Friday from First!
May 8, 2020
Seeing Jesus. Showing Jesus. Sharing Jesus.
Happy Mothering Sunday! - that's what they call it in the UK. The original holiday had nothing to do with mothers at all - it was a day for Christians to visit their "mother" church.
While you can't bring your mom to church so she can show you off to her friends, and you can't take her out to a nice restaurant (they only have take-out), you could share the worship service with your mom in an online "watch party" and order a take-out meal to drop off at her house, if you want to. At least give her a call and let her know you love her!
Fifth Sunday of Easter - Untroubled Hearts
When Jesus gathered his disciples for that final meal in the upper room, they had no idea what was coming next - but he did. Jesus knew his followers would soon be confused and discouraged and afraid. This would be his last opportunity to teach them about God's reign and their place in God's kingdom. "Don't let your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms ..." We are just like those disciples. We don't know what's coming next, and many of us have experienced fear, confusion, and discouragement through these weeks of confinement and isolation. Jesus reminds us he is the way, the truth, and the life - the way to the Father, the truth of God's love poured out for us, and the life of abundance God promises to all who believe.
Join us at 9:30AM Sunday on YouTube or Facebook, as we get to "the heart of the matter" - there is nothing Jesus would love more than for you to feel 'at home' with him. We'll have a special guest surprise scripture reader this week - tune in to find out who it is!
NEXT SUNDAY - Graduate Recognition!
Commencement ceremonies can't be large public gatherings this year, but that won't stop us from celebrating the five young women from our congregation who are graduating from high school and college! Let’s have a parade to honor our graduates! Plan now to join the drive-by parade at 1PM on Sunday, May 17th. We will meet in the Library parking lot, then drive past each graduating senior’s house to cheer for them and bring them our good wishes for the future! Decorate your vehicle in Eagle purple and white! Each graduate will be there to wave at you, and will provide a receptacle to receive your cards and gifts. Bruce and Megan will have maps of the route ready for you. Megan will also have a gift container for each girl, to which you can add your card/gift, to facilitate no-touch safe distancing. Let's make this a drive-by party they will always remember! Our four high school seniors are:
Maggie Bourn
Jessica Jeske
Kaye Rysdahl
Paige Sowers
And our college graduate is ... Mattea Sievert!
Four years ago, Mattea told us about her plans to become an art teacher. She has completed her coursework and student teaching, so this past week she put on her cap and gown to watch her commencement ceremony from home. Her dad presented her diploma to her and shook her hand before she tossed her cap into the air. Congratulations, Mattea!
Paige Sowers has been closely connected to our church since participating in her first homeschool drama as a five-year-old. Here's what her mom, Nicole, wrote this week:
"I was very thankful when Emily and Paige were able to join your Wednesday Youth Group. That weekly time spent in prayer, singing, and learning was important to me and them. Our church did not offer a program for youth, and I was very grateful that my girls were able to be a part of program that encouraged them in their spiritual growth and that they could be among believing peers.
Throughout the years, our family has been privileged to be aligned with your congregation through these various outlets. My girls have been included in so much, and the FUMC adults in their lives have shown them that you all care about them, are praying for them, and encouraging them in their spiritual walks. This has been an encouragement to me as well.
I thank you again for including Paige in this event. She feels very special. We are thankful to our Lord and Savior for giving us this opportunity, but even more for His work on the Cross for our us. To Him be the glory. In Christ, Nicole SowersIf you've participated in the Youth Pie Auction in recent years, you've had the opportunity to sample Maggie Bourn's cheesecakes, and you'll be glad to know she plans to pursue a career in baking! Her mom, LaRonda, wrote:
We look forward to the parade and appreciate the effort our church family has put into celebrating Maggie’s completion, as well as all the investment it’s made in getting her there. It’s been there to pray for her, to encourage her interests and talents, and to tutor her a few Wednesday evenings. Everything the family has done, has mattered!Next week, I'll share more stories and pictures. In the meantime, congratulations, Class of 2020! We'll see you on the 17th!
I'm praying for you, Church!
Pastor Jo Anne