Following Jesus

This week on season two of Following Jesus with Christ Church, our co-hosts talk with the Christ Church Coronavirus Task Force Committee (CVTF). This group has been assembled to help our church navigate the times. We are joined by Doctors Bryan Burke and Janelle Stutzman who bring their medical backgrounds and love for the church together to help lead and guide us during this time.

There are many good resources provided for you during this time. Check out Christ Church's website.

Missed Season one? You can find all our archived episodes on our website or through most podcast apps.

Grace

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church, pastors Andrew Vandermaas and Addison Hawkins talk with David Hopson. David and his family spent time as missionaries in Albania and Macedonia and upon their return to the states David has pursued a career in the police force. David, Andrew and Addison talk about their story, the ups and downs of 2020 and David's perspective as a police officer during this time. Stay tuned.

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church, pastors Andrew Vandermaas and Addison Hawkins talk with the Regional Director for Campus Outreach West Michigan. During this episode we learn about the heart of Campus Outreach and their desire to see the gospel of grace through Jesus Christ reach thousands of young lives during their college years.

Campus Outreach has its roots in the PCA, starting in the 1980's at Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Fast forward to 2020 and West Michigan is gaining another partner for the gospel. 

To learn more about Campus Outreach, including who they are and what they believe check out the Campus Outreach Central Illinois (COCI) web page here.

COCI is where the COWM is being planted from. Kenny Hayes and his team are uprooting from Peoria Illinois to Kalamazoo and then later to Grand Rapids. Listen to the episode to find out more about their timeline.

Please be praying for Kenny Hayes and his family as they look to launch COWM at Western Michigan University this fall.

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Grace & Peace

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church, pastors Andrew Vandermaas and Addison Hawkins discuss the recent events that have sparked some racial tensions. Join us as we dialogue about the pain that is there, the gospel invitation and some resources to aid us in our journey of listening and learning.

Christ Church has to contemplate how it enters into this narrative and story. We can not sit on the sidelines during such a time as this. So what do we do? We begin by lamenting and praying, two actions we will continue to do as long as it is warranted. But what next? Many of you have asked a similar question, what should/will the church do? Lets explore this together and seek out the Lord as we enter into this narrative.

Below you will find a list of resources Andrew & Addison compiled. Each of these resources has a strength. There is not one, except the Bible, great resource for this issue (or any other issue.) We recommend that you take a few of these and spend some time working through them. It's always better to read with others, consider starting a reading/listening/watching club with some of these resources. This is just a snippet, not exhaustive list of resources for your consideration.

Sermons & Podcasts:

• Rev. Kevin Smith -- the Witness of Unity
• Rev. Kevin Smith -- For the Sake of the Gospel
• Scene on Radio Podcast - 14 Episode series called “Seeing White”

Shorter Reads/Articles & Papers:

• Report on Racial and Ethnic Reconciliation
• Russ Whitfield article mentioned by Andrew in the show
• The Gospel and the pursuit of Justice in your City

Longer Reads:

• Cultural Intelligence -- David Livermore
• Dynamic Diversity -- Bruce Milne
• The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church's Complicity in Racism -- Jemar Tisby
• A City within A City: The Black Freedom Struggle in Grand Rapids -- Todd E. Robinson
• The Next Evangelicalism: Freeing the Church from Western Cultural Captivity -- Soong-Chan Rah
• Unreached: Growing Churches in Working-class and Deprived Areas --Tim Chester
• Urban Apologetics: Answering Challenges to Faith for Urban Believers -- Christopher Brooks
• African American Urban History Since WWII (Historical Studies of Urban America) -- Kenneth L. Kusmer & Joe W. Trotter 

Movies & Documentaries:

• Just Mercy (Currently free to watch on many streaming platforms)
• The Pruitt-Igoe Myth
• Selma
• 12 Years a Slave
• The Birth of a Nation

There are many more resources out there, this is just a sample of some to help guide you through this time.

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Consider rating and reviewing us, that's the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member.

Grace & Peace

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church pastors Andrew Vander Maas and Addison Hawkins reflect on where we have been and wrap up the premier season of Following Jesus with Christ Church. Over the past ten weeks we have walked with you all through this medium. There have been stories of coping, of laughter, of difficult decisions and of wrestling through uncertain futures. In episode 29 Andrew and Addison reflect on some of these stories and contemplate what lessons and observations we have made along the way.

Resources/Links

• You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.
• More resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page.

Consider rating and reviewing us, that's the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member.

