Encouraging Words

A lot of good is coming out of this pandemic, but sometimes it is hard to see or to appreciate.

One of the good things has been the Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville's Encouraging Word series of videos. Each weekday at 7 am the video is emailed to their subscribers. In the worst of the pandemic, I would wait until I could watch the video before getting out of bed. Perhaps as a sign that life is improving with the removal of the Governor's Stay at Home orders I've started my day before the Encouraging Word, which is good because they are no longer happening every day.

I created this post so I could have links to some of my favorite Encouraging Words:

Some Good News Lawrenceville -- WINK Pastor Kyle Anderson highlighted stories about Good News in our town, including Ashley's teacher visiting her

It's a VUCA World Out There -- Associate Pastor Louise Johnson talks about how congregations like ours can move forward: 1) expect a start and stop society, 2) long-term economic downturn, 3) greater reliance on technology, and 4) a hybrid society https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uAKQXagwms

Passover During Coronavirus -- Rabbi Elisa Goldberg talks about finding ourselves in narrow places during these times

Theology of Communion -- Associate Pastor Louise Johnson talks about taking the Lord's Supper virtually, and why.

The First In A Series -- Pastor Jeff Vamos introduces the series. "God would never let this happen to us, but it did happen," when Jeremiah was the sole prophet saying we'll be in exile a long time. "We all want it to be over now, but it seems like it may not be." Seek the peace of shalom in these times.

How the Virus Stole Easter -- Associate Pastor Louise Johnson. Perhaps my favorite for the whimsy. A nod to Dr. Seuss.

Coffee, Groundhogs, & Groundhog -- by member Elizabeth Ferguson. Her whole family did a 4-part series about God in nature. I love this one because she has obvious joy reading "let them sing for joy on their couches."

Personal notes are the best! -- Parishioner Tracey Gates talks about the year she set a goal of writing a personal note a day to someone to express her gratitude for her. Started with people close to her, over the year it changed to people she had a positive experience with.

I'm ready to give up -- Associate Pastor Kyle Anderson talks about building his patio as a metaphor about life and sometimes we feel like giving up when life gets hard, but we shouldn't.

What will they say about us? -- Associate Pastor Kyle Anderson ruminates about what will future generations say about how we spread God's love.

A few tips from the wood shop -- Pastor Jeff takes us into his work shop using wood and the hidden treasures found inside of wood as an analogy for the hidden treasures in each of us.

It's Not You, It's Me -- Pastors Jeff and Kyle announce they are taking the month of August off from providing "Encouraging Words." They promise to return in September.


All of them are good. These are ones that met me exactly where I was when I was reading it. 

Enjoy!