Loren Kurtz

Weird But Fruitful

I’ll have to say it has been one of the weirdest summers for me, yet it has also been fruitful.

Weird but fruitful. As I’ve thought about it, that could easily be a way to describe youth ministry! 

But before I get lost in talking about the weirdness and fruitfulness of youth ministry let me say a bit more about the summer. It has been a summer filled with sweet and bittersweet memories.

We have spent the summer learning about the Holy Spirit with the Igniter students.

Last night, as we wrapped up our final night on the Holy Spirit, we did a spiritual gift inventory. A sweet and meaningful moment happened when each student and leader was invited to write down their top spiritual gift. It was amazing to see how the Holy Spirit has gifted the youth group. They were challenged to talk to their parents, leaders, and friends about how to use them, to see what areas they might be able to serve within Igniter, in our church, their schools, and the community.

I was reminded just how amazing it is that God uniquely gifted each one of us so that we could belong to one another and serve and strengthen one another.

Over the years there have been so many sweet and meaningful moments as we’ve seen God move in and through the lives of students. 

The bittersweet part is knowing that a transition is upon us.

I’m resonating with Paul’s words, “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers” (Philemon 1:4). Over and over I’ve been reminded that God is with us all, walking and guiding us through this transition. 

As I write my last staff journal to you, I just want to say thank you!

I have enjoyed all the weirdness yet fruitfulness in youth ministry here at Grace. God has been so good.

Thank you to those who entrusted your students to me and the other adult leaders, thank you to the many faithful coaches who sought to faithfully walk with students through the teenage years, thank you for loving our family, and thank you for praying for us.

There are a lot of memories that happen in 10 years, ones that we will carry with us our whole lives.

In His grace,
Pastor Loren

Trying to Figure It Out

“Adjusting… making it… trying to figure it out.”

These are some of the common responses I’ve used when asked, “How are you doing?”

We are experiencing so many changes and challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The experience has been a little disorienting for me. Each week seems to have its own theme, and sometimes it has felt like things shift and change on an hourly basis. 

Our family is adjusting to a new “normal.” We are together a lot more, and while we have enjoyed the increase in family time, it hasn’t been without difficulty. There have been tears, frustration, confusion, overwhelm, and short-tempers. Our plans, routines, and outings have either been cancelled, postponed, or reconfigured. Yet we have also seen the blessings that are mixed in with craziness.

We know there is plenty of grace for this moment in time, and God is still a help and comfort for our family. 

Ministry life has also been affected. Ministry still happens, but looks and feels different. Ministry is all about personal connections, but we are being forced to connect with one another differently.

The various ministries of the church are working on ways to reach out, stay connected, and be united in expressing care to our church family. With the help of different online platforms, ministry to children, students, and families is ongoing.

The staff and our ministry leaders want you to know we are here for you, and we are wanting to see each person and family grow spiritually, even in these troubling times.

We exist as a church to love God, love people, and lead others to do the same. And we as a staff are fully bought into that purpose. We love you, Church, and we want to do what we can to serve you.

Perhaps some of you are feeling overwhelmed with resources. That is ok and understandable; so much is happening and there is so much out there. And even so, maybe some of you are wanting more.

In an effort to help with any feelings of overwhelm and wanting to provide some resources to our church family, we have put together an online resource list that we hope you’ll find helpful:

Online Resource List

Bible.com / YouVersion Bible app

Reading plans and kids app

Staff Suggestions:

  • For the Whole Family: Indescribable, Nurturing Great Kids, Family-iD Discipleship Plan

  • For Kids: The King and the Kingdom, Kids Can Fight Fear

  • For Students: Experiencing God’s Renewal

RightNow Media

So many studies for all ages (request free access through the “Connect with Us” button)

Staff Suggestions:

  • For the Whole Family: The Real God

  • For Kids: What’s in the Bible?

  • For Students: The Red Letter Challenge

Fishbowl Family

Resources for parents. Their printable library is great!

ParentCue

Some great articles, resources, and tips for parenting, including through COVID-19

FamilyLife

Great content and ideas for parents and encouragement for marriages

The Gospel Coalition article

This article is full of links to devotions and discussions for discipling kids and students

BibleProject

So many great videos unpacking themes of the Bible and illustrated overviews of the books of the Bible

Grace and peace,
Pastor Loren

Grieving with Hope

Have you ever logged onto social media and found yourself overwhelmed or broken-hearted by the news you read? This happened to me this week. Let me explain some of the context and background story. 

