Holy Discontent

Holy Discontent

02/17/2020

By Rev. Dr. Dave deFreese

As we begin a new year, let me offer an unusual blessing: “May God grant you the gift of holy discontent in the year ahead!”

Why in the world would anyone wish that, especially for someone they care for? Because it is a gift. To have holy discontent is to see need and to respond with hope. Holy discontent causes us to be fully alive to the struggles around us and to be motivated to make a change that is for the good. When we recognize injustice, God uses holy discontent to make the world we share better.

Rejoicing Spirits Materials have a New Look!

Rejoicing Spirits Materials have a New Look!

08/15/2019

We have updated the Rejoicing Spirits materials to reflect some changes at Mosaic and to make it easier for prospective congregations to navigate our materials. Resources for congregations are now divided into two sections:

  • Step 1: Introduction to Rejoicing Spirits Ministry
  • Step 2: How to Start a Rejoicing Spirits Ministry

Next to come will be updates to the Rejoicing Spirits Host Site website—we will update you on the progress!

Spread the Word

Spread the Word

08/15/2019

Submitted by Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jonestown, PA

Zion’s Jonestown, Pennsylvania has been hosting Rejoicing Spirits for almost 10 years!

One of the most exciting parts of this ministry is when we spread the word and new people start coming, enjoying the service and making more friends.

One Thing Needful

One Thing Needful

08/13/2019

By Pastor Jim Fruehling

Warm greetings, Rejoicers!

This year in many of our congregations, the Gospel lessons for Sundays are taken from Luke. Luke has given us a number of unique stories, including, for example, the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Luke often tells us about Jesus being in prayer; Luke also tells us often about Jesus being invited to dinner. Perhaps one of the more well-known dinner stories takes place at the house of Martha, and her sister, Mary.

Share Your Rejoicing Spirits Experience with Seminarians

Share Your Rejoicing Spirits Experience with Seminarians

03/15/2019

By Pastor David deFreese

There are important questions that continually need to be asked as we journey through life responding to our God of grace and our God of mission.

What have you learned? How have you grown?

After serving through Rejoicing Spirits, what have you learned? What insights have you gained about people? About the God who is alive in Jesus, our Christ? About being the Church? About hospitality and the praise of our God?

Addressing Behavior with a Christian Spirit of Love

Addressing Behavior with a Christian Spirit of Love

03/15/2019
By Karen Fry, MA, BCBA
Mosaic Mental & Behavioral Health Services

Can you really change people’s behavior without punishment? The answer is “absolutely, yes!”

Unfortunately, people often think they are supposed to address undesirable behavior with punishment or unpleasant consequences. The good news is that you do not need to do this.

There’s No Place Like Home Heaven

There’s No Place Like Home Heaven

03/15/2019

By Pastor John Gosswein

Leland Soderquist engaged me in his worship and faith life during my contact with him in Rejoicing Spirits and his life at Mosaic in Axtell, Nebraska.

I learn so much from Rejoicing Spirits services. The people I share worship with have a wonderful expression of the love of Jesus, though I must be patient in hearing and learning.

One of the lessons that Leland helped me learn was about heaven.

“If any would follow after me…”

“If any would follow after me…”

10/23/2018

By Rev. Jim Fruehling, Ph.D.

These are familiar words, words that we read in all three of the Synoptic Gospels, each instance occurring immediately after Jesus teaches the disciples that He, the Son of Man, must suffer many things:

“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34, NRSV).

It all sounds so familiar, but what does self-denial look like, for us?

Sensory Awareness in Faith Communities

Sensory Awareness in Faith Communities

10/23/2018

How one Denver church is making worship inclusive for people of all abilities

By Kate Fitch and Mim Ochsenbein

How do many of the adults who attend Rejoicing Spirits worship receive support?

How do many of the adults who attend Rejoicing Spirits worship receive support?

10/23/2018

For many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Medicaid becomes the primary funder of their care at some point in their life. Sometimes this happens when they are transitioning out of high school, other times it happens when a parent or other guardian is no longer able to provide the bulk of their care.

Part of caring for our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities includes making sure all of their needs are met—not just their spiritual needs.

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