ISSUE 11 | July-October 2014
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Mark Shetler EDITOR Melissa Shetler EXECUTIVE DESIGN Jessica Ripley PHOTOGRAPHY Sandy Runner CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Briggs, Jane Daly, Shanda Estrada, Bryan Krenzin, Linda LeMaire, Jennie Nagy, Michael Pantell, Robin Waldron, Willie Wilson SPECIAL THANKS to Anytime Fitness, Rancho Cordova for the use of their gym for photographs.
THE COMPASS IS A PUBLICATION OF First Covenant Church of Sacramento P.O. Box 276450 Sacramento, CA 95827 916.861.2240 • www.firstcov.org
ABOUT THE COMPASS
COMPASS Magazine is First Cov's quarterly publication. In a church our size, it can be an overwhelming task to meet everyone and know everything that is happening. The COMPASS serves as a platform to bring our church family closer together. Within its pages, you will find true stories about the people and ministries of First Cov. And, most importantly, it will help guide you farther along The Path to becoming a fullydevoted follower of Jesus Christ.
CONTENTS FROM PASTOR JESSE
SWEAT. DISCIPLINE. PERSEVERANCE. PUSHING THROUGH. They’re all necessary if we’re going to finish the race, improve our game or meet our goal weight. And that same determination and dedication is needed if we’re going to get fit in other areas of our lives. Whether we want to improve our family relationships or gain a healthy self-image or become stronger spiritually, we need to remember that none of it just happens. We need to work at it.
GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?
This issue of the COMPASS is meant to inspire you to GET FIT in all areas of your life. We hope that as you read these stories, all written by people you findarticle something encouraging, helpful Did you in likeour thischurch issue? family, Did a particular stick out to you? Interested and even fun that younext can issue? relate Whatever to. As always, want totolethear you from know in contributing to the it is, Iwe want that staff is here to help in anycompass@firstcov.org way we can. Please feel freeato you! our Send us your feedback byyou emailing or post call the church you want to talk with someone. I hope to see comment to our office page atiffacebook.com/firstcov. you in a worship service soon.
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04 • Flex Your Faith 06 • Solitude 07 • Ain’t Nobody Got Time For That 08 • The Shadow of Death 12 • My Eating Disorder 13 • Is That What I Look Like? 14 • Objectification 15 • Spiritual Discipline Gone Wrong 16 • This Old Tent 18 • Participating in Life Together: Family, Faith, Fitness and Fun THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
For more information on these ministries, as well as Equipping Classes and Growth Groups, visit firstcov.org.
SUNDAY
WORSHIP KIDS FIRST ON EAGLES WINGS (SPECIAL NEEDS) SOLAS (YOUNG ADULTS)
TUESDAY
MOM’S CONNECTION MOSAIC (SENIOR ADULTS) RENOVATE (HIGH SCHOOL) YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (24-34ISH)
WEDNESDAY
IDENTITY (MIDDLE SCHOOL) MEN’S MINISTRIES WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
THURSDAY
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES CELEBRATE RECOVERY CHOIR
COMING SOON SUMMER DANCE SESSION | WEEK OF JUNE 30 Our dance studio offers classes for various ages, styles and experience levels at convenient times. Visit firstcov.org/dance or contact Carolyn at cmelville@firstcov.org. IFTAR AT SALAM ISLAMIC CENTER| JULY 11 First Cov serves and prepares a meal as an outreach to the Muslim community. Contact Carolyn at cmelville@firstcov.org. YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: LINE DANCING | JULY 11 If you are between the ages of 24-34, come out for a fun night of dancing. Contact Jessica at jripley@firstcov.org. SUMMER EQUIPPING CLASS | SUNDAYS, JULY 13–AUGUST 17 “Tug of War” is the theme for this pastor-led Equipping Class. We will dive into the topic of the struggle we all face between flesh and spirit. Class meets at 10 a.m. in the Chapel. ALL CHURCH CAMP OUT | JULY 18-20 With a variety of accommodations available, there’s something for everyone at Lake Francis Resort. Visit firstcov.org/campout. “RSC” RENOVATE (HIGH SCHOOL) SUMMER CAMP | JULY 20-25 All high school students are encouraged to attend this exciting and spiritually dynamic camp experience. Contact Kellee at kbaker@firstcov.org. YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: STATE FAIR | JULY 25 Eat something deep fried, ride the ferris wheel or play a carnival game with other young professionals. Contact Jessica at jripley@firstcov.org. SCRAP, CRAFT OR SEW | JULY 26, AUGUST 16, SEPTEMBER 13 AND OCTOBER 25 Women of all ages are welcome to bring their own craft project to the church and enjoy a time for getting to know others. Contact Jennie at jnagy@firstcov.org. IDENTITY (MIDDLE SCHOOL) SUMMER CAMP | JULY 31- AUGUST 1 Students will have a blast with crazy team competitions, fun pool events and amazing worship experiences. Contact Kellee at kbaker@firstcov.org. RENOVATE (HIGH SCHOOL) SANTA CRUZ DAY TRIP | AUGUST 9 Enjoy the sun, the beach and the boardwalk! Contact Kellee at kbaker@ firstcov.org. YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: PUB QUIZ| AUGUST 11 Know a lot of useless facts? Join us for a friendly competition at De Vere’s trivia night! Contact Jessica at jripley@firstcov.org. GLOBAL OUTREACH PARTNERS LUNCH | AUGUST 17 Join Johnny and Kayti and David and Julie Schoch as they share about ministry in SE Asia and Albania. 12:45 p.m. in the Chapel OPEN CHOIR REHEARSAL | AUGUST 21 Our choir is looking for people, high school through adult, who love to sing and who would like to help lead our classic worship service. Contact Carolyn at cmelville@firstcov.org. YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: SAC STATE AQUATIC CENTER| AUGUST 23 Cool off in Lake Natoma and spend the day kayaking, canoeing or paddling with First Cov’s Young Professionals. Contact Jessica at jripley@firstcov.org.
