Fear Not!
I am officially having a stressful day. You know, one of those days where things really aren’t going according to plan. Nothing of crisis proportions. Just a series of zigs when I was expecting zags.
I will spare you all the details, but I am sure you can relate. Having days like these is one of the things that make us human. We set up expectations for how the day is going to go- and then events (or people) conspire to change our plans. Sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically.
How we deal with these challenges and changes says a lot about our personalities. Some of us can get pretty worked up when things don’t go as planned, while some are extremely flexible and don’t let such changes bother them at all. Many folks are in the middle someplace.
The trick, it seems to me, to navigating such times as these is to name the fear that can pop up and causes the stress. It is easy to fear the lack of control that you or I sometimes can have over our own lives. And that lack of control can seemingly mushroom when you’re part of a family or organization like the church. But fear does us very little good in the long run.
Sure, there is a place for fear. It tells us to head for safety when there is danger. Like to run in the house when being chased by a swarm of angry bees, for instance. But for the most part, fear simply likes to beget more fear. It finds a relatively little risk and blows it out of proportion like a helium tank fills a balloon.
Sometimes we fear conflict instead of believing that maybe a new and better idea will be found when we disagree with someone- and talk it over. Sometimes we fear trying a new way of doing something because someone else won’t like it and may get upset (play your favorite dramatic music flourish here). And, as we all know, getting someone upset is to be avoided at all costs. (Not!)
Sometimes when we challenge folks to think in new ways or try to things they actually grow from the experience. You know this to be true with children. It’s just as true with adults. And just because they may fuss and complain and take their jacks and go home doesn’t mean it isn’t worth trying to find new and better ways to be a family or a church or even a nation.
When Franklin Roosevelt said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself”, he was right.
So I am naming my fear. I am anxious sometimes because I don’t want to seem like an ineffective leader. I am anxious because I don’t want to seem like an imperfect dad or teacher. I am afraid that people- like you- will perceive me to be flawed and foolish and maybe even downright wrong sometimes. And, of course, you do.
Most of you have known me for three years now. You know that I make my share of mistakes. But you still forgive me, work with me - and let me serve you. And that is a great gift for which I thank you.
The bible tells us that love casts out fear. The bible says that nothing will separate us from the love of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. And bible tells us over and over to “Fear Not!”
I guess it's about time I listened and really paid attention. How about you?
Peace,
Kerry
Helpers (Still) needed to Record Worship Services
For a year now, the web-page has been ready and the equipment has been purchased. We are getting closer and closer to being able to record church events and our Sunday worship services and then posting them on tolonopresbyterian.org.
What we need now is to interface our church’s sound system with our video camcorder and get a crew of folks who will take turns recording. Kerry is just beginning to work his way through the operating manual transferring video onto DVD or the webpage.
He’s happy to train who-ever’s interested in learning to use the equipment. Just give him a call at the church or at the manse or drop him an e-mail. Also, please brainstorm ideas for how we can use this new equipment to better share and promote our ministries.
Prayer List
- All the people who are lonely through the holidays, may they find someone to help
- Our church and its current ministries and missions
- Our leaders, like the Elders and Deacons
- Our community and the people searching for a deeper connection with God…
- All those who are ill or facing surgery, may they find healing
- All those in harm's way, may they find strength and courage
- All those travelling, may they have safe journeys
Please Contribute!
If you have articles, reports, letters, or announcements that you'd like included in the Tolono Pres News, please don't hesitate to contact our office at 485-3725 or at tolonopres@yahoo.com.
The deadline for submissions to the March newsletter will be Monday, February 27th.
Also, please take lots of photos of church events and send them into the office. We'll publish some of them into the newsletter and archive them all in the office for future use! Some will also appear on our web site: tolonopresybterian.org.
February Birthdays
- 2/3 - Anna Jane Bretzlaff
- 2/16 - John Flavin
- 2/19 - Katie Smith
- 2/26 - Andrea Hawn
| February 5, 2012 | Jeff Fisher |
| February 12, 2012 | Susie Fisher |
| February 19, 2012 | Linda Smith |
| February 26, 2012 | Jeannete Hulick |
| March 4, 2012 | Tracy Wilson |
If you would like to help lead worship on a Sunday morning, just let Kerry know. We're always looking for fresh faces!
Got a calendar event? Contact the office to be included on next month's calendar at 485-3725.