Second Baptist Church – A Time of Rebirth and Growth
The following was written by Sue Schneller, Christian Education Coordinator/Youth Director at SBC:
When It Looks Like Nothing’s Happening.
I’m basically the worst at keeping plants alive. I either drown them with love or forget they exist until I find a crispy brown corpse on my table. So, when a friend gave me a Devil’s Ivy, I thought, “Perfect name, it will be dead in two weeks, I wonder if there’s a God’s Ivy!”
But months later, it is still alive. Even after I forgot about it. Repeatedly. I figured Devil’s Ivy must be the easiest plant on earth if I could keep it breathing. So, I decided to multiply my success.
After some investigation on Pinterest, I had a plan: snip cuttings, stick in water, wait. So, I cut. I checked the water every few days. I waited. And waited. And waited. Days passed. Nothing. The leaves looked exactly the same as when I started. No roots. No growth. Just green stems doing absolutely nothing in cups on my windowsill.
Company was coming, and honestly, it looked ridiculous. So, I shoved the cups in my bedroom and forgot about them again. Figured I’d toss them soon. Today I grabbed them to take to the trash… and stopped cold. Roots! Tiny, white, impossible roots curling through the water. All those days of “nothing” were actually something. Under the surface, while I saw zero progress, life was starting.
That’s what waiting on God feels like sometimes. We pray. We water. We drag our dreams into the sunshine. And nothing happens. No sprouts . No movement. Just silence that looks a lot like failure. But maybe faith is choosing to keep watering what you can’t see yet.
In Hebrews 11:1 it says, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Has God spoken something over your life that still looks dead on the outside? Maybe you’re believing in something that feels hopeless right now? Don’t stop watering. Don’t close the shades on your dreams. Don’t let hope shrivel up like a forgotten plant. Keep praying. Keep showing up. Keep putting it in the light. Because one day when you least expect it you’ll look down and see roots.
Remember, Psalm 126:5-6, “Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.” And this scripture from Luke 1:45, “Blessed is she who believes He will do what He said.” And He will. Your roots are coming. Keep watering. Remember we are here to pray for you when you need us. God bless ~ Sue
We are continually reminded during this transitional period that God is working – often in the roots where it’s not readily apparent. During the month of June our programs and services include:
• Sunday Mornings – Reflection, Study, and Prayer – 9 a.m. – Parlor. Lay led study and discussion to start our week.
• Tuesday, June 2, 9 – Weekday Bible Study – 11:30-12:30-Library. Pastor-led study on how the Biblical scripture pertains in today’s world with a focus on the teachings of Jesus.
• Friday, June 5, 19– Prayer Shawl Ministry – 10 a.m. to noon – Parlor. This is an opportunity for individuals to come together for a time of fellowship while creating shawls that are intended to provide love and comfort to their recipients.
• Monday, June 8 – Fellowship Time – 6:30 p.m. This monthly outreach program is for our friends with cognitive limitations to give them a safe environment for crafts, singing, and fellowship.
• Saturday, June 13 – Soup Kitchen Ministry Help serve a meal on the 2nd Saturday of the month for anyone in need at the Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen at South Congregational Church in Springfield, Mass.
• Week of June 22 – Vacation Bible School (VBS) – 9 a.m. – noon. Our theme is Road Trip – On the Go with God! Join us for an exciting adventure on the open road, where kids embark on thrilling journeys to fantastic destinations. Led by the Navigator and their adventurous pup, Scout, children will discover that God is always with them. They’ll explore timeless stories from the Old and New Testaments, learning how to face challenges and find strength in God’s presence. Each day we will have crafts, singing, games, theater and more. For more info call the church at 860-668-1661 or Sue at 860-402-7813. Registration for VBS is available on our website: www.secondbaptistsuffield.org.
Worship Services are held at 10 a.m. every Sunday. On June 14 our children will lead the service – “Growing in God’s Garden”. On June 21 we will show our appreciation for our fathers and father figures. This will be followed by a Summer Solstice Sunday Celebration. All are welcome!