First Grade update

Jack didn't enjoy the first day of first grade -- he said it made his brain hurt!
Also, I did not send a note regarding his need to ride the Y van after school. So at 2:10, I received a phone call "Mrs. Condon, Jack seems confused - He says he is to ride the Y van." I replied, "He's not confused, he is to ride the Y van"!!!! So after sending an e-mail, everything was okay with the school. Jack wasn't even concerned by the time I picked him up.
The second day wasn't much better. He absolutely hates new routines. I also heard him tell his dad last night that he hopes he doesn't get moved to a new room after four days like last year (they had to have a fourth class due to enrollment)!
Thanks to Ann, some of his favorite pants from last year are now shorts, so he was very happy with his clothing choice this morning (they have to wear dress pants and polo shirts).

First Grade

Jack is off to his first day of first grade.

He is one of those kids who likes to know what is happening before he joins in. He was very concerned that he would not be able to navigate the differences between kindergarten and first grade. Everything from which door the kids enter the cafeteria through to does the teacher greet them and help them empty their book bags every morning. Also, knowing at least four kids (one of them is best friend and a girl from last year who was very happy to see him at open house) did not ease the concern that he wouldn't know 'anyone'.

Will blog about his first day tomorrow!

Church

Between needing to do research for the proposed coffee house style-worship at my church and the suggestion I find a faith community to worship with, I spent the weekend at alternative worship sites.

I went to The Haven at Kingsley, which includes a full band, round table seating (plus couches along the back walls), a brief message and this week communion on Saturday. I'm not a big fan of full band worsip music. It was very casual and the regulars shouted out to the band during worship. The service went about 75 minutes.

On Sunday, I went to McLane's Church in a Bar held at the Cell Block. I got there early and had time to talk to someone I had met before and had time for a donut. At 7:00 it was announced that the service would begin, so get your refreshments and take a seat. There were only three persons involved in the service. The pastor and two guys on acoustic guitar led a one hour worship service.

The coffee house didn't really suit me, the church in the bar felt better. I didn't get to stay after for dinner and fellowship, maybe next time!!

catchup

It's been three weeks, thought I'd have my Duke SCOS stuff back. I'm interested in what comments my final papers drew.

real world

I'm finally getting back into the 'real world'. The group finally went to "The Haven" to experience how they do 'coffee house' worship. It's something they want to start at State Line. Also, the Monday night Praise and Prayer group have started praying every morning (from wherever each person is) for State Line. They are praying for health and growth! It's so great how God works everything out. I have made it my goal for them to make the church strong without worrying about who they have or how often they get them as pastor. My evangelism paper (as I am sure they all did) started with saturation and directed prayer, and they are doing it on their own!!!

Lectionary

I had promised my congregation 'more Jesus' this summer. I usually default to the Old Testament. Those stories are so rich and so detailed. The first three weeks or so, I wanted to give up on Matthew and go to Romans. But, no, I stuck with the original plan and am working through Matthew.

Being at school was so wonderful. I am so enjoying these last several sermons. They were pretty short since I didn't want to clutter the simple message that was being given. Also, I'm really enjoying the worship helps from GBOD. I'm hoping this person continues to write for a while. It's almost like we're looking at everything from the backside.

For example, last week's text included the mustard seed. It's always taught that 'a little faith makes for a large ___", but this teaching showed how that little seed can create a huge problem. Be careful what you plant.

This week, when Jesus tells Peter 'little faith'. It's not the fact that he has so little faith, it is that with a little faith Peter was able to leave the boat!

I'm hoping that the sermon is longer this week and that I am able to communicate what I am trying to communicate. I'm also going to try using guided imagery for the first time. On top of that, the organist is off for the second week in a row and I'm not going to do a mix cd for worship. We're going a'capella this week! They should be okay, we've only had the tracks for about six months.

Vacation wrap up

Jack and I had a wonderful vacation. We went to the Erie Zoo and watched a movie. We went putt-putting and swimming at the Y. We went to the Cleveland Zoo. Had to work on Saturday so that I had a bulletin and directions to Darien Lake and South Byron, NY. Spent two days at Kingdom Bound. Went with a six year old, so our experience was probably different than most!!! Had to leave fairly early on Sunday since I was staying at my cousin's house and her family had to work Monday morning. We stayed fairly late on Monday but still left before the headliners to be back in Erie to sleep for back to the real world on Tuesday!!

Vacation

I actually feel like I am having a vacation this year. Spent two days at my mom's unwinding and catching up with Jack. Went to the Erie Zoo, shopping and watched movies one day. Went putt-putting and to the East Side YMCA swimming one day. Went to the Cleveland Zoo one day. Not sure what we're doing today. Am here getting my bulletin and downloading music for Sunday. Then we're off to Kingdom Bound at Darien Lake for two days. Won four tickets and couldn't find someone to go with us on such short notice so Jack and I are going to use them over two days!!! That means we won't start back to work and day camp until Tuesday!!