Happy New Year LAC Families!
I sincerely hope that you have managed to move through the barrage of scheduled holiday activity with moments of family connectedness and a moment of sacred pause or two. As I’m slowly finding motivation to pack away the remnant Christmas decor around my home, pick up dried and lonely pine needles, and inhale deep breaths of the Fir and Firewood candle I refuse to blow out, I’m also noticing my spirit yearning for a fresh connection with the Lord this year.
The 2023 Rose Parade theme “Turning the Corner” feels relevant to my heart’s craving to see the Holy Spirit actively alive and at work in my home and in our church family in a fresh way. This morning I woke up with David’s words in Psalm 34 on my mind:
“Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! (v.3).
Historically, I’ve found consistent encouragement in the proceeding verses (4-5)”, often focusing on God’s nature to deliver me from fear and trade my human inclination towards shame for radiance as I seek his face. Today, however, I find myself drawn into the word “together,” and finding myself curious about God’s heart to deliver us from our fears and shame in light of David’s exhortative invitation to worship the Lord communally.
While I ask the questions, “What does it mean to seek the Lord in worship, together? To magnify His name, together?" I find myself reflecting on an image I took in last week while visiting family in Northern CA. I was walking on acres of frosty field outside with my beloved beagle-mix, and all of a sudden experienced the sight and sensation of hundreds of geese moving from floor to flight — individual squawks to a cacophony of honks raising chorus together. While each bird clearly had their own note to share and the result wasn’t the most melodic tune, there was clear momentum of wings soaring and song rising in the same direction.
If I could begin to form a prayer from these images and longings, it would be this:
Lord, may you teach us to magnify your name together in our homes and families & in our church, together. Holy Spirit, take flight in us, together — as we seek your face this year. Amen.
Listen: Psalm 34 (Taste and See) - Shane & Shane (from Psalms II album). I enjoy playing these worship albums in my home as they encourage an atmosphere of singing scripture.
Read: Foundations: 12 Biblical Truths to Shape a Family- Ruth Chou Simons & Troy Simons. I’ve just started reading this book containing practical applications for instilling biblical truths in family life at home. The first chapter in on creating a culture of Family Worship.
Engage: All Church Rooted Series, beginning 1/22.
Read about Rooted and sign up for a group if you haven’t already by clicking on the link above!
Rooted for Preschool- 5th grade: Our Children’s Director Amy Cruse has put together a fantastic curriculum that will thematically follow the Rooted Journey our church body is following, including a service opportunity for the tiniest hands in our community!
Rooted for 6th-12th grade: Our MS & HS students have the opportunity to engage in their own Rooted journey of discipleship with opportunity for prayer and service in small groups and as a community.
Please take time to complete this survey regarding MS & HS participation and engagement in a small group.
Connect: Parents, join us for Sunday Morning Coffee and Donuts in the Maple Street Student Check-in lobby (MS100) — back this week (1/8)!
Next Gen. Director Search Update:
We are moving forward in our search process with expectation of two candidate visits on campus in the next few weeks. Pertinent information will be sent out to students/families related to participation in these visits. (1/15 & 1/18)
Please continue to pray for the Lord’s direction and leading in this process!
Note: Middle School & High School students will be in the main service this Sunday 1/8. Donuts and Connection time in the Student Center directly after service!
May God Bless you and keep you as you enter this New Year.
Sincerely,
Christy Cooper
Family Ministries Division Chair
*Please feel free to send me a message of connection. I’d love to meet you, or know how I can cover your family in prayer during this season. You can contact me at
