It's the most wonderful time of the year: back to school! Well, maybe not everyone enjoys it, particularly this year when things are so confusing and non-traditional (thanks, COVID). 

As parents, teachers, and students worry about regulations, formats, and deadlines, let's help them out by taking care of some of the shopping! Glen Cary is hosting a school supply drive in these last two weeks of August. Donations will be shared with our neighbors at Ham Lake Apartments and some of our partner organizations. 

If you are at worship on Sunday in the parking-lot, you are invited to grab a slip of paper for the items you wish to donate.

If you are worshipping online, contact Sandy at sforrest@glencary.org to let her know the items you wish to donate.

Kids need items such as notebooks, folders, glue sticks, glue bottles, dry erase markers, Kleenex, pencils, colored pencils, pencil sharpeners, scissors, markers, etc. 

For more information, please contact Sandy at sforrest@glencary.org. Thank you for your help! 

Thoughts on this pandemic range from complete denial of its existence to total in-home lockdown.  I have heard them all.  All conspiracy theories, all total death projections, all forms of dismissing it, anger at government for shutting down the economy and now to churches that ignored the order having nearly their entire congregation sick and people dying.  We all sit somewhere on the scale.  As for me, I seem to switch back and forth every week and more recently, every day.  What we can do and learn in this time are the deep themes of Christian spirituality and ethics. 

Christian spirituality is the gift of finding peace in our hearts and lives when the world around us is filled with chaos.  Whether the chaos is war, death, brokenness or pandemic, we are given the chance now to refocus our lives on God and a peace which passes all understanding.  Prayer and isolation are critical.  Use this time to rediscover God.

Christian ethics is the quest to do God’s will in this world.  At the top of the list, is love for each other.  Wherever you are on this scale of understanding this pandemic, make compassion your guide.  We are all trying to figure it out.  Grace upon grace is needed.  Don’t lose your compassion and insist on your way.

Here is the plan for Glen Cary as it stands right now.  We will worship outside in the parking lot for as long as we can.  It has been fun and gives everyone the chance to be safe.  The building of Glen Cary will be used only for staff with a few exceptions.  We must take a wait-and-see approach to all the activities that happen in the fall: youth and family programming; Harvest Dinner; social outreach; mission team activities; 150th anniversary worship.  All things are on hold.  Let your spirituality kick in and find peace in the uncertainty.  Be patient and grace-filled.  Eventually, on God’s time, a new normal will emerge.  Keep the faith and remain strong.

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Gary

There are pros and cons when preparing to reopen the church during a pandemic.  Below are some of the concerns of which we need to be aware.

1. The need to adhere to local public health department or governor decrees.
   
2. What are the legal liabilities? Our insurance does not cover claims due to Covid-19.  That insurance is very expensive—on par with flood insurance.
   
3. Worship services would be shortened, and would include social distancing and either no or limited singing of hymns. 
   
4. Following maximum capacity guidelines. Who would turn away those who come after our quota is met?
   
5. Screening of all who attend. Who would be responsible for turning away those who may be symptomatic?
   
6. If using a phased approach, who would be excluded: elderly, immunosuppressed, etc.? This includes many in our congregation.
   
7. Infection control.  If more than one service is held, deep cleaning will need to be performed between services.
   
8.  Would facemasks be mandatory.
   
9. No serving of food or beverages.

 
These are some of the issues the council is now struggling with.  According to our insurance carrier, protecting pastors and staff is vital.  They recommend continuing drive-in/outdoor worship services and/or video services, limiting volunteers and visitors inside the building, wearing facemasks, and frequent washing and sanitizing of hands and surfaces. We also need to put in place a reporting protocol in case someone develops Covid-19 symptoms.
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The Church Council invites your input as we move forward during the upcoming months.
 

Dear Glen Cary families,

We are experiencing a time of great uncertainty, fear, and grief. We are painfully aware of the evil and destruction of which humankind is capable. As we cry out at the injustice of George Floyd's murder; as we seek answers, accountability, and safety amid protests and riots; as we hug our loved ones ever-closer; we must remember who God is and who we are called to be. 

As we celebrate Pentecost this year, as we reflect on breath and fire, I invite you to consider again our commission from Jesus to be his witnesses to the world (Acts 1:8). May we act against violence and racism, recognizing that all are created in God's image. May we be bearers of justice, peace, and reconciliation to our communities. And, above all, may we love, love, and love some more. 

I am praying for all of you. Stay safe, and don't hesitate to reach out. 

In Christ+
Pastor Kristina Hill 

Today is a church holiday called Pentecost. It marks the end of the season of Easter, and is known as the birthday of the church! We remember the first Pentecost, when God sent the Holy Spirit to be with the people. The Spirit gives each one of us gifts to use to share God's love with the world. 