Don't forget to check back from time to time over the next couple of months. We will be posting some one off podcasts designed to keep the stories and observations going during this time.

Grace & Peace

**The L'Abri Way: Conversations with Schaeffer event link here. If you would like to sign up and discuss three of Francis Schaeffers lectures with pastor Addison over the next few weeks follow the link above. You don't have to know anything about L'Abri, or Schaeffer. These lectures are stimulating and challenging while also giving us some food for thought in today's culture and society. For more information click here.**

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church, pastors Andrew and Addison talk with members Rob Laplaca and Rebekah Courtney. Rob and Rebekah are both involved at Christ Church in various ways, serving the youth group primarily as well as through music and other various committees and activities. Rob and Rebekah are due to get married this summer. During our conversation you'll hear how that process has been going, some of the challenges and some of the realizations. We had a lot of fun during this episode, we hope you do too!

Resources/Links:

• More resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page.

You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.

Consider rating and reviewing us, that's the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member.

Grace & Peace

**The L'Abri Way: Conversations with Schaeffer event link here. If you would like to sign up and discuss three of Francis Schaeffers lectures with pastor Addison over the next few weeks follow the link above. You don't have to know anything about L'Abri, or Schaeffer. These lectures are stimulating and challenging while also giving us some food for thought in today's culture and society. For more information click here.**

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church, pastors Andrew and Addison talk with long time member Dan Denk. Dan is working on a book project and took some time to discuss the content of that book, Christian joy, with us.

Quotes:

“Rather, joy is a steady disposition about life, very much connected to peace and hope. We might say that joy is a hopeful and peaceful outlook on life, a deep-seated sense of well-being. Similar to love, joy is not self-serving, but others directed. Unlike happiness, it is not dependent upon circumstances or happenstance. We can experience joy even in times of trouble and hardship.For example, we might say about someone, “Mary has been through a lot, yet she is a deeply joyful Person.” - Dan Denk, pg 1

“I am on a journey of joy.” - Dan Denk, pg 4

Scripture Resources:

¹² You will indeed go out with joy and be peacefully guided; the mountains and the hills will break into singing before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. - Is 55:12

¹¹ You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
    you have loosed my sackcloth
    and clothed me with gladness,
¹² that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever! - Psalm 30:11-12

² Count it all joy, my brothers,^[b] when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. - James 1:2-4

Resources/Links:

• We would recommend that you read C.S. Lewis' Surprised by Joy as a great connection to this topic of Christian Joy. 
• More resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page.

You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.

Consider rating and reviewing us, that's the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member.

Grace & Peace

**The L'Abri Way: Conversations with Schaeffer event link here. If you would like to sign up and discuss three of Francis Schaeffers lectures with pastor Addison over the next few weeks follow the link above. You don't have to know anything about L'Abri, or Schaeffer. These lectures are stimulating and challenging while also giving us some food for thought in today's culture and society. For more information click here.**

pisode of Following Jesus with Christ Church pastors Andrew & Addison talk with two church planters in the Grand Rapids & West Michigan area. Dan Naulty, pastor & planter of Faith Presbyterian in Jenison Michigan as well as Ben Seneker, pastor & planter of Gracehill. During our conversation we talk about the roller coaster ride of church planting and the effect COVID-19 has had on worship, gathering as well as personal challenges. Both Dan & Ben were gracious and their attitudes of humility shine as they navigate their way through this strange and different tmes.

For more information about Faith Presbyterian in Jenison, check out their website and Facebook page. You can also reach Pastor Dan via email or through their social media accounts @FaithJenison.

For more information about Gracehill in downtown Grand Rapids, check out their website and Facebook page. You can also reach Pastor Ben via email or through their social media accounts @GracehillGR.

Resources/Links:

• For more information about Faith Presbyterian in Jenison, check out their website and Facebook page. You can also reach Pastor Dan via email or through their social media accounts @FaithJenison.
• For more information about Gracehill in downtown Grand Rapids, check out their website and Facebook page. You can also reach Pastor Ben via email or through their social media accounts @GracehillGR.
• More resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page.

You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.

Consider rating and reviewing us, that's the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member.

Grace & Peace

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church Andrew & Addison talk with Kevin Martin about how to be thoughtful with our technology during COVID. Kevin works for a technology company where the vast majority of his communication has been online for the past few years. While Kevin may be engaged with digital trends, the way technology is taking us and how it is created to sometimes use us as its product, his family has drawn some lines at home. Listen in on this interesting and fun conversation.

