Remembering Joy

Have you ever had something happen that was so good you wanted to tell someone about it?

This Sunday, we learned that remembering God’s goodness can fill our hearts with joy. In Psalm 105, God’s people are invited to remember the wonderful things God has done and to tell others about them. The psalm reminds us of Joseph’s story. Even though Joseph faced some very difficult times, God never forgot him. God stayed with Joseph, guided him through every challenge, and used him to care for many people.

When we remember how God has been faithful in the past, it gives us hope for today. Joy isn’t about having a perfect life. Joy grows when we remember that God is always with us, even when life is hard. Sharing those stories with others helps them remember God’s goodness, too.

Family Challenge

This week, take turns sharing a story about a time when you saw God at work in your life. It could be a prayer God answered, someone who showed you kindness, or a time God helped your family through something difficult.

After each story, say together: “Thank You, God, for always being with us!”

Talk About It

• Why do you think God wants us to remember the wonderful things He has done?
• How did God stay with Joseph during the hard times in his life?
• What is one story of God’s goodness that you can share with someone this week?

Read

Psalm 105:1–6, 16–22

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for always being with us. Help us remember Your goodness, trust You every day, and share Your joy with others. Amen.

A Magical Evening Together

Thank you to everyone who helped make The Magic of Disney such a special evening for our church family!

We are especially grateful to everyone who brought food for the potluck dinner. Sharing a meal together after the concert gave us the opportunity to visit, laugh, and enjoy fellowship with friends old and new. Your generosity helped make the evening feel warm and welcoming from the very beginning.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to Shannon Davidson, Julian Rodriguez, and Joshua Rodriguez for sharing their incredible musical gifts with us. Their performances filled the sanctuary with joy, and the surprise appearance of Crouton, a lovable blue bird puppet created by one of Shannon’s talented friends during “Man or Muppet,” brought smiles and laughter to everyone in attendance.

Events like these remind us that some of our favorite memories are made when we gather together to share our gifts, our time, and our fellowship. Thank you to everyone who attended and to all who helped make the evening such a wonderful success.

Would you like to share a word with our church family in a future newsletter? We’d love to hear from you. Email [email protected].

Behold the Face

Have you ever looked so carefully at something that you noticed details you had never seen before? Sometimes the more we pay attention, the more we discover.

This Sunday, we learned that David trusted God to hear his prayers and longed to be close to Him. At the end of Psalm 17, David says, “I shall behold your face.” While we can’t see God the way we see each other, we can notice His presence all around us—in moments of kindness, in the beauty of creation, and in the love we share with others.

This week, try slowing down long enough to notice where God is at work. The more we pay attention, the more we’ll discover that God has been with us all along.

Family Challenge

Choose one moment each day to get everyone’s attention by ringing a bell. Sit or stand quietly for a few seconds. Invite each person to name one thing they noticed that day—a sound, a feeling, a kind act, or something beautiful. Ring the bell once after each person shares. This simple practice reminds us to slow down and notice God’s presence all around us.

Talk About It

• What is something beautiful or kind you noticed today?
• When have you felt especially close to God?
• How can paying attention help us notice God’s love?

Read

Psalm 17:1–7, 15

Prayer

God, thank You for being close to us. Help us notice You with us today and every day. Amen.