FALL KICK OFF AND BBQ | AUGUST 24 See ad page 11. YOUNG COUPLES BRUNCH | AUGUST 31 Meet other couples that are in a similar life stage over a delicious brunch. Contact Suzanne at spennington@firstcov.org. MEN’S CONFERENCE | SEPTEMBER 5-7 See ad page 11. MOMS CONNECTION | SEPTEMBER 9 All moms are invited to join us for our fall season at this kick-off gathering. Contact Jennie at jnagy@firstcov.org. RENOVATE (HIGH SCHOOL) BURGER BASH | SEPTEMBER 9 Start the new school year off right with an evening full of crazy fun and lots of burgers. Contact Kellee at kbaker@firstcov.org. FALL EQUIPPING CLASSES | WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14 We offer a variety of classes at various times throughout the week to help equip you to be a fully devoted follower of Christ. Visit firstcov.org/equipping for class descriptions. MOSAIC KICK-OFF BRUNCH | SEPTEMBER 16 Our active seniors ministry will launch its fall season with a great brunch and a special program. Make new friends and find purpose for your later years. Contact Suzanne at spennington@firstcov.org. MARRIAGE CONFERENCE | SEPTEMBER 20 See ad page 10. NEW MEMBERS CLASS | SEPTEMBER 21 Want to find out more about who we are and what we believe? Join us for this informative class on Sunday afternoon with lunch provided. Those who choose to join the church will also need to attend a testimony day on October 5. Contact Suzanne at spennington@firstcov.org. YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: APPLE HILL TRIP| SEPTEMBER 27 Connect with other young professionals over a slice of apple pie! Contact Jessica at jripley@firstcov.org. BAPTISM SUNDAY | SEPTEMBER 28 See ad page 7. INAUGURAL FIRST COV GOLF TOURNAMENT | OCTOBER 6 See ad page 11. HARVEST CARNIVAL | OCTOBER 26 See ad back page. RENOVATE (HIGH SCHOOL) MALL MASQUERADE | OCTOBER 28 Join us for this annual scavenger hunt for people in disguise. Contact Kellee at kbaker@firstcov.org.
WWW.FIRSTCOV.ORG
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BY ROBIN WALDRON
Imagine you are sitting on a park bench enjoying the sunshine, your favorite coffee drink and a delicious pastry—a weekday morning routine you adopted some time ago. Someone coming down the path catches your attention. A runner. But not just an ordinary runner. He has to be at least 70 and is about the most in-shape person you have ever seen. As he passes, you are struck by the strength of his form and the focus and determination in his face. Moments later you toss your half-eaten, fat-laden breakfast in the trash and decide to walk to work—and renew your membership at the gym. Seeing others who are physically fit can often be a motivator for people to set new goals for their health or step up their workout. The same is true when it comes to getting spiritually fit. Strong faith in action has the power to inspire, motivate and draw others to a deeper or new relationship with Christ. When believers ‘flex’ their faith muscles, it may be just the stimulus onlookers need to take the next step in their spiritual life. How about you? What happens when you flex your spiritual muscles? Are they droopy and in need of a good workout, or do they grab the attention of onlookers and arouse within them a desire to get in the game? The following is a ‘workout plan’ of sorts—ways that you can F.L.E.X. your faith in order to improve your own spiritual health and hopefully inspire others to do the same.
FEED YOUR SPIRIT
In the same way our bodies need good nutrition to be healthy; our spiritual health is dependent upon how we nourish it. A starving spirit will lack strength, life and sustaining power. There are numerous ways we can ‘feed’ ourselves but the main and most obvious way is with Scripture. A regular diet of studying, meditating and memorizing God’s Word will undoubtedly produce a faith that grows and inspires. At First Cov there are ample opportunities to feed your faith— Growth Groups, Equipping Classes, spirit-filled worship with inspiring, challenging, truth-packed messages from our pastors. However, the vibrancy of your faith will be enhanced greatly if you don’t rely solely on the church to feed you. Make it a habit to fix yourself healthy ‘meals’ and ‘snacks’ throughout the week. Sit down with Jesus and dig into the Word on a regular basis. Stay connected to Him through prayer throughout your day. The choices we make about what we allow into our minds can have a huge impact on our spiritual health. While you may be reading your Bible, if you are also filling your mind with thoughts contrary to it, your growth will stagnate. Analyze how you are being influenced by the media you consume or by those with whom you spend your time. Read Philippians 4:8.
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LOVE WITH ACTION
Once you’ve gained some strength, it’s time to put your faith into action. Well-nourished muscles need to be exercised if they are going to grow. The best way to exercise your faith muscle is with a ‘love workout’. Read 1 John 3:18.
A faith that inspires is one that is lived out daily. There are endless possibilities when it comes to putting your faith into action, but most of them will involve loving others. It can be as simple as mowing your neighbor’s lawn or as challenging as traveling to a foreign country to serve others. Ask God to give you His eyes to see the needs around you and step out to meet them when possible.
ENCOURAGE WITH TRUTH
As believers, we receive encouragement from Scripture (Romans 15:4) and directly from God (Roman 15:5), but we also are to receive it from one another (Romans 1:12; 2 Corinthians 7:12-13; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Hebrews 3:13). There are many ways we can encourage each other, but one important way is with the truth of God’s Word. Not only do we need to know the Scriptures for ourselves, but we are called by God to direct others to them, reminding each other of God’s truth and using it to instruct, correct and rebuke when necessary. It is important that we continually point each other toward Christ, pray for one another, and speak words of life.
EXPLAIN THE REASON
While some may be moved into action when you flex your faith, you may also come across those who, while interested, are skeptical of your ‘health plan’. There is a growing trend of skepticism, anger and even fear toward traditional religion in America—especially Christianity. Truth is seen as relative and beliefs such as Jesus being the only way to heaven are seen as intolerant and unreasonable. When encountering others who are doubtful and unconvinced, are you equipped to explain the reason for the hope that you have? A belief in Jesus is rational and His claims are supported by a tremendous amount of evidence. In addition to being able to present your beliefs with gentleness and respect, being familiar with evidence that supports your beliefs can widen the influence of your faith. Do you desire to have greater influence? Would you like to be more spiritually fit and inspire others to get in the game? Then F.L.E.X. your faith today! Robin has been attending First Cov since college and has enjoyed serving in a variety of areas over the years. Currently, she enjoys being a part of the worship team for the modern services and helping plan the Women’s Retreat. Besides hanging out with her two favorite guys— her husband, Scott and son, Spencer—her favorite pastimes are mixed media art and photography.
Want to find out more about what we believe? Take a First Step by meeting one-on-one with an ordinary person who is trying to follow Jesus. This sixlesson discipleship program will help you understand the basics of the Christian faith. For more information, contact kbaker@firstcov.org.
Solitude
“Solitude is something we must seek out, it’s not just going to happen, especially in today’s world.”