On the first Pentecost, the Holy Spirit gave the disciples power to speak in different languages, so they could share the good news of Jesus with all people, no matter where they're from or who they are. The church is full of people of different races, genders, and nationalities. Our diversity is a gift from God! We all bring important gifts and perspectives to the community. 

• Do you know another language? If you could learn any language, which would you choose and why?
• Has anyone ever told you that you are good at something? What is it? Do you agree? What are some things you are good at that no one notices about you?
• How can you use these gifts to help others and share God's love?

The Holy Spirit shows up in Scripture in many different ways. Often, the Spirit is depicted as a dove. In the Pentecost story, the Spirit is both a strong wind and a flame of fire. We are going to use these two images of the Spirit in our prayer today.

• Start by lighting a candle. See how the flame dances around? You can focus on the candle as the Spirit of God with you.
• Take some slow, deep breaths.
  
  • Each time you breathe in, imagine that the Spirit is filling you up with God's power and love.
    
  • Each time you breathe out, imagine that you are exhaling all your fear, hatred, and selfishness.
• For three breaths, confess your sins and ask for God's forgiveness.
• For three breaths, pray for those who are in need.
• For three breaths, ask God to guide you in the week ahead.
• Close with the Lord's Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever and ever. Amen.

The Pentecost story comes from Acts 2:1-4. This story can also be found in your SPARK Storybook Bible on page 502.

Bonus reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-13. Paul discusses spiritual gifts, and how each member of the church has valuable gifts to share-- just like the parts of a human body.  (SPARK Storybook Bible page 542-545). 

Sharing Charades
Think of a spiritual gift that someone might have-- a way that people serve others in the world or share about God's love. One at a time, act it out using only your body-- no words!-- and see if others in your family can guess. Are any of the gifts you brainstormed ones you can use in your own life?

Birthday Party
Today is a celebration! Be sure to sing "Happy Birthday" to the church-- it is over 2000 years old! You are welcome to decorate, have treats/cake, and play games. Find items in your house that remind you of church and wrap them up. Use them as a reminder of the many gifts God gives to us. At Pentecost, God gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit! 

Feeling the Wind/Fire
Try to imagine what the Christians felt on the first Pentecost. Use fans (or sit outside) to feel wind on your face. Sit in front of a candle or bonfire and read the story again. Do you think it was scary when the Holy Spirit rushed to them? Exciting? How does experiencing wind/fire help you understand the story?

The excitement is mounting for the summer worship services, Starting on June 7, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. let’s worship together, in our cars, in our church parking lot. We will continue gathering in the parking lot throughout the summer and into September. It will be good to see everyone!

During the summer months, if you are not able to join us for our drive-in worship services, we will continue posting the service on our website and through Facebook. Access our website at www.glencary.org and follow the link to the Sunday worship services and also to our Wednesday Coffee Time Devotions.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns. What a blessing it will be to gather-- in person-- as God's people.
 

This weekend we observe Memorial Day-- a holiday in which we remember and mourn all who have died while serving in our country's military. Many people visit the graves of family members to celebrate them and bring them flowers. Do you have anyone in your family who serves in the military?

It can be sad to remember people who have died, but its important for us to do.  While we remember them, we also remember the new life that comes through Jesus. We remember God's promise that death will be defeated!

"Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.
They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and  be their God.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes.
There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,
for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:3-4)

Can you imagine this new reality? Whether we call it Heaven, Paradise, or the New Creation, we can trust that we will be filled with good things. Jesus gives us hope for the future.

• Do you know someone who has died? How do you remember them? ​
• What are some things that give you hope?

Our reading today is 1 Corinthians 15:1-26, 51-57. 

Activity: In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Paul summarizes the gospel message in just four sentences! Find the following parts: Jesus' died, was buried, was raised, and appeared to his disciples.

• Write a four sentence summary of what it means to be a Christian. What are important things would you include? Think of your favorite Bible stories.
• Pre-readers: draw four pictures that you would use to share your faith.

 Activities are adapted from Spirit & Truth Publishing, 2020.

Beautiful Cross
Even though the cross is a symbol of Jesus' death, it became a symbol of hope when Jesus was raised from the dead. Using whatever craft supplies you have at home, create a cross to hang on your wall to remind you that Jesus brings us new life. On one half, use "sad" designs, and on the other half use "joyful" designs to remind you that our sadness is turned to joy! 

Planting Seeds
The kingdom of God is like a seed-- it may look small and lifeless, but it grows into a big and powerful plant, full of life. Go outside and do some gardening this weekend. Over time, the plants will transform, just as God transforms death into life.  

