Greetings to all!
You might have heard/seen the recent news story about the young girl who
went missing in Florida for four days before being found and returned to her
family. Diana Garland remembers her family's experience of a missing child,
who fortunately was also safely returned, and the lessons learned from it
about the support available to families through their faith communities.
That fall evening had a happy ending, largely but not solely because John was
found. There was also true joy in finding myself enveloped by a loving
community of faith. The colleague who happened by called his wife, who called
another wife, and in less than one hour from John's disappearance, close friends
were standing with me in the cold dark parking lot and others were gathered
in homes to pray. Upon arriving home, I found my pastor waiting for me, and
the phone ringing with concerned friends. John's first words to me upon
emerging from the police car were, "I'm sorry, please don't tell anyone." But
family secrets are hard to keep in a community of faith and, much of the time,
that is as it should be. Not only did we receive support, but children throughout
the community had long talks with parents about what happened to us and
what they could do in such situations. In a community of faith, families learn
from one another's experiences.
(from Family Ministry)
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, May 2, the Sacrament of Holy Communion:
Zechariah 8:1-5
Acts 6:1-6
Matthew 12:46-50
(We begin two Sundays of reflection around our experience of life in families.)
Men's Coffee: Men are invited to gather for coffee on Saturday, May 1, 8am, at
Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to stop in for as long or short a time as
your schedule allows. No rsvp required.
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, May 2, 10am, in Trinity Hall.
Sunday conversations include a variety of topics. Feel free to enjoy a cup of
coffee, join the conversation, or just listen in.
Nursery Care and Sunday School for children are available during the 11am
worship hour. Contact Lauren Fouts for information regarding Sunday School
and how you might help minister to children and families by volunteering as a
Sunday School leader or assistant.
The Spring Potluck is coming up on Sunday, May 16, immediately after worship.
Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert, and most of all your appetite. Volunteers
are needed to help with a few arrangements of the meal. Use reply email to
inquire about volunteering.
Summer Camp Season is approaching. Check the bulletin board in Trinity Hall
for information regarding summer programs at Cathedral Domain and Camp
Burnamwood. Walnut Hill Church provides scholarship support for all
Walnut Hill children and youth who participate in either of these two camp
programs.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
No comments:
Post a Comment