Sundays

Abby and Andrew walked to Sunday School on their own this week (see picture). They meet at Titchie (about a 7 minute walk from home) with their grade/age levels and then meet us at the chapel for the worship service afterward. Even before Sunday School, they first go to say their Bible memory verse and earn prizes. Abby has her eye on a set of Polly Pockets - worth 4 points, so it could take a couple of weeks... There's a whole list of suggested Bible memory verses that they can work on learning throughout the year. This week they each said: Matthew 6:9-13 / The Lord's Prayer from memory. Next week is Psalm 23.

Alex is teaching 10th grade boys with a team of about 4 teachers. Their topic is something like: Understanding who God has Created You to be as a Young Man. Melissa is teaching a small group of seven 9th grade girls in our home. We are looking at passages from the gospels through an ancient method called Lectio Divina, or holy reading, which originated with St. Benedict. The purpose is to teach the girls how to read with silence and mediation in order to hear from God. Our first session went really well. The method includes reading the Scripture about 5 times together and pondering a few questions silently in between each reading. The girls all left with a word from the Scripture that was especially for them. It is my desire and hope that they will know the truth of God's Word; and that it is for each of them - not just for their parents, their teachers, etc.. They are a special group of girls and I'm excited to continue to get to know them this term.

After the worship service, we eat lunch in the Cafo, which is always such a treat. They prepare a traditional "Sunday dinner", but when I refer to it as such, Abby and Andrew always remind me that it is lunch, not dinner! Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, etc. Its not only great food (that I do not have to cook), but it is also an enjoyable way to share in fellowship with others at RVA.

This past Sunday was Titchie Sunday where the Titchies led worship and the sermon was aimed at them. My K-4 students sang to open the service and brought wonderful praise to the Lord in their sweet singing.