For almost as many years as I have been taking students to middle school LifeChange Camp and leading worship, Daniel Yoder has been our speaker and teacher. It is always amazing how quickly you can form a deep and lasting friendship bond with those you spend a week with at camp. This rings true for Daniel and I; we look forward to seeing and ministering together each summer. In many ways, for me, it feels like a family reunion, seeing relatives that live some distance away once a year. 

Before Daniel’s kids were old enough to be campers, his wife would bring them over during the week to spend some time with their dad. I got to know Daniel’s oldest son Malachi this way at first, and then as a camper.

A couple years ago, Malachi was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Yet, despite the seemingly tragic news, Daniel and Malachi came to camp last summer and openly shared how God was encouraging them, strengthening them, and giving them a living hope.

As the week of camp came to a close we prayed for Malachi to receive a miracle and rather than speak death, we spoke words of life. The testimony of God's presence and comfort and Malachi’s desire to trust Jesus in the fight for his life was simply inspiring and faith-building for so many, myself included. 

Fast forward to this week.

My heart sank when on Monday, March 2nd I saw a Facebook post that said Malachi went to be with Jesus. Daniel posted that Malachi got his miracle, that he had fought the good fight, and now is receiving his reward. Daniel also wrote that because Malachi knew Jesus it was a win win for Malachi.

What a testimony.

I have to say, what happens at a week of LifeChange Camp is so significant in our students’ lives. Relationships are formed that shape our students and impact their walk with Christ.

I know so many of our Igniter students, current and graduated, are deeply feeling the loss of Malachi. Would you join me in praying for the Yoder family and also for our Igniter students? Even though it’s sad, I’m glad we can grieve with hope because of Malachi’s faith in Christ. 

It was a timely and preparatory word this past Sunday as Nathan shared about God’s enduring steadfast love. God has used our “homework” assignment for this week to help me process the sadness and heart-ache I have over Malachi’s home going: 

God is near the broken-hearted,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

God saves the crushed in spirit,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

God is the Father of all mercies,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

He is the God of all comfort,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

He comforts us in our affliction,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

We can put our hope in him,

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Loren 

Tell the Coming Generation

“So, I know bits and pieces of your story, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard your actual testimony.”

Over Christmas break one of the highlights was having my parents share their testimonies with Anne and me. It was so significant to hear how their stories were more about HIS story. We interacted over their testimonies for close to two hours as they shared how God, in his grace and mercy, has been at work in their lives. 

It was revealing. My parents’ testimonies have themes of God bringing them through tragedy and trauma, yet the love and care of Christ their Savior is what kept them going, as well as so many people of faith who helped them through times of trouble and trial. Both my parents were saved young, but God has been taking them back to earlier days and helping them to process and heal from wounds they have carried for a long time.

It was truly a gift. Our time together added a depth of understanding to my own story, and will influence how I share my own testimony in the future. The Church played such a key role in our family’s life. There were times growing up when I loved going, and times I didn’t. The times I didn’t like going were when I didn’t understand the importance of belonging to a body where the life of Christ was taught and experienced. Jesus and the Church played such a comforting, strengthening, and burden-carrying role in my parents’ lives and they wanted that for our family. 

It is something I want to do. It would be wonderful if parents and grandparents got in the habit of sharing their testimonies with their kids and grandkids. It is easy for kids who grow up in the church to not really understand why their parents are so attached to the church or to the Bible or to Jesus. Faith can become religion fairly quickly as church becomes a routine, another thing to do, something to endure, or even something to skip. Ever since my parents shared, Anne and I have been discussing how we can do something similar with each of our kids. (And, if you happen to be an Igniter Parent, you are about to get an opportunity to put that testimony challenge to use! Igniter is hosting a Parent Night on Saturday, January 18 from 6:30-8 p.m. All Igniter parents and students are invited and encouraged to attend. The main focus will be having parents share their testimonies with their students. [There will also be games and food :)]

Our hope is that you can come to the meeting but even if you can’t, I hope you will take the challenge to write out your testimony without using churchy words and share it with your kids. It is such a wonderful opportunity.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Loren

P.S. If you have a minute or two go read Psalm 78. It is a psalm highlighting the importance of one generation telling the next generation about who God is and what he has done. It sheds light on the importance of parents and grandparents sharing their faith with their children and grandchildren. You’ll never know how God will use your testimony to impact the life of another, even generations later.

