The next two Sundays, May 31st and June 7th, are important ones. May 31st is Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost comes 50 days after Easter Sunday. (Pente = five or multiples thereof) God sent the Holy Spirit to the Church on the Day of Pentecost. You can read about it in the second chapter of the Book of Acts in the Bible. On this Sunday the Church celebrates the reality of the Holy Spirit in its life. We are Christ's witnesses in the world only because the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live and speak for Christ. The Christian life is a spiritual life. Without our connection to the presence of God through the Holy Spirit the Church is forced to live a life with effort, but no victory; with duty, but no joy; with the knowledge of what needs to change in us and our world, but not the power to change; with the hope of eternal life, but not the assurance of it. Come to worship on Pentecost May 31st ready to celebrate God's gift of the Holy Spirit. It is traditional to wear something red which is the liturgical color of Pentecost.
Sunday June 7th is Confirmation Sunday. Confirmation is the rite in which the baptized children of the Church make the vows their own that were offered on their behalf by their parents at their baptism. In the case of children whose parents did not present their children for baptism in their early years, it is a time of preparation for baptism. In both cases, the children are received into the full membership of the church through Confirmation. It is the opportunity for youth to make their own profession of faith and intentionally declare their desire to live the Christian life in the Church of Jesus Christ and in our congregation of the United Methodist Church. We will baptize one youth and confirm three. It has been a pleasure to share the faith with Dan Ritz, Matt Nicol, and Emily Vasquez.
June 7th will be a great day of rejoicing in the goodness of God and the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these young ones, our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is important that we all be present together to help confirm these people in Christ and to welcome them into our church as our equals in faith. The children of our congregation will not leave for Wow Now during the worship service on June 7th. I believe it is essential that our kids witness the rites of baptism and confirmation. This gives parents and families the opportunity to talk to their children about their baptism and upcoming confirmation. We must not segregate our children from the major rituals and celebrations of the Church. The worship of the People of God is for the whole people of God.
See you in Church, APUMC!
Pastor Carl
Thank you for your prayers, visits and concern during my surgery and recuperation.
-Valerie Bruck
Thank you to the volunteer kids for providing cookies for the graduates and Sunday School teachers on May 17th. Those involved were Dan Ritz, Carolyn Nielson, Christine Nielson, Emily Vasquez, Matt Nicol, Madison Banks, and Cole Stolberg (representing 3rd-11th grades).
To Whom It May Concern:
Thank you for buying more animal cookies for church. (yummy in my tummy!)
From Madison Banks
Don and Carolyn Wilson's grandson, Timmy Hulse, underwent his 2nd heart surgery on May 20th. Timmy's parents, Dave and Wendy (Lane), are posting updates on his health. You can visit and support the Hulses at this web address: www.caringbridge.org/visit/timmyhulse.
Susan Stannard has volunteered to be the Church Financial Secretary. She is taking the place of Janet Baker, who has filled this position for many years. Thank you, Susan, and thank you, Janet, for all of your hard work over the years!
You may not be aware of a small but mighty group that meets every other week to get The Evangel newsletter ready to mail. This group needs more helping hands. Please join Pat Leapley, Hazel Story, Dolores Edmonds and Jan Ferguson....the next time they'll be working is Wednesday, 8 -10 a.m. on June 10th. Just show up and they even give free training!
Sunday, May 31st: Pentecost Sunday and last day of children's Discipleship Hour (Sunday School) programs at the 9:00 a.m. hour.
On this Sunday the Church celebrates the reality of the Holy Spirit in its life. Be sure to wear red that day...a good day to wear your Audubon Park UMC T-shirt!
Sunday, June 7th: Confirmation Sunday. 9:00 a.m. Discipleship Hour for Adults only 10:30 a.m. Worship
Sunday, June 14th: Beginning of Summer Worship Schedule
8:15 a.m. Worship
10:00 a.m. Worship
Pastor Carl needs it for Confirmation Class as soon as possible. Please call the church office or Carl if you have this CD.
The Audubon Park Nite at the Spokane Indians Baseball will be Sunday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. Ticket are $9 a piece; please contact Steve Whitford for tickets! (489-7235).
