May 2020 | The Ninth Issue
Bible Study Texts
The Bible passages below reflect the resources that are being emailed out to HRBC on Friday nights. We encourage you to find time as a family to use these resources together for Bible study.

May 3 Acts 2:42-47
May 10 Acts 7:55-60
May 17 John 14:15-21
May 24 John 17:1-11
May 31 Acts 2:1-21
Small Group Materials
During this season we have not been meeting for Large Group. Our small groups have continued to meet and we have made a change to content. Our lesson materials are being shared on Youtube and groups are able to have discussion through Zoom calls. The rest of the semester, our groups are focusing on the topic of idenity. Feel free to view these videos and discuss its content with your students for further discovery and replication.
Questions to Discuss
  • Who are you? What are the things you do? How do you see a differnece between who you are and what you do?
  • What does it mean to you to be a child of God?
Family Needs
Does your family have a need in the middle of this crisis? Whether it is prayer or a physical need, please let us know, we are here for you. Share needs via email and prayer requests using the form below.
Concerning Trend
If you are a curious person like I am, you have probably asked yourself, "What are some of the unforeseen consequences of COVID-19?" One of the popular responses that’s been highlighted in some of my favorite memes is that a baby boom will follow this global crisis. For years to come, scientists and data analysts will produce reports and articles about the effects of the global pandemic on everyday life.
 
One of the more serious concerns that we are beginning to see evidence of is increased divorced rates. Data out of Wuhan and Xi'an, China show a spike in divorce filings in cities that are coming out of lockdown. It is reasonable to believe we will start to see similar patterns in the US as restrictions are lifted. We have even seen in the news celebrity couples filing for divorce this past week.
 
I bring this topic to the forefront today to encourage us to ask the hard questions that surround the why of this trend. Some psychologist and divorce lawyers are suggesting that prolonged stress of the crisis, extended exposure to stuffed emotions, the onset of financial insecurity, and unresolved marital conflicts can all play a role in the process that lead couples to split in these times.
 
Like a tidal wave coming, how can we escape the destructive path that is sure to come our way? There is no denying that all of our relationships are being tested, but it is how we respond in these times that will allow us to come out the other side stronger and more secure.
 
In these days, I have been reminded how much I cherish the ritual that my wife and I have of checking in with one another as we crawl into bed. Yes, this has lead to many nights of staying up too late talking and forfeiting sleep, but it brings us a stronger sense of connectedness and understanding.
 
What are your patterns of connection and ritual with your partner? Have you noticed like I have that we these important staples in our relationship have slid by the wayside? How can we be intentional with our partners during our current circumstances?


The Resource Trail
Connecting with our Partners
Some of my favorite relationship resources come from The Gottman Institute. This month I want to share this blog post with you about engaging in conflict and creating connections during these uncertain times.

The second link is to an App of discussion card decks that offer open-ended questions to help create connections with our partners. In times before this crisis, my wife and I would take turns asking questions from these decks.

I would also recommend exploring the institute's website as it is full of other relationship resources.
Huguenot Road Baptist Church | HRBCRichmond.org