July 2016 - Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church -- 7196 S.O.M. Center Rd. -- Solon, Ohio 44139
Phone 440-248-4066 -- [email protected] -- Web site: www.orlcsolon.org
Creating Community by Connecting People to Christ and His Family
Matthew Garred, Pastor - 330-998-3923 Aaron Pingel, Pastor - 440-265-8108
Sally Reemsnyder, DCE– 330-310-2038
Margie Bosiacki, Editor - 440-248-4066
July 2016
Table of Contents
Pastor’s Message
2-3
Thanks to Our Members
3
Hands, Hearts and Homes Outreach
4
Sunday School News
4
Little Tidbits of Info . . .
5
Park Play Dates
6
Home Devotional Activity
7
Preschool Ministry
7
Youth
8
Opportunities to Grow as a Disciple
9
Small Group Ministry
9
LWML
10-11
Serving This Month
12-13
Birthdays and Anniversaries
14
Extras - The Mayonnaise Jar
15
Pastor’s Message
Striking the Balance
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the
Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1–2 ESV)
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared
beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)
On the one hand, there are lots of people who put a strong emphasis on God’s Law. They look
to the Ten Commandments and to the laws and rules that flesh out the Ten Commandments
throughout God’s Word and they rely on these laws for righteous living. Yes, they often confess
that Jesus is our savior, and yet they treat Him as though He merely opened the door to our
new obedience. The rest is up to us. We usually identify such people as legalists. In the
Lutheran Church, we guard against legalism pretty strongly and consistently.
On the other hand, we have those who put a strong emphasis on God’s Grace. They see grace
and the forgiveness of sins as the only thing that matters. Good works don’t really matter
because we are saved by grace. At the extremes, these people may become so convinced of
God’s grace covering every sin that they no longer try to keep God’s law, and some of them
even use grace as an excuse for sin. “I might as well do whatever I like,” they think, “God will
forgive me anyway.”
In the Lutheran Church we do a pretty good job at guarding against the extremes, but too often
we tend to lean so much to the grace that we excuse ourselves from the works that Ephesians
tells us “God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Where is the balance? All good theology is about the proper balance of what God reveals in His
Word. God does indeed reveal laws and commands, and He also reveals the Gospel of grace.
In Lutheran Theology, this proper balance is often referred to as the “via media,” which means
“the way of the middle.”
In the case of salvation and good works, God does not want us to worry about our salvation.
The life, death and resurrection of Jesus paid the penalty for all our sins. We are set free from
the law of sin and death. Yet we are not set free from these things in order to indulge them all
the more. We are not set free from sin to throw ourselves back into sin so that God can forgive
us more. Rather, we are set free so that we may joyfully serve God. Not because we must, but
because we are new creations in Christ Jesus, and that’s what we do. That’s what we were
created to do. It’s what we do, because of what God has already done. He has rescued us and
loved us and so we love Him and desire to do His will, to the glory of His name and the good of
our neighbor.
God’s gracious salvation freely given to us results in works. But how many works are enough?
Oops! Wrong question. We should never ask, “Have I done enough?” If we do, we fall into
legalism. Instead we should simply ask each day, “How can I walk in the good works God has
for me today?” When we reach the end of the day we thank God for the good He enabled us
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to do, we ask forgiveness for our sins and failures, and we go to sleep in peace, knowing that
there is no scorecard to fill out. Jesus has already won the victory for us. And in the morning,
with a clear conscience we ask again, “How can I walk in the good works God has for me
today?”
We neither throw out the necessity of good works, since it is these for which we are created,
nor do we rely on good works for our salvation. Instead, we confess that we are saved by grace
alone, that we may do the good works God calls us to do.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
In Christ,
Pastor Garred
Many Thanks To:
For all those who anonymously do so much around the church. We appreciate all that you do!
Joyce Simacek, Laurel Kusner, John Sovis and Carol Engstrom for proofreading during the month of
June.
I would like to thank the ladies from Reap What You Sew who came to help me pack for my
move, and a huge thank you to all of you who helped move me back to my home in Bedford on
May 21st. It's been a long journey, and I praise God for having such a wonderful church family.
