Dear Congregation,
It was a joy to be back in the Sanctuary for in-person worship last Sunday! I am also grateful that we’re still able to offer the option for people to be part of worship no matter where they are as we livestream on our Facebook page!
Our now monthly enewsletter will come to you at the end of May. We are adapting to the reality that some of Michelle’s responsibilities will have to be done by others for the time being. Thanks to all who are rising to the occasion!
This Sunday’s worship bulletin is attached. Please do read the Announcements so you’re up-to-date on what’s going on in the life of the church.
As Mother’ Day approaches I share with you the attachment “the wide spectrum of mothering” by Amy Young which I find meaningful. A Happy Mother’s Day to all!
Pentecost, sometimes called “the birthday of the church” is coming up on May 23rd. On that Sunday, we will receive the Strengthen the Church special mission offering. I’ve also included an attachment with information about it. This year’s theme is “Renew!”.
Please remember to contact me with any needs, suggestions, reflections, and/or just to stay connected.
God Bless You!
Pastor Candy
click here to download this week's bulletin!For ALL women on this day when we honor mothers:
To those who gave birth this year to their first child—we celebrate with you
To those who lost a child this year – we mourn with you
To those who are in the trenches with little ones every day and wear the badge of food stains – we appreciate you
To those who experienced loss through miscarriage, failed adoptions, or running away—we mourn with you
To those who walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with pokes, prods, tears, and disappointment – we walk with you. Forgive us when we say foolish things. We don’t mean to make this harder than it is.
To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms – we need you
To those who have warm and close relationships with your children – we celebrate with you
To those who have disappointment, heart ache, and distance with your children – we sit with you
To those who lost their mothers this year – we grieve with you
To those who experienced abuse at the hands of your own mother – we acknowledge your experience
To those who lived through driving tests, medical tests, and the overall testing of motherhood – we are better for having you in our midst
To those who are single and long to be married and mothering your own children – we mourn that life has not turned out the way you longed for it to be
To those who step-parent – we walk with you on these complex paths
To those who envisioned lavishing love on grandchildren -yet that dream is not to be, we grieve with you
To those who will have emptier nests in the upcoming year – we grieve and rejoice with you
To those who placed children up for adoption — we commend you for your selflessness and remember how you hold that child in your heart
And to those who are pregnant with new life, both expected and surprising –we anticipate with you
This Mother’s Day, we walk with you. Mothering is not for the faint of heart and we have real warriors in our midst. We remember you.
By Amy Young