Dear OPCC Families:
May God be with you…..This is my prayer for you.
I know that we have recently experienced a lot of rapid changes so far and it is a bit overwhelming.
We are all experiencing strong emotions and if you are like me, I need to take several breaks in my day to breathe. This is also happening with your children and grandchildren for they too are experiencing stress, sadness, and loss. Our children pick up our feelings and emotions and they sometimes do not have the words to express themselves. Recently Rev. Laura had a friend report to her the sadness of her young child and that he did not want her to go to church and get sick and die. Thank you for paying attention to yourself and your children during this time.
Our reality is that our world has changed and has changed very quickly. Be in touch with your emotions and state the reality with your loved ones. For example: “ Hey buddy, Mom is really tired right now. Can we just sit on the couch and cuddle?” or “I know that I am very stressed. I wonder how you are feeling?”
This week I have been comforted by this prayer: The Light of God surrounds you, The Love of God enfolds you, the power of God protects you, The presence of God watches over you; and no matter where you may be, Remember that God is there with you, offering divine peace. Amen.
I have heard this so many times-when I was a child, it was used for the Benediction at my church in Scott City, KS. It brings me comfort. It also reminds me of The Good Shepherd Story. We have shared this story several times in Children Worship & Wonder at the church. Your grand/children should know this story. The Good Shepherd will be with us always, he will lead the way to green grass, to clean water, and lead us through the dark places until we are safely back home. (Psalms 23) I believe this and I know that God is with us.
Whatever you and your family are dealing with during this time, I invite you to find a prayer, song or story and keep it close to you. Use it to pray, teach it to your children, hold it near I trust it will bring you peace.
I have included some coloring pages/prayers, and a link to a recorded story: The Invisible Thread. I would also encourage you to download the Breathe App on your phone of iPad/Notebook. It has meditation exercises for you and your children. I hope these resources can offer you a time of processing and peace during this uneasy time.
Remember that God is there with you offering peace. This is my prayer for you and your children.
Pastor Lisa Engelken
Interim Director of Children’s Ministries
Lisa's Email
Lisa's Phone
P.S. Remember I am here for you and your families. Please do not hesitate to call if you need anything, even if we just pray together. Please continue to check our website, Facebook page, and email for updates on how we can meet together. I hope to see you soon-even if by the Internet via Zoom or Facebook Live Stream.
May God be with you…..This is my prayer for you.
I know that we have recently experienced a lot of rapid changes so far and it is a bit overwhelming.
We are all experiencing strong emotions and if you are like me, I need to take several breaks in my day to breathe. This is also happening with your children and grandchildren for they too are experiencing stress, sadness, and loss. Our children pick up our feelings and emotions and they sometimes do not have the words to express themselves. Recently Rev. Laura had a friend report to her the sadness of her young child and that he did not want her to go to church and get sick and die. Thank you for paying attention to yourself and your children during this time.
Our reality is that our world has changed and has changed very quickly. Be in touch with your emotions and state the reality with your loved ones. For example: “ Hey buddy, Mom is really tired right now. Can we just sit on the couch and cuddle?” or “I know that I am very stressed. I wonder how you are feeling?”
This week I have been comforted by this prayer: The Light of God surrounds you, The Love of God enfolds you, the power of God protects you, The presence of God watches over you; and no matter where you may be, Remember that God is there with you, offering divine peace. Amen.
I have heard this so many times-when I was a child, it was used for the Benediction at my church in Scott City, KS. It brings me comfort. It also reminds me of The Good Shepherd Story. We have shared this story several times in Children Worship & Wonder at the church. Your grand/children should know this story. The Good Shepherd will be with us always, he will lead the way to green grass, to clean water, and lead us through the dark places until we are safely back home. (Psalms 23) I believe this and I know that God is with us.
Whatever you and your family are dealing with during this time, I invite you to find a prayer, song or story and keep it close to you. Use it to pray, teach it to your children, hold it near I trust it will bring you peace.
I have included some coloring pages/prayers, and a link to a recorded story: The Invisible Thread. I would also encourage you to download the Breathe App on your phone of iPad/Notebook. It has meditation exercises for you and your children. I hope these resources can offer you a time of processing and peace during this uneasy time.
Remember that God is there with you offering peace. This is my prayer for you and your children.
Pastor Lisa Engelken
Interim Director of Children’s Ministries
Lisa's Email
Lisa's Phone
P.S. Remember I am here for you and your families. Please do not hesitate to call if you need anything, even if we just pray together. Please continue to check our website, Facebook page, and email for updates on how we can meet together. I hope to see you soon-even if by the Internet via Zoom or Facebook Live Stream.
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