Influences

So I’ve been experiencing something the past few years. It seems like the older I get, the more I catch myself in situations acting exactly like my dad. The good news is that I love my dad. He is a great follower of Jesus, husband, father, role model, and more. It’s that as I mature as a husband and father myself, I am beginning to pinpoint real ways he has had an influence on me.

This realization supports something that I have known for a long time. It’s a research-backed fact that we work to incorporate into our next generation ministries.

Parents are the #1 influence in the life of a child.

This fact may seem matter-of-fact, but it is so important to what we do. Since parents can be a positive influence on their children, we see it as vital that we work to effectively minister to and support parents.

To that end, I am excited to share not one, but two upcoming initiatives we are launching for parents of kids and teenagers!

The first initiative is a new Parents Chit Chat Cafe group meeting concurrent with Awana. From 6:00-7:15 pm each Wednesday, our very own Candace Jeancake will be leading relevant discussions in a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere in the Family Life Center, just inside from the playground.

Our second initiative is a series of free, live webinars about parenting in the unique phase your child(ren) are in today. Visit our website at ibcsav.com/phasewebinar for more information and to get signed up. The webinars we have scheduled are:

• Parenting in the Preschool Phase - Monday, November 6 from 8-9 pm
• Parenting in the Elementary Phase - Tuesday, November 7 from 8-9 pm
• Parenting in the Middle School Phase - Thursday, November 9 from 8-9 pm
• Parenting in the High School Phase - Friday, November 10 from 8-9 pm

And even if you aren’t able to join us live, we’ll have session recordings on our website too!

Our hope is that these two new initiatives will spark great conversations and lead to spiritual growth as we support parents in being positive influences in the lives of their kids!

God is Faithful!

One of the reasons we sing is to be reminded of what God has done in our lives. Many of us can probably think of a hymn or song we sang a long time ago that still holds influence on us today.

Some of us can remember the first Christian song we sang after putting our faith in Jesus. Some of us were singing at the very moment that we put our faith in Him. Some of us can mark a moment when God was very close to lead us through a tragedy by the way of song. Others can remember pouring out praise in a moment of great joy. And when we sing those songs again, it’s an opportunity to be encouraged and excited and humbled all over again..

As you remember God’s faithfulness in your past, so often etched in your hearts through a song, you are inspired and equipped to face the ups and downs of the week. This is one of the reasons you need a good amount of good songs stored up to carry with you through all of your life.

(from “Sing!” by Keith and Kristyn Getty)

Giving Thanks

Dear Church Family,

I want to share these words by Chuck Swindoll. I pray that you will look up throughout the Thanksgiving season!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Lane

Giving Thanks All Around

by Pastor Chuck Swindoll Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

IT'S ALMOST THANKSGIVING . . . MY FAVORITE. When it comes to holidays, this one tops 'em all, in my opinion. I prefer it because it is so healthy, so encouraging, so valuable . . . and so understated. I prefer it because there are no jingles to sing, commercials to endure, gifts to buy, places to go, or meetings to attend—just be thankful. Just look up, look around, look within, and say, "Thank you, Lord."

So let's start early with our Thanksgiving this year. Maybe these few thoughts will stimulate you to give God your thanks in greater abundance.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 THESSALONIANS 5:18

Looking up . . . thank You, Lord: for Your sovereign control over our circumstances, for Your gentle compassion in our sorrows, for Your consistent faithfulness through our highs and lows, for Your grace that removes our guilt, for Your love that holds us close.

Thank You, Lord, for all You are, all You do, all You say. If we were unable to look up into Your face, Thanksgiving would be just another day.

Looking around . . . thank You, Lord: for our close family ties, so affirming, so enjoyable; for our marvelous church, so many gifted and loving servants; for our strong heritage, so wholesome, so wise; for the joy of seeing our children grow and learn; for an occupation that enables us to make a living; for the embrace of a friend who really cares.

Thank You, Lord, for all You provide in such variety and incredible abundance. By just looking around, we are made aware of how rich we are this Thanksgiving.

Looking within . . . thank You, Lord: for eyes that see the beauty of Your creation, for ears that receive the world of sounds surrounding us, for the special stimulation of taste and touch, for hands to work with and legs to walk with, for a sense of humor that brought healing and hope, for the sheer delight of knowing and walking with You!

Thanksgiving is my favorite. Now you see why.