Choosing Gratitude

Thanksgiving is next week! Or maybe it’s more like, Thanksgiving is next week. Either way, the holiday season is upon us.

Can I ask where you are at in your excitement and readiness to celebrate?

Anne and I have felt the waves of stress and the waves of excitement sweep over us as we prepare to enter into times with family, eating delicious food, and giving thanks. 

Our desire has been to be more intentional with the holidays. We have had discussion after discussion on what is really important during this time and how we can slow down and not let the holidays go by in a blur of busyness and chaos.

Historically this time of year has revealed that we often seem like we are just surviving, and when I feel like I’m just trying to survive, I whine. Yet, I know the truth is that these holidays offer a unique opportunity to worship. 

So Thanksgiving is next week, and I’ve been working on choosing gratitude.

Giving thanks doesn’t seem to be encouraged by the pace and cultural focus of the holiday season. I mean, the department stores move straight from Halloween to Christmas. But cultivating gratitude could arguably be one of the most important activities to engage in, not only for physical and emotional health but especially in our walk with God.

Check out what 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says:

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

As you may have guessed, God’s will is a big deal, and for the Scriptures to tie His will to our gratitude is insightful and inspiring.

It seems like every year when November hits and Thanksgiving celebrations are near I’m reminded that I have much to be thankful for and I also realize I can be one big whiner. While there is much to give thanks for I can get wrapped up in complaining. The grumbling and ungratefulness doesn’t always voice itself audibly but it is very loud in my heart.

All too often giving thanks is short circuited; I don’t spend the time needed in order to really let gratitude refresh my own soul. 

This Thanksgiving I’m choosing to focus on the “in Christ Jesus for you” part of that verse.

What do I have “in Christ Jesus?”

In short, undeserved grace in the face of undeniable guilt.

I’m soaking in that undeserved grace, and then add in the many good gifts which God has given, and I find smiling comes a little quicker, and that my soul is being refreshed. 

So as you celebrate next week may you “give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” (1 Chronicles 16:34)

Grace and peace,
Pastor Loren


PS. As I’ve been making my own preparations to be grateful this holiday season I’ve ran across some helpful resources.

Nancy Leigh DeMoss’s book “Choosing Gratitude” has given me a greater appreciation for pursuing the choice of giving thanks, and the significance that true gratitude is wrapped up in the heart of God. She does a great job of highlighting the spiritual significance of giving thanks.

I also ran across some online scientific articles that have helped me connect the dots on gratitude and the design of our physical bodies and emotional health. Our ability to cultivate and grow in gratitude plays a key role in our mental health which influences much of our lives.

Here are some links for your own study into the science of gratitude. 

(Disclaimer: Please keep in mind these online posts are written from a scientific perspective; they are not written from a solely biblical perspective. As Christians who hold a high view of Scripture we understand that gratitude has its roots in the heart of God, so the science of gratitude will only take you so far. But it is wonderful to see that God’s heart and design can be seen, studied, and celebrated from a scientific perspective. Ultimate and true gratitude is experienced as we find our deepest expressions of thankfulness directed toward who God is and what Christ has done.)

And could this be the happiest woman on the planet? 

Jesus Shouting Match

It was past bedtime, but our evening had been full of activity and hanging out with family. So bedtime wasn’t going as I had hoped.

My hope was to get home, take baths, flush and brush, and go to bed. Our kiddos had too much energy remaining. I don’t know how, but they did.

Their plan was to run around, mostly naked, make all kinds of noise and get upset with one another. And then a profound realization came to Max, our oldest: he had left his bike at his cousin’s house. Now he was really upset. 

What is a tired parent to do in this situation? Make a deal, of course. (I say that tongue-in-cheek.)

But we came to an agreement: we’ll go get the bike, but only after a bath and after he brushes his teeth.