Celebration of Life
Have you ever been to a funeral? Even though these are sad events, we celebrate the life of the one who died. We also celebrate the new life we have after death in Jesus. The celebrations give us hope even when we are sad.

We are experiencing a lot of losses right now because of COVID-19-- not just death, but loss of sports, jobs, vacations, and other meaningful events. Think of some of the good things going on in your life right now, even the smallest signs of hope. What are you grateful for? Throw a celebration to remember those things. You can decorate with streamers and balloons, make your favorite treats, and do something fun! Celebrate the life we have in Christ-- now and in the future. 

If you are visiting the grave of a loved one this weekend, you can say this prayer: 

Gracious God, you have said that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends (John 15:13). We give you thanks for all the courageous people who have lost their lives serving others. We remember all of our loved ones who have lost their lives, especially (name). Even though we are sad, we celebrate them and wait with hope for the new life you bring. Thank you for loving us so much. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Let's think for a moment what love means. What does love feel like? What does it taste like, smell like, sound like? If you had to describe love, what would you say? Fill in the blank:

Love is ________________________

Today's reading comes from a letter Paul wrote to the people of Corinth. Paul gives them a definition of love, reminds people how much God loves them, and asks them to share that love with others in their community.

Before we get started, think about where you're at regarding love:
On a scale of 1-10, one being not loving and ten being extremely loving, how well have you loved this week?

Our reading is 1 Corinthians 13 (yes, its the whole chapter! But don't worry, its short). This is a well-known passage and one we should all become familiar with as Christians. It can be found in your SPARK Storybook Bible on page 546.

After reading Paul's description of love, did your ranking for how well you've loved this week change? What things do you need to improve on?

Click here for our worship video! 

Let's pray: Dear God, thank you for loving us with love that never ends. We are so grateful for________. We need your help with _________. Guide us to share your love with the world. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Discussion Questions:

• ​What does Paul say is the most important thing? Why do you think its the most important?
• What is your favorite part of the reading and why?
• Is it hard or easy to love others?

Scavenger Hunt
Go through your house and collect photos or objects associated with something you love. Share what you've collected with your family and talk about why you love those things.

• How do you treat the items you love?
• How do you show people you love them?
• How do you show your love for God?

Love Plan
Brainstorm some ways you can share God's love this week. Include anything that comes to your mind, big or small. Then, pick one of these ideas and make a plan you can put into action.  Consider these things:

• What supplies do you need?
• Who do you need to ask for help?
• How long will the project take?

Finally, carry out your plan! Share with us what you did!

Does your family ever have disagreements-- over what to eat for dinner, what show to watch? What does your family quarrel about? (Make a list to use later!)

Quarrel is another word for argue. Paul uses it in today's reading!

Even the best relationships have conflicts sometimes. That is because God made us all unique. We have differences! Sometimes, our differences make it hard for us to get along.

Can you think of a time you had a conflict with someone? 

• Who was it with? 
• What was it about?
• Did you resolve it? What did you do?

Our reading today is about a church community that was experiencing conflict. They were from a place called Corinth. Paul wrote them a letter which we call-- you guessed it!-- 1st Corinthians to help them focus on worshipping and serving God together. He tells them to put their differences aside to remember that they are united in Christ. 
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Open up your Bibles to 1 Corinthians 1:10-18. Macie will be reading it for us in the video! See if you can answer these questions....

• Who is Paul writing to? 
• What are they arguing about?
• Why was Paul sent to them?

(Answers: his "brothers and sisters" in the Christian church in Corinth; they were divided because they followed the teachings of different leaders; Paul was sent to "proclaim the gospel"). 

Lessons are adapted from Spirit and Truth Publishing, 2020.
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All Together (Younger Kids)
Although we are all different in many ways, we are the same in one important way: Jesus' love for us. Gather stuffed animals, dolls, and action figures of a variety of shapes and sizes for a worship service! Create a small cross or altar for them to focus on as they remember Jesus' love. (DC heroes worshipping alongside Marvel heroes?! No problem!).

Jesus Loves Us All
Make hearts in a variety of colors and sizes using Play-doh or other craft supplies. While you're creating, think about how Jesus' love is for everyone, of all ages, colors, and sizes. How can we better love people who are different from us?

Cooperation Creations
Even in our families, we have different ideas about what to do and say in certain situations. Cooperation means we try to work together and let everyone contribute. It takes patience, communication, and compromise! Talk about what those things mean.

Using Legos or craft supplies, work together to make something-- anything! But, you have to decide together what to make. Listen to everyone's ideas and make sure everyone plays a role in the construction. When you're done, take a picture and share! How was it to cooperate together?

