From the Board Secretary

Mother’s Day is cause for celebration, especially by the men folk of our

congregation, who want to make it special for the ladies with a

breakfast before the service on May 10th.  Jan Zach, again a leader of

the charge, will be scrambling eggs and searing bacon, while others help

out with fruit, muffins, coffee, and whatever else they muster up.  Of

course, be ready for adjustments in the format if it happens that many

are called to the field that day.  However be reassured, Social Chairman

JoAnn Birkby is on call for what needs to get done in such a case. 

Mother’s Day, yea!

In June Pastor Blaine will be absent on the 7th and 14th.  Nancy Newlon

will give a presentation on her trip to Jerusalem on the first Sunday he

is gone (there will be no communion that day), and Mel Hurst will give

the homily on the next Sunday.  Thank you both for stepping up and

sharing with the congregation.

Although a month has gone by since our Easter celebrations, they are

remembered as being very special, with beautiful music, lovely

decorations for the sanctuary, heartfelt messages and reverent

devotional moments.  Thank you all involved in contributing to the

occasions.

Thank you Phyllis Layman, for sharing your talents in the preparation of

May Baskets, as well as everyone involved with this ministry.  Pastor

Blaine reports that the community at large is more and more aware of our

presence and outreach. All the participation of the congregation in so

many activities must be a large part of the reason.  Double yea!  Or

Huzzah! Huzzah!

From Marcia Little, Board Secretary

May Baskets

Several worked on making May Baskets after church last Sunday.

Baskets ready to go!

Happy May Day!

Visual Faith

We were entertained by the wonderful talent of the Visual Faith Band. Their beautiful music was enjoyed by all.

 

Their ministry focuses on assisting families in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU). They provide assistance to the families with sick babies. Visual Faith Ministry provides meals, supplies, financial assistance, and counseling services. Jimmy and Jill spend several hours each week in the NICU providing support to these families during this difficult time.  Click on the link to learn more. http://visualfaithministry.com/

Click on picture to enlarge.

FEELING THE PRESENCE OF JESUS IN GETHSEMANE

You can click on image to enlarge.

I recently returned from a 12 day trip to the Holy Land.   For me it was an experience that made the Bible come to life.  For me it was a journey where I surely felt the presence of Jesus as I followed in his footsteps.

The Garden of Gethsemane was one place where I felt the presence of Jesus.  It’s a beautiful garden with fruit trees, shrubs, flowers and olive trees.  Botanists claim that some of the olive trees at this garden are actually 3,000 years old.  I took a picture of one of the olive trees in the garden of Gethsemane, not because it is old, but because the bark drew my attention.  One writer’s words express exactly how I feel when I look at this picture.

*Whether or not the olive trees in the Garden of Gethsemane can be traced to the first century, their gnarled and weathered trunks remind us of the agony that Jesus experienced when he prayed on this site over two thousand years ago.  To visit Gethsemane is to reflect on the suffering that Jesus endured on our behalf.*

                                                Nancy Newlon

From the Secretary

The Treasurer will be sending a donation to the Movie Ministry at
Oakridge Valley United Methodist Church in memory of Chuck Behr, a late
member of our own congregation.
May Baskets will be a project coming up, so look for news about
opportunities to help with this outreach.  Phyllis Layman will be
lending a deft hand at their arrangement, as she has beautifully done so
in the past.  Possibly after the service on the 26th of April there will
be a small workshop for assembling about 50 of them.
On May 10th, ladies be prepared to be regaled by a Mother*s Day
Breakfast, prepared by the men of the congregation before the service,
as another time for fellowship and merrymaking.
Do you have a Letter of Transfer you would like to give to Pastor
Blaine?  A special day of recognition may be in the offing.
From Marcia Little, Board Secretary

Pastor’s Thoughts

Have A Blessed Easter