Kate Bitely- Central Region

"When I first moved to Northern Virginia, I was 22 and a recent college graduate. Transition to the real world was finally here and I felt unprepared. I was looking for a way to meet people and get connected but struggled to make this place feel like home. I longed for stability and security at a time when everything was new and felt nothing like my old home. My first Sunday visiting Prince of Peace was filled with numerous individuals greeting me and offering a warm welcome.

After six months I decided to join the church and the music ministry. I sang in the choir and played violin in the orchestra. I loved every minute of serving alongside fellow musicians, praising God in beautiful anthems. It wasn't long before I was asked to consider volunteering with the youth program. I joyfully accepted that calling to support middle and high school ministries. Suddenly, I was engaged in numerous ministries. Each ministry has shaped and strengthened my relationship with Christ and with the people of Prince of Peace. I felt like I was home.

Since joining Prince of Peace I've experienced great successes and terrible losses. This congregation has been my biggest cheerleaders and supporters for both the highs and the lows. So when asked, "why am I engaged at Prince of Peace?" I can boldly answer that Prince of Peace is my spiritual home that has showed me what Christ's love means. 

I am grateful for the service opportunities that God has presented through Prince of Peace. Thank you, Lord, for helping me find a place to connect and serve alongside your people."  this article was first published in the Prince of Peace Communicator

Kate is a member at

 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Springfield, Virginia.

 She is a busy young professional, but in her spare time 

she loves meeting friends for coffee, playing racquetball and tennis,

 and going hiking and running. Just this year she began 

long distance running to spend more time praying outside

 and getting closer to God. She is also a  Bible Journaler.

Jennifer Young- Bible Journaling

1. What brings you JOY in Bible Journaling ?

I find peace in Bible journaling.  The sound of the pens/pencils on the paper is soothing, but what I really enjoy is artfully journaling word studies.  I find all the scriptures and possibly an in depth definition of the word and write and color them out on a blank page in my prayer journaling sketch pad.  My favorite so far has been the one I did on obedience.  

2. How do you see the Holy Spirit using Visual Faith tools in your life right now?

Bible journaling has absolutely changed my life.  I have found myself deeper in God's word and therefore, in a deeper relationship with him.  With a deeper relationship, comes better communication.  I have been much more in tune to what God wants me to see and hear and experience.  To make a long story short, I quit my very well paying, fulltime job to stay at home and spend more time with my children and husband. It was stepping out in blind faith.  I have already seen some amazing benefits in my family, and in my heart, just out of creating a space where God and I communicate freely on a regular basis.

3. What words of encouragement for those on the faith journey would you like to share?

JUST DO IT!  I have several friends that have been "scared" or "nervous" to start coloring and doodling in their bibles, for fear they will "mess it up".  It's not possible.  Trust me when I tell you, you can certainly see the progression of my experience journaling in my Bible without looking at the dates on the bottom of the pages.  

God's word tells us to "make a joyful noise".  To me, this means, as the old saying goes, "God said it should be joyful, He didn't say it had to be perfect."  God is our Father.  When you were a child, were your parents proud of the silly macaroni necklace or finger painting you brought home from school and gifted to them?  Of course they were--because it came from your heart.  That's all God wants--our hearts.  He doesn't want a Michelangelo or a Van Gogh or a Picasso.  He already made those people.  He wants a Mary or Julie or Cindy or Claire or Amy or [insert your name here] that wants to spend time with him in reflection of mutual love for one another. Just do it.  He loves you and he will love your macaroni necklace Bible journaling too.

We thank Jennifer for sharing her 

heart and passion for Visual Faith.

Jennifer is a member of The Lutheran Church of Our Savior

 in Bryan's Road, Maryland. Jennifer is a learner, 
practitioner and teacher for Bible Journaling.
This mother of two boys understands that she is leaving
 a legacy for her children and grandchildren

Visual Faith- King of Glory, Williamsburg, VA

The Women of King of Glory

 in Williamsburg, Virginia 

hosted a one day Visual Faith Event.

Date- Saturday- May 21

9 am to 3 pm

Time to laugh and chat

 Learning about Praying in Color- Visual Prayer.

The Work of Sybil MacBeth

And her new Pray and Color book

Adaptations using stencils, prayer cards, 

and all sorts of doodling.

A table full of inspiration- Scripture prayer cards   

Rub ons, Alpha stickers and Washi tape

Envelope wraps, paint swatches, 

stickers and magazine cutouts

 Time for Bible Journaling

 in a Bible or in a Journal

Scripture Scribbles-

Journaling How- to Notes

A beautiful page from an Inspire Bible

 A prayer page made at the event

 Journaling pages

 shared by one of the participants

 Helping each other out a bit

 All generations around a table

From beginner to professional- 

time to share the experience.

The Visual Faith Event was a blessing.