Ok, that settled him down, but our youngest Will overheard our conversation and now he wanted to go too! The look in his eyes made me know he was very committed to joining us. Ok, Will can come too, why not. 

Secretly, I was thinking and praying they would fall asleep during the truck ride. 

We go get the bike, but my prayer wasn’t being answered. The boys’ energy levels were not becoming sluggish and sleepy. How can I help them calm down?

Then the brilliant idea of listening to hymns came to mind. Yes! I had recently been listening to a great hymns album. So I said, “Boys, no more talking, you need to calm down! We are going to listen to some music…” I proceeded to play the Hymns (Live) album by Shane & Shane. 

The first hymn on the album is actually a newer one that Andrew Peterson wrote but has been picked up by Shane & Shane and other worship artists. It is so good. The title is Is He Worthy?

As the song played the boys quieted. I thought, “It’s working; they’ll be asleep in no time.” But then I would have never anticipated what happened next. 

The next song came on which was Tis So Sweet.

The song opens up with Shane & Shane just belting out the name of Jesus over and over.

Then to my surprise, I hear little Will join them at the top of his lungs in the back of the truck. He began singing and shouting Jesus’s name in a remarkably loud yet also slightly slurred baby voice. Max, at this point, is filled with delight, begins laughing almost uncontrollably, and joins him.

I hope you can picture the scene. The boys are in the back just giggling, singing and shouting Jesus’s name back and forth to one another.

A breakthrough happened for me: rather than scold, which I wanted to do for a split second, I smiled. God was answering a different prayer.

We pray fairly often that our kiddos will love and delight in Jesus. God has used this episode several times since to encourage my heart to be eager to respond to and lift up the name of Jesus in my own life.

We’ve recently studied through the first part of John 4 with the middle school and high school students and Jesus says in John 4:24,

"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

I was reminded of the joyful Jesus shouting match my sons had. We can worship anywhere, and our worship is true when Jesus is lifted up and made much of. 

Grace and peace,

Pastor Loren

Summer Reflections & Fall Excitment

How has your summer been? Are you ready for fall?

In answering those questions I would say, “Summer has been good, but busy. And fall is coming, ready or not!” 

If you bear with me, I’d like to share a couple of summer highlights and something I’m looking forward to as fall approaches.

The first is about our Igniter trips, one to LifeChange Camp with our middle school students and the other a mission trip to Children’s Haven International with our high school students. 

The lingering reflection I have from middle school camp is a statement our speaker Daniel Yoder said in one of his messages about being “Set Free,” which was our theme for the week. He said, “Don't tell your problems to God, but tell your problems about our God.”

In the context of the talk he wasn’t saying we shouldn’t pray and present our petitions to God, but he was encouraging us to take the next step of knowing who God is and why knowing him can change our perspective on the problems we face, freeing us to face challenges with hope and trust in God. This was especially impactful as Daniel and his family have been in the middle of a family crisis for almost a year.

Daniel’s son, who was at camp as a camper, has been diagnosed with an inoperable and incurable brain tumor. As he shared the story it was evident that Daniel and his family had been living what he was teaching us.

This has been a summer practice for me, personally. As I encounter a challenge or problem, not only do I speak to God about what is happening, but I also have changed how I reengage the problem by asking God to show me how he sees my challenges. It is amazing how seemingly big challenges shrink when engaging a most holy, powerful, and loving God. 

The second summer highlight was our Reynosa Trip with the high school students. As a team of 28 we went to bless our friends at Children’s Haven through our presence and service.

It was an amazing trip to be a part of. The students worked so hard on different service projects we were given to do, and they served with gladness and joy. And then every afternoon, even when they were tired, they would play in the pool with the children.

The thing I’m still wrestling with and praying about is something Betsy Chacon said to our group as she was giving us a tour of the facility. She was talking about how the support base for Children’s Haven is aging and many have already gone to be with Jesus, and she challenged our group by saying, “They were known as the greatest generation because of their sacrifices and generosity, what kind of generation will you be?”

That has stuck with me because she was articulating a need and challenging our students to consider what they will be known for.

Since our trip I’ve been praying the next generation, and our students specifically, might desire to join God, not only in what He is doing in their own lives, but how they might come alongside the ministry of Children’s Haven in support of what God is doing there. 

