Strengthening the Faith Center of Our Families

Inspired by this Sunday's baptism (see below), I want to reflect briefly on a section from Michael Foss' "Real Faith for Real Life" (the inspiration for our discipleship plan). In the chapter on building relationships, Foss establishes the family as the foundation of relationships. How can we rediscover the faith center of our families? Here is what he suggests:

  1. Pray for children, and for the lessons they will learn in life. Pray that God will always hold them in God's loving arms.
  2. Remind yourself that parenting is ultimately about loving and "letting go" by preparing children for life, including life as people of faith.
  3. Pray with your child. Take time to listen to hopes, dreams, and concerns. Encourage your child to pray and talk to God about anything and everything.
  4. Read from the Bible to them and, as they get older, read with them. Help them understand that we know the God to whom we pray.
  5. When they are old enough, speak to them about their journey ahead. Help them plan faithfully and confidently in the path God is setting before them.

I don't know about you, but I find this advice especially wise even as we pray for children we know and children we don't even know. Let us be encouragers within our own families to rediscover these faith-centering practices and help to build relationships with God and Jesus that are real and meaningful.

God's love and mine,
Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt
Welcome to God's Family, Sloane!

This past Sunday, we celebrated the baptism of Sloane Elise and welcomed her into God's family as a precious and beloved daughter. Sloane is also a new young student at Evergreen Academy. We rejoice with her family, but especially her parents Kim and Jack, as they together took this important faith step in our community!
Opportunities to Invite, Equip, and Serve
Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
In Person & Facebook Live

Join Pastor David Dangerfield for worship on Sunday mornings as we explore this powerful prayer and grow in our walk with Jesus!

April 10: Palm Sunday
"accepting hardship as the pathway to peace..." 

April 17: Easter Sunday
"So that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with you forever in the next." 

For sermon notes, visit the Worship page of our website.
Wednesdays in Lent:
Eat, Study, and Pray in Katie Luther Chapel

FINAL WEDNESDAY TODAY

5:30 pm – Potluck Supper (bring what you can, if you can)
5:45 pm – Bible Study (earlier start time for video; also on Zoom – login information here)
7:00 pm – Prayer at the End of the Day (also on Facebook Live)

For more information, the study schedule, and Zoom login information, visit the Study page of our website.
Dedicating Easter Lilies

It is that time of the year again for those who would like to contribute toward the Easter lilies that adorn our sanctuary on Easter Sunday.

This year, we are requesting a minimum $15 donation for a dedication. You can submit your contribution using your own offering envelopes, a pew envelope (marked "Easter Flowers"), or our online giving platform (fund: "Easter Flowers").

If you are submitting your dedication handwritten, please write clearly "in memory of," "in honor of," or "to the glory of God" and the names you'd like included.

The due date for Easter Lily Dedications is Palm Sunday, April 10th.
Thank You!

Special thanks to those who have read and/or greeted at Sunday worship over the last three months: Debbie Anderson, Michele Clancy, Kelly Donoghue, Matt Donoghue, Risa Harmon, Peggy Hoyt, Robin Larson, Jane Randall, Michael Rehwald, Drew Shimkus, Shelly Tahal, and Sandy Verma. We literally could not do it without you!

If you are interested in signing up to greet, read, and/or host coffee fellowship, the sign-up sheets are available on Sunday mornings or contact Cantor Kurt Schmidt to find an open space.
Last week's First Friday crowd was small, but boisterous! We enjoyed hometown brews and delicious pizzas at Dangerous Minds Brewing Company in Pompano Beach. Save the date (always the First Friday) in May and plan to join us at our next fellowship and dining destination!
Notes & Reminders
  • These AA Groups meet weekly in Katie Luther Chapel: Women's AA (Mondays at 7:00 p.m.) and Old Timers AA (Saturdays at 7:00 p.m.).
  • To claim a special date for altar flowers on a Sunday morning, contact Cantor Kurt Schmidt. The cost of the arrangements is $40 and you may take the flowers home after Sunday morning worship.
Quick Links & Contact Information
Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt
954-421-3146, option 2 (Church)
954-913-2125 (Cell)