“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

This week, we are going on a road trip – in the church! If you have not yet seen the photographs of our Vacation Bible school, the church has been transformed into a “Road Trip” theme. From a car wash at the exit doors, to a fueling station in the fellowship hall, to roadways in the hallways – the children are going on a journey with God! Our memory verse this week is Joshua 1:9, offering the assurance that God is with us wherever we go.

I am so thankful for these words of Scripture that will be instilled in our youngest disciples. For there are few certainties in life – but God’s presence in all of them is sure. Some places in life require us to look harder than others, but God’s steadfast presence is there. As I traveled to Tulsa to be with my father, it could have felt like a very lonely journey. Walking with someone through the valley of the shadow of death is painful, but I had courage because I knew I was not alone. The outpouring of grace you gave me as the church, provided this assurance. Through your texts and emails of encouragement, I was strengthened in love. Through the dedication of staff and lay leadership support, I had peace that all was well. Through the prayers I knew were coming, I felt courage only explained by the power of the Holy Spirit. Words of thanks do not seem adequate to express my gratitude, and yet I say again – thank you.

Thank you for being a church that knows the power of loving community and continuing support in all the places life takes us. Thank you for being a church that goes out of your way to offer encouragement and empathy in times of hardship. Thank you for being a church that gathers together with purpose and passion for being the body of Christ.

I am especially grateful this week to see how the children are experiencing the body of Christ’s presence in this time of their lives. It’s a week filled with joy and fun: mountaintop moments. These children are experiencing God’s assuring presence through you – the body of Christ. You offer your continual support for the ways children need to experience church, even when it means the church has a total makeover! You go out of your way spending countless hours decorating and prepping and cooking and planning for just a few days. You gather with purpose and passion in the covenant you have made as church members to raise these children in the faith. Words of thanks do not seem adequate to express my gratitude, and yet I say again – thank you.

May each of you, no matter your age or stage of faith, whether in the deepest valleys of life or the highest mountains of joy, be assured God is with you. And may we, as the body of Christ, live out this truth in our continual care of one another.