BY BRYAN KRENZIN
Every true believer has the desire to regularly connect with God through what we know as a quiet time, or a time reserved for the Lord. As you read this, maybe you are thinking, “Yes, that is my desire,” yet your time with God is disjointed and sporadic or doesn’t happen at all. This is one of the main struggles for Christians today with the overload of information, instant communication and the overall busyness we all face. Our days are packed with activity, many times good activity, but that activity means we often feel far from God. As we know, God is never far from us and just because we don’t sense Him, doesn’t mean He is not there. There is a remedy for having a closer connection with God, but it requires a little effort and prioritization on our end. The good news is He’s given us the tools! As I’m writing this, I am feeling a bit convicted myself because I fall into the trap of busyness, but I’m not giving up and neither should you. Realize the relationship we have with the Lord is a two-way communication. It’s not just us asking for God to do things for us, it’s engaging in a relationship with Him. One of these tools is called the discipline of solitude, which brings us to an inner peace with God. So, what is solitude? Solitude is more a state of mind and condition of the heart than it is a physical place; although a quiet place is normally required. It is a condition of silence and being in a mode of listening vs. being in a mode
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of talking or doing. It is place where we stop and allow ourselves to receive from God. So, through solitude, we have a tool that will help us become intimate with the Lord. While the spiritual disciplines are not laws, they are beneficial to becoming more spiritually fit. Solitude is something we must seek out, it’s not just going to happen, especially in today’s world. So what are some of the steps that will help with practicing solitude? Take advantage of the little solitudes that fill the day. Think of solitude during your morning cup of coffee or reading the newspaper. Practice being quiet whenever you can. If you are sitting in rush hour traffic, use that time to be silent and meditate with the Lord. Find a quiet spot that is free from distraction. This may be a room in your house or a place outside like a park, pond or sanctuary. Turn off the cell phone, computer and TV. For me, the ocean or a wooded area is my favorite, but I don’t get to do those things often, so find someplace close and practical. Even though solitude and silence are a mindset, it sure doesn’t hurt to have a quiet place, so pick a good spot! Resist temptation to speak right away. While this is good advice in life, we are speaking specifically about our interaction with God. We get so caught up in what we need from God that
we fail to engage in the relationship with God, which requires that we are quiet before Him. When you are praying, stop and listen. When you are reading Scripture, stop and listen. Allow the relationship to be a two-way communication, understanding that we need to become quiet before the Lord and listen. What are we listening for? While there is no cut-and-dry method of listening to God, it comes through practice and trying. I personally have never heard an audible voice from God, but I have received nudges and impressions from the Lord. Learn to pay attention to those nudges while making sure everything you hear lines up with Scripture. God will never contradict His Word. Also, speaking of Scripture, I also hear from God by seeing something in Scripture for the first time, even though I have read a passage multiple times. As you practice solitude more, you will learn to hear more clearly and you will in turn become more sensitive to God. As this becomes a more common practice, you learn that solitude is anytime—anytime you choose to become quiet before the Lord. Bryan is an Elder at First Cov, whose passion is getting the church to pray! Bryan is a graduate from Bethany University with a degree in Church Leadership and has served as an associate pastor in previous ministries. Bryan has been attending First Covenant for 7 years, along with his wife Tami and daughter Kate.
AIN’T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT! BY JANE DALY
Bzzzzzz. The harsh shrill of the alarm jolts me out of sleep. I reach out an arm from under the covers to silence the annoyance. It’s still dark outside. I pull my arm back into the warm blanket cocoon. A shot of adrenaline reminds me I registered for an early morning spin class. If I don’t show up, I don’t get a refund. Frugality battles with the desire to sleep. Frugality wins. I crawl out of bed and change into bike shorts. An hour and a half later I’m home. Time to shower, get ready for work, eat breakfast and make my lunch. Then I’m dashing out the door with a guilty backward glance at the Bible and prayer journal gathering dust on my nightstand.
my breakfast while listening to the Bible app on my phone, then crack open my prayer journal and write in between bites. I hear some of you saying, “But you don’t have kids.” You’re right, I don’t. When my kids were little, I didn’t need to exercise to stay in shape. Instead, I got up at 5:30 every morning to have quiet time before my little darlings woke up. Yes, 5:30 a.m. It was important to me, so I made a tough decision to get up early. As a new Christian, I savored those times of drinking deeply from the Spirit.
I’ll pray in the car.
Because I gave my heart to Jesus thirty-seven years ago, it’s easy to put my spiritual journey into neutral and coast until He returns, or until I go to be with Him. I easily drift into thinking I’ve learned all I need to learn. I’ll just listen to Christian music in the car and call it good.
Does this sound familiar? Like you, I want to have a vibrant spiritual life. I desire to spend quality time in prayer for the many needs among my friends, family and Growth Group members. At the same time, I want to stay in shape physically. I need to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
But if I lean forward with anticipation, watching for what God has in store for me, I’m able to face every fear, every trial, every challenge with the strength I’ve gained from years of exercising the spiritual muscle of faith, discipline and regular time with Him.
How can I find time for God? What can I do to keep my spiritual life as healthy as my physical life? Both are important. I can’t help thinking back to the story in Luke 10 where Martha told Jesus He should tell her sister Mary to get busy and help serve the many guests at their home. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet soaking in His teaching. Jesus looked directly at Martha and said, “Leave your sister alone. She has chosen the better thing.” I know I shouldn’t feel guilty for exercising, but I keep thinking that I’m Martha. I’m choosing spin class over God.
I’ve found that God delights in the prayers of His people. Whether it’s a few minutes in the car or a prayer before falling asleep, He loves to hear us talk to Him. And He also wants us to spend uninterrupted time in gratefulness, basking in His presence.
What I’m discovering is it doesn’t have to be a choice of this or that—God or exercise. God or healthy eating. God or housework. God or husband, kids, Facebook, work, writing. God wants to be in the middle of everything I do. I can breathe a prayer of thanksgiving while I’m in the car. When I’m not struggling to breathe during spin, I can pray for my Growth Group. I can eat
We make time for what’s important to us. My challenge is to spend less time on Facebook and more time in devotion. Spending less time reading means I can retreat to a quiet place and meditate on God’s goodness and glory. As I tithe my time, God returns it ten-fold. Jane is author of the book From Grief to Grace, to be released January 2015. She and her husband, Mike, are Growth Group leaders and Gospel Discipleship coaches. When not at her computer writing, she’s either catching up on scrapbooking her grandchildren’s photos or riding her bike on the bike trail.