Thank you Pastor Garred for being there for me from the start.
Linda Koller
We would like to thank everyone who helped with the National
Day of Prayer Vigil/Service and devotional booklet: Pastor Garred,
Pastor Pingel, Margie Bosiacki, Karen Prasser, Bell Choir, Adult
Choir, Bill Head, Pat Kosh, Anne Forwick, Sally Reemsnyder, Debby
Stinehelfer, Trish Wade, Joyce Simacek, Edda Janice, Marjie
Masters, Lois Helmick, Norma Cerrito, Mark Gabor, Kara Pingel,
Mike Korba, Jim Laurich and Bob Wilms. It was a blessing to join
our voices with Christians throughout the United States in praising
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Bev Head and Debbie Turk (Prayer Team)
3
Hands, Hearts and Homes Outreach
Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers and golfers for H3O’s 4 th Annual Golf Outing on
June 13th at Fowler’s Mill Golf Course. The weather was absolutely perfect, sunny and 80
degrees, and very much enjoyed by the ninety-six golfers and all the volunteers. There were a
lot of wonderful door prizes passed out and the silent auction baskets this year were the best so
far! The golf outing raised just over $10,000. The funds will be used to buy supplies for H3O
Sundays as well as buy gas and pay for maintenance on the truck. Without everyone’s hands
doing God’s work, none of this would be possible.
I know it's the Dog Days of summer and you are probably not thinking of back to school yet, but
when you do, remember H3O will gladly take your gently used baseball hats and
backpacks. Many of the people we serve at Saint Herman’s cannot afford to purchase these
items and we like to pass them out to help bridge the gap.
Remember, if you want to donate furniture (NO major appliances), you need to call the furniture
hotline: 440-248-7360 Monday – Thursday to schedule a pick up.
As always, H3O is looking for someone to ride along on the truck to deliver
light pieces of furniture one day a month. Could you be that person? For
more information on how you can help, please contact Joan Hageman at
330-963-0130
Our next H3O trip to Saint Herman’s in Cleveland is Sunday, July 24th. If
you are planning on going, let Jill Moriarity know as soon as possible at
[email protected].
Cheerfully In Christ,
Jennifer Hanson
Family Summer Sunday School
This year, Summer Sunday school welcomes your family to be involved in your child’s learning of
the Bible. The classes will follow a family-devotion style, and will encompass the entire family,
encouraging fellowship among children and adults. The format for the summer will replace the
traditional teacher/student classroom. One family each week will guide the families through a
lesson and craft for all to enjoy!
Please contact Kara Pingel at 440-265-8109 for more
information.
Who: Families (Preschool – 6th grade)
(includes moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles etc.)
When: June 5th – August 21st
Where: Double Sunday School Room (located at the end of the Sunday school hallway)
August 28th is Rally Day!!
Start of the regular format of Sunday school. Your child will move to next grade level (details to
come).
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Little Tidbits of Info. . .
Altar Guild Leaders Needed
The Altar Guild is a service ministry within our Church and members of the Altar
Guild are servants of the congregation. We serve by making sure that our place of
worship is maintained and preparations are made for each service. This requires
spiritual commitment which is performed for the glory of God and the building up of
His people. We are currently looking for leaders to guide this important ministry. If
you have spiritual commitment, you can learn this role and be an effective leader.
Please give this request prayerful consideration.
For questions please call Debbie Breimaier at 330-467-9194.
From the Church Office
The church office will be closed on
Monday, July 4th, for the Independence
Day holiday.
Pantry needs for July
Although the pantry is well stocked, there
are a few items that are needed:
applesauce, canned fruit, peanut butter,
jelly, cooking oil, toilet paper, toothpaste.
Outside Fellowship Elder
Who’s ready for a party??? ORLC is in
need of a party planner (otherwise known
as Outside Fellowship Elder). If you have
some good ideas for fellowship (picnics,
outings, etc.) or a love of planning social
events, this position would be perfect for
you. If the time commitment is a concern,
individual events can be delegated to
others as needed. Elders meet once
per month (3rd Tuesday) at 7:00 p.m.
