'Jesus knew that his hour
had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his
own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.'
St John
13.1
Following this preface, St
John goes on to tell us of how Jesus washed his disciples feet--the act of a
servant. He then followed this act of love with words that ring loud and
clear today: "I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have
done to you. As I have loved you, you also should love one another.
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one
another."
The power of Christian
witness to the world is not in impressive worship, large campuses and buildings,
or correct dogma and doctrine. It is in love. Acts of
love, not merely words. Jesus loved us to the end--unto death. And
we have that example to inspire and direct us in our love toward one another and
toward the world.
THOSE WHO ARE SICK
AND HOSPITALIZED: Please keep in mind and prayer those
who are experiencing challenging illnesses and surgeries / recovery
periods:
- Virginia
Hopkins: Bypass surgery scheduled for Thursday of this
week. Also recovering from recent knee replacement surgery.
Virginia will spend 4 to 5 days in hospital following her bypass surgery, and
then be released to a rehabilitation center for about a month.
Continue to pray for and stay in touch with Jay (Hoppy) during this time, as
well.
- Eileen
Patton: Eileen, one of our shut-ins, is at home now
after a week in hospital, suffering from several broken ribs and 3 cracked
vertebrae. She has severe osteoporosis and other health
difficulties.
- Janis
Peterson: Bev Stueven and the Social Ministry Board are
organizing ongoing care for Janis as she recovers from a quintuple bypass
surgery. Thank you to all who are helping with her care as she
recuperates at home!
BULLETIN BOARD
RE-DO: You may have noticed that our main bulletin
board has been cleared off and re-organized. There are designated sections
for each of our ministries. Any other things you want posted should be
submitted to the office for posting.
NEW BUDGET
ADOPTED: At our Congregational Meeting on April 29, we
adopted a Mission and Ministry Plan for fiscal year 2007 - 2008 of
$167,000. The fiscal year begins on July 1, but now is the time for all of
us to begin fulfilling our commitments for increased giving, if possible.
We had a wonderful Consecrated Stewards emphasis with excellent pledge results,
and we thank you for following through with your pledge.
NEW BIBLE
STUDY: I'm leading a discussion class each Sunday
morning on Paul's letter to the Philippians. We would be
delighted to have you join us in the Commons Room for group study!
NATIONAL DAY OF
PRAYER is this Thursday, May
3. It's an opportunity to take time for personal prayer,
remembering our world's great need for peace, healing, and joint international
efforts towards dealing with the pressing problems facing humanity--housing,
water, medical care, food, security, poverty, conflicts, etc.
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