Robert Fulghum’s “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” is a wonderful book full of many simple but profound pieces of wisdom. One of my favorites is, “When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.”
The reality is that we all heard this from our MOTHERS before we heard it at school. Mom knew we’d need help finding our way and crossing the street and a thousand other day to day challenges. She knew we’d be stronger, smarter, and better if we had someone else there to walk, talk, laugh, and cry together with. Thank you, Moms, for preparing us not only to survive but also to thrive in a world that can be full of challenges and dangers.
To say the past fourteen months have been difficult is an understatement. We’ve lived through a global pandemic, raging wildfires, racial tensions, and a contentious presidential election. Our church, along with others, has been severely restricted in how and where we meet for worship. We’ve done our best to be creative and continue our ministries, with Zoom groups and online services. But it’s taken a toll on all of us.
I may not be exaggerating when I say that we’ve never been more isolated, disjointed, divided, and distracted, — exactly how Satan wants us to be so he can pick us off one at a time. If there was ever a time we needed to be reminded to “hold hands and stick together”, it’s now.
Peter said the same thing in a slightly different way, “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another…” He was preparing Christians for a world of threats and dangers, temptations, and pitfalls. Just like Mom, he knew we’d have to help each other. Read 1 Peter 4:7-11 to see God’s plan for surviving and thriving in the world.
I’m very excited to be able to share with you this Sunday some very important news about how we intend to follow this Biblical teaching at Valley Church in the upcoming months. I hope you’ll join us either online or at Church on the Grass.
Our Church on the Grass outdoor worship service is this Sunday, May 9 at 10:45 am. Bring your own lawn chair and/or blanket. If you haven’t already done so, you can register with this LINK. You can also register via this webpage. Please read through the instructions on safety before you attend. If you are unable to join the outdoor service, please attend one of our two online options. Just visit valleychurch.org and click on the colorful join us online banner.
Also, all women are invited to our first in-person women’s event of the year-“Friendship In Real Life”-on Saturday, May 22, 10:00 am-12:00 noon at Valley Church. Our guest speaker, Liz Ditty, will be speaking on the theme of friendship. No childcare provided. All covid protocols followed by Valley Church on Sundays will be in place. Register online at tinyurl.com/23fweru6. Register by May 20 to get a free gift!
Warmly,
Kurt
P.S. Don’t forget another one of Fulghum’s principles — warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.