As we have learned with the start of the new year, the first "mark" of following Jesus (that is, being a disciple) is to pray daily. To be in conversation with God on a daily basis is not only helpful, but essential, in our growth as Christians. We hope that those of you who embrace a time of daily prayer can speak to its power to others in our community who still may be looking for an entry point. We will continue to offer resources and opportunities to grow in prayer both as individuals and as a community.

The second mark of discipleship is worshipping weekly. This begins with an understanding that God created the world with a day of rest in mind every seven days, where people stop/cease (shabbat/sabbath) from their weekly responsibilities in favor of time with family, friends, and God. Zion and Evergreen Family – we are in desperate need of reclaiming the rhythm of the Sabbath. Not only do we need time away from the stress of the week, we need dedicated and intentional time to reconnect with each other and with God.

I want to propose a month (or two, or three) of experimentation around this mark of discipleship. One step at a time. The first step is to stop – create some time each week where you unplug from the responsibilities of daily life. Start small to stop in a big way – your first sabbath could be just an hour if that's all you can manage well.

The second step is to come together in worship. Worship really is at the center of all Christian communities. It's the experience that fuels and forms everything else. And, despite the truth that we can worship God anywhere, by coming together we join when and where God promises to be with people who share a common understanding about who we are, what we're about, and where we're going ("big picture"). Worship is the weekly compass that reorients us toward what is good and true.

The final step is to discover the things that help you rest and recharge. Sometimes stopping is simply that...and there are many people I know whose sabbaths include long naps! Others use the time to embrace other passions or interests that fall to the wayside during the week – reading, art, writing, etc. Plan a good meal (or order take-out) and spend the time doing things you love with people you love. The goal is to be intentional...to "remember the Sabbath, and keep it holy."

Don't forget – we worship weekly on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and there is a place for you there. Wishing you a peaceful sabbath,

Cantor Kurt R. Schmidt

Don't make dinner plans and come as you are! We enjoy some delicious food and one another's fellowship. We each pay our own way, but everyone is invited to the table — friends, family members, and neighbors!