Abiding Presence is exploring new and creative ways to support your child's faith journey and mental and social well-being in this challenging time. Please help us plan for the fall by taking a moment to share with us what would be the most helpful ways for the church to support your family. This survey is geared toward parents of children ages newborn through college-age. Survey Link: https://forms.gle/5LsJ8Lzr3C5xed2L9
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We want to help 4th-12th graders participate in music and arts this fall! We’re launching a new music and arts ministry that will offer the opportunity for physically-distanced ensembles/small-groups outdoors at the Abiding Presence church property, with precautions similar to this summer's youth group activities. If you have a 4th-12th grader interested in music, dance, art, creative writing, production, acting, etc., we have a place for them in an Abiding Presence small ensemble.
We are inviting families of 4th-12th graders to tap the link below and fill out a brief, one-page survey to help us gauge interest in each type of group activity: AP Music & Arts Interest Form for 4th-12th Graders (Fall 2020)
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For the past few years, Abiding Presence has been involved in the Log College Project. One of our “pandemic pivots” of our Log College Project grant is to launch “Abiding Fellows,” a fellowship program for 11th & 12th graders connected to the congregation. Building on the success of our summer college-age internship program, the “Abiding Fellows” ministry will provide a similar opportunity for our 11th & 12th graders. Read more about this new ministry program and/or apply at abidingpresence.net/abiding-fellows.
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Looking for a physically distanced activity? We need some help moving rocks! We’re looking to move all of the rocks from the left side of the main entrance (as you face the main doors) to the right side in preparation for our new concrete slab. Show up anytime! Bring your own tools or use the shovel and wheelbarrow that we have left outside. Move one load or stay all day!
We’re putting in a new cement slab in the rocky area to allow us to put up a semi-permanent outdoor donation center for our food ministry. In non-pandemic times, this expanded entrance area will allow for outdoor seating to facilitate visiting before and after worship.
In addition to moving rocks, we are going to need some help digging up the area in preparation for the concrete pour. If you want to have your name added to the list of people who get notices about property volunteer opportunities such as these, please email the church office.
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When is it time to get additional help? This is a question a lot of parents are asking when thinking of whether their child’s behavior and emotions are par for the course, or an indicator of a larger need. In a time like this, it’s hard to know for sure what we should do. Two of our Mental Health Partners: school psychologists Megan and Allie, give some tips on when it might be time to seek additional help.
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The Abiding Presence Curbside Food Pantry operates the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m. This “no questions asked” food pantry allows anyone in need to drive through and receive bags of pantry staples, snacks and fresh produce. There are no eligibility requirements. We welcome financial contributions and donations of non-perishable food to help support this ministry that feeds approximately 100 households each time it is open. Visit https://abidingpresence.net/food for more information.
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Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour gives advice on how to support your children through this coronavirus outbreak.
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Haley and Kiptyn’s Abiding Story.
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How parents can help their children by navigating their feelings during school reopening.
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This is a mock ethnographic study for the final of a cultural anthropology class. The paper focuses on certain demographics views regarding mental health and the dangers the stigmatization of mental illness has for college aged students.
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Check out the six weeks of FREE virtual summer camps we are offering to keep kids safe, engaged, growing in faith and experiencing God's love. Registration for Digital Summer Camps is LIVE! Visit abidingpresence.net/summercamp for more information and to register!
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There are lots of opportunities for virtual Adult Faith Formation this summer! Check them all out here. For more information, contact Pastor Joe, Teaching Pastor.
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Join David Chávez, Music & Worship Minister, and choir members on Zoom. All ages are welcome, whether or not you sing in choir! We'll sing some upcoming music, share prayer requests, and socialize. In this season where we can’t gather for in-person rehearsals, we can still talk, sing and enjoy each other’s company! Zoom Meeting ID: 922-854-541.
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Abiding Presence staff members will be holding office hours throughout the week. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and stop by (virtually, of course) to say hello, share a prayer request, brainstorm about a ministry idea or just chat in the midst of these unexpected times. Dave’s Virtual Coffice (Coffee + Office = Coffice!) Hours are on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. — drop by any time! Zoom Meeting ID: 921-2970-8774 (no password)
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In the face of an anything but usual summer, Abiding Presence has launched a new internship ministry. We’re bringing on board this amazing group of college age young adults for eight weeks this summer. These stipend internships will provide meaningful resume building work experience and the opportunity to engage in intentional vocational discernment. Interns will work approximately eight hours a week remotely in a specific ministry area. They will also spend one and a half hours a week as part of a “discernment cohort” with Pastor Keseley exploring vocational discernment through the lens of scripture, prayer and faith. We are excited to welcome these interns and we look forward to the ways they will share their gifts with the congregation and community. Click here to meet our interns.
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Tap here for information and registration! Open to rising 7th graders through graduating seniors.
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This article provides helpful information if you are a parent who is struggling to strike a balance with screen time for their kids. Michelle Galdames-Henry offers a summary for you…
Kids and adults depend on their screens now more than ever for communication and learning. We are at a crossroads because kids need screens, but we also know some of the negative affects of being on them too much…
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Karen Johnson, MSW, LCSW, and member of Abiding Presence, uses her expertise to summarize a video by a leading researcher in the effects of stress and trauma on the brain. Karen Johnson worked over 5 years as the director of trauma-informed services for the National Council for Behavioral Health in Washington D.C. and 19 years in behavioral health, community services, and child welfare at SaintA in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She currently provides consulting services through her business: Trauma-Informed Lens Consulting.
“…During this time of COVID-19, one of my go-to resources is Dr. Bruce Perry, a physician and neuroscientist who researches how our brain and body are impacted by stress, distress and trauma… In this blog I summarize a recent Dr. Perry recording: Understanding State-dependent Functioning… When we are threatened, we start to change the way we think, feel and behave. The more threatened we are, the more we shut down the thinking part of our brain, and default to our brainstem, or our survival brain… This explains why in our current circumstances we are often emotionally and physically exhausted.”
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Dan Powell shares his thoughts as he mulls the story of Peter walking towards Jesus on the stormy waves…
I don’t know how many people are familiar with Casting Crowns and their song “Voice of Truth,” but the lyrics focus on the story from Matthew 14 where Jesus walks on water. He walks across the lake towards his disciples… Peter realizes he is seeing Jesus and not some apparition walking across the stormy lake… Peter asks to Jesus to command him to get out of the boat… After the first few steps, Peter stops looking towards Jesus and starts looking at the waves and feeling the strong wind. He immediately begins to sink…
Man, do I relate to Peter. I am afraid. I doubt. I am afflicted with anxiety and guilt. I want to have faith. I want to trust and be confident.
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