Recent Statistics:

• Netflix: the last 4-quarters averaged 60.4 million streaming subscribers, Q120 69.9 million, a 15% increase.
•  Zoom: December 2019 ended with roughly 10 million daily meeting participants. March 2020 - 200 million, and April 2020 - 300 million+.
• Wearable Technology: from 2018 to 2019 unit shipments of wearable technology (think Fitbit, Applewatch) nearly double to 62.9 million...it’s only accelerated since the beginning of 2020.

Quotes from the show:

"networks are no substitute for the neighborhoods in which we live. It’s not just the power of proximity that binds us together, it’s the sense of responsibility for each other. Put simply: who can you count on to cut your lawn, shovel your sidewalk or bring you chicken soup when you are sick? More often than not, it’s a neighbor from your community, not a connection on from your social accounts" - Dave McCay

Resources/Links:

• Want to read a book on technology and our use of it? Try Cal Newports Digital Minimalism.
• Another great resource for stewarding our technology is Andy Crouch's The Tech-Wise Family.
• More resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page.

You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.

Consider rating and reviewing us, that's the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member.

Grace & Peace

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church Andrew & Addison talk with Sarah Ingram, a licensed therapist and member of Christ Church. Sarah works as a licensed therapist/counselor in the Grand Rapids area. Her years of engaging with and encountering different levels of anxiety and depression help us shed some light on our mental health during the COVID time frame.

Quotes/notes from the show:

Definitions:
Fear: An actual threat, AND An opportunity to receive and rest upon Him alone (Faith).
Stress: Activates anxiety BUT His grace is sufficient, His power made perfect in my weakness.
Worry: Managing threats by anticipating possibilities (What if?). EVEN SO, The Lord is my Shepherd.
Anxiety: Risk without resource, OR Risk with the ultimate champion and resource.

Scriptures from the show:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. (Proverbs 9:10)

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise. (Psalm 119:147-148)

Resources/Links:

• Want to learn more about depression through a biblical lens? Check out our Adult Institute class, lead by Sarah Ingram and Andrew VanderMaas.
  • Class 1
  • Class 2
  • Class 3
• If you or a loved one is experiencing depression, doubt or feeling down, reach out to someone at Christ Church by clicking here .
• More resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page.

You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.

Consider rating and reviewing us, that's the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member.

Grace & Peace

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church pastors Andrew & Addison talk with long time member Chris Peterson. Chris advises clients on investments and financial strategies in the Grand Rapids area. Chris serves as a deacon at Christ Church with our finance team, giving him some insight into how we are doing right now. It was great to hear from Chris about the ways he has been navigating the financial conversation with friends and clients through a gospel lens as well as some ways the church can rally and serve with generosity.

Resources/Links:

• If you have a financial need, or any other need due to COVID please let us know by filling out this form. A deacon or team member will be in contact with from the appropriate team.
• You can find more resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page.

You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.

Consider rating and reviewing us, that's the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member, it's a good way to help others stay connected.

Grace & Peace

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church Andrew & Addison talk with Craig Kooienga about golf, life during this pandemic, recreation and of course backyard mountain biking! Craig and his family have been long time Christ Church members and serve in a multitude of ways. It was great to catch up with Craig and hear about how his cancer treatments are going, the beauty of being outside and what is happening at the golf course.

Quotes from the show:

"Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots - but you have to play the ball where it lies. "~ Bobby Jones

“Golf is about how well you accept, respond to, and score with your misses much more so than it is a game of your perfect shots.” ~ Bob Rotella

Resources/Links:

• More resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page.

You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.

Consider rating and reviewing us, that's the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member.

Grace & Peace

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church pastors Andrew & Addison talk with long time members Rick & Maggie Groggel. Rick came to Christ Church in 1978 and Maggie came in 1991. Both are involved in many different aspects of Christ Churches ministries and are beloved members and friends of our community.

The sandwich generation refers to middle-age adults who are caring for both elderly parents and their own children who are grown. While this is always a unique position to be in, add COVID-19 to the mixture and close geographic proximity and there are some unique challenges and joys that follow. Rick & Maggie have been navigating this life pre-COVID and are now working through the implications of what that is like.

UPDATE: On the show Maggie refereed to the blood drive having its "best month ever..."  She intended to say "It was our best month of March ever, not our best month overall."

Resources/Links:

• If you are in Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois or Ohio and would like to donate blood, you can find out at Verisiti Blood Center or by checking your local blood bank. 
• Looking for another way to stay connected with family or friends? Consider Together where you can play games, read books, and connect like Rick & Maggie mentioned.
• You can find more resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page.

