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Pastor Amy's Thoughts...

5/12/2017

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Happy Easter!
Did you know that Easter has 50 days of celebration in our church calendar? That’s seven Sundays of rejoicing! It is a joy to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection with you and ponder what resurrection looks like in my life, and the life of this congregation.
One of our church members, noticing that Mark and I will soon be empty-nesters, loaned me a book about women of faith who find a second calling once the kids are grown. The book is “Second Calling: Passion and Purpose for the Rest of Your Life” by Dale Hanson Bourke. In her book, she describes retiring several times from her high-powered career and wondering “what’s next?” This question led her deeper into prayer and Bible study as she began to take the time to listen for God’s will in her life, and to practice discernment.
Our congregation is also leaving an era of high-activity and high-energy, and entering into a time of discernment about what’s next, given our location, our people, our building, and our very talented staff. Consequently, I have been reading a number of books on congregational life-cycles, redevelopment, and renewal. One of these books even had resurrection in its title. Do you see the parallels between these two types of reading material? I do.
Bourke’s book uses the biblical witness of Naomi as a metaphor for faithfulness in a time of rapid change. In our context, I prefer to use resurrection as a guiding metaphor. Consider the experience of the disciples as they see for themselves Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Everything around them had changed. In the days after Jesus’ crucifixion, they were afraid of their future and hid behind locked doors. The risen Jesus met them there – in their fear – and gave them a mission and a purpose. Jesus’ mission was not an easy one. They knew that they would be persecuted and even killed for their words and their actions. Even so, they left the locked room and proclaimed the good news of Jesus near and far. Some stayed in Jerusalem, others traveled to the ends of the known world. Thanks to their witness, we too believe in Jesus as the Son of God. We are a portion of their legacy. Thanks to their faithfulness, and the faithfulness of all the generations between them and us, we can worship God in this place at this time. That was their legacy. What is ours?
On my desk is a notecard that reads, “A prophet is not called to be successful, but to be faithful.” It is a daily reminder to me that success is not measured in attendance, in finances, or even in praise. Success for the Christian is measured in faithfulness. It is my prayer that as the session and congregation discern what it will look like to “Praise God Together in 2025,” that we remember that our highest goal is to be faithful to our calling as Christ’s disciples.
In Christ, 

Pastor Amy

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Summer Camps

5/12/2017

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We are blessed with two Presbyterian camps in the area that provide excellent summer programming. There are even family camps for campers of all ages. It’s a great introduction to camp, especially for families whose children are not old enough for a week of camp on their own. Brochures for both camps 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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One Great Hour of Sharing

5/12/2017

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On April 9th we received our One Great Hour of Sharing offering. Around the world, people lack access to food, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity. Each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) serves to help change the lives of people in these challenging situations. The Offering provides us a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need. So far we’ve received $372 toward this offering – and we still need to count the coins in the fish banks! Thank-you for your generosity!

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Church Officers

5/12/2017

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June is the month when we elect new church officers – Ruling Elders and Deacons. As Presbyterians, we believe that God calls us to serve, and that call often is delivered by friends and colleagues who see gifts in us that can be shared with the congregation through this ministry. So, if you look around and see someone you think God may be calling to serve, please let the Nominating Committee elders (Don H., Sr., and Don I.) know! We look forward to seeing who God is calling to serve for the coming year.
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Pentecost Sunday is June 4th!

5/12/2017

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​We will celebrate the great gift of the Holy Spirit. Let’s wear red to worship to remember the flames of the Spirit that descended upon the disciples that day.

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Graduates?

5/12/2017

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Do you have someone in your close family who is graduating this year? We would love to include them in our June 11th Graduation Sunday celebration. Please contact Pastor Amy with the info about your graduate.

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Deacons

5/12/2017

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Thank-you for your donations to the Deacons’ Fund. We continue to assist congregation and community members with emergent needs, from assisting with housing, paying a bill, or giving a gift card, we are blessed to be able to share with our friends and neighbors. You may give a gift to the Deacons Fund any Sunday, simply write “deacons fund” on the memo line of your check.

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Flowers to share?

5/12/2017

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It’s the season for wonderful blooms in our yards. Please consider bringing a bouquet to share with the church during Sunday worship. A sign up chart is posted in the fellowship hall. Thanks for sharing the beauty of creation.

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Thank-you’s!

5/12/2017

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Thank-you to Kathy, Gina, and the choir for the uplifting and beautiful music that graced our Easter service. We are blessed by you!
Thank-you to all who helped with the Baby Shower on April 8th, we had a good time of food, fellowship and laughter as we showered the family with gifts.

Thank-you to the Goodmans, Nancy E., Don I. and crew for caring for the property. The rain has made it difficult to find time for a work party, but we know the dandelions’ days will soon be ended. It’s a big job, and we are blessed to have willing volunteers.

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Praising God Together, 2025 Update

5/12/2017

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The Session is gathering information as the first step in preparing a vision for 2025. Look for a survey in the bulletin beginning May 7th, as well as an opportunity to complete the survey online via Survey Gizmo. If you receive the newsletter by email, you will receive a link for the survey by email in May. This first survey is designed for all who consider EPC to be their home church. The session looks forward to receiving your responses.

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