For the fall, I’m looking forward to launching back into a new semester and season of Igniter this coming Sunday!

As I think and plan ahead for this next season I’m reminded once again how important Jesus is. I’m excited to see how God will continue to point people to him so they might receive and believe in his name and be given eternal life. I’m grateful I get to join God in doing that. 

Grace and peace,
Pastor Loren

Living Life With God

It’s summer!

So far the word I would use to describe summer is full. Summer is full of trips, camps, and being busy.

I’ve been interested in how our youth spend their summer time and what they enjoy about summer. The common answers this year are sleeping in, watching YouTube, playing video games, participating in various sports, swimming, hanging with friends, and traveling.

As I remember my summers growing up, and even as an adult, I know summer can become so full that we can diminish or disregard a relationship with God.

Our summer focus with the students is to ignite and fuel a love for Jesus that will address and fight the natural diminishing or disregarding that can take place when schedules get full. So much of this comes down to our thought life.

A.W. Tozer said that the thoughts we have about God are the most important thoughts we have. I resonate with that. I believe the apostle Paul knew that when he tells us about the “renewal of our mind.”

Our thoughts of God shape and form our relationship with him. One writer said it this way: "Many people have settled for a darker existence in which they relate to God in a way that leaves them discontent."

Over the summer we are going to address some faulty ways of relating to God that can leave us discontent, apathetic, and stunted. The good news is that Jesus tells us when we come to him in faith we begin to experience a new quality of life. He calls it eternal life. In other terms, it is life with God.

The Psalmist says in Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

The phrase “fullness of joy” stands out to me. If we have diminished or disregarded a relationship with God that phrase is hard to believe or know what the Psalmist means. Yet, we can experience this life as we rely on and trust Jesus. By relying on his word we learn to recognize and enjoy God’s presence and we live the way we were made to live.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Loren

National Day of Prayer 2019

Prayer can have the feeling of duty and at other times delight.

When prayer is mostly about a discipline in our lives that we are suppose to do, then we sometimes fall into the trap of feeling like prayer is a duty. But when prayer is mostly about delighting in knowing, talking, and listening to God then it can become a way of fellowshipping with God often resulting in a co-laboring with God to accomplish good and advancing His will on earth.

Today is the National Day of Prayer. It is a day set up to focus on how we need God’s help and wisdom as individuals, communities, and as a nation.

This year’s theme of “Love One Another” comes from John 13:34 where Jesus says “...love one another: just as I have loved you...”

Below is a link to a prayer guide for today:

Tonight from 6:30-7:30pm in the Worship Center we will be hosting a community-wide prayer and worship gathering for the National Day of Prayer. Everyone is welcome to attend as we unite with other believers across our city in worship and prayer. We’ll pray for the local Church, for our community, our state, and our nation. Our hope for tonight is that we can delight in prayer together and be co-laborers with God and one another as we seek to love as Jesus has loved us. We hope you'll join us.

Grace and peace,
Loren

Preparing for Easter

Ever have the holidays or a special occasion sneak up on you?

I have.

This usually puts me into a last minute scramble of trying to find a present, or write a note, or make appropriate plans. It’s stressful to say the least, and after the event passes I’m always left wondering why I can’t seem to remember that I want to remember these important moments or I’ll have a sense of shame for missing out on the significance of celebrating something or someone in the way it or they should be celebrated.

I share that because this is something I’m working on.

We are headed towards Easter. Can you believe it?

Remembering and celebrating Easter is one of those significant occasions that can sneak up us.

Paul, writing in 1 Corinthians 15, says, “and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain… and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins… if in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.”

Needless to say, the resurrection is a big deal.

I want to walk into church on Easter Sunday having already prepared to deeply appreciate and celebrate Jesus as the risen Savior and Lord that he is.

One way many have found helpful in preparing to draw one’s attention to the significance of Easter is to walk through the season of lent prior to Easter. If you look it up on Wikipedia you’ll see that lent is for the believer to prepare “through prayer, doing penance, mortifying the flesh, repentance of sins, almsgiving, and denial of ego.” Many traditions will do a fast of some sort to create space for prayer.