“...my son Jon did some research confirming the doctor’s diagnosis: my situation was essentially hopeless.”
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SHADOW OF DEATH BY LINDA LEMAIRE
I
was a reasonably fit person, not an Olympic athlete but in relatively good health, except for long-term chronic pain from a broken back and neck that happened in an auto accident in 1996. But then, out of the blue, life changed radically for me one day when sudden, horrific back pain led to emergency spine surgery. That surgery became the gateway by which a rare disease entered my body. The horrific pain, mental delusion, respiratory failure, speech issues, coma, seizures and paralysis all left me lying flat on my back for almost nine weeks. I was often unconscious and totally unaware that I hovered hour by hour between life and death. Doctors told my husband that if I survived, my chances of having normal brain function were zero and that he should consider turning off my ventilator. Let me go back to where it all started.
Thursday, July 11, 2013. My husband Dave and I were at our neighborhood Bible study when I suddenly experienced waves of unbearable back pain that took my breath away. Bewildered, Dave called 911 and I was rushed to hospital #1. After several tests, including a CT scan and an MRI, the medical staff concluded that they did not know what was going on, so I was bundled into an ambulance for the lengthy ride to hospital #2. A spinal tap and ultrasound showed a large mysterious mass on my spine in the upper thoracic region. I needed surgery immediately. So I was placed into another ambulance for the ride to hospital #3. When my spine surgeon made his twelve inch long incision, he found a massive blood clot mysteriously enclosing several inches of my spine. He scraped the clot away; shaved bone and everyone thought I was on course for a routine postsurgery recovery. However, on the third day after my surgery, I could barely speak and had enormous difficulty forming thoughts. My medical team had no idea what caused my cognitive issues, so they took away all pain medication except Tylenol. I was left with hellish pain. By July 19, my pain had become so excruciating that I was grinding my teeth and thrashing around in agony. I was incoherent and confused. By July 20, I could not speak at all. No words, period. “...I was unable to recognize Sunday, July 21, I didn’t anyone. I just stared. I could not recognize anyone. speak. I could not move.”
Days later, test results confirmed that I had viral herpes simplex spinal meningitis, which I most likely contracted during my back surgery. I became more ill, losing consciousness frequently, talking strangely if I spoke at all. My legs became paralyzed and I had seizures that violently shook my entire body.
At 7:30 a.m. on July 24, I stopped breathing. I was rushed to the intensive care unit where I was placed on a ventilator. Breathing and feeding tubes were inserted. The next day I was unable to recognize anyone. I just stared. I could not speak. I could not move.
Faithful friends visited me week after week in the hospital, always praying for a miracle. Dave, the hero of this crisis, spent 14-16 hours a day making decisions and just ‘being there’ with me. Even though doctors gave him no hope, he continued to proclaim to the medical staff—with steadfast faith— that I would live and that I would recover full brain function. Meanwhile, my son Jon did some research confirming the doctor’s diagnosis: my situation was essentially hopeless. Nevertheless, he also believed God would perform a miracle. Slowly, as days passed, my oxygen level began to improve. I was moved from the ICU to a regular hospital floor. I slept a lot and hallucinated when I was awake. My speech transitioned to where the few words I spoke were clearer, but they still made no sense. Then on Thursday, August 1, my blood pressure suddenly skyrocketed and I experienced cardiac distress. Days passed in which I was unconscious or semi-conscious. Encephalitis was raging. I didn’t recognize anyone. I didn’t know where I was. I remained delusional. Yet, the nurses reported to my family that during some nights I would say, “Thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus,” in my semi-conscious state. After ten days in the cardiac care unit, my doctors told Dave they wanted to release me from the hospital since they could do nothing more to “God had not kept me from help me. However, he and my son strongly opposed this since I was experiencing weeks of horrific, still incredibly ill. agonizing pain. God did not stop August 9 came—my birthday. my muscles from deteriorating in Hospital staff and friends planned a frightening way. But God was a little birthday party. I remained unconscious. The staff ate my with me through my ‘valley of the cupcakes! More time passed shadow of death’...” with little change and the doctors became increasingly insistent that I be discharged. I ended up being placed in a long-term facility and I seemed to gain some consciousness. The nearly three weeks in rehab was torture. Nevertheless, I felt the comfort and peace of God’s presence and strength in the midst of the nightmare. Finally, on September 9, I came home. I cried with joy and gratitude. Still weak, but overwhelmed by God’s mercy and grace that He was restoring me. God had not kept me from experiencing weeks of horrific, agonizing pain. God did not stop my muscles from deteriorating in a frightening way. But God was with me through my “valley of the shadow of death” and I believed God would continue to be with me. In the end, God had upended the grim medical prognoses and the disturbing facts of my condition so dramatically that even my spine doctor marveled a few months later saying, “You are a miracle!” Luke 1:37 reminds us that “nothing is impossible with God” (NIV). He gave me hope, restored my brain function 100% and continues to strengthen my body. I am completely awed and deeply humbled. Linda has a lifelong, deep passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others. She has decades of public and private leadership experience, including involvement in the Lay Counseling Ministry at First Cov, as well as with Women’s Bible Studies.
WWW.FIRSTCOV.ORG
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Mark your calendars now. You will not want to miss this one day conference at First Cov with Pastor and professional Marriage and Family Therapist, Tim Dakin. Whether you are single, engaged, newlyweds or marriage veterans, this conference will inspire you and ignite your passion for a healthy marriage. There will be food and fun, laughter and tears, challenge and inspiration when Tim brings his international seminar to First Cov. In addition to incredible teaching, there will be hilarious relationship videos, a Q & A with your pastors and their wives, a meal where you can get to know other people at the church, worship and entertaining competitions on stage. This is an event you will not want to miss.
$25/person • $45/couple Register online at firstcov.org/marriageconference or in the church lobby on Sunday mornings starting August 24.
FIRST ANNUAL
A BENEFIT FOR THE YOUTH MINISTRIES OF FIRST COVENANT CHURCH AND OUR COMMUNITY
OCTOBER 6, 2014 AT THE BEAUTIFUL EMPIRE RANCH GOLF CLUB IN FOLSOM Limited to only 36 foursomes (144 golfers) Entry fee: Foursome $350; Individual $100 Entry includes green fee, golf cart and range balls, awards breakfast, lunch, gift bag, contests, raffles and prizes. To register or learn about how your business can become a sponsor, visit www.firstcov.org/golf or email Pastor Fred at fhammer@firstcov.org.
