about it:
-Jesus+Every day people.
-Tells kids that knowing Christ can change a life.
-It is so cute!
-Gratitude.
-Compassion.
-Forgiveness.
-Grace.
-Faithfulness.
-Cooper can come.
-Biblical truth is woven into every activity and station.
-It. Is. Fun.

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. - Psalm 25:4-5

Watch more here->

Source

Day 503: Developing People

At 2nd Pres, we are immersed in a season of growing, planning, and discerning God's calling for our congregation. I'll spare you all the details and all the committee and all the strategic visioning. But, I wanted to share these 5 questions. They are from Missional Renaissance, from Reggie McNeal. These really got me thinking about what god is doing and how the body of Christ might be involved in that.
• What do you enjoy doing?
• Where do you see God at work right now?
• What would you like to see God do in your life over the next six to twelve
months? How can we help?
• How would you like to serve other people? How can we help?
• How can we pray for you?

Read more from Missional Renaissance->

Day 474: The Roundabout

Sunday was a fun day for "The Roundabout." That is what we call the kindergarten and 1st grade class at 2nd Pres. Each Sunday morning, they get together to have fun and learn about the Lord. What was new Sunday? Mindy is there new teach. She will be there each week to pour talk about the Lord and build a relationship with His kids.
This is such a fun class. Here are a few of my favorite things you can learn from my kindergarten and 1st grade friends.

-If you have too many boys in your life, just keep coloring - that's what the 2 girls in this class of 13 boys do.

-You are never to young to break dance.

-If you stay up past 11pm, you might as well say you stayed up all night!

-Sledding is an excellent metaphor for life.

It's going to be a fun time in The Roundabout!

"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" - Hebrews 12:1b

Day 459-466: 2nd Pres Ski Trip. I learned to Ski

I get to spend most days with the sleepers, crawlers, walkers, runners, readers, and cool kids (aka the birth thru 5th graders at our church). But this past week, I joined our youth on their ski trip, as Brad and I found ourselves on our first ministry trip together.
It is not a new thing. Our church has been doing it for 29 years. For longer than I have been able to walk, 2nd Pres has been taking high school kids skiing. Brad and I have been praying for this trip for months and we had a great time.
I learned to ski and so much more. Here are some highlights of our trip:
Fact: If you drive a bus for 24+ hours, it will break down.
Fact: When learning to ski, it is critical to first learn how to stand up if you fall over.
Fact: You don't have to be so afraid of going fast. Let the slope naturally slow you down. (This is true in skiing and in life.)
Fact: 20 below = COLD. Yes, 20 degrees below zero.
Fact: There is never anything you can or will ever do that will make God love you any more, or any less. Nothing.
Fact: Inside jokes never get old.
Fact: The Cross of Christ is were the human story insects with the Holy one.
Fact: "When you are old, it doesn't matter how much money you have. It matters how many stories you have to tell." - The Big Hoohah
Fact: Those who are significant live for God.
Fact: We all need revelation, repentance, resistance, and relationship.
Fact: "Ohana Means Family, Family Means No One Gets Left Behind." - Janette, Tiffany, and Lilo
Fact: The more we know about who we are, the more we can understand about who God is. And vice versa.
Fact: I skied a BLUE!

Source

Our First Christmas

I started to blog about the top moments of Christmas so far...but there are too many. Maybe I will do that later. It has been picture perfect. But, I am reminded, that is not what it is all about. Jesus entered our rough, broken, imperfect world. So I can come before Him in any way, in any condition. He is my present this Christmas.

Below is my Christmas prayer. This is what I meant to say last night during our family worship at 2nd Pres. I think I remembered most of it. But I was so in love with how our kids literally entered into Jesus's story during the live nativity, that I don't even remember what I said.

Father God,

We praise You for the gift of our Children,
May we always cherish them.

We praise You for time with our family, our friends, and our church,
May we savor it.

We praise You for the truth of the Christmas story,
May we believe it with our whole hearts and let it transform our lives.

Most of all, we praise You for the gift of your Son,
That we don't just hear or read the Christmas story,
But just like every child in the live nativity gathers on the altar around the manger,
We too are invited to come.
To live with Jesus.

We are a part of the Christmas story!

Let us know Him as our Savior and as our Lord,
And let that change our lives forever.

Day 436: Children and Family Ministries Open House

With the help and hospitality of my fabulous husband, we hosted a nice afternoon with volunteers and families from 2nd Pres. The menu included, crab brusetta, chips and toasted tomato salsa, veggie and spinach dip, cocktail sausages, and cornbread with pumpkin cutter. To drink, we had hot apple cider, coffee, and chocolate milk. Plus, there were all those Christmas Cookies!!
Our tree looks so wlecoming in the den and welcomed most of the kids in, as elf was playing on the TV. Bu of course, nothing was more intersting to our younger guests than Harding, the perfect pup and party host! Maddie, Mary Sims, and Blakely were also distracted by wedding albums.
Meanwhile, our adult guests munched and drank and chatted and toured the house. These people are such a blessing to me and to our kids at 2nd Pres! What a perfect way to celebrate - God is at work. The desire of HIs heart are all tied up in the things of this afternoon - service, celebration and community!

Day 432: Miracle on Main Street

"You are invited to our Christmas Show!"
Wendesday Night 6:30 at 2nd Pres!
Holiday dinner at 5:30.
Our kids have worked for months and months and it is a wonderful, wonderful production that we are excited to share!
So excited, so Christmas!

