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Pastor Amy's thoughts...

5/7/2015

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Greetings!

Martin Luther once prayed, "Eternal God, you call us to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us."

As the seasons turn firmly into spring and begin to hint at summer, I am reminded that this time of year is one for new ventures, new beginnings of all kinds. On April 19th, we celebrated the ‘new beginning’ of Steve and Nannette, as we witnessed their marriage during our Sunday morning worship service. Congratulations! On Sunday May 17th we will formally welcome two new members to our congregation: Jane Anne Hirschi and Joy Snell. Jane Anne and Joy - welcome to ministry with us in Edmonds! 

In May and in June there will graduates graduating from high school, college, and other programs. Each grad will be wide-eyed with hope and simultaneously nervous about the future. I still remember my second day on the job at my first “real job” after college, sitting at my desk in a small office with a parking lot view, wondering what on earth I was doing. How had that course in calculus prepared me to write memos and fill out HR paperwork? (Well, maybe the perseverance I learned taking calculus did help me complete the task…) The graduates among us are stepping out into new beginnings.

In our study of “The Story” we are at the point where one of the chapters is aptly titled “new beginnings.” In that chapter we see how the disciples came together after the resurrection of Jesus and formed a new community. In the book of Acts, that community is described this way, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42) The early church had a lot to learn, but they started with what they knew: the apostles’ teaching, fellowship with one another, shared meals (including communion) and prayer. It wasn’t long before they were sending out disciples to other communities to share the good news of the gospel.



New beginnings abound! And each new beginning that we witness or participate in brings to mind other new beginnings that we have experienced. Witnessing a graduation or a wedding brings to mind other celebratory days in our lives. Watching a person proclaim their faith in Christ as they unite with this congregation brings to mind the Sunday when we stood before a congregation and proclaimed “Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior!” 

New beginnings, however, always carry an element of risk. To start something new, to venture forth is to risk failing. In my own new beginnings, it has been important to me to remember the biblical concept of ‘grace.’ Frederick Buechner says this about grace, “Grace is something you can never get but only be given.” Grace is a free gift given to us by God. It is completely unearned. Forgiveness is one example of God’s grace toward us. We can, and ought to also offer ourselves grace. Anthony Robinson affirms that in the following words of blessing, an apt prayer for all who may be venturing into new beginnings, “May God grant you grace never to sell yourself short; grace to risk something big for something good; and grace to remember that the world is now too dangerous for anything but truth and too small for anything but love."

 

With prayers in Christ, 



Pastor Amy

 


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"The Story" is wrapping up

5/7/2015

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 Our last three sessions are 
# 29 Paul’s Mission, 
#30 Paul’s Final Days, and 
#31 The End of Time : 

Tuesdays at 10 AM, May 5, 12, & 19  

Wednesdays at 6 PM, May 6, 13, & 20  

Sundays at 11:15 AM , May 10, 17 & 24  

 



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Graduate Recognition –

5/7/2015

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Do you have graduate that we may honor in worship? Let us know! Phone in the name & school to the church office and we’ll honor him or her at our special graduation Sunday in June. 

 
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Looking Ahead

5/7/2015

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Friday, June 12th 6:30 – 9:00 PM, Game Night at the Church 

Sunday, June 14th
 – Congregational Picnic after worship


 


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Stewardship, Finance & Administration

5/7/2015

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Stewardship

To date we have received about $2063 in per capita, a bit over half of the $3,451 that we owe the Northwest Coast Presbytery. Yippee! We progress! Per capita is a set amount of money per member that congregations must pay to the larger national Presbyterian Church once a year. Please remember that your per capita of $48.60, if not paid, comes out of the operating expenses money, which then impacts our ability to further our church’s mission. Please remember to pay your per capita, as well as to honor your pledge. Thank you!!

Finance

Our pledges to this church are a vital part of furthering the business of Edmonds Presbyterian. With your honored commitment and dedication to the paying of your pledged amounts or even more, our church meets its expenses, from payroll to paying for utilities, taxes, and supplies and Mission. Being a part of Edmonds Presbyterian Church continues to be a privilege, which we hold dear because of our Christian fellowship, and worship and study of His Word that empower us to grow closer to God. We continue to dedicate ourselves to God, as we pay our chosen amount to further the work of our church. Thank you for all you do to further God’s work in and through each of us.

 

 

 

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Mission Report

5/7/2015

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On Sunday March 22nd, “Congregational Life” had a dessert social after worship service. It was well attended and the desserts were delicious. Thank you to those who donated the wonderful desserts and thank you to Hawk for organizing the event.

 We received thank you notes from some of the organizations the church supports through out 10% mission money:

Salvation Army: Thanks to you, people’s lives are being renewed through Our Community.

Soundview Camp and Retreat: Thank you for your support. We’re excited to partner with you in this important ministry (school violence response training).

Presbyterian World Missions—Debbie Blane, Missionary: Thank you for accompanying our mission co-worker in their efforts to bring relief, hope, and reconciliation to the world.

Thornwell Life—A Christian Community offering hope and wholeness to children and families: Thank you for your support. You are impacting the lives through the many ways you partner with Thornwell’s ministry. Your support helps children and families year long, impacting lives through the many ways you partner with Thornwell’s ministry..


Grace Pilouw—Mission Elder

 

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Summer Camps

5/7/2015

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It’s time to get your reservation in for a week of summer camp! Brochures for Tall Timber Ranch (Leavenworth) and Sound View Camp (Longbranch) are available on the back table in the Sanctuary, or you can find information online at Tall Timber Ranch (www.talltimber.org) or Sound View Camp (www.soundviewcamp.com). Camper-ships are available thanks to generous donations. Speak with Pastor Amy for more information. 

 



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Many Thanks

5/7/2015

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Many thanks to the choir, Gina, soloists, and guest director Sarah M. for the lovely music on Easter Sunday. As always, your time and talents add such beauty to our worship service. The congregation is most appreciative of your efforts.

 



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May events at EPC

5/7/2015

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Special Events in March at Edmonds Presbyterian Church….

· Guest Preacher: Rev. Dean Strong—May 3rd.

· Mother’s Day—May 10th.

· Deacons Meeting—May 17th.

· Reception of New Members—May 17th.

· Bowling at Lynnwood Lanes—May 17th 12:30PM—2:00PM .

· Pentecost—May 24th.

· Memorial Day—May 25th.

 


 

 

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COME BOWLING!!!

5/7/2015

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At Lynnwood Lanes after church on Sunday May 17th, 12:30 - 2. $7.50 per person total, no charge for shoes. http://www.bowlandskate.com/Bowling_Specials.html#Weekend_Family_Extreme

 

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