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The Pastor's Corner

Every Mother's Day sermon I've ever heard, read or run across, starts with an explanation born of four reasons: for some, motherhood is an accident, and not always a welcome one; or for some, biological motherhood isn't possible; or for some, their mothers weren't all that nice; or for some, motherhood under the very best of circumstances is much less a bed of roses and a primrose path than a bed of nails and a cavernous crevasse. As Wilhelm Busch’s poem states (with a few liberties taken): "To become a mother is not so difficult; on the other hand, being a mother is very much so! So, with all those qualifications in order to not offend anyone, why do we even bother with Mothers Day? Because for all its stumbling blocks, pitfalls and broken dreams, for all the soiled diapers, soiled wallpaper and spoiled plans, we're talking about a beautiful ideal, a natural part of God's creative plan to bring love and caring to light.

While we learn much about God from our fathers, I truly believe we learn more about God’s nurturing and redemptive love, as well as how to completely trust in Him, from our mothers. I believe the following story illustrates this well.

When Robert Ingersoll, the notorious skeptic, was in his heyday, two college students went to hear him lecture. As they walked down the street after the lecture, one said to the other, "Well, I guess he knocked the props out from under Christianity, didn't he?" The other said, "No, I don't think he did. Ingersoll did not explain my mother's life, and until he can explain my mother's life, I will stand by my mother's God."

Blessings, Pastor Ed Taylor

XTREME BELIEVERS (YOUTH GROUP)

Xtreme Believers’ new meeting time on Wednesday evenings is from 7-8 p.m. We hang out, play games, chat and snack for about 45 minutes and close with prayer and a devotion.

Xtreme Believers anxiously await the arrival of Rachel Partridge, our Summer Youth Ministry Leader. Rachel is a talented musician, singer, and athlete. She writes, "God has placed in my heart a passion for youth." In the fall of 2005, Rachel joined YouthQuest, a Liberty-based ministry team that travels on weekends to youth groups, where they hold rallies and work in small group discipleship. She is majoring in Kinesiology with a focus on teaching Physical Education. Rachel also plays the keyboard and sings - and enjoys drama, short-film-making, and basketball! Wow! This promises to be a fun summer for Xtreme Believers!

We are looking forward to and preparing for our Church Plant Mission Trip to Cleveland in June. This will be a stretch activity for all of us. The group is really looking forward to visiting the Creation Museum; located south of Cincinnati, on the final day of our journey. There are six spots left for the trip and $50 secures your child’s seat on the bus. First come, first serve! Please enroll before May 1.

Wes and Charlotte Mills

 


AWANA News

We’re closing another year of AWANA on May 4th. During Morning Worship, you are cordially invited to listen to our children & youth as they share their knowledge and experiences by reciting verses and recounting significant events from throughout the year. Come and hear the Gospel as spoken from the mouths of babes! Some of these young children have not yet learned to read, but have memorized and are reciting multiple passages of scripture! We’ll also be sharing some of the songs we sing each week.

The Sparks enjoyed an outing to the home of Thornton and Iva Lam where they had an indoor picnic (rainy day) and visited with Sierra’s many animals. Check out the pictures in the vestibule! Thanks to Thornton, Iva, David and Stacy Lam for hosting this trip.

The JV& Varsity Class continues to plan the summer mission trip and all of the classes are diligently working through their books. You’ll hear more about all of this on Sunday morning, May 4th.

The AWANA Finale will be held the evening of May 4th. We’ll serve hot dogs, chips and sodas. Also, the AWANA store will be open - with a final opportunity (this year) for young people to spend their AWANA dollars. For those moving up to another group, visiting new classes is part of the fun this evening. Oh, I almost forgot! We’re planning a Kick ball Game – ‘Young’ vs ‘Young at Heart.’ Come, eat a snack, visit teachers and have a super time at games! Hope to see you on May 4th!

Your Brother in Christ, Commander Wes

A Mother’s Day Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for the blessings of my children. Help me rely on you for guidance, patience and even-temperedness throughout my days. I want my children to love you, and serve you as best they can. Grant me the wisdom to know how to influence them to live godly lives. Prevent me from provoking my children to anger and from manipulating or nagging them. Fill our household with abiding love and respect, and help us all to be united in purpose to do your will. In the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.

MISSIONS

Annie Armstrong

Thank you everyone! Your generous contributions enabled us to exceed our goal of $2,500. At last count, the total amount donated to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions equaled $2,788.50! Special thanks to Peggy Haldeman for the creative and colorful poster which helped us all to visualize our goal. Since three of four people in the United States and Canada do not claim a personal relationship with Jesus, it is good to know that 100% of this gift supports the more than 5,200 missionaries who minister and share Christ across the continent.

Women on Mission

We praise God as He continues to open our eyes and hearts to needs in and around our community. One such place is The Royal Haven Rest Home, now home to our own Bill Potter, where the demand for personal care items is high. In order to follow the command of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 25: 34-46 to help meet the needs of those around us, for the months of May and June, we are asking you to contribute the items listed below to Royal Haven. A collection box will be placed in the foyer of the church for your convenience. The items requested include, combs, Dove Soap for Sensitive Skin, toothpaste & toothbrushes, mouthwash, facial tissues, disposable razors (snap-in type), shaving cream, and candy & sugar-free candy (for diabetics).

Blessings, Karen Ruble

 

JUST A REMINDER

Newsletter articles for the June newsletter are due by May 15th at 9:00 a.m.

 

ABC KIDS

Beginning in early June and ending in early August, ABC Kids (ages K-5th grade) will meet each Sunday and Wednesday evening from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. ABC Kids is an opportunity for children to continue their spiritual development in the summer using a fun and exciting curriculum entitled the "Seven C’s of History." Kids will enjoy a great time learning about God’s world - including dinosaurs, Noah’s flood and much, much more! Also, once a month, the children will be invited to attend a special excursion; details to follow.

We are excited to welcome our Summer Children’s Ministry Leader and ABC Kids Leader, Jeanne Townshend, a.k.a. Miss Jean! Jean is a student at Liberty University and shares this about herself:

I graduated through a home school program that left a lot of time for extra-curricular activities which included volunteering at George Washington's Birthplace National Monument (doing stuff like black-smithing and spinning), singing in the adult choir at church (I joined at age 16), and many odd jobs in the neighborhood (most of which were dog sitting jobs or babysitting). I love to read, and am addicted to herb tea. I like making people laugh, and have no problem letting the joke be on me. I can't wait to meet you all!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Summer will be here before you know it and with it - Vacation Bible School! The week of July 14-18 will bring a splash of tropical color and fun as children visit Outrigger Island. Based on Psalm 86:11, Outrigger Island is more than a tropical paradise. It's the place where kids will develop the stability they need to face a world of shifting sands and wavering opinions. We still need volunteers and you need not be a "teacher" to help. There are many ways in which to contribute. For more information, please see VBS Director, Deborah Taylor or contact the church at 540-937-6159.

 

FAMILY FELLOWSHIP DINNER

Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, lima beans, rolls and chocolate cake is on the menu for the May 14th Family Fellowship Dinner. As always, dinner is at 6 p.m. and donations are welcome in lieu of a set price.

Updated on 04/25/08