Healthy Daily Habits — Sean Meade

Recently Pastor Keenan asked us to share a meaningful habit from our daily routine. One of my favorite daily practices would have to be our evening prayer time as a family. At the end of every day, we gather together for a few minutes to spend time unpacking our day and thanking God specifically for the blessings we’ve seen in the past 24 hours. We then take time to pray for any needs or requests that we’re aware of, including praying for our family, friends and those who have shared requests with us. We typically end by praying for the day to come, and for God to lead us and guide us exactly where He wants us to go. And over the years, as the kids grew up, there were many prayers for good sleep, good dreams and no nightmares too!

It typically doesn’t last more than a few minutes, but I treasure this time together. It’s been a source of great comfort in the life of our family, and I think it helps to keep us all focused on the things that really matter. I’m grateful that I get to share in this daily practice with Jillian and our kids, and I hope you have the chance to spend daily time in prayer with your loved ones too.

Sean Meade, Director of Youth & Family Ministries, (805) 529-8422 x106

Our New Director of Children’s Ministries

Moorpark Presbyterian Church is excited to announce the hire of our new Director of Children’s Ministries, that being our own Kami Fair. Kami currently serves as our Office Manager and has been a member of our church for many years. Kami has had a desire to serve in this position for some time and has demonstrated that desire by actively volunteering in the many children’s activities available at MPC. She is married to Doug, who many know as one of our premiere grill masters at the church, and they have two daughters, Nicole and Danielle. Please don’t hesitate to share your supportive congratulations with Kami.

As a result of this blessing, we now have an opening for Office Manager. We are now accepting applications until August 10th. Click HERE for a description of the position responsibilities, necessary qualifications, and to apply. Feel free to contact either Bonnie Boe at the church office or Marty Rouse should you require further information.

Paul Gillis-Smith THIS SUNDAY’S GUEST

This Sunday’s guest in worship service will be Paul Gillis-Smith. He is starting his ordination process at Harvard Divinity School. Come and learn more and support this long-time member of MPC.

Blood Drive At MPC Saves Lives-July 17, 2021

Because of the generosity of our congregation and the community, the recent Blood Drive at MPC collected 25 pints of blood which is estimated to save 75 lives!

If you or someone you know has been impacted by blood donations, share your story and we will feature you in a future article! Click HERE to email the office with your story.

The next Blood Drive at MPC is scheduled for Saturday, September 11. Keep an eye out for registration information.

Read more about everyday people whose lives have been transformed by the generosity of others at Vitalant.org.

Healthy Daily Habits — Bonnie Boe

In The Gospel Coalition, David Mathis writes, “The word ‘habit’ can have such a negative feel. It can bring to mind smoking, alcoholism, or drug addiction. Or something simply unappealing and annoying, like nail-biting, lip-smacking, or loud public itching of dry skin. Habits can be nasty little things. They can also save your life. Like the habit of looking both ways before crossing the street. Or putting on your seatbelt and pressing the brakes when the light ahead turns yellow. Or the habit of making a beeline for the Bible first thing in the morning.”

As Christian believers, one of our spiritual disciplines is to endeavor to form our daily habits into joy-filled, grace-loaded actions that will transform us into the image of Christ in such a way that others will want to know how to achieve the same level of contentment that we have.

There are many ways we can submit ourselves to daily habits that move us in that very direction. There is reading God’s Word, meditating on it, daily journaling, and praying in all manner.

One of the daily habits I like to embrace, to reflect Christ in me, is through random acts of kindness (and often not so random.) These vary in intensity and quantity as the occasion arises each day. They can be as simple as informing the cashier that he/she made a mistake and undercharged you, paying for items of the person in front of you that hasn’t enough money, putting out beverages and snacks to thank the men who are working in 100 degree heat outside of your house, walking a neighbor’s dog when they are under the weather, leaving groceries on the doorstep of a family you know is struggling. Offering up our time to people in need be it your co-worker who could use an extra hand on a project, or a parent who is juggling work and home and needs a night of rest and relaxation allows others to see Christ in us. The list is as long as the ideas you have inside you and your ability to perceive a need and fill it without a desire for recognition of any kind. Truly it can be endless!

In blessing others, we are in fact blessing ourselves, because my friends, the spiritual discipline of Christ-centered daily habits represent our faith put into action in a world that needs a bird’s eye view of the Gospel at work.

Bonnie Boe, Commissioned Lay Pastor, (805) 529-8422 x102