Poulsbo Community Church

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.       

Matthew 5:14-16 NASB

August 2009

Hi Ladies,

I wonder if you’ll find a common thread with me here in the challenge of shining our lights for the Lord. My family lives in a rural neighborhood where there aren’t any sidewalks. Much of my typical walking route is on residential roads where most of the cars are going by at a slower, safer pace – watching for pedestrians, bike riders, dogs and kids. When I meet a car on these neighborhood roads I usually smile and wave, expecting to recognize someone in every car. I feel safe as I walk along these roads. I can let my light shine there. I can smile and be friendly, neighborly.

But one section of my typical route is along a busy, curving road with few other pedestrians. Most of the drivers ignore the 35 mph limit as they hurry along on their way. I am out of my comfort zone on that road. I am much more cautious, watching and listening carefully for cars and trucks coming my way, stepping off to the side as far as I can as they approach. My guard is up and I usually don’t smile at the driver and never wave. I expect the people in those vehicles to all be strangers so caught up in their own schedules and errands and places to be that they wouldn’t care if I smiled or not. My light doesn’t shine when I am walking at the side of that road – my guard is up to protect myself!

That seems to be similar to how I am around people ... the safe zone I feel with those I love, including my church family, is in sharp contrast to how I feel when I am “out in the world.” When I’m with you, or thinking about you, or praying for you, my defensive nature relaxes, hopefully my light shines, I can be myself.

In contrast, when I am dealing with the things of the world I usually have my guard up. I’m on the defense, stepping aside to not let anyone hit me (or my loved ones!) with their world-centered stuff – the politically correct views, the self-centered approach to life, the crude entertainment, and the disrespect for others. But, because my guard is so far up, I know God’s light doesn’t shine through me. I’m probably seen by the world as a guarded, cautious, over-protective wife and mom sheltering herself and her family from the stuff of the world. And I don’t think that is really an untrue assessment. I am guarded and protective and my husband reminds me God’s Word encourages us to keep our guard up (Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23). But I don’t want to not let God’s light shine through me.

Aren’t we supposed to go out and shine the light for God? Maybe the woman whizzing past me at 40+ mph could use a kind smile – she’s just argued with her teenager for the fourth morning in a row. Maybe the man propelling his truck around the curve a little too fast for our rural conditions could use a friendly smile as he awaits his mother’s medical test results and, so far, all indications are not good. Even in my routine errands my light should be shining, shouldn’t it? Maybe the rude woman in line at the Safeway is struggling with job loss or sick kids or any myriad of other things – she could use a smile or kind comment too, don’t you think?

Well, since God placed this on my heart I’ve tried to change my habit. Of course I remain the ever-cautious, step-to-the-side-when-a-car-is-coming person. But now I try to remember to smile, from my safe distance out of the car lane. And I’m trying harder to remember God loves everyone, even the obnoxious, rude ones – and sometimes that’s me – and I should grant them that little measure of grace I would appreciate on my prickly days.

We’re called to let our light shine before men, to the Father’s glory. I’m committing to try more effectively. How about you? May God’s light shine through each of us as He desires!

Blessings, Colleen

Upcoming Fellowship Opportunities

September 26 (Saturday), 2:00 pm

We’re planning a time of fellowship and much laughter as we gather at Pamela Mostofi’s home to view an offering from this summer’s Women of Faith conference. Watch for more details in the church bulletin in upcoming weeks.

November 7 (Saturday), 10 am

The now-traditional Mug n’ Muffin has been scheduled for November 7. If you’ve not been able to join us in past years, we sure hope you’ll join us this year. It’s a fun morning of chatter and laughter and muffins and mugs – come find out what it’s all about. More info soon. We are praying for a woman who will step forward to host this so-enjoyed event in her home and if you would like to offer that gift, I’d love to talk with you about this, call me!

Spring event … a collection of women’s ministry groups in our area is planning a two-day conference event in Kitsap County for next Spring. If you would like to get connected and participate in some planning, let me know!

Colleen Lacey (phone 206.780.8209 or email )

serving with Women’s Ministries at Poulsbo Community Church

Since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.

Hebrews 12:28

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Ahh, September! I can almost hear the collective sigh as we reach the “best” month of the year here in our neck of God’s creation … crisp mornings, cool evenings, beautiful sunsets, chrysanthemums, tomatoes, corn and carrots with pumpkins and new crop apples soon, and … school is starting, routine is returning to households everywhere! Yah!

And as that sense of order and helpful structure returns, I pray you will join in a women’s Bible study or small group study … I am so hopeful you will allow yourself the privilege and delight of studying God’s Word amongst generous, loving folks. No matter if this is your first Bible study or your fifteenth, God’s Word is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12) and there’s every probability your heart will be pierced, changed, stretched. Don’t think so? Come find out!

Bible studies starting in September are listed up below, including women’s studies and two family/small group opportunities. Join us – you’ll be blessed beyond measure!

Women’s Bible Studies …

• Thursday evenings, 7-9pm at the PCC office – the Book of Hebrews – from Precept Upon Precept Ministries (sign-up at WM table or contact Stephanie Loney 360.598.3677 or Leeta Wilhite 360.779.7101) begins September 17

• Tuesday afternoons, 1-3 pm at Janet Ward’s home (Silverdale) – Beloved Disciple, the life & ministry of John by Beth Moore (sign-up at WM table or contact Colleen Lacey 206.780.8209) begins September 15

• Bible Study Fellowship will be studying the Gospel of John this year. Contact Connie Doner 360.830.0888 for dates and sign-up info.

Small Groups checking out our attitudes …

There are two opportunities this Fall for you and your family to check out your attitudes from a Biblical perspective with teaching from Pastor James MacDonald. Join us for this practical, apply-to-your-everyday-life group study. Exchange five wilderness attitudes for five promised land attitudes. Kids welcome in both groups!

• Sundays after church at Loney’s home, potluck lunch & study, begins September 13

• Friday evenings at the PCC office, light supper at 6:30, study 7-8, begins September 11