Hello Friends! I was thinking the other day about what Jesus said to his disciples many years ago. After telling the disciples about all the people who deserve to be blessed–to be given the gift of happiness–Jesus, in Matthew 5:14, says this, “You are the light of the world….” And then I thought about some of the tools that I have in my tool box. Do you have tools that you use to help your parents or siblings out? In my toolbox, I have a hammer that helps build things, a level......

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Hello Friends! With Halloween approaching fast, I’m sure we are all excited to dress up in our costumes and eat all the candy we can get! What are you dressing up as for Halloween? I think this year I am going to dress up like a pumpkin! I bet you’re thinking that I am going to go as a Jack-o-lantern that has big eyes, a triangle shaped nose, and a mouth filled with fangs. That does sound pretty scary. But I am thinking of going as God’s pumpkin….the God-o-lantern! In order to......

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How many of you have done something that you have gotten in trouble for? How many of you have gotten in trouble by your parents for picking on your brother or sister? Have many of you have gotten in trouble for not sharing your toys or for taking toys from someone else? How many of you have gotten in trouble for doing something that your parents told you not to do? While growing up, I have seen a lot of people get in trouble. I saw Jonah get in trouble by God......

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On Sunday, we came together at Jesus’ table to share a meal. This was no fancy meal: there weren’t any mashed potatoes or salads or casseroles or sandwiches or even desserts. However, this was an important meal. As a matter of fact, this meal is what we call in the church “The Lord’s Supper” or “Holy Communion.” And what made it even more important, was the notion that as a Church–throughout the world–we had this meal together. During this meal, we gathered at the table–which has a spot for you and me–and......

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Through the month of September, we are going to focus on the organization “Our Conference, Our Kids” which was created by our very own Bishop Frank Beard. In honor of Bishop Frank Beard, who is undergoing eye surgery in both eyes and is on Sabbatical until January of 2022, all churches in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference are asked to take up a collection to give to this organization. During our Kid’s Message, the kids travel through the sanctuary collecting a “noisy offering” which will be sent to Our Conference, Our Kids......

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Through the month of September, we are going to focus on the organization “Our Conference, Our Kids” which was created by our very own Bishop Frank Beard. In honor of Bishop Frank Beard, who is undergoing eye surgery in both eyes and is on Sabbatical until January of 2022, all churches in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference are asked to take up a collection to give to this organization. During our Kid’s Message, the kids travel through the sanctuary collecting a “noisy offering” which will be sent to Our Conference, Our Kids......

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Through the month of September, we are going to focus on the organization “Our Conference, Our Kids” which was created by our very own Bishop Frank Beard. In honor of Bishop Frank Beard, who is undergoing eye surgery in both eyes and is on Sabbatical until January of 2022, all churches in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference are asked to take up a collection to give to this organization. During our Kid’s Message, the kids travel through the sanctuary collecting a “noisy offering” which will be sent to Our Conference, Our Kids......

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Through the month of September, we are going to focus on the organization “Our Conference, Our Kids” which was created by our very own Bishop Frank Beard. In honor of Bishop Frank Beard, who is undergoing eye surgery in both eyes and is on Sabbatical until January of 2022, all churches in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference are asked to take up a collection to give to this organization. During our Kid’s Message, the kids travel through the sanctuary collecting a “noisy offering” which will be sent to Our Conference, Our Kids......

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A rejoicing message for the kids Psalm 118:24 – Today is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Today is Sunday. Today I am going to church. Today I am glad!!!! I’m glad because I will get to praise God in my church building…something I haven’t been able to do in a long time…10 weeks!! Now, I will admit…I have not really hated being able to sleep in on some of those Sundays that I couldn’t go to church. And watching sermons where I could pause the video......

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A Memorial Day message for the kids. Tomorrow is Memorial Day. It is often considered the “unofficial start to summer.”  Typically, people celebrate with cookouts and other types of festivities, and children are excited about school being out and summer vacation finally here. Lots of city pools, typically, open on Memorial Day weekend too. But this Memorial Day is anything but typical! The pandemic has altered this holiday and the way many Americans will celebrate. I mean, kids are barely excited that school’s out because they haven’t even been in school since March. And who knows about city pools and when they can open?? Perhaps this year, we can become more focused to remember what Memorial Day is really about.  ......

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