Meetings are generally short (90 minutes
or so). Please contact Kurt Widmer 330405-5460 or Doug Holub 440-248-1244 if
interested.
Please continue to support
our preschool over the summer by purchasing gift
cards. Please refer to the order and delivery dates below. Weekly ordering will resume
in September. Order forms are available in the office. You may place your order forms
and checks made out to ORLC in the white TRIP box in the office at any time. Thank you
for supporting our preschool!
T.R.I.P. Summer Order and Delivery Dates
Order by:
For delivery on:
Friday, July 1st
Wednesday, July 13th
nd
Friday, July 22
Wednesday, August 3rd
th
Friday, August 12
Wednesday, August 24th
5
July Park Play Dates
For additional information, contact Julie at 216849-0651 or Kara at 440-265-8109. A complete
listing of park play dates for the summer is on
our website at www.orlcsolon.org/newsevents.
Friday July 1st - Lyndhurst Spray Park (1840 Brainard Road, Lyndhurst)
Park opens at 10:00 a.m. This park includes a fenced-in spray park suitable for kids of all ages.
Cost is $6.00 per person. CASH ONLY
Wednesday July 6th - Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Zoo opens at 10:00 a.m. Cost is $13.25 for adults, $9.25 kids 2-11, under 2 is free.
Wednesday July 13th - Fire Station Tour (6320 SOM Center Road, Solon)
Tour begins at 10:00 a.m. Pack a lunch and play at Solon Community Park following the tour.
FREE
Monday July 18th - Glen Chamberlain Park (10075 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg)
Time - 3:30 p.m. Located behind Glen Chamberlain School and the municipal outdoor
swimming pool, this park includes playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, picnic shelters,
and a sand volleyball court.
Friday July 22nd - Splash Pad at Eagle Park (14730 Springdale Avenue, Middlefield)
Park opens at 10:00 a.m. This park has 2 splash pads, a playground, and a pavilion. FREE
Wednesday July 27th - Chester Township Park (the corner of S.R. 306 and S.R. 322)
Time - 10:00 a.m. This park offers a gazebo, a baseball field, three volleyball courts, horseshoe
pits, two pavilions, a newly expanded children's playground, and rest room facilities.
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Home Devotional Activity
Activity: A Cord of Three Strands
Teaching Goal: We are not meant to live in isolation. God made us to be in relationship with
others, and with Him.
Scripture:
Proverbs 18:24 “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to
ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “Two are better than one because they have a
good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help
him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him
up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how
can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly
broken.”
Materials:
4 cups
dirt or water to fill one of the cups
3 steak knives (always keep sharp objects away from little hands!)
Bible
God knows we need someone to call, to help us up after we fall.
Please see our website for the complete devotional activity.
Preschool Ministry
We have had some changes in our preschool staff this year. We lost four staff members in May
due to moves, health issues, and retirement. I will introduce our new staff members in next
month's newsletter!
Our classes are filling up for the fall! Please continue to tell others about our wonderful program
here!
In August, we will once again have apples on our Preschool bulletin board in the hallway across
from the library. Your generosity in providing some of the needed supplies for the year is greatly
appreciated!
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for our preschool ministry.
Blessings,
Laurel Kusner
Preschool Director
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The Youth Page
Junior High Events
Senior High Events
Thursday July 7th – Canoeing
Monday, August 8th – Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Friday-Sunday - August 19th-21st – Confirmation
Retreat for the 2016 - 2017 class
Sunday August 28th - Rally Day for 2016 -17 year
Thursday, July 7th - Canoeing
Wednesday -Thursday, July 13th– 21st National
Youth Gathering in New Orleans
Friday, August 8th – Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Sunday August 28th - Rally Day for 2016 -17 year
What are LYFE Nights? They are fellowship events
filled with games, fun and food that are hosted in
youths’ homes or at the church with Sally leading
the games. When are LYFE nights? July 9th and
August 13th. The dates in bold are available for
hosting.
What is Crossroads? Senior high students meet to
discuss Bible or topical studies and to enjoy food,
fellowship and games together.
When is
Crossroads? It is usually held from 5:00–8:00 p.m.
at the church. What dates are Crossroads? July
3rd and 10th, August 7th, 14th and 28th.
