Posts from 2019-03-19

This month the Palo Verde children have been learning about Jesus' ministry, mostly from the book of John.  They heard how Jesus was transfigured-- while on a mountain with his disciples Peter, James and John, he became radiant and was joined by the spirits of Moses and Elijah (Luke 9: 28-43).  Truly amazing!  Since then, we have studied some of the most important parables that Jesus told: one tells how we should love others (The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37), and two others tell of his love for us (The Lost Sheep and The Lost Coin, Luke 15:1-10.) 

To help these lessons sink in, the children have been involved in many activities.  Stories and artwork, games and dramatic play all have helped them engage with the Word of God.  They even acted in a video of "The Good Samaritan" that was later shown to the congregation.  (We have some real hams in our Bible classes!)  Meanwhile, some puppets have made an appearance, and there has been a lot of singing.  

As we follow the last days of Jesus on the way to the cross, we have two more lessons in March:

• The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32), and

• Jesus Annointed at Bethany (John 12:1-8)

In April, Easter will help us focus on the greatest news since Jesus came to Earth: his resurrection!

God’s hand has been amazing to see in the past several months, as he has led our family through the transition of selling our old building and moving out, on faith, into a new temporary meeting facility at the nearby Hilton East hotel.  The first month at our new location is almost complete.

In this transitional phase, we are able to do some things in familiar ways, and try new ways to do other things.  For example, our ladies' class is meeting at our new facility, but we are expanding the in-home small group model for Wednesday night Bible study.  It is great to be able to practice hospitality! Our Leadership Training for Christ students are practicing their puppets, chorus and other group activities in homes as well, and even our monthly "Jam Session" meal preparation ministry is happening in homes.  God is blessing our time together.

Our new worship center encourages sitting closer together, so the singing has been wonderful. We have been blessed with many visitors lately, and pray that God will continue to guide our family as we seek to be his hands and feet in Tucson.