Sunnyland Christian

(Disciples of Christ)

Rev Robin

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“Being Church” When Times are Tough

Much like the disciples caught in a sudden storm (Mark 4:35-41), we at Sunnyland CC have faced a season of tempestuous winds. We’ve lost friends and family members, including sharing the unimaginable grief of two families who’ve lost young children.  Many of us are also weathering personal storms, battling physical or mental health challenges, for ourselves or loved ones. Amid these churning waters, I want each of us to remember the promise of Jesus, who calmed the storm with a word. While the waves may be crashing around us He is our keel, keeping us from being completely overwhelmed.

But he was clear that he wasn’t acting alone – his followers are called to care for each other too. “This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you… You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:12,14)

I have seen this on display in the SCC family a lot lately. Through shared prayers, service, and simply being there for one another, you are embodying the love of Christ in a tangible way. SCC is a special community; the love and strength that you share in these tough times is a testament to your commitment to being the hands and feet of Christ in this world. I pray that SCC continues to be a haven of hope and love, a testament that even when the seas rage, God’s light can guide us to calm waters. Thank you for being you.

Love and light,

Pastor Robin

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Exploring Our Faith Questions

As we approach June, I’m excited to embark on a new sermon series with you, titled “Exploring Our Faith: A Questions-Based Series.”  A few months ago, you were invited to submit your burning faith questions to me. And several of you responded with deep and challenging questions that touch on the core of what it means to believe.

This series will directly address these very questions. We’ll delve into challenging topics like suffering, the afterlife, faith healing, and the role of the church in mental health.

Be prepared — these won’t be sermons with easy answers.  Some questions in life simply don’t have them.  But what we can do is embark on this journey together, seeking deeper understanding and fostering open conversation about the things that matter most to us. That’s the beauty of exploration! Through open discussion and an honest examination of faith, we can gain deeper understanding about the things that matter most to us. My hope is that through this journey together, we can strengthen our relationship to God, and with one another.

So, come prepared to participate and explore our faith together! Looking forward to seeing you in June for this exciting journey of discovery.

In Christ,

Pastor Robin

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Mother’s Day – More Interesting than I’d Realized

I was never much a fan of Mother’s Day. Growing up my family called it and Father’s Day “Hallmark holidays.” And in my lifetime, that’s mostly what it was – cards and flowers and chocolate, and maybe brunch. But when I learned the story of how the second Sunday of May became a celebration of mothers, my feelings began to change. I’d like to share with you a little of the story, too.

Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis, a devout Christian, dedicated her life to serving her community and nurturing peace among her neighbors. After losing several children before the age of seven, she began organizing “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” to address public health issues such as sanitation, access to medication, and nursing care for the sick.   When the Civil War began, she called together four of these Work Clubs and asked them to pledge that “friendship and goodwill would not be a victim of the conflict between the states.”* These many women worked throughout the war, nursing injured soldiers from both sides, saving many lives. Her peacemaking and social activism before, during and after the Civil War not only healed wounds but also sowed the seeds of change throughout her community.

After Mother Jarvis’ death in 1905, her daughter Anna Jarvis sought to honor her mother’s memory and the sacrificial love of all mothers. Anna’s vision led to the establishment of Mother’s Day, a day specifically dedicated to recognizing the silent, yet powerful work mothers perform day in and day out. This day was not meant merely as a celebration, but as a call to pause and reflect on the roles mothers play in reconciliation and community building.

As followers of Christ, we too are called to be peacemakers, to remember and act in the service of others just as Mother Jarvis did. Mother’s Day is not just a day for flowers and cards (although these things are nice), but it should but also a day for rekindling our commitment to the mission works we are part of, in the compassionate spirit of our guide, Jesus. Jesus who also committed to serving all who were in need, regardless of their backgrounds.

