Greetings to all!
In observance of Earth Day and our ongoing EOS season, allow me to
share an "environmental resurrection story."
I was growing up in northeast Ohio when, in 1969, the Cuyahoga River
"caught fire." That fire, the last of several, was symptomatic of a body of
water killed by pollution. The stretch from Akron (my home) to Cleveland
was essentially devoid of aquatic animal life. Publicity surrounding the
fire helped spur the environmental movement, passage of the Clean
Water Act, and creation of the Environmental Protection Agency. Today,
while still facing serious challenges, the same stretch of river supports
numerous species of fish, some relatively sensitive to water quality. Even
in this world, it is possible for the dead to live again, and we can have a
hand in raising the dead. On this Earth Day, let us look for opportunities
to be agents of resurrection in regard to the environment.
The scripture lesson for Sunday, April 26, the 4th Sunday of Easter...
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, April 26, 10am, in Trinity
Hall. Our conversation topics continue to be suggested by the EOS
season. Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just
listen in.
Youth (middle and high school) are invited to gather for a meal and
activities this Sunday, April 26, 5:30 - 7:00pm. Our theme for this Sunday,
Disaster:What If You Were There? We will also be assembling
CWS Hygiene Kits (see below) for distribution in disaster affected areas.
CWS HYGIENE KITS: Thanks to all who have brought items for the
CWS Hygiene Kits to be assembled by Walnut Hill youth this Sunday
evening. If you would like to donate items, here is a list of what we still
need to reach our ambitious goal of 50 kits.
*hand towels (16" X 28") - 40 needed
*nail clippers - 43 neeeded
*toothbrushes (single, in original packaging) - 17 needed
*wide tooth combs - 25 needed
*washcloths - 4 needed
Hygiene Kits, and other disaster kits, are distributed by Church World
Service. Visit "kit report" to see where CWS Kits were sent in 2014.
Exploring Our Spirituality (EOS) began on Easter Sunday. Our theme
for this EOS season is "Experiencing the Risen Christ," focusing on
the resurrection stories found in the New Testament. You may participate
in EOS in any/all of the following ways:
*Sunday Conversations, 10am, Sunday mornings
*Morning Worship, 11am, Sunday mornings (visit
Sunday sermons to hear recordings of EOS season sermons)
*EOS small groups, meeting on Sunday evenings,Tuesday
evenings, and Thursday mornings (contact the church office, 263-5304,
for information about joining a small group)
*Individual study and reflection
A workbook is available for individual and small group use. Contact the
church office (263-5304) for a paper copy, or visit EOS Workbook for the
online version.
Thanks to all whose service and leadership made it possible for me to be
away this past weekend attending Ecumenical Advocacy Days, focusing
on the issues of criminal sentencing reform and immigrant detention. For
more information regarding this program, visit "Breaking the Chains." .
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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