Day 415: "The Best Christmas Ever"

This Sunday, we're praying, planning, and playing with our families! This Christmas, our Children's Ministry is investing in our families and their time together. So get set for some great Advent decotions. The only objective is for parents to spend time with kids having Christ-centered conversation, at least more days than not. Over breakfast, in the car, or at bedtime are great times to do this.
And it is never too early to start.
Never to early to engage the heart of your child.

We will be giving out The Christmas Story fro the Family Bible. It's been 2nd parent tested by families of all ages! Come and see or pick up your copy if you can't attend!

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." - John 1:14

Source

Day 408: The Word Players

Friday night 2nd Pres will host the Word Players! Their traveling performance of the Diary of Adam and Eve will make it's way to our stage.

This organization features year round productions for every type of audience. The Word Player's vision "is a community uplifted by excellent, Christ-centered art, where artists are freed to develop and use their God-given talents in a positive environment founded on Christian principles and values."

So excited about the Word Players at 2nd.

Click here to see their 2010-2011 season->

Source

And how cool to tag this "Christ" and "Arts"!

Day 399: 3 Spoons

It is new.
It is frozen yogurt.
It was the place to be after The Cross.
Precedes went to 2nd Pres Youth.

Obviously, we were there! 3 Spoons Frozen Yogurt.

Check them out at www.spoonsyogurt.com (photo credit)

Next Up? Zaxby's on the Strip. This Monday.

Day 393: Trunk or Treat Fall Festival

Words can't do it justice. But what a fun night with families at 2nd Pres! Thanks Michele Andreck Photography for the AMAZING pics!

Day 394: Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Last Thursday was my first day as a mentor at Westview Elementary. I was so excited to finally meet my "Little Sis!" We got to know one another, talked about our families, and her school.
Then, it happened.

She asked me a question I never like to hear.

A question I dread.

A question that often leads to my extreme embarrassment.

She said,
"Do you want to play basketball?"

Woah.

Basketball?

Me?

But we did.

And she lowered the goal.

And I did alright.

I pray that by the end of the year, that we really get to know one another...and that I get a little better at basketball!
So excited for next week!

Learn more about being a "Big" with Big Brothers/Big Sisters through 2nd Pres's investment and partnership with Westview.

Photo Credit

Day 390: My bio

I have a bio. Online. Just like a cheesy church staff member, I tried to make sure it gave a bit of my vision for this ministry. But then I erased half of it and tried to make sure it really sounded like me.
Here it is. Let me know what you think!

"Katie has a passion for children and families to discover Christ and the community of His church. For over 10 years, Katie has worked in children’s and youth ministry, through church and para-church organizations. She began work with Children and Family Ministries at 2nd Pres in May, 2010. Katie works with families from birth thru fifth grade.

A graduate of Farragut High School and Converse College, Katie is active in social justice causes. She has connected US children and students with orphans in India, Haiti, and Africa through her work with Rice Bowls, a faith based non-profit. She has also served the community through the Junior League, Fantasy of Trees, Young Life, and Team in Training. Katie enjoys coffee, running, and newlywed life with her husband, Brad, and their puppy, Harding."

www.2ndpres.org

Day 382: First Look

Here is a look at "First Look." This is the curriculum we have implemented this fall at 2nd Pres. Our children, birth through age 5, have their own special rooms, called "The Park," "The Zoo," and "The Crosswalk." They are getting their "First Look" at the precious truths of the Bible and discovering their God. They spend time each week with Mrs. Sabina, Mrs. Judy, Mrs. Laura, Mrs. Kathy, and Mr. Bob, along with our loving weekly volunteers. At home, their are simple activities for families to continue to teach these basic truths:

· God made me

· God loves me.

· Jesus wants to be my friend forever.

We are having so much fun discovering Christ with Kids!

Day 367: The new www.2ndpres.org

Are you new to Knoxville? Are you a member of 2nd Pres and want some info? Looking for a church? Want to check our calendar? Want a crisp look at all of our programming? Want to hear the latest sermon? Want to see bulletins and announcements? Want to read our pastor's blog? Want to get connected?

It is all here!!
The new WWW.2NDPRES.ORG!!

Day ???: Kids Crossing

"If Jesus walked through the door and you could ask Him anything, what would it be?"

"Can I please have a minute to win it!?"

"Raffle. Raffle. Raffle."

"Dear God, thank you for this day and hank you for my church and thank you for my friends."

Wednesday is my new favorite day of the week. We have kicked off the fall at 2nd Pres. Everything start with a great meal, then our kids head up to choir, and adults and youth make their way to meetings. Mid-evening, when choir is over, we head into Kid's Crossing. It is a little loud, a lot of silliness, and so much fun. Then, we sit down for the every-popular raffle and more games. Then, the evening wraps up with a talk, about Jesus and what he has to say about life and time for "M&Ms." "M&Ms" are our small groups, were kids answer questions based on the M&M they choose.
We love Wednesday nights at 2nd Pres! Check it out!

Day 265: Hero Headquarters

It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it's VBS at 2nd Pres!
Soaring through this week, it's Vacation Bible School! Our theme is "Hero Headquarters."
175 kids, 100 youth and adult volunteers, excellent church decorations, 2 awesome chairs, and tons, tons, tons of prayers for an amazing week.
May kids lives be impacted.
May volunteers be blessed by their experience.
May the Lord's will be done at "Hero Headquarters!"

Don't forget - Mission Reminders. Bring these items to VBS each day!
Monday: Boxes of Tissue
Tuesday: Hand Sanitizer
Wednesday: Crayons
Thursday: Gallon Zip Lock Bags

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. - I Timothy 4:12

CHECK OUT WWW.2NDPRES.ORG FOR A DAILY SLIDESHOW! (Source)