Nokesville Church of the Brethren
September 2024 Newsletter
PASTOR’S PONDERINGS
Recently, I’ve read about how we have conversations with our children. I’d venture to say with adults, too. At the end of a day or time apart, we tend to ask, “How was your day?” Or “Did you have a good day?” These kinds of questions focus on self and short answers. While not inherently bad, done repeatedly, these self-focused questions can contribute to shallow relationships and potentially, isolation. God means for us to be in relationship and community with one another.
After Jesus sent out the disciples to proclaim the good news and heal the sick. They came back, and he listened to their stories. (Luke 9) Those stories weren’t only about the disciples. They were about the people they met and served along the way. They were about the towns, hospitality, and healing of other people.
How might the end of our days, our daily journeys, feel if we came home and were asked about our stories? What difference would it make if we asked one another questions like:
- How did you help someone today?
- How did someone help you today?
- How did God help you to help someone today?
- How did you make a difference for good today?
- How did knowing God loves you help you get through a hard day?
- How does/did that make you feel?
- What would you do differently, if you had a do-over?
- What do you know about the other person’s story?
- What do you think God wants you to do?
I’m not suggesting we ask every question every day. No one wants to be grilled. But if we sprinkle our conversations with some of these questions, we’d promote meaningful dialogue, genuine relationships, and mindful gratitude. Our conversational language would become infused with words of hope and redemption. Our days would promote light in the darkness.
No matter our age, today is a new day for each of us. There are opportunities for new stories. Go ahead and ask questions. Ask the ones that encourage reflecting on God’s love working through people and for people.
In all your encounters, remember: You are loved. Be kind. Be you!
Pastor Janet
SERVICE & COMMUNITY ENGAGMENT
Senior Social Events continue on the third Wed. of every month @ 11:30 a.m. with lunch provided! We have some new and exciting programs planned for the coming months. Such as ‘exercise on your level’; a barbershop quartet; therapy dog presentation; and more! Invite your friends. This is for the whole community.
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE
All Church Camp Weekend at Brethren Woods All are invited to join us for a weekend in the mountains at camp Brethren Woods on September 27-29 in Keezletown, VA. Come for the day or come for the weekend. Enjoy God’s beautiful creation as the leaves change in the mountains. Spend your time connecting with others and nature hiking, fishing, completing puzzles, playing games, or just enjoying the view. Look for registration information in the coming weeks. Please see Pam Breslin or Jackie Bear with any questions you may have.
Trunk or Treat We will host a community Trunk or Treat event on October 27th. We will be looking for people to host trunks and help with various parts of the event. Last year the event was well attended and received a lot of positive feedback from the community. Please reach out to Kelsey Southard or someone in the Congregational Life Team if you would like to support the event!
Coffee Hour We continue to organize Coffee Hour. Please note, if someone does not sign up to bring breakfast, there will not be food provided. Coffee and fellowship will always be available. Coffee Hour will continue to start at 9:30 to allow time to attend Sunday School. Thank you to everyone who has continued to support this weekly activity. If you are interested in sharing breakfast items but are unable to provide them at 9:30, please see someone on the Congregational Life team to coordinate set up.
Friday Food Truck Bring your appetite and join us for Two Smooth Dudes on September 13 from 4-7. We will have tables on the lawn to enjoy your meals or pick them up to go. We look forward to this time together with the community.
BLESSINGS BOX EMPHASIS
For the next few weeks: diapers of any size and baby wipes (fragrance-free is best). These can be dropped off during the week from 9 to 1. You can also order online and have them shipped to the church. For more information, contact the office.
BLESSINGS BOX THANK YOUS
Thank you to Melani Ali, Charlotte and Jackie Bear, and Pam Breslin for all your help restocking the Blessings Box this summer.
Thank you, Matt Nelson for the great new shelves.
Thank you to everyone who so generously donates to the needs of the Blessings Box. It is used daily by those in need in the community.
FLOWER SHARING
We have created a Signup Genius so you can order flowers online. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4EABAE29A4F94-46656315-2024
Your offerings can be made through our website. https://www.continuetogive.com/ncobbudget
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Coffee Fellowship 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School 10:00 a.m.
Sunday Worship Service 11:00 a.m.
Pastor Janet’s Office Hours
Tues – Fri
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
pastor@nokesvillecob.org