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Jen Bradbury
May 27 · 5 min read

Notes from the Pandemic: Self-sacrifice

Although I grew up in the church and was taught that Jesus sacrificed himself for my sins on the cross, I didn't really learn about self-sacrifice until twenty years ago when I was a summer staffer for YouthWorks Missions.

That summer, I was told...

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#church #youth pastor #Pandemic #Jesus #Missions

Jen Bradbury
May 22 · 5 min read

Life from death

Img 8313

As we stood at my mother-in-law’s casket, my nearly two-year-old nephew chased my four-year-old daughter around the empty funeral home room – something they could do since, thanks to the COVID-19 restrictions, the room was empty except for us.

...

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#Pandemic #children #babies #joy #hope #Holy Week #scripture #Jesus #death

Jen Bradbury
May 20 · 5 min read

On dance classes, motivation, & $50 costumes

At the start of the New Year, we signed our then 4-year old daughter, Hope, up for a dance class at the local park district.

Hope LOVES to dance. We’ve known that for a while and figured this would be a fun way for her to learn some skills and...

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#children #joy #parenting

Jen Bradbury
May 09 · 5 min read

What Nancy taught me

The weekend after I miscarried, my mother and father-in-law, Nancy & Keith, showed up at our house.

Truth be told, I didn’t want them there.

I didn’t want anyone there.

I was knee-deep in some of the most profound sadness I’d ever...

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#miscarriage #joy #grief #motherhood

Jen Bradbury
May 07 · 5 min read

Church homes

In every church I’ve ever been on staff at, we've inevitably wrestled with the question, “Who belongs?”

Oh, we never say it like that.

Instead, we raise questions like, “Who is active here? Who worships here? Or who gives an offering here?”

We...

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#church #discipleship #worship #Jesus #hospitality #Youth Sunday #graduating seniors #confirmation #parents

Jen Bradbury
May 01 · 5 min read

The goal of politics

As I’ve scrolled Facebook in the days of the Pandemic, I’ve been increasingly struck by my desire to engage with people who share my beliefs and disengage from those who don’t.

I’m continually frustrated by one friend in particular and their...

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#politics #grace #Pandemic #youth ministry

Jen Bradbury
Apr 27 · 5 min read

Notes from the Pandemic: Eyes to See

Context is everything.

As a ministry professional, I’ve had this instilled into me for years. Even so, I’ve never seen this quite as clearly as I have since the pandemic began.

Because we’re safe-at-home, unable to go places, feeling a myriad of...

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#church #scripture #Pandemic

Jen Bradbury
Apr 23 · 5 min read

Notes from the Pandemic: Excitement - A familiar but unexpected emotion

Yesterday, I met (virtually) with my VBS leaders to reimagine this summer’s VBS. When I ended the meeting, I genuinely felt excited.

What’s funny is I almost didn’t recognize that feeling.

It’s been SO long since I’ve felt excited about anything....

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#Pandemic #youth ministry #children's ministry

Jen Bradbury
Apr 19 · 5 min read

Notes from the Pandemic: Anger & Grace

Emotions are an interesting thing during quarantine.

It seems like on any given day, I feel ALL the emotions...STRONGLY. Sometimes I can process WHY I’m feeling what I’m feeling. Other times, I simply can’t.

Naturally, through no fault of their...

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#grace #children #Pandemic #parenting

Jen Bradbury
Apr 11 · 5 min read

Notes from the Pandemic: A happy Easter?

This morning, I recorded my children’s message for tomorrow’s virtual Easter service. I began it without thinking, by saying, “Happy Easter!”

As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I inwardly questioned them.

Will this really be a happy...

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#Easter #church #Holy Week #children #grief #Pandemic #Jesus

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Latest Posts

  • Notes from the Pandemic: Self-sacrifice
  • Life from death
  • On dance classes, motivation, & $50 costumes
  • What Nancy taught me
  • Church homes
  • The goal of politics
  • Notes from the Pandemic: Eyes to See
  • Notes from the Pandemic: Excitement - A familiar but unexpected emotion
  • Notes from the Pandemic: Anger & Grace
  • Notes from the Pandemic: A happy Easter?

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