We all mark the passage of time in different ways. There are birthdays and anniversaries, celebrations of holidays and school/work schedules, and our traditional days, months and years. Recently, a friend of mine sent a picture of her grandson at his kindergarten roundup with a T-shirt that said “class of 2031”! Yikes!
For me, a “passage of time marker” is our church newsletter. Each month when I receive the email from Shirley reminding us to send our articles to her I think, “What?! I just wrote an article yesterday…could it really be a month ago?!”
In a few days we will begin the week the church calls Holy remembering Jesus’ journey to the cross, another passage of time marker. In reality the journey began much earlier for him when he started his ministry of teaching, preaching, healing and challenging those in authority. It seems God’s messages of love and justice, peace and equality, hope and compassion are always difficult for cultures and societies to embrace.
But then there is Easter reminding us that Love does conquer all. Easter, the promise of new life and new beginnings. Easter, the amazing gift of God’s grace and Love.
As time passes and we move into April and May, there are a few things I want to share with you. I will be taking vacation time April 4-13 to spend time with/support my niece who is having a stem cell replacement procedure for her MS in Chicago. I would appreciate your prayers!
Phyllis Kruell and I are planning a “Sunday of Music” for worship on April 8, led by some of our very capable lay people. It should be a fun, informative, spirit-filled worship! Then on Sunday, April 15, a musical group called the “Ripple Effects” will be leading worship. That, too, will be an exciting experience!
The fundraiser for the roof repair is going very well, thanks to the generosity of all of you. To date, we have received 13,225 and with the UMW match we are up to $23,225! Thank you to all who contributed! And if you haven’t had the opportunity to give, please consider a donation. Working together we can accomplish great things!
Christian Education is planning a Spring Fest for May 6 and everyone is invited to participate. During Sunday school the children will do crafts and play games. We will join them after worship for a potluck meal. The menu will include a taco bar, salads and of course desserts! A sign-up sheet will be available in April. Everyone is invited!
And lastly, Ruby Slennes, our choir director, will be resigning from her position on May 20. She has been a part of this congregation for years and years and has served in many different areas of ministry. We will miss her leadership and are thankful that she will continue to be present with us here at Asbury for years and years to come! She assures us that she is always willing to help with music when and where she can. There will be a time of celebration to honor her in May.
Please be aware of the many other events happening that are shared in this newsletter. Shirley, our administrative assistant, does an amazing job of keeping us organized and informed!
It is a joy to be in ministry with all of you!
Pastor Cindy