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 30, when we will have a yard clean up time.
We will meet at 9 a.m. and should be done in about 2 hours. Bring your own tools, if possible.
Any time you could donate would be very welcome!
Vi Nagley is coordinating an "adopt a flower bed" program. Would you commit to taking care of a flower bed for the summer/fall? Please call Vi at 326-2546 to put your name on the adoption roster!
Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P?
General we think in terms of even more hurry in our lives.(As Soon As Possible)
There's work to do, deadlines to meet,
You've got no time to spare.
But as you hurry and scurry-
ASAP-Always Say A Prayer
In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality" time is rare.
Do your best, let God do the rest-
ASAP-Always Say A Prayer
It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breathe-
ASAP-Always Say A Prayer
God knows how stressful life is,
He wants to ease our cares.
And He'll respond to all your needs
ASAP-Always Say A Prayer
Summer Fun: June, July and August
Super
Sunday
Cinema
Spectacular
The children will be having movies and snacks during the 10:00 a.m. worship time in the summer beginning June 14th. Be sure to bring your friends!
We are still looking for more volunteers for WOW NOW! during the summer. Please sign up on the bulletin board on the north wall of the building or talk to Bobbi Ehrgood (325-4541).
10% of what we read
20% of what we hear
30% of what we see
50% of what we see and hear
70% of what we say
90% of what we say and do
100 % of what we experience
In order for our children to fully grasp the Biblical lessons being offered, we need to present those lessons in a way that allows the children and adults to SAY, DO and EXPERIENCE.
5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Audubon Park UMC "Bread of Life Café" is serving a simple
supper.
6:15 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. Vacation Bible School and Adult Study
Remember, we are still needing volunteers for this summer's Vacation Bible School (July 13-17 from 6:15-8:15 p.m.) and for summer's WOW NOW! to be held during the 10 a.m. worship time.
July 24-27, 2009
Central Washington University, Ellensburg
Study Description & Leaders -
The Beauty and courage of Sudan
Led by Paul Jeffrey
Explored are an overview of history that began in Bible times; the country's main ethnicities, religions and languages; touch points and possible causes for the wars; the way Sudanese women are contributing to the peace process and to the culture as a whole; a critique of the severe impact of colonialism and current challenges; and some ways in which people of faith can embrace and affirm the Sudanese people.
Led by Tanya Barnett and Rev. Nancy Yount
This study is about how our faith is nurtured, strengthened, and enhanced by food and all the ways food touches our lives. It is no accident that our most profound sacrament, Holy Communion, is food.
Pre-payment, including scholarship funds, required. NO payments accepted at the school. Upon receipt of your registration, a confirmation letter with details of the school will be sent you. Registration forms are on the UMW bulletin board in the parlor. Fees received by June 15, are $280, which include meals and room at the University. Weekend fees are $215, also inclusive. Single rooms are available for $15 per night extra. Scholarships are available from the School, from Conference UMW, from District UMW, and our Unit has budgeted $500 to be shared equally by the ladies attending. Hopefully there will be car pooling from Spokane. Contact Karen Peacock (869-5741) or Melva Lohstroh (326-0258)
A gentle reminder that the Lamplighters for the next weeks are:
May 31 Connie Hickman & Linda Shurtleff
June 7 Jan Ferguson & Betty Moos
The following people are scheduled to have this sweeping duty in the coming weeks:
May 31 Les Harder
June 7 Ralph Penick
Below are the ushers for worship in the upcomming weeks:
May 31 Cathy Heider
May 31 Rebecca Stolberg
May 31 Don Wilson June 7 David Banks
The Prayer Candle that Pastor Carl told the children about is available for purchase ($25.00). To order notify the church office.
An international, fund-raising ministry of self-determination, created by and for craftspeople South Africa.
Once again Audubon Park UMC came through with mission-minded giving for this worthy cause that helps needy, hungry people around the world and here in Spokane. Twenty-five percent of the donated funds remain for Meals on Wheels, Second Harvest Food Bank and a third local charity. Audubon's contribution of $1,000 speaks highly for this congregation's generosity and good will. Thank you to all who participated!