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The
Gethsemane LEAF
9:45 a.m. Adult Education
10:00 a.m. Worship (one service only)
Beginning June 1 we will gather for one worship service at
10:00 am.
We look forward to the whole congregation coming together
at one service. Reacquaint yourself with worshipers from the other service.
The Adult Forum and the Adult Bible Study precede the
service at 8:45 a.m.
Children’s Sunday School will be on hiatus until Rally Day
in the fall.
In my office, I have a quote by one of my favorite famous
people, Dr. Maya Angelou, it says: “A bird doesn’t sing because it has an
answer. It sings because it has a
song.”
Quite often, I find myself thinking of these words as I
rehearse with the various groups here at Gethsemane. I am continuing to discover so many folks here who truly
participate in music ministry because they feel called to do it. Not because they feel that simply because
they are musical they must participate… No!
They participate because they feel from the core of their being, that
they have a song to ring or to sing…
What a true joy it is to share in ministry with people who are called to
be a part of a life changing experience from week to week. I find as I am driving home from rehearsals
at Gethsemane, that I am full of energy.
I am not tired, but refreshed and renewed to face the challenges of
everyday living. And, I am sure if you
asked anyone who is involved in music ministry here, they would tell you the
same.
So why not consider participating, even simply for the
month of May, in one of the musical opportunities here at Gethsemane. And just in case you have forgotten the
weekly schedule, here is a reminder.
Wednesday Evenings at 7:30pm, the Senior Choir rehearses
in the Sanctuary.
Thursday Evenings at 6:30pm, the Bell Choir rehearses in
the Sanctuary.
Thursday Evenings at 7:30pm, the Praise Team rehearses in
the Sanctuary.
Please consider the song that you might sing, given the opportunity
to share it with the rest of the congregation.
Spring blessings to you and your loved ones.
Peace-
Lucas
I’ve always loved Pentecost because everyone
wears red and the sanctuary
always looks so bright
and cheerful. The pastor at one of my previous
churches always loved it because
it was one of the
only times he would get to wear
his bright red
clerical shirt!
But Pentecost is obviously about more than just being able to
wear red to church. It’s the day we
celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Christ sent the Spirit to the disciples, but the Spirit is not reserved
only for the original disciples of Christ, or only for those who are worthy of
it. We all receive the Spirit at our
baptism – we’ve all been given this wonderful gift.
The Holy Spirit is described in many different ways throughout
the bible: advocate, counselor, helper, teacher, Spirit of truth, intercessor,
healer, forgiver, giver of inspiration, unifier. We all share in all these gifts of the Spirit, and because of
that we can use this gift to be these things to others.
I recently had a conversation with the
Confirmation class about the baptism and affirmation of baptism rites. We talked about the promises made not only
by the parents and sponsors, but also by the congregation to help and support
them in their faith journey. We can all
use these gifts to help each other grow in our faith. We can be your advocate when you need defending, a helper when
you have a need, a teacher when you have a question, a bearer of Christ’s truth
when you need to hear it, the voice of forgiveness when you are repentant, an
inspiration when you feel uninspired, a bringer of unity to the body of Christ
– and much more.
I encourage each of you to use the gift of the Sprit to touch
the lives of those around you, especially our children and youth. They need our guidance and support as they
walk on their faith journey. Share your
struggles and questions with them; share the joys of your faith; share the
times you’ve felt the Spirit move in your life. Encourage them to ask questions, share their struggles, talk
about what Jesus means to them.
Use the gift of the Spirit to inspire you to use your gifts at
church, at home, at work, with your friends.
Let the Spirit fill you and then go out and proclaim Christ’s love and
salvation.
And don’t forget to fill the sanctuary with red in celebration
of this great gift!
Blessings,
Vicar Pam
Summer of Christian
Life: Making a Difference in Midlife
April 20 - June 1
This
course, to be taught by its authors Dick and Judy Reuning, is one of four in
the series The Seasons of Christian Life that provides
occasions for discussing the challenges and opportunities at the various stages
of life. Summer follows three other LifeCrossings courses
at Gethsemane:
•
Autumn: Finding Meaning and Joy Amid Change and Loss
•
Winter: The Generations Consider Difficult Choices
•
Spring: Understanding the Faith Journey of Younger Adults
Summer
consists of seven journeys for adults of all ages who will look at issues
facing adults in the hectic time of midlife. The first session on “Work” begins
with Food for the Journey - the Biblical story of the rich farmer – and asks
the question “What are we striving for?”
Research on current trends in the workplace will be considered. The
second session uses Luke’s story of Mary and Martha to explore the topic of
“Busyness” and compare the idea of a balanced life with a “Centered Life.”
Subsequent topics will include “Family and Parenting”, “Friendship”, “Midlife
Changes & Choices”, and “God’s Abundance/Our Responsibilities.” The series
concludes with “A New Way of Being.”
While
the conversation is about one particular time of life, it is appropriate for all
ages to learn from the experiences of others. Come and share your
perspectives on Christian choices and challenges in midlife. Adult Forum meets
in the Great Hall from 10:10 – 11:00 every Sunday.
Sunday Mornings
This
ongoing Bible study meets each Sunday at 10:10 am in the library on the upper
level. Current study is “Transitions: Coping with Change.” Dick Lyndes leads
the discussion with assistance from Bob Davis. For more information, call Dick
at 885-6061. Please join them at any time!
Lost
and Found Concert
This is
a wonderful Christian group that is performing May 16th at Jacob’s
Porch –
the
OSU Campus Ministry.
Let Vicar Pam know if you are interested in going and we can all carpool.
Delaware
Humane Society
We will be volunteering at the Delaware Humane Society on Saturday, May 17th.
We will meet at church at 9:00am and will be back between 3:30 – 4:00pm.
Parents are welcome to come and play too!
* * * * *
Upcoming Events: August 3 – 8 – Pilgrimage to Virginia
Vacation
Bible School is coming!
“Stories
Jesus Told”
July
15-17
6:30 –
8:00 pm
For
children ages 3 - grade 5
Bible
stories, crafts, music,
fun
& friends!
Bring a
friend, too!
Watch
for registration in June.
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