Peer Pressure at Church?

Our family went shopping for school supplies last weekend and a few new clothes for the first day. Isaiah especially wanted a backpack and t-shirt from "Tilly's", a high-priced department store that all the kids at school are talking about. As most families do, we live on a budget. So, we explained to Isaiah that we were willing to pay a specific amount for the necessities, and if he wanted anything at a higher price, he could use his allowance to buy it. He decided to give 3 weeks of savings to get the coolest backpack he could find.

Yes - school is back in session and everything that goes along with it! For some, that means new friendships, lots of homework, learning and growing... but for others, it means peer pressure, frustration, and a need to fit in. A couple of days after this new purchase, Isaiah told me that a certain "cool kid" wanted to hang out with him and that along with his new t-shirt and backpack, he was probably going to be more popular now. It's amazing how the need to belong is part of our nature. Unfortunately, it doesn't always go away when we enter adult-hood.

How do you think this correlates with guests who come to visit Living Hope Church for the first time? Do you think they have the same set of feelings? Can you imagine some of their thoughts? Am I dressed okay? Will I know the songs they sing? Will I have to talk in front of anyone or will they ask me questions about my life? I wonder if they know about my past? If they really knew me, they wouldn't accept me.

Of course, Jeff and I spoke with Isaiah about his true identity being in Jesus and reminded him that we need not care so much what others think. We don't want to live under the weight of always trying to please other people. But even as an adult or a person who seems outgoing and carefree, a visit to church can be a scary or uncomfortable thing. What can we do to make our church a place that is comfortable for everyone? We want to create an environment where people feel loved and accepted, regardless of their circumstances. How would God have us handle this? From a friendly smile and directions to the nursery to an invitation to sit with you, there are many ways we can show we care and accept all the people in our community.

I would love your thoughts and ideas. What can WE, as Girlfriends, do to make a difference? Click on comments below and let me know what you think!

Girlfriends are Grateful!

Tuesday, May 6th, is National Teachers Day. Living Hope Church "Girlfriends" want to show their support. We're especially thankful to the teachers and staff at Tremont Elementary for the use of their facilities each week. In an effort to show our appreciation, we're providing the staff with yummy treats on their special day.

YOU CAN HELP! We need donations of snacks and finger foods to serve 45 staff members. If you're interested in helping, please contact Jamie at ragamuffin_kids@yahoo.com. Make plans to bring your treats to the Myers' home on Monday, May 5th, or Jamie will gladly pick them up. "What shall I bring?", you ask. We need salty, sweet, veggies, fruits, and everything in between. Jamie will deliver all the goodies to Tremont on Tuesday morning so the teachers and staff can munch on them throughout the day. We'll decorate and add a few signs that let the teachers know Living Hope Church supports our teachers and appreciates their service to the community.

If you'd rather donate cash, we can use it to purchase paper goods and decorations. We hope you enjoy this opportunity to reach out to the community and show the love of Jesus.