Welcome!
August 29, 2010
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
1 Peter 5:1-4
Shepherds have special responsibilities to keep watch over the flock...to keep them safe, take care of them if they're ill or get hurt, bring them back if they stray, and above all, love them. Shepherds, or those in leadership in the church, have authority that has been entrusted to them by God. Because of that, they have an obligation to use that authority with a healthy sense of humility, and to be a good example to those who look up to them and rely on them for guidance. They are to be Christ's representatives on earth, and to do everything they do for God's glory.
An Honest Prayer
My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
Notes from Across the Road
Road Trip
I'm so excited...in a few days, I'll be boarding the Badger to go on a week's vacation to a retreat center/monastery near Madison, Wisconsin. I have looked forward to this solo trek all summer, and would really appreciate your prayers as I travel and spend time with God in a quiet place, do some sightseeing, explore Madison for bookstores and coffee shops, and take a long-anticipated break from my job. I went on my first monastery retreat back in April, and have found that it can be a most valuable experience. My sister always says "have fun!" when I'm getting ready to head to the monastery, but it's not always about fun. In the serene atmosphere of these holy places, there's not much that gets between you and God...or you and those parts of your personality that you might rather not face.
That said, I would recommend retreats to anyone who wants to grow in their faith. I have learned so much, and have become a better person for my time spent on retreat. On this trip to Wisconsin, I hope to spend my time focusing on some issues I've been grappling with over the past year, since my 40th birthday...such as, what does God want me to do with my next 40 years? What kind of work do I really want to do? Where could I best use my talents and abilities? What kind of environment will allow me to shine for God's glory? Please pray for me as I take the journey of finding answers to these questions!
Peace and Blessings,
Laurie
Misson Statement:
Sugar Ridge is striving to be Christ centered and Bible based, as we prayerfully seek God's will and share His word in love.
Service Times:
Sunday School 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service 10:30 a.m.