In my experience, lent has proven to be an extended time of digging into my profound need for Jesus. It has been an opportunity to practice and invite God to do what the Psalmist says in Psalm 139:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!”

Every year, I gain a greater appreciation for Jesus as he continues to do his good work in my life. Often he has tenderly dealt with my weaknesses, addressed pride, and my tendency toward wandering.

Then when Easter comes my soul swells with gladness. 

Jesus being raised from the dead confirms he is who he said he is and his offer of forgiveness and new life can be trusted.

Easter is coming. I'm praying it won't sneak up on us but that we can meaningfully rejoice and in our risen Savior and Lord.

I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday as we continue in our Real Faith series, exploring “An Obedient Faith” from James 1:22-27!

Grace and peace,
Pastor Loren

Pouring out your heart before God

I appreciated our focus on prayer through the month of January. The dynamic of prayer that really stood out to me was how prayer should be like a relationship between a good father and his children. In prayer we pour out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin, and thanksgiving.

We should do what Psalm 62:8 leads us towards, which is to “trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”

Even so, the “what should be” of our prayer life can be a struggle and perhaps, if we are honest, non-existent. We need the reminding of who God is, and the encouragement of what it’s like to engage him as Father. For this I’m grateful.

The A Praying Life seminar helped to bring some revitalization to my “asking” God for what is on my heart. I’ve also decided to “track” my prayers more closely this year. And I’d like to share a couple of highlights that have already happened.

On a personal note, we have and will continue to pray that our kiddos will come to know the love of God that is found in trusting Jesus. Anne and I are grateful for a church who focuses on this, an extended family that demonstrates this, and a social environment that is shaped by this. Our kiddos are saturated in God’s love. Yet we still know they have to come to an understanding of their need for this love for themselves and for them to make a personal decision.

Well, God has begun to answer this prayer as our oldest son, Maxwell, made a decision to trust Jesus!

Next, I’m excited to see how God is stirring in our young adult crowd as there is a group forming! We have been praying as a church for several months that God would bring together the right group and leaders to get something started. Praise the Lord as they are planning on kicking off this coming Sunday night! Please continue to pray for this group as they get started and move forward.

I’d like to end by sharing something I’m praying about and looking forward to.

On the high school side of Igniter we are going to do a six week series called “Girl Talks and Guy Talks” where will separate the girls and guys in order to focus on key subjects unique to each gender. We have been praying and planning for several months for this. Please join me in praying for our students to be encouraged and challenged in their walk with Jesus and for our speakers to have freedom and joy as they share from God word and their lives.  

Grace and peace,
Pastor Loren

What does Christmas time mean?

Entering December means Christmas is upon us and we start Advent. Several days ago we were driving around and I asked our kiddos, “What does Christmas time mean?”

In unison Max and Lizzy shouted, “Presents!” Followed by Will raising his voice to match his siblings. I looked over at Anne, smiled, and rolled my eyes.

It is true and I’ll confirm it: my children are already Christmas consumers. It’s an easy trap to be lured into. In case you’re wondering, we gladly get and give presents to our youngsters, we are not anti-gift giving. But way more than getting gifts, which provide a morning of smiling and an afternoon of jealous fighting, Anne and I are wanting our kids to connect and pursue the One for whom we celebrate.

A couple of years ago we were given a Christmas game of sorts called Star From Afar. The game involves a nativity set which has a star that each day leading up to Christmas is visibly hidden in the house for the kids to find with the wise men. As a part of the game we read Advent and Christmas related scripture texts and devotionals. It has become something of a tradition for us. We plan on using it for at least these precious early years to engage our kids in the Christmas story.

The symbolism happening in our home is beautiful; we truly enjoy it as parents. The game has given us opportunity after opportunity of telling the story and pointing our children to Jesus and as best we can teach about what is truly significant about Christmas.

If you have kids, you know establishing “God consciousness” with our children takes intentionality.

I’ve found that as I’ve sought to be intentional with my kids this Christmas God is speaking to me as well about the beauty and mystery of Christmas. Playing this game and teaching our kids has encouraged me to see and embrace the same heart motivation of the wise men. The scriptures tell us it is for worship that they sought the coming king (Matthew 2:2).

In this season may we seek to worship him as well.