SEPTEMBER 5-7 REGISTER TODAY: FIRSTCOV.ORG/MENSCONFERENCE2014
NEED SOME
HELP? Everyone goes through rough times. We don’t need to go through them alone. We’re here to help.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY: A Bible-based 12-step program for all kinds of hurts, habits and hang-ups. Thursday nights at 7:30 in the Chapel. Visit firstcov.org/cr for more information.
LAY COUNSELING: Caring non-professionals trained to listen, guide and pray. Call Jennie at 916.861.1622 for a confidential appointment.
GRIEFSHARE: Help for dealing with the pain of losing a loved one. New groups forming throughout the year. Contact cmelville@firstcov.org for more information.
DIVORCECARE: Assistance in finding healing and hope after a broken relationship. Contact cmelville@firstcov.org for more information.
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MY EATING DISORDER BY SHANDA ESTRADA
In the time it takes to reach the end of 34 years, one will pass from infancy into full adulthood, complete one’s education, possibly fall in love, marry and experience the joy of having children. For me, 34 years is how long I allowed an eating disorder to control my feelings, thoughts, and actions. Honestly, it controlled my life. I was eleven when I became fixated upon being thin. I equated ‘thin’ to ‘perfect’. I never saw myself as thin enough. I perfected the art of ‘quietly and cleanly’ emptying the contents of my stomach whenever I ingested anything. Over the years, I did seek counseling. Even though each counselor would cite the harm I was causing myself, I didn’t care enough about myself to be concerned with future damage. I loathed myself. I continued to tell myself how unworthy I was, how fat I was. After years of starving myself, I ended up in the hospital near death. After a month of intense treatment, including medication, I received some healing and regained some strength along with a few needed pounds. Shortly thereafter, I became pregnant with my daughter. She was a late-in-life cherished blessing. I vowed to never mention the word diet around her. However, one does not practice starvation for 34 years and come out unscathed. My self-loathing was at an all-time high and I was soon to hit rock bottom. After giving birth to my beautiful daughter I visited a diet doctor in a panicked effort to gain ‘thinness’. I took diet pills for a month. I found myself in excruciating abdominal pain and was eventually forced to seek emergency care. I learned that I was pregnant again but I simultaneously miscarried. In that moment of pain God spoke to me. I would love to say that my healing was instantaneous. It was not. I had 34 years of Satan telling me that I was unworthy and unlovely. There was a lot of damage to undo, but I began to hear God say, “You are worthwhile. You have significance and value.” I am a work in progress. He is still growing me. My current goals include eating healthy, exercising regularly and learning to love myself for who I am. This is not easy to do since our culture regularly overemphasizes that weight loss equals value. I have to remind myself of the significance of Jesus’ command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39, NIV). Certainly, the Savior is instructing us to love others, but He is also implying that it is healthy and holy to love ourselves. After all, we were created by a loving Father in His image. The battle within me has lessened, but it has not disappeared. It will always be there and I am certain I will always be inclined to berate myself and to feel unworthy. I think I will always struggle with my body image, with
“...DAILY I CAN CHOOSE TO MEDITATE ON HIS LOVE FOR ME.”
my self-image. But daily I can choose to meditate on His love for me. I can choose to give Him thanks for making me me. I often refer to Psalm 139:13-16: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be,” (NIV). Shanda started as a volunteer in the nursery and went on staff at First Cov after six months. She is also the Nursery Director and On Eagles Wings Coordinator. She enjoys visiting shut-ins and the elderly. In her spare time she enjoys camping, reading, time with family and her rose garden.
IS THAT WHAT I LOOK LIKE?
I am sure it has happened to you, too. You get your picture taken and when you see it, you ask yourself, “Is that what I really look like?” As you study the photo you realize that the ten or so pounds you’ve gained shows more than you thought. Perhaps the picture was not taken at the right angle and you wonder why no one told you what a hot mess your hair was that day. Body parts that used to be tighter in your teens and twenties are not quite like they used to be. Blaming gravity, metabolism and other factors seems like the easiest and most obvious option. Some or all of these have applied to me at one point in my life. I recently selected a movie that I had to stop watching because of how awful it was making me feel about myself. Listening to how the actor described women and what they should look like left me thinking, “Wow…that does not describe me at all.” That 20 minutes of a movie sent me on a downward spiral mentally and emotionally. I contemplated “fasting” to get myself straightened out. I do not mean that to belittle fasting. I use the quotations because my motivation was not to get right spiritually, but to see what kind of weight I could lose. I told myself that my weight was out of my control only to realize that I must take responsibility for my weight. I decide what food goes into my body and what kind of exercise I get. I was seriously
BY JENNIFER BRIGGS
irritated. That tailspin happened over a stupid segment of a movie. As I focus on my lack of satisfaction with my outer appearance, the less happy I become with other aspects of myself. I think about 1 Samuel 16:7 which says, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart,” (NIV) and I think, “There, if God doesn’t care what I look like, then why should I get so wrapped up in it. God cares about my heart and what that looks like.” Then I think, “Snap! Is my heart very attractive?” I am pretty sure that within the past hour I said something about someone or to someone I shouldn’t have. I have definitely complained and whined about something I didn’t like. I probably said a word or two that should not come out of my mouth. I definitely had a mean thought here and there. I have been lazy. I have made excuse after excuse for not taking time to pray or read my Bible. I have had thoughts that weren’t exactly pure. I don’t always make the best decisions, and consequently am not always the best witness. When I look at my heart, it really isn’t in that great of shape either. Then I wonder why I do the things I do. I am a part of As You Are ministries, one of our global
outreach ministries that visits local strip clubs. We seek to let the women working in the clubs know that they are valued, cherished and loved for who they are. If I can’t believe those things about myself, how can I expect to communicate those spiritual truths to one of the women in these clubs? Me… Me… Me… Focusing on myself is just where the enemy wants me. It leaves me discouraged, helpless and defeated. But, when I flip the switch, and stop focusing on myself, something changes. When I think about Hebrews 12:2 and fix my eyes on Jesus, I am reminded of who I truly am. I am loved. Jesus loved me so much he died on the cross for me. Because of that, I am redeemed. With that redemption, I am called a daughter of the King and a friend of God. Because of Him, I am more than a conqueror. In knowing Him more, it becomes less about me and more about Him. With Him, I can do that because I share the heartache He has for women who don’t see themselves the way He sees them. Your shape, as in your physical shape, does not define you. When God looks at you, He doesn’t see the cellulite, the love handles or any other imperfection you may have found with your body. He sees you as beautiful because He created you. And, like He said with Adam and Eve, what He created is “very good.” Jennifer has been going to First Cov since high school. She enjoys reading, writing and baking. Jennifer is involved in the As You Are (AYA) ministry.