This Mother’s Day let’s remember Mother Jarvis’ legacy and embrace our call to service and to nurturing peace within our families and our communities. Let us honor our mothers, and all who mother, by committing ourselves anew to the work of Christ in the world. And also, enjoy your flowers and brunch. There’s room for both expressions of love for the mothering figures in our lives this week.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Robin

* legacyproject.org/guides/mdhistory.html

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Camp Walter Scott

I want to use my space this week to share with you a little about a place that holds a special spot in my heart, and I believe, in the heart of our community: Camp Walter Scott. Located near Effingham, IL, Camp Walter Scott spans 180 acres of serene lake and natural forest. It’s more than just a camp, it’s a sanctuary where one can truly feel the presence of God, away from the hustle and bustle of our increasingly connected lives.

As a kid, I had the privilege of attending Camp Walter Scott, and it was a formative experience in my spiritual journey. I’ve been able to watch this generation of children (including my own kids) find God anew in that same holy place, I am continually reminded of its timeless significance. It hosts camps for youth, as well as family camp events over Memorial and Labor Day weekends.

One of the unique offerings of Camp Walter Scott is the “You & Me” camp June 16-19. Designed for grandparents, aunts, uncles, or any significant adults to attend camp with the children (K-5) in their lives, these camps foster intergenerational bonding and shared spiritual growth.

Our CCIW region is truly blessed to have such a jewel in our midst. But to ensure that Camp Walter Scott continues to serve as a beacon of faith for future generations, it needs our support. There are numerous ways you can contribute to the upkeep and advancement of the camp. You can participate in its events, join in the maintenance efforts on camp Work Days, or financially support its ministries.

Together, we can ensure that Camp Walter Scott remains a place of worship, connection, and growth for many years to come. If you want to know more about Camp Walter Scott, I’m happy to talk with you, or you can go to campwalterscott.org and see all that they have to offer.

Blessings and grace,

Pastor Robin

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Introducing Branches of Washington

John 15:5 ~ I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit.

It’s spring! The days are getting longer, the tulips are blooming, and seeing new growth is exciting after a long (and kind of weird) winter. I know I’m not the only one who gets a little spring in my step when things feel fresh and new. Our gardens aren’t the only thing waking up right now, either. There’s new life sprouting up at SCC too. Our leadership teams have been talking about how to capitalize on SCC’s strengths and resources to be more effective sharers of Good News in our congregation and the Sunnyland community.

To that end, I have been in conversation with folks from a few other churches in the Washington area who want to make a real and lasting difference for students who live at or near the poverty level. So I am proud to introduce you to Branches of Washington, an ecumenical group of Washington churches dedicated to empowering children & youth in Washington through resources that help them succeed in school and life.

There are many groups doing great work already, powered by SCC members: Weekend Snackpac, Moms Who Care, and food pantries, to name a few. But there are still many gaps left which keep some kids from getting to school each morning ready to learn. By helping fill those gaps, our kids can make the most of their school years and grow into successful adults, breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

Here’s where you come in. We need a few SCC folks who are passionate about supporting the youth of our community, to join this new team. If you’re intrigued and open to building this ministry, please call or text me at 309-863-5713, or go to https://bit.ly/branches-wash to take the next step. There are opportunities for people of all ages, fitness levels, and skill sets. With your help we can truly bear good fruit, in Christ Jesus’ name.

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Serving our Community in New Ways

In recent weeks I have begun meeting with some of our friends at The Bridge UMC and St Marks Lutheran (ELCA), hoping to combine efforts to minister to the youth of Washington. Speaking also with people in our congregations, we feel compelled to new action. We have begun the work of identifying the gaps left by other programs and stepping in with love and resources to fill those voids. However, identifying these gaps is just the start. The real work includes our response. I have begun talking with the SCC Board, Elders, and other leaders, considering the incredible resources we already have at our fingertips: SCC’s location in the heart of District 50, and our parsonage house. These are not just assets; they are tools God has given us to serve our community.

