As Way Opens
This week we have been living in a cave in fellowship hall, learning about how Jesus is the Light of the World through our Vacation Bible School program. This is always one of my favorite weeks of the year as we experience the excitement, the wonder and the insight of our children. This year’s theme has felt very Quakerly as we have talked about how God lights our way through the darkness.
I was particularly drawn to the Bible point from yesterday - Jesus gives us courage. The Bible verse was from Mathew 14:27 “Take courage, I am here!” We heard about the disciples being in a boat in the midst of a terrible storm and saw Jesus walking on the water toward them and they became even more alarmed thinking this was a ghost. Jesus spoke to them and said “take courage, I am here.” Only Peter spoke to Jesus and said “If it is you Lord, ask me to come to you on the water.” And Jesus did just that, and Peter stepped into the storm on the sea and started walking towards Jesus. Only when he took his eyes off of Jesus and turned his attention to the strong wind, did he start to sink into the sea. Jesus reached out his hand to pull him out of the sinking water and asked Peter, “Why did you doubt?”
Our kids shared the things that they fear. What is it that grabs each of us in fear? Being alone? Sitting in the darkness? Getting sick? Losing a relationship? Losing a job? The future of our country? What grabs our attention that takes away our sight of the Light of Jesus and we just start sinking? Jesus calls us to take courage and know that Jesus is here for every single one of us within our fear and darkness. Jesus grabs our hand and pulls us out of the storm and says “Why did you doubt - I was here all along.”
I was reflecting on the need for courage in our world today. It feels like we are wrapped in fear and are sinking into the troubled storm. The violence, the hatred, the divided political system and the pain in so many corners of our world. I know that my fear is being alone right now and I feel Jesus’ hand pulling me out of the storm and telling me that I am not alone - Jesus has been here all along.
I pray that we all feel the sense of Jesus’ presence in our lives and that this experience will give us the courage to face our fear. Jesus has been here all along, holding our hand and giving us the courage to walk on water.
Ruthie
Joys & Concerns
A Celebration for Beth’s Recording! Beth Henricks has been recognized as a Recorded Minister by WYM, and it’s time to celebrate! Join us after worship on Sunday, August 14th as we honor Beth, and give thanks to God for this wonderful accomplishment.
Announcements, Reports, & Opportunities
Do you get hungry on Wednesday nights? Join Friends at Marsh’s Soup and Salad Bar at their store on the corner of Keystone and Broad Ripple Avenue from 5:30 on for a yummy meal and great fellowship. Then, head over to the Meetinghouse for a wonderfully satisfying ‘feast in the Spirit’ in Meeting for Worship held in Silence at 7:00. (Is this what they call double-dipping?)
Trunks of Treasures - Shalom Zone Garage Sale - On this Saturday, July 30 from 8:00 am to noon the Shalom Zone churches (Cross and Crown, Allisonville Christian, Epworth, First Friends and St. Pius X) will be sponsoring "garage sale" and “craft sale” opportunities for individuals in the Cross and Crown parking lot at 79th and Allisonville Road. You will be able to reserve a space for $10 in advance ($15 day of sale). The rest is up to you - bring your own table or use the trunk of your car. You get to keep whatever you earn. The adjoining neighborhood of Ivy Hills will have its annual garage sale the same day so there should be no shortage of folks looking for a deal. The Shalom Zone will donate the reservation fees to School on Wheels, a voluntary program which tutors homeless children throughout Marion County. For more information, contact the office.
VBS Sunday! Don’t miss the chance to go spelunking with our kids this Sunday! Bring your family and friends and join us for Cave Quest, an adventure in discovering the Light!
Please join us for Community Soup on Friday, August 5, anytime between 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Since it is summertime, we will serve, and are asking folks to bring salads rather than soups. No cooking, no dishwashing, and no charge.
Sing for a Day – Sunday, August 14th - Ladies Only! No men allowed!!! Okay girls – have you been longing to sing, but just haven’t had the chance? Well, now you do! You’re all welcome to join Ruthie and prepare a choral piece to sing in Meeting for Worship on Sunday, August 14th. No experience necessary! Just bring your voice, and lift it to the Lord! We will practice Thursday night, August 11th at 6:30, and then again Sunday morning at 9:30. Come once, or twice for practice, but come ready to sing!
Earlham School of Religion is receiving an evaluation committee from its accreditor, The Association of Theological Schools, on September 19-22, 2016. In preparation for and as a requirement of that evaluation, the school invites comments in writing to the school and/or to the Commission concernting the institution’s qualifications for accreditation. Comments may be sent to Earlham School of Religion, Attn: Jay Marshall, 228 College Ave., Richmond, IN 47374 prior to September 16, 2016. The school will appreciate any help that can be provided.
The Indy Festival of Faiths is coming up on Sunday, September 18th from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Veteran’s War Memorial. The Indy Festival of Faiths is an annual gathering in downtown Indianapolis designed to recognize, highlight, and celebrate the diverse religious landscape in central Indiana. Let’s represent Quakerism! We are looking for volunteers to help with our booth. If you are interested in assisting or want more information, contact the office.
Quaker Life has a whole new look… and lots more to offer! The new digest has all of the same quality, but many more articles, spiritual and devotional content. 80 pages of great imagery, poetry, stories and Quaker insights to help move us inward and forward in faith. Take a look the next time you’re at the Meetinghouse, and consider a year-long subscription that will come quarterly. Groups of five persons can get a discount at $30.00/year. Individuals? $40.00
Leave a green footprint! ~ The Earth is an amazing and beautiful place. All its riches will last, so long as we learn to use only what we need.
How can we make our water supply last?
Tip #1: We can turn off faucets so they don’t drip.
From 16 Things Kids can do to Help Care for the Earth, by Dana Kester-McCabe, 2006.