Please come and join us! Visitors welcome!
What’s New?
There were eighteen youth and adults who attended the Indians-Baltimore Orioles game in May,
followed by an awesome fireworks display to music! It was a beautiful evening down at Progressive
Field and everyone enjoyed the time, even though our team lost.
We have been preparing for the National Youth Gathering with Bible studies on Philippians,
which is the theme for the National Youth Gathering “In Christ Alone.” The three themes for each day
correspond with the Bible studies on Identity, Humility and Community. The final study was done on
Sunday, June 12th with the group from St. Paul Amherst.
Who?
Our Senior High Youth (grades 9 through 12) are taught by Sally Reemsnyder, DCE, on Sunday
mornings and are studying the Growing in Christ curriculum, which is also used in Sunday school and adult
Bible study. The Senior High youth have three events per month: one special event (as listed above) and
Crossroads twice a month where they meet at the church for a fellowship/small group meeting.
Our Jr. High Youth (grades 7 & 8) receive confirmation instruction on Wednesdays through April 20th.
th
The 7 graders are taught by Sally Reemsnyder, Director of Christian Education (DCE) and 8 th graders are
taught by Pastor Matthew Garred and Pastor Aaron Pingel. They are taught lessons in Growing in Christ
during their Sunday morning classes. They also participate in Lutheran Youth Fellowship Event (LYFE) Nights
on select Saturdays of each month and special events such as lock-ins, District Youth Conferences, retreats
and servant outings.
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Opportunities to Grow as a Disciple
Sunday Adult Bible Study In July, Pastor Garred will continue the study of the Book of Luke.
Come and join us for Bible study at 9:15 a.m. in the fellowship hall.
Sunday School Classes meet each Sunday at 9:15 a.m. Our children, preschool through high
school, are using the Growing in Christ series. In July, they will attend “Family Sunday School.”
Please see page four for details.
Sunday - Cross Roads Senior Youth meet at the church on Sunday evenings from 5:00–8:00
p.m. Cross Roads will meet on July 3rd & 10th.
Tuesday - Senior Saints is a discussion-oriented, informal study of God’s Word followed by
fellowship over a potluck lunch. We are studying Luther’s Simple Way to Pray . We meet on the
first and third Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m. In July, we meet on the 5th & 19th.
Men of Faith Bible Study meets on Thursday mornings at 6:30 a.m. in the conference room. We
are studying the Book of Romans. Join us on Thursday mornings.
Classes on break for the summer are:
Monday - Bible Babes, Monday - Women’s Book Club, Wednesday - Mom to Mom,
Thursday - Women in the Word, Thursday - Women of Faith
Get Connected – ORLC’s Small Groups Make It Happen
There are currently almost 90 members of Our Redeemer who are plugged in to small groups!
Angell / Johnson small group: The "middle school family" small group has begun meeting! We
are studying Sticky Faith by Dr. Kara Powell and Dr. Chap Clark. Contact Michele Angell or Emily
Johnson for the meeting dates/times.
Heinert small group: We are currently studying Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Please feel
welcome to visit at any time! Please contact John or Darla Heinert for the meeting dates/times.
Miralia small group: This group is meeting on the final Friday of each month over the summer:
July 29th and August 26th at 6:30 p.m. to share dinner, God’s Word and prayer. Please
feel welcome to visit at any time! Please contact Bill/Lisa Miralia for more information.
Mitchell small group: We are currently studying That the World May Know by Ray
Vander Laan. Please feel welcome to visit at any time! Please contact Julie Mitchell for
the meeting dates/times.
Rennison small group: This group is meeting for fellowship during the summer. Please
feel welcome to visit at any time! Please contact Julie or Chris Rennison for the meeting
dates/times.
** Please see the bulletin board outside the church office for meeting dates/times/places for the
small groups **
9
LWML News
As a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, all women are considered members of the
LWML. As such, you are automatically invited to the meetings.
