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“Your Gift Blesses Others”

2 Corinthians 9:10-11

Story 1: “What Does God Look Like”

During a Sunday School lesson on faith led by Victoria Camara, Director of Christian Education at Jesse Lee Church, the question arose: “What does God look like?” Students were tasked with painting their interpretation of God the Creator. One child purposely created a blurry image, explaining that it represented the elusive nature of seeing God fully but capturing the essence nonetheless. Witnessing this, all the teachers in the room were struck by the child’s profound insight.

Reflecting on the moment, Victoria Camara expressed her pride in the children’s wisdom, remarking, “I’m so proud of the kids in our ministry. They offer profound insights into our faith, and we are truly blessed to serve alongside them.”

Story 2: “The Descent of Hope”

Within the confines of his home resided an older gentleman. His legs, once his means of getting around had betrayed him, leaving him trapped in his home.

Months had passed since he last felt the embrace of sunlight on his skin or the cool breeze of the outside world. Yet, amidst the solitude, a glimmer of hope emerged.

The community had rallied around this man, determined to restore his independence. Led by the compassionate team from the Jesse Lee Church Ministry – Spirit Builders, a plan was devised to grant him the gift of mobility once more with the construction of an elevator ramp.

On the day of its completion, anticipation was evident as he sat at the threshold of his home. The team from Spirit Builders stood beside him, their faces etched with determination and kindness. Together, they embarked on a journey of healing and rediscovery, bound by the unbreakable bonds of compassion and resilience.

Story 3: “Discovering God’s Presence – Reflections from Music Rehearsal”

A music rehearsal, to me, feels like entering one of the holiest sanctuaries. Unlike in performances, where the focus often shifts to external expectations, here, amidst the serene atmosphere, God’s presence can truly be felt. It’s in these quiet moments that a sense of possibility and new creation emerges, as we grapple with the challenge of mastering new pieces. The journey from doubt to discovery, from questioning our abilities to realizing our potential, is a profoundly spiritual experience.

The act of making music, whether through singing or playing instruments, embodies a divine connection. It’s a reminder of the fundamental Christian narrative of incarnation, where God became flesh and dwelt among us. In this process, our bodies become vessels for creation, and every note resonates through the room, weaving a tapestry of sound that reverberates with the physical world around us. It’s a tangible manifestation of spirituality, where the mundane transforms into something sacred.

In a recent rehearsal, as we gathered around the piano to tackle a challenging Bach Cantata, there was a moment of profound revelation. Amidst the complexities of the music, God’s presence felt palpable, infusing our practice with a simple yet profound sense of glory. It’s stories like these that remind us of the beauty and spirituality inherent in communal music-making. As we continue our journey, may we not be afraid to embrace the divine harmony that surrounds us, for in every note, God walks among us, singing with us.

Sarah Fox, Jesse Lee Church Music Director

Story 4: “Forty Years of Faith in Action: Jesse Lee Church’s Appalachia Service Project Journey”

Jesse Lee Church is preparing to mark a significant milestone in its commitment to the Appalachia Service Project (ASP) this summer of 2024, as it celebrates 40 years of dedicated service. ASP, a Christian ministry, seeks to inspire hope and foster service through volunteer home repair initiatives. As one of the largest local ASP groups in the nation, Jesse Lee Church ASP has made a profound impact on communities residing in the Appalachian regions of West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Last summer, the church mobilized 174 adult and teen volunteers, each pouring their hearts into the mission, embodying the program’s core values of love, compassion, and transformation.

The origins of the Appalachia Service Project lie in a simple yet profound vision: to extend a hand of assistance and a beacon of hope to those facing adversity. Year after year, volunteers from Jesse Lee Church have embarked on journeys to the Appalachian region, where poverty and hardship are prevalent. Stocked with tools, supplies, and unwavering compassion, they have taken on a range of tasks, from constructing homes to repairing roofs, leaving behind a trail of restored faith and newfound optimism. What began as a service trip has blossomed into a cherished tradition, offering volunteers not only the opportunity to make a tangible impact but also to undergo personal growth and transformation.

Story 5: “I Am, I Can: Nurturing Minds, Shaping Futures at Jesse Lee Day School”

In the quaint town of Ridgefield, Connecticut, nestled among the picturesque landscape, stands Jesse Lee Day School, a beacon of education founded over sixty years ago by Jesse Lee Church. Its historic facade exudes warmth and welcome, drawing families from far and wide seeking not just academic enrichment, but a nurturing environment that embraces the philosophy: “I am I can.”

Over the years, countless children have passed through its doors, each one leaving with more than just knowledge – they depart with a profound sense of self-worth and confidence instilled by the school’s unique approach. At Jesse Lee, the mantra “I am I can” is not merely a motto; it’s a guiding principle, recognizing that every child possesses unique strengths and potential.

Today, the award-winning school offers preschool to transitional kindergarten classes to over 120 youths ages 2-5. With a top-notch staff and Executive Director, Kathy Carroll, driving the school’s expansion and passion for education and children, Jesse Lee Day School has become a sought-after institution.

With Jesse Lee Church serving as the school’s foundation, both the day school and church work together collaboratively to offer an inclusive experience for its students and families that exemplifies core values such as respect and love for all.

Story 6: “Shining Light: The Compassionate Care of Jesse Lee Church’s Stephen Ministry”

Jesse Lee Church stands as a beacon of hope and solace for our community. Within its sturdy walls, a group of devoted individuals, known as the Stephen Ministers, work tirelessly to spread compassion and support to those in need.

Under the guidance of Associate Pastor Thomas Stubbs, the Stephen Ministry at Jesse Lee Church stands as a testament to the power of empathy and faith. With the timeless words from scripture, “Love One Another as I have loved you,” guiding their actions, they extend a listening ear and a comforting presence to anyone grappling with difficulties or facing life’s challenges.

For decades, the Stephen Ministries’ has been a steadfast pillar not only within Jesse Lee Church but also across 190 Christian denominations throughout the United States and Canada. Their influence spans far and wide, touching the lives of over one and a half million individuals in need of care and guidance.

At the core of the Stephen Ministry are its trained Stephen Ministers—compassionate individuals who have undergone rigorous training to provide high-quality, one-on-one Christ-centered care. These dedicated volunteers recognize the profound impact of extending a helping hand during times of distress, offering a sense of companionship and understanding to those who may feel lost or alone.

The light of the Stephen Ministry continues to shine brightly within the walls of Jesse Lee Church. As long as there are hearts in need of healing and souls yearning for comfort, the Stephen Ministers stand ready to extend a hand of friendship and a message of hope to all who seek assistance.

To learn more about the blessings of Stephen Ministry, inquire about being connected to a Stephen Minister, or to become a Stephen Minister yourself, please don’t hesitate to contact Pastor Thomas Stubbs or Mary Aly.

Because of YOU we are able to make the impact we do!