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The Role of Older Adults

July 9, 2023

If you ever get a chance to watch the NFL or NBA Draft, one of the best parts of the event is when they interview the players who have realized their lifelong dream of being drafted and they take time to thank and remember all those who had poured into them to help them reach their pinnacle. Sometimes, the player's parents and siblings will be right there, front and center. Other times, it's a coach, a teacher, a friend, or a mentor. We see similar remembrances and thankfulness when a politician scores a victory, or even when they lose. Even in the pagan world, it is understood that every person needs the mentorship of those who have gone before them and lived longer on this earth than them. Consider how much more important it is in the Church! This week at Friendship, we'll look at "The Role of Older Adults" in God's view of the family. If you have been blessed with a number of years on this earth, it is important that you look for those in your life into whom you can pour wisdom and experience. How can you help them follow God's word? In what ways can you use even your mistakes to teach them something and warn them of the consequences of sinful behavior? Where in their lives can you provide encouragement and motivation to walk in Godly ways? These things and more will be addressed, so join us to hear how God wants to use to to accomplish His will!

The Role of Children

July 30, 2023 • Jen Barshinger

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). If Jesus said this, why have we decided that children are an inconvenience, that they prevent us from living life to the fullest, or that they are distracting and rambunctious and therefore should not be allowed in the church service? In that very story in the gospels, it was His own disciples who took these worldly attitudes, even rebuking those who brought their children to Jesus. You can imagine that they probably thought they were saving Jesus from the headache of "dealing with them", but Jesus' response shows us that children aren't a headache at all, and that we must become like them in our faith and trust of Jesus. This week at Friendship, we'll finish up the Family Values series by talking about "The Role of Children". The children will be with us in the service, but adults need to hear this as well. It is our responsibility to train our children to fulfill the role God has given them in the family. We must foster a culture of obedience and trust, while also remembering that part of their role is to observe and learn from us. If that isn't a sobering thought that makes you as an adult want to draw closer to Jesus, I don't know what will! We hope to see you this weekend!

The Role of the Wife

July 23, 2023 • JessicaHarbold

Proverbs 18:22 tells us, "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord". So why do men, even Christian men, use ridiculous phrases like "the old ball & chain"? And why do women, even Christian women, put their husbands down and joke about "training" them to do as they are told? The short answer is "sin", but I think we can all see that there are some wicked ideas we have regarding the opposite sex that have been deeply engrained in our hearts and minds over many generations. In ancient times, women were treated more like property than human beings. They were devalued, abused, and discarded, and the Bible was even used to justify this behavior in many cases. Men, is this still how you see them today? Reflect and ask God to show you any errors. Women, is this how you see yourselves? Reflect and ask God to show you that your true identity is in Him. This week at Friendship, we continue our Family Values series with a look at the Role of the Wife/Woman in God's picture of the family. Join us to learn about God's plan for them in the home, outside the home, in society, in the Church, and as children of God!

The Role of the Church

July 16, 2023 • Pastor Logan Ames

This week we'll talk about why the Church has a role in God's picture of the family, and how we are responsible for loving and encouraging the family in both grace AND truth. I am excited for this one and look forward to having you all with us.