September 13th at 7:00 p.m. is the first meeting after our summer recess. Join us for a cup of
coffee or punch, munchies and have a chat with those women you have seen in church but not
yet had the opportunity to get to know. You can have an evening out with friends. A baby sitter
is supplied to you at no cost if you let us know in advance by the Saturday before the meeting,
so that we can make arrangements. The first LWML event of the year is the annual retreat on
September 17th. The officers of Our Redeemer's chapter have begun meeting to plan upcoming
events for the 2016-17 LWML year.
God our Father is mindful of each of us and our needs. After all, we have seen and HEARD this
year how He has not forgotten the seventeen year hiatus of the cicada.
When you leave the Sanctuary, there is a nook on the north wall. It has more information on the
items we collect that are of no use to us personally, but when we all pitch in and save them,
they are of great use to others.
One more thing. There is a Zone Fall Retreat on September 7th, from 9 :00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at
the Perry YMCA. A wonderful time and blessed time is had by all who attend. The nook has
that information also. A carpooling sign-up will be in the nook by August 1st.
To you, from me,
Kathy Hibjan
LWML Secretary at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
LWML Cutting Guidelines
Postage Stamps
 Cut the stamps from the envelopes with a margin of no less than 1/4
inch around the perforation of the stamp. The entire perforation needs
to be intact; this provides a “handling area” for the collector. (Trimmed
too closely the stamp may be damaged and become worthless - please
do not turn these in.)
Box Tops for Education
 Please check the expiration date. Box Tops submitted after their
printed expiration date are considered void and will not be
honored. The entire stamp needs to be intact – no torn corners
are accepted.
*** Both of these items should be placed in the nook where there are marked containers for
them.***
10
New Mission Opportunities
New Mite Goal
Keep filling the Mite boxes with coin, paper
and prayers.
Mission
Ideas
Time
Excitement
Sharing
11
Members Who Are Serving This Month
JULY 3RD
Acolyte
Altar Guild
Coffee Clean Up
Greeters
Nursery
Readers
Sweethearts
Tellers
Ushers
Welcome Center
8:00 A.M. WORSHIP
Jacob Downing
Michaele Repak, Lois Helmick
JULY 10TH
Acolyte
Altar Guild
Coffee Clean Up
Greeters
Nursery
Readers
Sweethearts
Tellers
Ushers
Welcome Center
8:00 A.M. WORSHIP
Joshua Masters
Michaele Repak, Lois Helmick
JULY 17TH
Acolyte
Altar Guild
Coffee Clean Up
Greeters
Nursery
Readers
Sweethearts
Tellers
Ushers
Welcome Center
8:00 A.M. WORSHIP
Emma Hart
Jennifer Hanson, Lisa Miralia
10:30 A.M. WORSHIP
Audrey Prietz
Patty Patranc
John & Ruth Sovis, Debra Stefanini
Mark Gabor, Norma Cerrito
Julie Rennison, Mackenzie Ellman
Deanna Kovach, Abbey Garred
Lucy Wilms
Adrienne Geho
Susan Macik, Marjie Masters, John Mellyn, Debbie Moore
Ron Olesinski, Tom Duncan, Russ & Renee Musarra
TBD
TBD
Bill & Beverly Head
Mike and Debby Stinehelfer
10:30 A.M. WORSHIP
Jarrett Borovac
Russ Ita
Paula Stumph, Watkins Family
Kristen Chalet
Sarah Prahler, Anna Widmer
Linda, Jake & Jessica Downing
Bob Hibjan
Susan Macik
Beverly Musarra, Tracy Palumbo, Joyce Simacek, Patty Patranc
Emily Peters, Bill & Lisa Miralia, Heather Widmer
TBD
TBD
Paula Stumph
Bob & Karen Prochazka
10:30 A.M. WORSHIP
Gennah Brown
Norma Cerrito
K & H Widmer, B & L Wilms
R & D Hanson, J & D Heinert
Tracy & Drew Palumbo
Louise Isroff, Taylor Ellman
Dave Holub
Terry Rieser
Terri Payne, Emily Peters, Mardest Pittman, Elaine Prietz
John & Darla Heinert, Ron & Donna Hanson
TBD
TBD
Chuck & Mary Norman
Fred & LuAnn Ehrenbeit
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JULY 24th
Acolyte
Altar Guild
Coffee Clean Up
Greeters
Nursery
Readers
Sweethearts
Tellers
Ushers