Pastor Loren

Football cards and spiritual blessings

I was picking up my son Max from the bus stop earlier this week and noticed he was walking and talking with a new friend. After he got in the truck I asked him about who he was talking to and what they were talking about.

He said, “That’s Garrett’s older brother.”

I said, “Oh, what’s his name?”

He replied, “Umm, I don’t remember right now.”

I told him, “That’s ok, what where you talking about?”

Max said, “I gave him some of my football cards for free and we were just talking.”

I was amazed.

You have to understand the value of football cards in a young boy’s life, and for Max and his buddies they trade cards; giving away cards doesn’t really happen. They are always trying to work a deal. The name of the game is to get more cards or better cards.

I curiously said, “Really!?! Why did you do that?” And his reply was simple but profound to me, “Dad, I have so many football cards… I didn’t need those.”

God used that interaction as a spiritual moment to think about blessing.

Max would never say it this way at this point in his life, but he was living from a sense of being blessed, which opened him up to live generously, not in greed or entitlement.

What kind of response do I have to blessing?

I’ve been pondering this question since Sunday, but especially since my little talk with Max. Do I even think I’m blessed?

A wonderful part of Ephesians 1:3 has come to mind over and over as I have reflected on those questions and my life. The text says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing…”

Blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing.

Now that is truly amazing.

In Christ I’m not lacking anything. I am blessed in every way. This good news has an “opening up” result as I believe it and receive it. Generosity is a characteristic of someone who isn’t thinking they need more or are wanting better.

It is easy to get locked into cycles of greed and entitlement, but I’m praising God for every spiritual blessing in Christ. May this be the grace that God uses to cultivate a joy of generosity in my life and the lives of others.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Loren

A prayer for our schools

This week has brought a new season for the Kurtz household. We now have a kindergartner! Yikes. Wow! Whoa. Yipee! Hmm. Maybe you can relate.

If I had to use one word to describe this week it would be unsettled.

We know this won’t always be the case as we make adjustments and learn to roll with the ebbs and flows of a school schedule and a youngster who is trying to attune to a whole new way of going about his week. I’ve been saying to myself over and over, “Not easy, but good.”

This time of year I usually spend a little more time thinking and praying for our schools, the students that fill them, and those who are teaching.

Would you join me?

Often when I’m overwhelmed I don’t always have the words to pray, so I’ve written out a prayer. I’ve utilized a couple of prayer books in forming these words:

Heavenly Father, we ask that you would bless our schools as they begin a new school year. In blessing them, may they be lively centers for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom. Grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth.

We lift up all our students. Be with them as they learn to navigate and grow up in an unsteady and confusing world. We pray you will show them your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing selfish goals. Help them to take failure not as a measure of their worth but as a chance for a new start and humble learning. Give them strength to hold their faith in you and to keep alive their joy in knowing you. In Jesus name. Amen.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Loren

God's perfect love that casts out fear

Each summer we take a crew of middle school students to LifeChange Camp in Clinton, Missouri. It is always a great time for our students to be refreshed and challenged in their faith. This year I would say they were also profoundly encouraged. Our speaker spent some time sharing how our fears can be significant challenges to our faith, even preventing us from living out our faith in God.

During one of our morning sessions he asked everyone to be honest and write down every fear they have been struggling with recently. I didn’t know how this was going to go. Would the students open up and be vulnerable (a fear for many people)? How would they respond? I was anticipating all kinds of silly answers - which are also legit fears - things like heights, spiders, snakes, etc.

Then that evening our speaker took the whole session and one by one read every fear out loud and asked everyone to stand when he said their fear. The fears he started to read were not silly-answer-fears but fears that can truly overwhelm and cause a person to live according to the fear and not faith. They were also unique to what life is like as a middle school student. Looking back this was a gutsy thing to do and so many of the students were brave enough to stand when their fear was called out.

But he didn’t stop there, because he then used God’s word to speak truth, hope, and love into each fear that was mentioned.