Left to Right Here: Sally Raphael, 
Teresa Olver, Janine Hinz, 
Connie Denninger, Pam Brueggerman 
and Faith Staples. Event Team:
Presenter- Facilitator- Connie Denninger
Team Leaders: Judy Olver and Janine Hinz
Team Helpers: Teresa Olver, Susan Bookless
 and Heather Hunnicutt

Our Savior- Laurel, MD-- Beautiful Feet

Our Savior Lutheran Church, 

Laurel, Maryland 

held a Women's Retreat on

 Saturday April 9, 2016.

One of the Breakout sessions was

Bible Journaling led by Joen Schultz.

Joen is a member of 

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church,

 Springfield, VA.

She is a visual faith practitioner and teacher.

The theme for the Retreat was Beautiful Feet 

and CPH author- Deb Burma was the event speaker.

 The Bible Journaling session 

opened the door to praying Scripture.

There are many visual and kinesthetic tools

 to help.

Reflection time and some processes to help:

SLOW DOWN,

PAY ATTENTION,

 and DEAL with DISTRACTIONS.

Biblical Coloring is a proven method

 to help with memorization 

and marking the faith journey.

A worksheet using the theme verse 

helped to illustrate the process.

This template and other teaching tools

 can be found in the FILE section

 in DC Metro Bible Journaling.
DC Metro

How might seeing God's Word
 differently allow you to connect in new ways?

Special thanks to Elizabeth Pittman 
and Joen Schultz for providing the photos
 and a bit of the story.

Visual Prayer- Havelock, NC- June 4

In the past few months I’m sure many of you have seen and heard about Adult Coloring Books.  They’ve become quite popular as a way to calm your brain and keep your hands busy all while being productive. The good news is that this has translated into the church as well, through a concept called “Visual Prayer”. Research shows that the visual and kinesthetic process is significant for learning and focus. This pause or slowing down allows time for waiting on God and opening your thoughts to the Spirit’s moving. Coloring helps you pay attention and prevents distractions, which helps keep us focused in prayer. The picture or visual result often comes to mind throughout the day so you can remember your prayer again.

The St Paul fellowship committee is pleased to present a Visual Prayer Workshop on Saturday, June 4^th from 11:30am – 3pm in the fellowship hall. During this time we will learn about the different components of visual prayer. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an artist to participate! We ask that you bring a set of colored pencils, crayons or colored markers; a dish to share at lunch and an open heart and mind. All other supplies will be made available at no cost. 

St Paul Lutheran Church is located at 305 US 70 Hwy West, Havelock NC 28532. 

If you have any questions and to RSVP please contact Megan Daub at mlashway06@hotmail.com

Can’t wait to see you there!

Thanks to Megan Daub for her gracious invitation 

to all to participate in this event.

We will share the story of this event - 

after the gathering.

Pentecost - Come Holy Spirit

    Altar at University Lutheran Chapel- Ann Arbor, MI

Pentecost Sunday, Ascension plus 10

Read Acts 2:1 – 4, 14 – 18

Psalm 47

Acts 2:18

Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

Why are you standing around?

No one can just stand around when the Spirit moves. It’s like trying to stand upright in gale force winds. Reporters broadcasting from the scene have a definite attitude about them. Clothing, hair, voice, and body are all bent by the force of the wind. So it is when the Spirit blows through you, you must move. Reeds, horns, and woodwinds all make music when the wind blows through them.

Look again at Acts 2:18. The result of the Spirit is that the servants “will” prophesy. Not may prophesy. Not even can prophesy. This is not a granting of permission, this is a statement of fact. 

You are God’s instrument and his breath blows through you. His lips form the pitch, His hands play the notes. You were not made to be a decorative piece hanging on the wall. You were not made to rest in a velvet lined case. You were made to sound forth the mighty works of God.

Get up - God is tuning you to sing a new song!

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will shout your name. Amen

Sing Martin H. Franzmann’s hymn, “Thy Strong Word” (LSB 578, LBW 233, CW 280, ELW 511). God has breathed into you the breath of life, you are a living soul.

© Natalie Grace, 2013

Thanks to Natalie Hartwig for her sharing of this devotional series.

The full series can be downloaded at 

DC Metro Bible Journaling in the FILES section.
DC Metro Bible Journaling

Ascension Day to Pentecost

Saturday. Ascension plus 9

Read Daniel 6:16 – 23 

Psalm 46

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

Why are you standing around?

Of course you’re scared. Who wouldn’t be. There’s a world out there full of opportunities for failure. Unbelievers will laugh. The worldly wise will mock you. The devil prowls around you like a wild beast and you can’t see Daniel’s angel shutting the lion’s jaws.

So why not put on that armor of faith, seize the Gospel sword, and open your eyes. It is worth it you know. The joy of seeing even just one hear the word of truth is great. Beyond that, you have the promise that God’s word will bear fruit. Granted, you may not be there to see it, but God’s words and promises are sure. So plant away. Faith working is the job of the Spirit, the Spirit of wisdom and truth, the Comforter, the Almighty God. How dare you deny the power of God.

