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God connects our dots

Sunday school banner for 2011-12 school year at First Lutheran Church of Jamestown.

“God has a way of working dot-to-dot of our lives. For the last almost two years, I’ve been searching for a continuing education program specific to the ministry situation here at First Lutheran Church. I knew it had to be something I could do from Jamestown, it had to require a minimal amount of travel, it needed to engage my heart and mind and it had to apply to and assist me in the work I do on a daily basis. In February, my husband came across a book called, “The God bearing life.” by: Kenda Creasy Dean. In this book he learned about a Certificate program specific to current trends in youth and family ministry that fit all the requirements I’d hoped to find…”
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Over a year ago now, I gave a version of this essay as a talk at the 9am Sunday service. I’m sharing it with you, because the idea of God connecting our dots is one that has carried throughout the time of me first sharing it to now. Our Sunday school children have worked to create two banners on it with the phrase, “GOD CONNECTS OUR DOTS!” and the scripture verse from Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Throughout the upcoming year, these two banners will be hanging in the traditional and contemporary worship space. These banners will be a place for people to write or draw the ways God is working and moving in their lives directly on the canvas. The question that we request to be answered and placed on this banner is: “How have I seen God at work in this day, week, month or year?”

Each week in youth group, we ask our teens this same question and are always blessed to hear the ways God is working in all our lives. Sometimes we just need a reminder that it’s something very important to share with each other! You are invited to add your thoughts to these banners. There will be markers placed close by them so that you can write your “God dot connections” on the banner in the Nave or the Parlor.

Looking back over the year or so since God helped to connect me to a means of greater learning and connection through the continuing education opportunities through Princeton Seminary; I’m only more encouraged and excited to see how God will continue to work in my life, your life and in the story and mission of First Lutheran Church of Jamestown. Thank you in advance for being willing to take up your marker and join in on the puzzle and journey, with God and each other, connecting our dots!
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