Summary and Devotional Resource
Click here to access a review of this week's lesson from the publisher of our curriculum. Scroll to the bottom to download a devotional resource for your family to use this week! 

Today's story is found in Acts 17:1-9. Brody will be reading it for us today during worship. Just a heads up--  there is an angry mob involved. And we thought our religious Facebook disputes were bad!  (See photo of the angry mob from the 1991 classic, Beauty and the Beast. Do people still watch that movie?)

Bonus reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10. It's a letter Paul wrote to the Christian church in Thessalonica.

Lessons are adapted from Spirit and Truth Publishing, 2020.
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Post Office
Make each member of your family a "mailbox" out of a bag or a box. Using paper, envelopes, stickers, or whatever craft supplies you have at home, write your family members notes of gratitude and encouragement. Let them know what you appreciate about them! Let them know God loves them! You can also write letters to other friends and family and stick them in the (real) mailbox.

Upside-Down Kingdom
Can you do a handstand? Me neither :) Do a handstand, a headstand, or lay upside-down off the couch. What does the world look like when you see it this way? Jesus' life, death, and resurrection turns the world upside-down! Here are some examples...

• The poor and humble are lifted up
• The blind are given sight
• The crippled can walk (think about last week's story!)
• The hungry are given something to eat
• We pray for our enemies
• We are forgiven when we do something wrong
• The dead are raised
• Can you think of any more examples?

What is one "upside-down" thing you can do this week? Whether it's serving someone you wouldn't normally see, encouraging (building up!) someone who is down, or feeding someone who is hungry, we are all called to turn the world upside-down with God's love! 

Diving into 1 Thessalonians (Older Kids)
The Christians in Thessalonica were persecuted: this means that they were treated with violence and harassment because of their belief in Jesus. There are people of faith (Christians and others) that continue to be persecuted today all over the world. 

• Have you heard stories about persecution before? It could be because of a person's religion, race, ethnicity, or political beliefs.
• If you were being persecuted, do you think you would continue to go to church and follow Jesus? (Think: what if someone made fun of you at school?)

When difficult situations happen, it can be hard to know what to do or say. Think of difficult things you or your friends have encountered (parent illness, divorce, friends fighting, etc.) Brainstorm things you might say to help someone in response to each situation. 

Example: a friend's grandma died. You might say:

• I am sorry to hear about the death of your grandma. I bet you miss her a lot.
• I am praying for you and your family.
• Maybe you could tell me some of the memories of things you did with her.
• I love you and I am here for you if you need anything.
• I will text you next week and we can hang out if you would like.

Paul writes to the Thessalonians to encourage them to stand strong in their faith and to share God's love, no matter what. Nothing is stronger than the love God has for us in Jesus! The first two minutes of this video cover the story we learned today.

We are back in the book of Acts this week, the story of the beginning of the church. The news of Jesus raising from the dead travels from Jerusalem, to Samaria, to the ends of the earth! The Christian church is now global. Its nearly 2000 years later-- and we are now a part of the story!

• Imagine if your life was written about in the Bible. What stories would it include? What would people learn from you?
• Bonus: write your "Bible" story out to share!

Our Bible story today is about a man who was born crippled, meaning he could not walk. He would wait outside the temple every day, asking people for money to help him survive. One day, he got a lot more than he was expecting! 

• Have you ever asked for one thing, then received something else? Was what you received a good surprise, or not so good?
• Do you like to be surprised? 
• What is something that has surprised you during the time you've spent at home recently?

Today's Bible story comes from the book of Acts, chapter 3, verses 1-10. Listen to the reading by our friend, Marie!

Click here for the link to worship! 

Discussion Questions:

• ​How did the man respond to his healing? How do you think you would have responded?
• What do you think this story has to do with Jesus' resurrection?
• Which character in this story do you relate to the most? (e.g. the apostles Peter/John, the man being healed, the onlookers at the temple, etc.)

Activities are adapted from Spirit&Truth Publishing, 2020.

Help Center
Brainstorm different helping professions (e.g. firefighter, police, military, medical, teaching, store clerk...the list goes on!). Pick your favorite one and pretend you are helping someone in need. Take turns asking for help and offering it.  What are some ways you can be a helper this week?

Designing the Beautiful Gate
The man in the story waited outside the temple, at an entrance called the Beautiful Gate. It was 75-feet tall (!) and made of decorated Corinthian bronze (read: expensive!). Using craft supplies or blocks, create your own version of the Beautiful Gate. Where do you think the man was sitting? 

Healing Relay
Outside, mark a start and finish line. We are going to have a race! The first person in line must hop on one leg all the way to the finish line, where they are "healed." Then they must run back to the start and tag the next person in line. If you have enough people in your family, create two teams. See who can finish fastest!