From “Laura-the-Intern”
This summer has been incredible. I’ve learned so much through this internship, and I’ve met so many beautiful people… I’ve held hands with and prayed with and worshiped God with these incredible elderly people, my brothers and sisters in Christ. I’ve seen Jesus’ love to us in a new way this summer. I’ve seen him fill a room of sleepy, confused people with absolute joy. I’ve learned about God even through the sermons I’ve written this summer.
Through these sermons, I’ve been able to talk about and reflect on the things I’ve been learning about God this summer, sharing it with the special people who I’m serving, but feel so served by. I’ve tasted and seen that the Lord is good. It’s wild because this summer I’ve really seen God in a new way, and I’ve seen the constant gifts that he gives us daily.
I’ve grown so much through the conversations Mr. Bywater and I had over chai tea (chai tea is epic) after these services. We’ve talked about theological ideas, culture, and our job as Christians. I’ve wrestled through so much this summer. My goal for the summer was to grow closer to God; to experience him in a new way. And boy can I tell you that God is everywhere, especially in nursing homes. There’s a lot more I can say (I can talk forever, just ask Mr. Bywater), but to summarize the summer, I’ve grown so much, made so many new friends, challenged my perspective, and seen God in so many new ways.
Anyways, Laura-the-intern signing out!
Let us praise God for sending us Laura this summer. Pray for her continued passion for Jesus and expanding the Kingdom!
Last Week’s Update…stay connected!
Logistics
Served: ~50 (hot and first of the month)
Last week's leaders: Joy
Next week's leaders: Bryan
Next week's preacher: Bryan
Gifts
Last week's: socks
Next week's: hygiene
Service
This past Saturday was fruitful from start to finish.
When Sean and I arrived at uhual Wendy was there to help, she was an answered prayer. We finished about 10:30 when Jody was so kind to drop off coffee n sandwiches and tea.
We headed downtown and met a couple new people right away who helped unload and as soon as we were done they both started asking for items , gas money and another tent/ sleeping bag . I told them that we do not hand out money but were more then welcome to stay for service and have lunch and coffee . They stayed a bit but left. (good reminder we don’t “reward” help)
I gave a message on fruits of the spirit vs fruits of the flesh in Galatians, self evaluation and looking at those fruits and seeing where we line up. We also went over sanctification and know that these fruits come in time not over night but giving your life to Christ means there is nothing off limits for God to guide and show you changes that need to happen.
People were convicted but said they really needed to hear it and thanks for straight forward. “Beloved” who was recently baptized was there and thanked for the scripture . I reminded her that her walk takes time and will not be over night but to protect the word receives and we are here for her with and questions she has and she was glad to hear that.
Wendy came back to help unload along with Jeff’s daughter and granddaughter . The heat was a lot today , we tried to stay in the shade but a lot of people were light headed toward the end . We went through two cases of Gatorade and couple cases of water at the coffee table as well .
..from the Community Churches…
Great week with the community churches. It’s really special watching Mary and Laura-the-intern minster together. We were at West Hartford Rehab and a few new friends joined us as we sang and prayed and worshipped Jesus together. It blows your mind when you watch folks thumping the stump of an amputated leg in time with worship music… especially when you know the surgery was less than five months ago. We praise God for who He is, not what he gives us.
Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?
I am not saying this because I am in need,
for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Phil 4:11-12
The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale
The Community Church at Brookdale
The Community Church at Brookdale/Chatfield
The Clairbridge Community Church @ Brookdale/Chatfield
The Farmington Station Community Church
The Gables Community Church
The River Ridge Community Church
The West Hartford Health and Rehab Community Church
GIVE HERE TO SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY
SIGN UP HERE TO HELP SERVE.
SIGN UP HERE, TO PROVIDE FOOD DONATIONS