Welcome Center
8:00 A.M. WORSHIP
Silas Johnson
Jennifer Hanson, Lisa Miralia
JULY 31ST
Acolyte
Altar Guild
Coffee Clean Up
Greeters
Nursery
Readers
Sweethearts
Tellers
Ushers
Welcome Center
8:00 A.M. WORSHIP
Austin Angell
Anne Forwick, David Prochazka
10:30 A.M. WORSHIP
Wilson Riley
Lois Helmick
J & M Bosiacki, J & E Hanson
Lois Helmick, R & M Hinterlong
Nicole & Zach Prochazka
Kara & Andrew Pingel
Joyce Simacek
Kim Garred
Mary Reiboldt, Michaele Repak, Paula Stumph, June Szilagyi
Debby Stinehelfer, Anita Ruff, Carol Engstrom, Martha Wright
TBD
TBD
Michaele & Terry Repak
Jennifer Girod
10:30 A.M. WORSHIP
Ariane Geho
Russ Ita
Downing Family, B & L Edwards
Edda Janice, W & D Keefer
Sarah Prahler, Anna Widmer
Bethany & Gennah Brown
Patti Holub
Edda Janice
Kelly Thompson, Lucy Wilms, Barb Wilson, Ingrid Albanese
Bob & Laurel Kusner, Bob & Cheryl DiNardo
TBD
TBD
Margie & John Bosiacki
Marilyn & Don Styblo
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July Birthdays and Anniversaries
Gabrielle Knauer
7/1
Eileen Simler
Amy Nolan
7/3
7/4
Jessica Allen
Taylor Ellman
Geoffrey Masters Jr.
Candace Musarra
Paula Stumph
Anna Widmer
7/6
Liz Hanson
Erika Hegrat
Matt Sutliff
7/7
Cathy & Eric Wyant
Terry & Michaele Repak
Stephanie & Rafael Colmenares 7/8
Cynthia & Ronald Schickler
Brian & Lori Edwards
Emma Hart
Audrey Hedrick
Nancy Suchovsky
7/8
7/9
Rick & Edda Janice
Elizabeth Eder
Emily Jurkovich
Cathy Wyant
Joan Prasser
Cindy Toncler
Martha Wright
Emory Geho
Jennifer Girod
William Keefer
Eldon Reiboldt
Ed Simacek
Ryan & Sarah Prahler
7/11
7/13
7/15
Selena Feliciano
Beverly Head
7/16
Laurie Korba
Gregory Ruff
Cathy & Chris Watkins
7/17
Steven Chalet
Chad Hegrat
Robert Hibjan
Diane Yarmus
7/18
Sarah Keefer
Karen Prochazka
Lisa Catalano
Michaele Repak
Melanie Bauer
Emersyn Gillispie
Eliot Geho
Carl Hegrat
Fred Meyers
Barb Ohneck
Nathanael Pingel
Sheila Sovis
Mark Gabor
Ryan Ezzone
Timothy Morgan
DJ Deuble
7/19
Jill Moriarity
7/28
Denise Compton
Chuck Norman
Don Robertson
Nancy Basso
Helen Sanders
Brian Isroff
7/29
Lee & Nancy Hoyack
Carol & Richard Way
James & Junko Domingo
Chris & Cathy Watkins
John & Mary Mellyn
Chris & Jeanette Ryman
7/20
7/21
7/23
7/24
7/25
7/26
7/27
7/30
7/31
14
The Mayonnaise Jar
Author Unknown
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not
enough; remember the mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise
jar and started to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full.
They agree that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He
shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf
balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course,
the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The
students responded with an unanimous “yes.”
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and
poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space
between the sand. The students laughed.
“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar
represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health,
friends, and favorite passions. Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained,
your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car.
The sand is everything else - the small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there would be no room for the pebbles or
the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff,
you will never have room for the things that are important to you.”
“So pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness: play with your children; take
time to get medical checkups; take your spouse out to dinner. There will always be time to clean
the house and fix the dripping tap. Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor
smiled. “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may
seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”
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