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Weary and Burdened

March 22, 2022 By Christian Simmers Leave a Comment

What do we do when we, as a congregation, as a community, as a world, are truly exhausted and need the rest Jesus promises? Is that space still in the sanctuary? Or are we meant to seek peace away from our community as we heal?

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Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: children, Children in church, COVID-19, discipleship, Family, parenting

The Armor of Light

December 9, 2021 By Christian Simmers 1 Comment

I typically welcome the shorter days that accompany the season of Advent. Less daylight should theoretically translate to fewer distractions and more snuggling on the couch, under fleece blankets with warm cups in hand.

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Filed Under: Liturgical Year Tagged With: Advent, Advent wreath, Prayer, young adults, youth

In the Middle

September 19, 2021 By Christian Simmers Leave a Comment

We are waiting, as a family, as a community, as the Body of Christ, in palpable anticipation for the end of this pandemic.

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Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: church, coronavirus, parenting, waiting

Returning to the Sanctuary

June 18, 2021 By Christian Simmers Leave a Comment

Every other pew was roped off, complete with red ribbon. My daughters looked back at me, a little confused. Were we allowed to be close to our friends and neighbors?

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Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: Children in church, coronavirus, worship

An Optimistic Lent

February 19, 2021 By Christian Simmers 2 Comments

With each new day, the weight of the world seems to rest on our shoulders. There is new hope, but with it comes fresh exhaustion.

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Filed Under: Liturgical Year, Parenting, Spiritual Practices Tagged With: coronavirus, hope, Lent

Parenting Small

December 19, 2020 By Christian Simmers Leave a Comment

My breath quickens when I hear “do less” each Advent. As my heart starts to race, I think, “There’s no way that’s what they really mean!”

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Filed Under: Liturgical Year, Parenting Tagged With: Advent, coronavirus, parenting

Peace, Be Still

August 17, 2020 By Christian Simmers Leave a Comment

As we survey the world around us, where is Jesus? Where is our Savior in the midst of rising pandemic deaths and ruthless injustice for our neighbors?

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Filed Under: Discipleship Tagged With: coronavirus, Jesus Christ, peace

Compassion in a Pandemic

May 17, 2020 By Christian Simmers 4 Comments

For the past eight weeks, my home base has been designated the Special Pathogens Unit of the hospital, which delivers vital care for hospitalized patients infected with COVID-19.

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Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: children, compassion, coronavirus, Family, young children

Retreat before the Miracle

March 12, 2020 By Christian Simmers 1 Comment

Growing up, I remember the season of Lent as one of reflection and contemplation. Somewhere in young adulthood, the season lost its peacefulness for me.

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Filed Under: Lent Tagged With: busy-ness, Family, kitchen, Lent, Prayer

It’s not just another thing to do

November 22, 2019 By Christian Simmers Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago, I sat in a parent-teacher conference with my fifth grader.

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Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: Children in church, parenting, schedules, tweens

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