This is Us

We are the church, whether we are gathered or scattered--each one of us, a part of the body of Christ, wherever we go, whatever we do.

So, where can you find us, and what are we doing?

This is Aaron Erhardt, enjoying his hard earned Father’s Day ice cream treat! He’s one of many Five Oaks dads that were seen happily serving our congregation on Father’s Day. Aaron and his wife Kate serve monthly at our Acorn Cafe. What you might not know is that they have two kiddos under the age of two, and yet they still are serving all of us our coffee and donuts on those Sunday mornings. They’re a great inspiration that even if life seems full, we can still try to find a little time to serve others, and have fun while we do it. I sure hope that Aaron had a chance to catch a nap on Father’s Day, he deserved it!

Chad Carlson and Brian Bolt on "Let the Women’s World Cup Get Political"

Christian educators Carlson and Bolt wrote a guest column in Christianity Today. You can read the entire article here. Here are some highlights from the article:

Embed from Getty Images

“There can be a temptation for some to bristle at the notion of ‘politicizing’ sports in our current moment, particularly if they disagree with the team’s stances. ‘Can’t soccer just be soccer? Can’t we have an escape from all the debate?’

“…But the truth is that sport, like everything else, happens in a political context.

“Throughout the New Testament, we see Jesus and his followers pay particular attention to the political and cultural forces around them.

“…As Christians studying the interaction between faith and sports, we see this arena as another area where God calls us…. We see a dimension to sports that gives believers a unique opportunity for ministry and a way to better understand society.

“…Just as Christians use their platforms to reflect their deeply held beliefs, through word or deed or sideline prayer on bended knee, Megan Rapinoe and her USWNT teammates are speaking with conviction, too. Whether or not we agree, as fans and followers of Christ, we can pay attention and listen.

“…So, join in the fun. Enjoy the action. And rather than trying to downplay the surrounding social, moral, and political issues surrounding the games—pray for godly discernment in how we respond.”