You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.

Consider rating and reviewing us, that's the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member, it's a good way to help others stay connected.

Grace & Peace

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church pastors Andrew & Addison talk with Lisa Vander Maas and Lindsay Williams. Lisa, wife to Andrew, and Lindsay have been involved with teaching for many years. Through their teaching they have engaged with rhetoric, or thoughtful, reasoned and clear talk.

Quotes from the show:

"Each generation of the church in each setting has the responsibility of communicating the gospel in understandable terms, considering the language and thought forms of that setting." ~ Francis Schaeffer, Escape from Reason

Scriptures from the show:

“[1] If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. [2] And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. [3] If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

[4] Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it his not arrogant [5] or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; [6] it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. [7] Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." ~ 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

"[8] Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. [9] Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. [10] For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
[11] let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.” ~ 1 Peter 3:8-11

Resources/Links

• For a list and description of rhetorical fallacies and tendencies you can look here.
• On classical rhetoric: The Liberal Arts Tradition: a Philosophy of Christian Classical Education by Kevin Clark and Ravi Scott Jain is an introduction to classical liberal arts education which includes learning about rhetoric.
• On the art of rhetoric: If you are interested in an accessible resource to learn about rhetoric,Lindsay recommends this series of blogs on Rhetoric 101.
• A common reference throughout the show A Rhetoric of Love by Douglas M. Jones reimagines rhetoric from a Christian perspective and casts a new vision of a Christian Rhetoric of Love versus a Rhetoric of Dominion. 
• More resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page.

You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.

Consider rating and reviewing us, that's the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member.

Grace & Peace

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church pastors Andrew & Addison talk with Lisa Vander Maas and Lindsay Williams. Lisa, wife to Andrew, and Lindsay have been involved with teaching for many years. Through their teaching they have engaged with rhetoric, or thoughtful, reasoned and clear talk. 

5 Canons of Rhetoric

inventio (invention): The process of developing and refining your arguments.

dispositio (arrangement): The process of arranging and organizing your arguments for maximum impact.

elocutio (style): The process of determining how you present your arguments using figures of speech and other rhetorical techniques.

memoria (memory): The process of learning and memorizing your speech so you can deliver it without the use of notes. Memory-work not only consisted of memorizing the words of a specific speech, but also storing up famous quotes, literary references, and other facts that could be used in impromptu speeches.

actio (delivery): The process of practicing how you deliver your speech using gestures, pronunciation, and tone of voice.

Quotes from the show:

“These are the two loves: the first is holy, the second foul; the first is social, the second selfish; the first consults the common welfare for the sake of a celestial society, the second grasps at a selfish control of social affairs for the sake of arrogant domination; the first is submissive to God, the second tries to rival God; the first is quiet, the second restless; the first is peaceful, the second trouble-making; the first prefers truth to the praises of those who are in error, the second is greedy for praise, however it may be obtained; the first is friendly, the second envious; the first desires for its neighbor what it wishes for itself, the second desires to subjugate its neighbor; the first rules its neighbor for the good of its neighbor, the second for its own advantage; and these two loves produce a distinction among the angels: the first love belongs to the good angels, the second to the bad angels; and they also separate the two cities founded among the race of men, under the wonderful and ineffable Providence of God, administering and ordering all things that have been created: the first city is that of the just, the second is that of the wicked. Although they are now, during the course of time, intermingled, they shall be divided at the last judgment; the first, being joined by the good angels under its King, shall attain eternal life; the second, in union with the bad angels under its king, shall be sent into eternal fire. Perhaps, we shall treat, God willing, of these two cities more fully in another place.” St. Augustine of Hippo (Translated by Marcus Dod in 1876)

Scriptures from the show:

“In the beginning was the Word. And the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

Resources/Links

• On classical rhetoric: The Liberal Arts Tradition: a Philosophy of Christian Classical Education by Kevin Clark and Ravi Scott Jain is an introduction to classical liberal arts education which includes learning about rhetoric.
• On the art of rhetoric: If you are interested in an accessible resource to learn about rhetoric,Lindsay recommends this series of blogs on Rhetoric 101.
• A common reference throughout the show A Rhetoric of Love by Douglas M. Jones re-imagines rhetoric from a Christian perspective and casts a new vision of a Christian Rhetoric of Love versus a Rhetoric of Dominion. 
• More resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page.

You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.

Consider rating and reviewing us, that's the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member.