WWW.FIRSTCOV.ORG
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Objectification BY MICHAEL PANTELL
Constant societal pressures bombard men to view women not as whole human beings but as objects here for our fulfillment. The pressure comes from all forms of advertisements, TV shows portraying female characters as bimbos and, worst of all, pornography which degrades women to objects of sexual conquest. In Genesis 1:27, when God created man and woman in the garden, He created them in His image; both of them, man and woman. Just as God is not an object for our fulfillment, neither is the other half of God’s most beloved creation. In Romans 12:2, Paul calls us to not be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is a clear benediction that we are to be in the world but not of the world. This also means that we should be aware of society’s effects on us and renew our minds in Christ accordingly. For us men, the renewing of our minds means countering the way cultural influences have taught us to perceive women. Instead we should see them as Christ does. In our world, women are more likely to be objectified while men are more likely to be seen as whole people. This means that women are more likely to be defined by their body parts: their smile, eyes, hips or breasts. Men are more likely to be defined by their profession or passion: He’s a doctor, a lawyer, a runner or a writer. In daily life, the effects of men objectifying women are very real. It is women making 70 cents on the dollar, it is being underrepresented in government and it is being pigeonholed in traditional female work roles. In the more extreme and all too prevalent cases, it is sexual assault, spousal abuse and rape. Sadly, the extreme cases will not go away until the Lord returns. Nonetheless, there are things that we, as God-fearing men, can do now to make a difference. 1. Be aware. It has been my experience that being aware of what I am thinking is the first battle. I can’t fix something that I’m not aware of. Societal pressures work passively in our lives to alter the way we see things. We rarely notice how our attitudes are shaped by outside influences. As men of God we need to regularly check our thought life, knowing that what we think is going to influence our behavior.
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2. Change our actions and speech. This is much easier said than done. It is a slow process. We need to be careful about what we say regarding women whether or not they are present. What we say in private is just as pivotal as what we say in public. Private words dictate public discourse. We must keep in mind how we are valuing, or not valuing, women. Do we only compliment their appearance or do we make a point to also affirm positive character qualities? 3. Imagine complexly. I’ve noticed that young men have a tendency to perceive women as either objects of sexual conquest (“Dude, I would totally get with that”) or merely as things to make life better (“If I had a girlfriend, my life would be so much better”). Both of these approaches are gross simplifications of who women are in reality. Women are living, breathing, feeling humans created in the image of God. They have their own stories to tell, burdens to carry and lives to live. They are neither tools to be used nor objects to be abused. They are to be seen wholly and loved the same. When we see women, we must imagine them as the complex people that they are. 4. Give it up to Christ. Ultimately, only Christ can change someone’s heart. If you find this to be a particularly difficult problem to deal with, pray about it and have other men keep you accountable. A Christ-centered community can do miracles because with Christ all things are possible. I’m not claiming that doing these things will change the world, but they may change your world and the people around you. We can renew our minds, be transformed and, with the love of Christ, even transform others. My hope is that both men and women will see a light in the conduct and words of Christian men and seek that light for themselves. Michael Pantell is a graduate student at Sac State studying Civil Engineering and is involved in the SOLAS Young Professionals group.
BY ANONYMOUS
In early 2007, God called me to a full-fledged 40-day fast. I thought it was crazy. Who actually does things like that? Religious zealots, strict ascetics, starving missionaries? Certainly not ‘normal’ people. But the calling was persistent and undeniable. I did my research. I read all of the Scripture about fasting that I could wrap my heart around. I checked out library books and scoured the internet for fasting websites and clinical medical articles. My research concluded that fasting for 40 days is practically impossible if you haven’t been called to it, grueling if you have, dangerous even if you do it right, but spiritually rewarding enough to outweigh all of the risks. I poured over Luke 4 and Jesus’ experience in the desert and felt a deep spiritual conviction to pursue a fast, confident that God would sustain me. I decided that, in obedience, I would fast from food for 40 days over Lent. In my journal, I wrote that I was fasting “to humble my heart; to figure out if I’m living in the power, truth, and authority of God’s Word; to
mental strain to truly experience God. My relationship with Jesus became increasingly more tangible. I was constantly discovering passages of the Bible that spoke directly to me in every circumstance. My journal pages are filled with verses that I feasted on even while my body starved. God was leading me, walking with me, teaching me. I was careful informing people about the fast and took Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:16-18 to heart. I’m so thankful that I had my worship pastor, closest friends and band members all praying for me. Most of them saw the physical exhaustion and pain, as well as the spiritual elation that I experienced. After 40 days, I broke my fast with an apple and much rejoicing. And then everything changed. Ending a fast can be a deadly shock to a digestive system that has been shut down in starvation mode, and psychologically the transition is anything but easy. I soon understood what was
“MY JOURNAL PAGES ARE FILLED WITH VERSES THAT I FEASTED ON EVEN WHILE MY BODY STARVED” prepare for the full acceptance of God’s calling into ministry; to develop a keener awareness of spiritual reality,” and more. All of my expressed reasons for fasting were biblically motivated.
written regarding the end of Jesus’ own 40-day fast in Luke 4:13: “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” (NIV)
Beginning the fast was overwhelming. Day one was reflective. Day two was physically tough. I wrote, “This much, O Lord, do I desire you,’” and wondered whether I was going to rationalize my way out of the desert or cling to God and persevere despite the brain fog, hunger and discomfort. Day three was psychologically rough—continuing to meet my daily routine broke me down and left me clinging to Scripture and prayer.
I carefully restricted the type and amount of food I ate in the days and weeks to follow, intending to ease my body back into a normal eating pattern. With renewed physical energy to match my spiritual excitement, I threw myself into ministry and service wholeheartedly. But my eating patterns became difficult to control.
