Peer Pressure

We tend to think that peer pressure is something that only teenagers struggle with. The reality, though, is that at all ages we tend to be affected by the behavior of the people around us - for good or bad.

In San Marcos, California, three hundred households were given information about how much energy they used. At the same time they were also given accurate information about how much energy their neighbors used. On the positive side, those who were large energy consumers tended to reduce their usage. But on the negative side, those who had been conserving energy ended up using more energy when they discovered that their neighbors weren't conserving.

In Hebrews 10:24-25 we read: "And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

In our lives, are we allowing the negative thoughts and behaviors of the people around us to drag us down? Or do we make use of the opportunities we have to change the thoughts and behaviors of the people around us for the better? Every day there are occasions where God makes it possible for us to exert positive peer pressure. Don't let those opportunities pass you by.

Ed Bowen

Ed Bowen

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, consider some of these quotations from Dr. King:

"Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase."

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

Ed Bowen

Service Night

One of the goals that we have as a church is to give people hands-on opportunities to serve other people. On Thursday, January 14, we are offering the first such opportunity for the new year. Everyone is invited to gather at 6:30 p.m. to help make fleece blankets for the residents at a local personal care home. The material will be provided. If you have sharp scissors, please bring them.

If you have ideas about other projects that we could do, please let Tricia Sanders or me know. Our goal is to have at least four such projects during 2010, but we would certainly be excited about accomplishing even more!

Ed Bowen

Emmanuel

"An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Jospeh, son of David, no not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 'Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,' which means 'God is with us.'" (Matthew 1:20-23)

As we enter a new year, we need to remember the great promise that we have been given: God is with us. At times that might be a difficult thing for us to believe. When terrorists attempt to blow up airplanes, when unemployment is so widespread, when wars rage on around the world - at times we might be led to wonder if God really is with us.

But the good news of this Christmas season - and the good news that we are able to carry with us throughout the year - is that God is truly with us, no matter what.

And so as we prepare to enter into a new year - and daily, as enter each new morning - let us remind ourselves that God is with us. And let us allow our words and actions to show forth that that is what we genuinely believe.

Ed Bowen

It Is Good For Us To Be Here

One of today's lectionary readings from the Bible (Matthew 17:1-8)

1Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

This passage is commonly referred to as the Transfiguration. In some miraculous, amazing way Jesus' appearance was changed, or transfigured, as three of his disciples looked on.

But notice that this special encounter with Jesus took place away from the crowds and the busy-ness of life. It took place on top of mountain.

Even today, Jesus wants us to encounter him in special ways. Our challenge is find times each week - or ideally, each day - to experience periods when we can be calm and quiet, and spend time in Jesus' presence. As we do that, we will grow in our relationship with Jesus, and we will grow in our ability to understand God's will for each of our lives.

When we find those period of calm and quiet, hopefully we will say what Peter said, "Lord, it is good for us to be here."

Ed Bowen

Exciting Start to the Fall Season

This fall season got off to an exciting start as many of our youth programs started back up for the new school year. On Sunday, August 30, we had around 35 teens come for our PYC youth group for grades 6-12. The youth had a great time, and we're looking forward to some outstanding events this fall, including a sleepover in October and a retreat at Crestfield in November. My hope is that during this coming year we will see the group grow to about 100 young people, gathering on a regular basis for prayer, Bible study, service projects, and fellowship.

This past Wednesday was rather awesome as about 75 kids in kindergarten through grade 6 came for the first day of Youth Club. All the kids seemed to have a great time with the music, Bible story, games, dinner, and Celebration Time. Right now the kids are preparing a special song to sing in Sunday worship on September 20, which will be our first Youth Club Sunday of the school year.

Please pray for the children of our area - and their families. And please pray for our church as we seek to share the good news of Jesus through our youth ministries.

Ed Bowen

Baccalaureate

On June 9, I had the honor and privilege of being a part of the Baccalaureate service for the seniors at Carlynton High School. Many people might not realize it, but most school districts have abandoned having Baccalaureate services for their students, but Carlyton continues.

Even though the Penguins were playing Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals that night, the senior class was very well represented, along with many of their family members and friends.

I was particularly impressed by the speeches that four of the students gave, in which they shared how their faith has played a role in the school life. One student told about how she organized a "Meet You At The Pole" event, as part of a nationwide event that encourages students and school personnel to gather at the school flag pole on a particular day in the fall to pray for the school and the community. She told about how the event was very small when she first organized it, but how it has now grown into something significant for the school community.

A member of the football team shared about how many members of the team pray before games and meals, praying for their safety, praying for the other team, and praying for each other.

Another student spoke about she was part of a group of students who regularly met to pray and read the Bible.

And another student told about how many of those who participated in the musical regularly got together and formed a prayer group.

I found it to be very inspiring that the Christian faith is playing such a significant role in the lives of many of our area young people.

Ed Bowen