Category: Weekly Encouragement

Thursday, March 14 – Pastor Scott

Last weekend I traveled to Fort Atkinson for the Southwest Wisconsin Awana Games. Many school-age kids from GraceWay competed against teams from a half dozen other churches. The events included relays, sprints, and balloon and beanbag games (practiced and played throughout the year at Awana clubs). It was great to watch GraceWay kids having so much fun. Throughout the day, I reflected on the unique aspect of Awana, it being the only activity I know of that mixes: singing about God, learning Bible verses, and wild gym time.     

“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

Timothy 4:8

Running around a little is good. But how much better is the pursuit of God. And not just for kids. This verse is written to all. Be active and be physically healthy. But also recognize the greater importance for learning who God is, what He asks of us, and how His grace transforms us. Special thanks to coaches Michelle, Steve, Bruce, Finn and all who helped with Awana games this year! 

Thursday, February 22 – Pastor Scott

Once a month, the Sauk Prairie public schools release their students early for administrative planning. This creates a great opportunity for the GraceWay Student Ministry Team. Last Wednesday over 40 middle schoolers and high schoolers gathered in the gym during this time. Many played basketball, pretty competitively. Others passed a volleyball or threw a football. Adam and Chelsea cooked dozens of pizzas, did a lot of listening, and interacted with everyone. Adam especially impressed me by playing basketball with one group long enough to get as sweaty as a horse, but then carving out time to engage in a lengthy game of chess with another segment of students.     

Jesus said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.”

Mark 10:14

The afternoon transitioned in to evening, and soon the same space was filled with grinning AWANA kids. Steve shared a clever lesson using thousands of M+Ms to cast a vision for the huge amount of people left in the world who still don’t know about Jesus or enter churches. Later still, the 7-12th graders were back for another round of gym time, relational building, and lessons. Be encouraged that GraceWay is investing in our communities’ students and children! Pray for Adam and his team, as they minister to this precious demographic. Thank our AWANA leaders for the great work they are doing. And remember your potential to be the adult that makes a difference in the spiritual development of a child! 

Thursday, February 29 – Pastor Bryan

I joined with 40 some other GraceWay participants at the Word Training Workshop this past weekend. We met together Friday evening and again on Saturday until early afternoon studying a 3-chapter Old Testament book among the Minor Prophets. Most of us weren’t even sure how to pronounce his name(!), let alone tell what Habakkuk’s message was. But as we repeatedly read the text, worked together to summarize and synthesize the content, there were moments when a somber hush descended on that room as we were quietly stunned by how relevant his ancient message is to our own present-day circumstances.   

Pastor Michael McKittrick is a gifted teacher who equipped those gathered to read and study their Bibles more profitably by discerning the author’s intended message and desired response. I personally benefitted from his explanation of how to connect an Old Testament passage to the ministry of Christ without inappropriately allegorizing a story or importing never intended connections. Pastor Michael also reminded us how crucial it is that we move beyond the mere accumulation of biblical knowledge. Scripture was written to bring about life transformation as we apply it to our lives in ways reliant upon our Savior’s empowerment, and then in turn share this with those in our circles. My hope is that each of us would follow the example of an Israelite priest named Ezra, who got the balance just right: 

“For Ezra had firmly resolved to study the Law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.”

Ezra 7:10

Thursday, February 15 – Pastor Scott

It was a joy to attend the Seasoned Encouragers’ luncheon on Saturday. The menu was great. There was a thoughtful devotion on what it means to love one another and a wonderful worship time. And then best of all, the group applied the Scripture that had been shared, by writing out cards of love and encouragement for the shut-ins that could not be present. And this is significant! At times, ministry gatherings can focus on the information of Scripture, stopping short of the application of Scripture. But by something as simple as jotting out affectionate notes to those who couldn’t attend physically, the group was able to act out what was discussed. Be encouraged with how simply we can do the same! Scripture always carries opportunities, to apply or live out what has been learned.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35

Thursday, February 8 – Pastor Scott

The church was filled with over 75 men on Saturday for the “No Regrets Men’s Conference.” I particularly enjoyed a session taught by Pastor Brady Boyd titled “Speak Life.” It addressed the power of using language that lifted others up. At one point, Pastor Brady said “the words you speak today are seeds that will grow into something you will one day sit under.” Isn’t that thought provoking? You can speak things tonight and tomorrow that will blossom and flower and bring pleasantness to that relationship. Or you can release bad seeds, words that will impact and characterize those relationships in future iterations. I want to speak to my wife, kids, friends, and coworkers in ways that make those who receive those words feel wiser and encouraged! Pause. Ask God for help in using your words to bless and build others!

“Kind words brings life, but cruel words crush your spirit.”

Proverbs 15:4