While the fast progressed, my lack of eating became an issue to other people around me. I was living in a house with eleven college girls who slowly became aware of what I was doing. Some could not accept that it was a spiritual discipline and were concerned that I was simply starving myself. Others expressed admiration that I was losing weight, regardless of how or why. My clothes started to hang off of me and I was constantly cold; yet even as my body was struggling, I fought through the physical and
I began to compulsively stuff myself so full of food that I could not keep it down. I would eat until I vomited. Friends who had fasted warned me that this was my body’s reaction to food post-starvation—an insatiable, ravenous hunger. At first I was shocked—shocked that I couldn’t stop eating, shocked that my system couldn’t handle the transition, shocked that I had just spent 40 days clinging to God for discipline and sustenance but was now caught in a situation that I had never anticipated. I struggled secretly and silently, too ashamed to admit that I wasn’t physically adapting after the most spiritually enlightening period of my life.
Steadily my disordered eating became more desperate. I was so horrified at the thought that I might eat out of control that I began to avoid eating when I could. When I actually did eat, I felt so physically ill that I would subsequently vomit. I believe that my eating struggles were at first solely the physical result of fasting for 40 days. However, I became complicit in the behavior that I soon learned was trending toward a serious eating disorder, and my motivation became more insidious. In that opportune moment, I began to yield to my own insecurities and the culture around me. I started to vomit after meals habitually. During the fast I had guarded my mind, shielding myself from thinking too much about the people who had glorified my unhealthy weight loss. I had reacted with sadness that people could extol extreme weight loss due to starvation as desirable. Post-fast, I allowed the creeping worry that I would gain weight and lose the approval of the people who had found a renewed interest in me to take over. Some people with eating disorders exist in a state of denial. I, however, was fully aware that my eating patterns met the diagnostic criteria for Bulimia Nervosa. It affected my relationships and I pulled away from ministry because I felt heavy despair that I could fall so far from the intimate relationship I had cultivated with the Lord during the fast. Why would God call me to something that would become the catalyst for an eating disorder? How could something so lifechanging lead down such a dark path? I realized I had been struggling in my own weakness and diminished physical and spiritual capacity. I needed to allow God, in His infinite wisdom and power, to lead me to victory in Christ. It’s not easy to surrender control and healing was a slow process. I had to take every thought captive. Seven years later, I confidently consider myself recovered—but I am ever aware. The devil will always wait for that opportune moment, but in Jesus we are more than conquerors. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, I encourage you to seek treatment. You can call the National Eating Disorder Association’s toll free, confidential Helpline at 1-800-931-2237 or find more resources online at: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org.
WWW.FIRSTCOV.ORG
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THIS OLD TENT BY JENNIE NAGY
Growing old can be a serious drag and no amount of grey-haired proverbial references or spiritual platitudes will change that for me. We were not made to wrinkle, droop and bulge any more than we were made for Alzheimer’s, cancer or death. Try as we might to embrace and accept the process, it’s simply not normal. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “God planted eternity in the human heart …” (NLT). GOD MADE HUMANS TO LIVE IN PERPETUAL INTIMACY WITH HIM, NOT TO WATCH US STRUGGLE THROUGH MIDLIFE CRISES, MENOPAUSE, STIFF, ACHY JOINTS, OVERACTIVE BLADDERS, FORGETFULNESS AND HUH, HUH, WHAT WAS THAT YOU SAID? INCONTINENCE! No, I tell ya, He did not do that—we did—when we sunk our teeth down into sin. Prior to that fateful moment, the first man and woman walked around naked with no need for spray tans, wrinkle creams or cellulite-reducing formulas. Still not convinced this aging thing isn’t part of the natural human process? Check out Deuteronomy 34:7: “Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone” (NIV). Joshua commented of himself, “…So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then” (Joshua 14:10-11, NIV). Imagine, like Adam, being 130 when your first kid comes along and then living another 800 years. Or Noah, who at the age of 500, welcomed his eldest child into the world. Methuselah, the oldest cat of them all, was a spry 187 when he started his family and lived a total of 969 years. Did his own children call him Dad, Granddad, Great Granddad, Great Great Granddad…? Weird. Many smart Bible people believe these guys possessed genes that, while tainted by sin, were not yet as diluted by the effects of it. For 1,500 years after creation, men seemingly lived such long lives. Most were either contemporaries of the first man, Adam, or personally knew someone who was. The ten patriarchs (excluding Enoch) who preceded the Great Flood lived an average of 912 years. Lamech died the youngest at the age of 777 and Methuselah lived to be the oldest at 969.1 However, after God laid a major aquatic smack-down on a world gone completely wild, a continual decline in life span followed.
We were not made to
wrinkle, droop and bulge
...it’s simply not normal.
ON THE SPOT QUESTION: And we are not the only ones groaning about the physical consequences of growing old—all of creation suffers from sin’s decay (see Romans 8:22). But wait, before you go out and spend a ridiculous amount of money to get something lifted, tucked or modified; I bring you some good news. We get new bodies! That’s right. No health care benefits required and no high interest bank loan necessary. In Romans, Paul goes on to exhort us to, “…wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us” (Romans 8:23, NLT). FULL RIGHTS…DID YOU CATCH THAT? As believers, indwelled by the Holy Spirit, God mercifully gives us a taste of the full rights He originally designed and intended for us to enjoy with new bodies unhindered by counting calories or points.
When did you last work out?
“I ran up the stairs and then back down to get some food. To be honest, I just said I worked out so I could be in the COMPASS.” —Elijah Castrence
“I lifted weights for football and then on the way home me and my dad got some ice cream.” — Charles Armstrong
...if we spend more time in Zumba or grunting through the next chest press than we spend with the Lord, we can plan on carrying around some pretty sad and flabby souls for all eternity.
“On May 30 I played Bingo Mania while eating cake for my birthday.” —Rissa Scott “I was the bingo caller. What a work out!” —Charlene Mitchell
“Yesterday I went backpacking near Lake Tahoe. On the way home we stopped at Jack’s and I treated myself to urban fries (with extra blue cheese and spicy oil).” —Ralph Bateman
No, I am not an advocate of “embrace the gray.” Instead, I believe God intended us to plow deeper than the roots on our heads and cultivate the inner portions of our humanity we can do something about. While God made us to appreciate the bling in life, only our spirits live eternally. So if we spend more time in Zumba or grunting through the next chest press than we spend with the Lord, we can plan on carrying around some pretty sad and flabby souls for all eternity. Yeah, no thanks. When it comes to these earthly tents, no quick fix schemes are going to keep them shiny and new forever, but we can be assured that one day we will have an eternal body made for us by God himself (2 Corinthians 5:1 NLT).
