How do we live when we don’t understand the “why” of what’s happening? How do we go on? Who should I be? What steps do I need to take? Listen to “Discipline” to hear an answer to those questions.

How do we begin again after making a mistake? What is the first step in moving on? Listen to “Forgive” to find an answer.

On Sunday, September 15th, we’ll begin our fall programming for children and youth. During worship that morning we’ll take a moment to bless the student’s backpacks and honor the teachers who are beginning the new year.

Following worship we’ll all drive out to Frederiksted to enjoy some food and fellowship, some sun and sand, at the St. Croix Country Club. Hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. You’re invited to bring some sides to share and any alcoholic beverages that you’d like to enjoy.

Please let us know if you’ll be attending by signing up following worship this week or emailing Pastor Peter (petertewinkle@gmail.com) or Laurie Bohlke (lec32578@yahoo.com). Thank you!

KICK-OFF SUNDAY/BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS

We will kick off our fall programming this year on Sunday, September 15. We’ll plan a special meal and, perhaps, a special location. We’ll also bless the backpacks of our students and teachers returning to school. If you’d like to help plan this special day, please see Pastor Peter or Laurie Bohlke.

NURSERY

We are in need of volunteers who will be available to tend to the nursery on Sundays when we have small children present. Children are always welcome to stay in worship, but nursery is a nice alternative for parents.

CHILDREN & YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL

SCRC offers three opportunities, starting September 15^th, for children and youth to learn and grow:

PreK-2^nd: Children In Worship w/ Jane Coles (leave during worship) – This is a kid-centered worship experience that takes place in our education building. The goal is to use wonder and play to introduce Bible stories to our youngest members.

3^rd-5^th: Sunday School w/ Julie TeWinkle (leave during worship) – This is a more traditional educational setting where students get to talk about how the Bible relates to their everyday lives.

6^th & up: Inter-generational “Way to Live” Circles w/ Pastor Peter (TBD) – This is a new program that we’ll be introducing. It is based on research by the Fuller Youth Institute that says youth benefit greatly from having five invested adults in their lives.

If you are able to volunteer to help Jane or Julie or would like to help Pastor Peter form circles, please speak with them.

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

Pastor Peter has been receiving some inquiries about an adult Sunday School class following worship. Please leave your suggestions about topics or questions on the sheet in the back of the sanctuary.

The definition of God’s will that we find in the New Testament is much more narrow than we might expect: use the gift that the Holy Spirit has chosen for you in order to build up the body of Christ in a reconciling love for the glory of God.

That’s a mouthful for sure! Listen to “The Wisdom of God’s Will” to hear how even good things like work and family can get in the way.

The question asked this past Sunday was “Who is Melchizedek?” and “Why does he matter?” We know very little about him, but his name means “king of righteousness.” He was the king of Salem or the “king of peace.” He offers us some insight into finding the right path to peace in our own lives. Listen to “The Right Path to Peace” to learn more.

The question from this previous Sunday was “is Jesus the only way?” In the sermon Pastor Peter talks about why it’s a difficult question to answer. There are a lot of how’s and what if’s. Whatever the answer is, it ought to give us some assurance rather than anxiety. Is that answer good enough?

Listen to The Amazing gRace and decide for yourself.

We’re continuing our conversation about the ways that we imagine God and the ways that we image God. In other words, the ways we think and feel about God have an effect on how we try to imitate God in the ways we live. For the next two weeks, we’ll focus on Jesus’ death.

You can download a copy of Why Did Jesus Die?

Or you can read Part 1 and Part 2 on Medium.

We’ll meet this Sunday at 11am to discuss.

The Word of God is referred to as a two-edged sword. John imagines Jesus returning with a double-edged sword coming from his mouth. “The Word Became Sword” answers the question about why people use the Bible to do harm and reminds us that, while the Word will cause conflict, it is not meant for abuse.