I was once again reminded of how fear plays a big role not only in the lives of students but in everyone’s life. Something I appreciated was seeing how the truth of God’s word can expose the lies associated with each fear. The biggest truth that can begin to expose any fear is the truth of God’s love, his perfect love that casts out fear (1 John 4:18). I pray we may know Him and that we may live by faith in Him because of his great love for us.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Loren

Pressing into God during transition

Around our house we really like the transition toward more sunshine. We have recently been enjoying evening bike rides, eating dinner outside, watching eggs hatch in a sparrow’s nest, and all kinds of other outside activities. Our youngest is by far the happiest when he is outside. When he is inside he can be a restless mess, but outside he turns into an excited explorer. He loves to wander around the yard doing his best to keep up with his siblings all the while grunting and yelling for us to join him in his adventure.

Transitions are a big part of life. There isn’t any way of avoiding transitions; nature itself has transition built into it. Have you ever noticed how a transition can affect so many levels of your life?

What I’ve found in myself when going through transitions is that I always seem to have to work through my own weaknesses in character and personality before I get to the strengths that God graciously gives, reveals, or reminds me of. Each transition has its own effect on me and depending on how “big” the transition feels this process either takes more or less time. I’ve also found transitions still take me by surprise in some sense.

There is a C.S. Lewis quote that I keep in my head: “Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of man he is.”

Some of the “evidences” aren’t always what I would hope to see in myself, but at every transition, by God’s grace, I’ve gotten through and I’ve been able to see his hand and good heart. Whenever I’ve pressed into him, I’ve experienced a growth in character and virtue. I’ve learned that every transition takes effort, which sometimes I’m open and excited about and other times I’m not. But I do think transitions can be God’s way of continuing his transforming work in our lives.

Speaking of transition, May is graduation season and many young lives are in transition. This Sunday we will be celebrating with our graduates, because this transition should be celebrated! I’m looking forward to it. I hope to see you there.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Loren.

Cozy Conversations

The season leading up to Easter and the day itself is always a bright spot and this year was no exception. There are so many reasons why Easter is the highlight it is, but this year I’m thankful for the conversations it stirred up in my kids.

Our normal routine after each Sunday morning is to ask our kiddos what they learned during Sunday school and we do our best to dig in a little deeper than their first responses. But on Palm Sunday our son Max launched into a full-on retelling of the story about Jesus coming into Jerusalem on a donkey and the crowd shouting “hosanna!” It was impressive what details he was remembering and the excitement he had in sharing.

Later that day the kiddos went to go see Cozy the Lamb. They went with their mom while I stayed home with our youngest but when they got back they were pumped. I asked them a few questions and with incredible joy they each shared about what they saw. Max was enthusiastic about the shepherd, the dog and the wolf and Lizzy shared about all the dancers as she herself danced around the dining table.

I asked them if they knew that Jesus told a story like Cozy’s story and they said they knew that already.

Of course they did, what was I thinking.

I asked them if the shepherd who helped Cozy reminded them of Jesus at all and they each said yes. In the days to follow “Cozy conversations” kept happening.

Easter was such a blessing. To sing about our risen Lord, to remember and read the story, and to be reminded that we shouldn’t be fooled about Jesus was tremendous.

He is who he said he is.

I’m still marveling.

After the services and lunch our little family had an egg hunt. I hid the eggs outside for the kids to find, in the cold and drizzle, because an indoor egg hunt wouldn’t be “official.” Needless to say, it went quick.

Then we gathered around the table and the kids opened up eggs and snacked on jelly beans as we read the Easter story once again from John 20. What was fun to see was the parts of the story where the kids jumped into tell and share their thoughts.

And just yesterday as we were driving around town Max asked Lizzy if she loved Jesus. Lizzy said, “Yes, Max. I love Jesus. Do you love Jesus?” Max replied, “I love Jesus, Lizzy.” Anne and I smiled at each other.

I asked Max why he loved Jesus and he said, “Because he died on the cross for my sins.” Then Lizzy chimed in, “And he isn’t in the tomb and he is coming again and we are going to get new bodies…”

If you ever ask Lizzy, she is really excited about the new bodies we get when Jesus returns.

It’s such a joy to see the seeds of the Word and faith grow in your children. I’m profoundly grateful for these moments and opportunities to talk with my children about Jesus. I’m thankful to the whole crew who put on Cozy the Lamb, I’m thankful for the children’s ministry and specifically my kid’s teachers and leaders, and I’m thankful for a church that celebrates Easter well.

Grace and peace,
Loren