“I lifted a glass of water this morning… does that count?” —Danielle Castrence
Can I get an Amen! The New Answers Book 2; Chapter 16: “Did People Like Adam and Noah Really Live Over 900 Years of Age?” May 17, 2010 by Dr. David Menton & Dr. Georgia Purdom (answersingenesis. com) 1
“I have a six and a half month old and the last time I worked out was when I was nine months pregnant. I was “galloping” through my house trying to go into labor. I must have done a good job because my baby was born the next day!” —Samantha Riesland
Jennie is a woman in process, constantly astonished by the majesty and grace of God. Sometimes an efficient, together admin type and other times a goofball who suffers from midlife brain seizures. She’s a ridiculously blessed wife of nearly 28 years and mom of two+ exceptional adult children. #livinlifethebestwayiknowhow
“When I was 45 I took the dog on a walk.” —Marlene Hedin WWW.FIRSTCOV.ORG
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Life Together : PARTICIPATING IN
FAMILY, FAITH, FITNESS AND FUN
BY WILLIE WILSON
It is a blessing to be empty nesters on the other side of parenting. We can look back with real satisfaction at the accomplishments of our daughters and remember the joy we had raising them. We certainly are not perfect parents, but one thing I think we did well was to make the most of the opportunities we had to “participate in life together.” What would Webster’s dictionary have to say about those words? Participate: To be involved with others doing something Life: The sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual Together: With each other in a close relationship I think the fact that Scott and I are the babies in our families’ birth order may be one reason why we love to play and explore the world around us. We both had a lenient upbringing which allowed us to develop a sense of curiosity and independence. We have always enjoyed the endless opportunities afforded to us in God’s great outdoors. When our daughters Alicia and Bethany came into our lives, it was only natural to want to involve them in those activities as well—especially as a family. Watching them explore and learn about the world was a real treat. Exploring tide pools, creeks and rivers, bushwhacking our own trail up Sierra waterfalls and spending
time laughing around the campground picnic table are some of our favorite and inexpensive adventures. Rich blessings come from just hanging out together. Simply preparing a meal and eating together every night gives everyone the opportunity to hear about the recollections from their day. It can bring great joy and laughter as well as great insight into the life of your child and spouse. Participating in life together also meant being open to opportunities to meet new people, wherever that might be. On some of our family vacations we were given divine appointments with mentally disabled, homeless or needy people. While on a bike ride in Santa Cruz, we stopped to eat lunch when a young man who was mentally challenged approached us. We asked if he was hungry and invited him to share our lunch with us. He joyfully accepted and sat down beside us and we all partook in a special time of fellowship. On another occasion, we were waiting in the drive-through at a Carmichael fast food joint and were approached by two people wanting money for a bus ride. Hesitant to just give out money, we asked where they needed a ride to. They said their car had broken down next door at the retirement home where they worked and needed to get home to Del Paso Heights. Without missing a beat, Scott offered them a ride home. I was a bit surprised at his quick offer, but sensed that this was the right thing to do. They gratefully climbed into our van and off we went. As we traveled across town, we learned of their journey to Sacramento from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Their story of perseverance was an unexpected blessing that day, a blessing that would have been lost if we had just brushed them aside. We also participated in outreach events as a family, seeking to model Christian service to our girls. Certainly taking your kids
“Rich blessings come from just hanging out together ”. HELP MAKE SOMEONE’S CHRISTMAS MERRY AND BRIGHT. Volunteer at the Christmas Mall!
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Our Christmas Mall provides a shopping experience for families in need in our community. If you would like to take part in this opportunity to bless others, visit firstcov.org/mall and click on the volunteer button.
Preschoolers, grade schoolers, pre-teens, teenagers, kids with special needs. . . we want them all to find a place to belong at First Cov. on an outreach trip to Mexico where you have little access to comfortable accommodations has its challenges and inconveniences, but we found beauty in relationships with our friends in Mexico, which we still have today. Because of these experiences our girls have grown accustomed to serving others in a variety of situations—which has broadened their worldview and their understanding of God’s beautiful people. Our daughters would be the first to tell you that it was probably a mixed blessing to have both parents be teachers—let alone physical education teachers! We taught them that their bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit and that they are to be good stewards of it. Part of this meant that we were very intentional about screening what came into our family life— and media screen time was limited in order for play outside. Startling statistics tell us that 8-18 years olds spend an average of 4½ hours each day watching TV in various forms, including on their mobile phones and the internet. Screen time diverts children from activities such as playing and connecting with family and friends and is a major contributor to childhood obesity. By limiting screen time, we created opportunities to connect with our neighbors —and usually ended up with half of the neighborhood in our backyard, pool or up in our tree at one time or another. Summers off together meant attending sports camps, growing a garden and, of course, more opportunities to play. Summer also provided opportunities to take advantage of the free events around town and birthed ideas such as the “fun fund” which allowed the girls to earn money towards special outings or vacation trinkets. Collecting recyclables, recycling, doing odd jobs and selling home grown apricots were all ways to contribute to the “fun fund” and helped teach the girls the value of money and budgeting. Participating in life together creates memories and bonds that last forever. It gives parents opportunities to nurture the heart and soul of their children. These opportunities come only once in a lifetime and then they are gone. Seize the day and make the most of every opportunity.
Kids First: Our Sunday morning program for nursery through third grade. firstcov.org/kidsfirst
On Eagles Wings: A ministry designed for special needs children and their families. firstcov.org/OEW
Club 45: An exciting, adventurous group of 4th and 5th graders. firstcov.org/club45
Identity Middle School Ministries: Sunday mornings at 10 and Wednesday nights at 6:15. firstcov.org/identity
Renovate High School Ministries: Sunday mornings at 10 and Tuesday nights at 7. firstcov.org/renovate
Willie is an elementary physical education teacher and has two grown daughters, Alicia and Bethany. During her free time, Willie enjoys the the great outdoors through hiking, cycling and gardening. She has enjoyed serving with her husband Scott through the Mexicali Outreach since 2007.
WWW.FIRSTCOV.ORG
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Sunday, October 26 4-7 p.m. at First Cov FREE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: • • • •
Bounce houses Carnival games Fire truck Giant slide
• • • •
• Trunk-N-Treat Ferris wheel • and much more! Police display Preschool activities Radio Disney fun area
FOOD AND DRINKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE Food trucks • Cotton candy • Smoothies • Shaved ice HELP FAMILIES IN NEED Bring a can to donate to our food drive for Cordova Food Locker. For more info or to volunteer contact Pastor Fred at fhammer@firstcov.org.