I invite you to join me in prayer for this mission. Consider how our spaces can be transformed from underutilized resources into vibrant hubs of support and community care. Imagine our parking lot hosting a back-to-school fair, with physicals, immunizations, or other services that Washington youth need to start their school year strong. Or envision the parsonage house as a community center where families can learn about the other resources available to them. The possibilities are as numerous as they are needed.

I again invite you to be in prayer for this effort, a testament to what we stand for – a community united in faith, hope, and love, extending our hands and hearts beyond our walls, reaching into the world that God has called us to love. SCC was built in 1938 out of a need for a hub in our community, and that need is as strong as ever in 2024. If you are interested in knowing more, or being part of this response, please contact me.

Thank you for your prayers and your continued commitment to being the hands and feet of Christ for the families of Washington and Sunnyland. With God’s help we will be here for 85 more.

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Holy Week at SCC

Between Palm Sunday, where we celebrate Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, and Easter, when we celebrate his resurrection, we have Holy Week. Holy Week is when remember what happened between those two celebrations: the Last Supper, Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, the sham trial, and crucifixion. Although Holy week reminds us of deep pain, it also helps us to better understand the deep love he showed for his people. By taking part in walking with Jesus through this momentous week of his life – we can better understand (and accept) his call to discipleship in our own lives.

To help you truly experience Holy Week, we invite you to join us in a series of special services:

Maundy Thursday, 6:00pm, where we will celebrate the Last Supper as Jesus did with his disciples, and look toward the events of Good Friday.

Good Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm, we are hosting a prayer vigil, keeping watch with Jesus on his last day. You may sign up to come to the church to experience interactive prayer stations, or you may choose to pray at home. Our goal is to have an unbroken chain of prayers on this holy day.

Easter Sunday, we offer two worship services to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. At 7:00 am, a very special sunrise service, rejoicing with the women who arrived to find his tomb empty. Immediately following this service, we will share an Easter breakfast. At 10:30 am, our traditional Easter service, again rejoicing and joyful at the empty tomb.

We hope you will take part in these special services and experiences with us. They are a powerful way to connect with Jesus and to deepen your faith. I look forward to worshipping with you during this special week.

Robin

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Sounds of Our Faith Worship Series

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.                        ~Psalm 100:1-2

It’s no secret that music plays a vital role in any church, and that is especially true at SCC. Hymns hold a special place in our lives, connecting us with tradition, and putting emotions and words together in ways that speaking or reading could never achieve. In life’s joys, they help us to lift praises and gratitude. Amidst life’s challenges, hymns offer us solace and hope. And songs have the added benefit of being way more memorable than any spoken scripture or sermon could be!

For the next few weeks we will be exploring some of the music that this congregation has known and loved. Last week we looked at how the Doxology not only enriches our worship services, but can give us a way to give glory to God throughout the week, too. Sunday the 23rd of July, we will explore the amazing personal transformation behind “Amazing Grace.” On July 30, I will be away at General Assembly, so we’ve prepared a song-filled worship service focusing on the stories of several of SCC’s favorite hymns. On August 6, we’ll celebrate faithful children’s songs that formed some of our earliest theologies.

Please join us if you are able, to lift our voices together and celebrate the gift of music in our lives, and in our community.

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New Library at SCC!

In recent weeks, I’ve been going through the library at the church, and have found that there are a lot of book that were never checked out, or haven’t been touched in several years. While some of the books are totally dated and dusty at this point, there are also some gems in our collection. And as we all know, there’s nothing a book wants more than to be read.

So I’ve pulled a few of the more interesting titles out of the out-of-the-way library, and brought them down to the Doris Street foyer. There’s a sign-out sheet, where you can put your name and which book you have. When you’re done with it, bring it back so that someone else can take it home. It’s super easy. And in the coming months, the collection there will be growing and changing, so keep checking back!

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Tech update

Thanks to your amazing generosity, we have collected enough to be able to purchase the new camera and equipment to start livestreaming our services. In the coming weeks we will be installing and “tweaking” the settings, and will soon be up and running with a new way to stay connected through online worship. If you’re interested in learning more or helping out with this ministry, please let me know!