Grace & Peace

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church pastors Andrew & Addison talk with long time members Don & Sherry Levy about the power of joy. If you have been to Christ Church and met either Don or Sherry Levy, one of the first things you would notice about them is the joy that radiates from them.

Quotes from the show:
"the dance that God has invited us to...is always going on: the band playing the music of forgiveness never takes a break .. the real job of Christians as far as the world is concerned is simply to dance to the hidden music...to wake the world up to the party" - Robert Farrar Capon, "Between Noon & Three: Romance, Law & the Outrage of Grace"

Scriptures from the show:
Philippians 4:4-9
[4] Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. [5] Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

[8] Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. [9] What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Resources/Links:

• Check out the devotional books Don & Sherry mentioned;

  • Tim Keller with Kathy Keller: God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life

  • C.S. Lewis: A Year with C.S. Lewis; Daily readings from His Classic Works

  • Sarah Young: Jesus Calling; Enjoying Peace in His Presence

• More resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page.

You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.

Consider rating and reviewing us, that's the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member, it's a good way to keep them connected.

Grace & Peace

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church pastors Andrew & Addison talk with long time member Miriam Engler on grief. Miriam has been practicing therapy in the Grand Rapids area and brings her years of experience and wisdom to the present circumstance we all find ourselves in.

The traditional five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance), as outlined by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross to describe the emotional journey of preparing for the death of a loved one, plot a useful map as we transit through the uncharted emotional aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

David Kessler, who worked with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross prior to her death to update the five stages of grief in their 2005 book On Grief and Grieving, stresses that these stages are not linear, and don’t have to be done in any particular order. “One of the things that’s happened over the years is that they’ve become ‘Five easy steps for grieving’ to sort of tidy up our grief, and I always remind people there’s nothing neat or tidy about grief. It’s a very organic process,” he says. ….

This prompted his most recent book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief, which he published in November 2019, after getting the approval of the Kübler-Ross family to update her iconic stages of grief. “Meaning is so important because many of us, after every tragedy, deal with post-traumatic stress, and meaning is really the key to us having post-traumatic growth,” he explains.

Quotes from the show:
"the dance that God has invited us to...is always going on: the band playing the music of forgiveness never takes a break .. the real job of Christians as far as the world is concerned is simply to dance to the hidden music...to wake the world up to the party" - Robert Farrar Capon, "Between Noon & Three: Romance, Law & the Outrage of Grace"

Scriptures from the show:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Ps 23:1)

Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Ps 124:8)

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Ps 139:16)

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. (Prov 16:33)

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. (Matt 10:29)

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28)

And he [Christ] is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Col 1:17)

He [Jesus the Son] is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. (Heb 1:3)

Resources/Links:

• Noticing signs of grief? We would be happy to walk with you through those. Click here to submit a request.
• More resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page.

You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.

Consider rating and reviewing us, that's the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member.

Grace & Peace

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church pastors Andrew & Addison talk with Christ Church Children's Director Debbie Bukovestiki. Debbie has been serving in this position for almost two years at Christ Church. Debbie and her family were missionaries in Ukraine before returning to the states and Grand Rapids. Andrew plays moderator as we look to encourage and come along side all our families with kiddos at Christ Church.

Scripture from the show

Matthew 19:14 - …  but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Mark 10:13-16 - [13] And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. [14] But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. [15] Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” [16] And she took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”

Resources/Links

• Zondervan’s Jesus Story Book Bible video page. 
• We at Christ Church have put together some Children's Resources for you through the week and during Sunday worship.
• The Gospel Project is Christ-centered, chronological Bible studies for Kids, Students, and Adults from LifeWay Christian Resources.
• More resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page for all ages.

You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.

Consider rating and reviewing us, thats the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member.

Grace & Peace

On this episode of Following Jesus with Christ Church pastors Andrew & Addison talk with High School seniors and Christ Church regulars Abby Lammers and Quincy Eldersveld. Abby & Quincy lost their senior year due to the Stay Home, Stay Safe orders in response to COVID-19. They both ruminate on what that loss was like, what they have learned and what is coming next.

Scripture

• Romans 8:37-39
• Psalm 27:13 “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord…”
• Matthew 28:19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

Resources/Links

• More resources from Christ Church COVID-19 Response page.

You can subscribe to our podcast on Apple iTunes by clicking here, or on your Android platform you can find us here.

Consider rating and reviewing us, thats the best way for people to find this podcast. Also share this show with a friend or family member.

Grace & Peace