Have courage, God is with you.

Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side. Amen

Sing Martin H. Franzmann’s hymn, “Preach You the Word” (LSB 586, CW 544) and know that in your heart and hands and life reposes that precious seed of God’s Word, just waiting to be scattered abroad.

Alternate Hymn: Sing Johnathan F. Bahnmaier’s hymn, “Spread, Oh, Spread, Almighty Word” (LBW 379, ELW 663)

Natalie Hartwig has written a whole series of devotions 

for the liturgical year

 of the time from Ascension Day to Pentecost. 

 Here is one of the selections.  

The whole series has been uploaded to FILES under

 the DC Metro Bible Journaling Facebook Group. 

 Thanks to Natalie for her gracious sharing of her work.

Bloom Where You're Planted- Retreat

The Retreat for the Women 

of Ascension Lutheran Church

Charlotte, North Carolina

May 6-7, 2016

 Ridgecrest Conference Center

Black Mountain, North Carolina

near Asheville.

Ridgecrest Conference Center

Twenty-two women gathered

 for this women's retreat.

Retreat Facilitator- Diane Guelzow

from Hickory, North Carolina

Diane is a talented retreat leader.

• Doctorate in Educational Leadership
• Licensed Professional Counselor
• National Certified Counselor
• Registered Expressive Arts Consultant/Educator

More details about Diane can be found

 in the Retreat and Workshop Leader

 Section of this blog- 
retreat-leaders-in-sed

Time to share

 and learn together.
 Time in His Word.

To be refreshed

and see all the ways that the Lord has 

continued to lead Us.

Blessed for time for introspection,

 story-telling and Bible Study.

Basic retreat information:

We arrived Friday evening, songs, 
ice breaker, opening devotion.

Saturday:  4 excellent sessions led by Diane.  
  She approached the theme thru nature, 
each session focusing on a word. 
“ Bloom” “Where” “You” “Planted.”  

 Session 1- Diane led each of us to consider our

 personal values and gifts. 

 Session 2- We were encouraged to go outside (on a beautiful day!) with a series of questions to ponder - 

what do we see, hear, smell, hear…
Session 3-   looking at our (personal) landscapes.  Where are you planted? What can you do about you own situation? 
How can you enrich your soil?

Session 4- was focused on the seasons of blooming and the importance to embrace to session of rest. That's the time when roots grow, restore the plant and ready themselves for new growth...new service.

The conference center provided excellent food. 

 The retreat ended with dinner

 and return to Charlotte. 

A very special thank you

 to retreat organizer, Salliejean Watkins. 

Thanks to Rae Fangmeier and Diane Guelzow for photos,
 and help with a bit of the story of this retreat.

Visual Prayer--Holy Lamb -Myrtle Beach, SC

  A Visual Prayer Workshop 

was held at Holy Lamb Lutheran Church

 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on

Saturday, May 7, 2016.

Kathy Panning, 

along with Eileen St. Clair and Karen Bombria

 had attended a Visual Faith Women's

 retreat earlier this spring in Myrtle Beach.

First of three blog posts for this event here:
womens-retreat

They returned excited to bring the resources

 and faith journey tools 

back to members at Holy Lamb.

At first they were going to wait to offer 

the workshop in the Fall, 

and then decided they couldn't wait to share 

what they had learned.

Summer Camp is approaching- 

and this resource can add to that experience.

 The team did some careful 

planning and publicity.

There are resources for hosting

 this kind of workshop in the FILES section
 in this FB group:
DC Metro Bible Journaling

Eleven participants came together 

to learn and experience. 

Eileen St. Clair shown here illustrating

 some Visual prayer prompts.

The host presenters all helped 

with leading different visual prayer options.

 The participants received lots of handouts and ideas.

It is important to meet each person - 

right where they are.

This type of prayer might be very new 

and challenging for some.

Others connect right away- 

as if they have been waiting their whole life

 for this door to prayer.

One of the activities was to spend time praying

 over the Summer Camp experience at Holy Lamb.

A board of the visual prayers can be seen here.

Meaningful prayer time 

becomes a witness to the faith community,

It is also a testimony that prayer can be FUN!

The visual and kinesthetic design 

of this type of prayer fits the bill for

 learning style and engagement 

for more than half of the population

 in our congregations.

We know that from educational research.

What a delight when the church 

meets the people where THEY ARE.

Rev. David Panning joined the event
participants at his church 

and gave encouragement to others 

about exploring this open door to prayer.

Thanks to Kathy Panning for her 
 help to walk alongside laywomen in ministry.
To encourage, equip and connect.

Would YOU like to host a Visual Prayer
 workshop at your congregation?  
We can help with that.
Contact Connie Denninger Here-
condoit@aol.com