Aldersgate Advocate

Beside the Alabaster Jar

April 26, 2007

Dear friends,

While recuperating from recent surgery, I read a reflection from our Bishop,

Peter Weaver, regarding the tragic shootings at Virginia Tech. I want to share it with

you:

"THE VIRGINIA TECH TRAGEDY has caused us all to reflect on the state of our world. Here are some things I pondered: Life is fragile and fleeting....live today as if it were your last. Light a candle...."the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." Jesus had a heart for the outcast...how do we reach out to those who are the loners or isolated or marginalized around us? The Wesley Foundation on the VT campus was a place of "sanctuary" and help for many students....we need to support and affirm the critical value of our United Methodist ministries and churches connected to campuses.  Why are we such a violent society? Why isn't there more reasonable talk and action around gun control? (read our UM social principles on the matter.) How can our churches do a better job of connecting with the real world of our youth and young adults? Thirty-two die in one day at VT....and we grieve and talk about it as if we were all in the family, which is very good....Thirty thousand children in the world family die in one day from preventable causes....every day....and we hardly take notice, which is very not good. How can we....I....light a candle....be an instrument of peace?"

Thank you so much to all those who have prayed for me, sent cards, meals and helped out with the worship services during my recovery.  I have felt your care and support and experienced the body of Christ in my small world.  May each of us light candles to show forth the work of Christ in our world.  

Pastor Sharon     

WORSHIP NEWS

Easter – one day or a season of days? Normally, we think of Easter as being one day in the church year, yet the season of Easter is celebrated for fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday and includes seven Sundays. If we have not sung your favorite Easter hymn, please let us know so that the Worship Planning team can plan for it during the season. In addition to these seven Sundays of Easter, each Sunday in the church year is also a celebration of the Easter resurrection. This is one reason why we as Christians gather for community worship on Sunday, the first day of the week rather than Friday evening or Saturday.

This year Pentecost is on May 27, 2007, so let’s think about the worship opportunities between now and then. On Sunday, April 29^th, Charles has graciously agreed to preach and lead us in worship. Pastor Sharon will be recuperating from her surgery.

Golden Cross Sunday, an opportunity to support the United Methodist related retirement centers in our Conference, will be part of our worship on May 6, 2007. The lessons for the day include Acts 11:1-18 and John 13:31-35. In the gospel, we read that as Jesus is preparing for his glorification, he instructs his disciples to love one another so that others will know that we are his disciples. Peter experiences the radical nature of this love in the narrative from Acts as he comes to realize that this love should be extended beyond his ethnic group to include the gentiles who have been his enemies.

Our preacher for this day will be Rev. Anne Robertson whom some of you met last fall when she spoke at our Women’s Retreat. Rev. Robertson is now the Executive Director of the American Bible Society. Pastor Sharon will be attending a family wedding in Delaware and is delighted that Rev. Robertson will be with you.

We gather on Mother’s Day, May 13^th, for worship and reflection on Acts 16:9-15, Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5, and John 14: 23-29. These passages help us to think about the relationship between the spiritual and the physical, the home of God and the home of humanity. In Acts, Paul responds to a call received in a dream; in Revelation, John writes of a heavenly Jerusalem coming down to earth from God; in John’s gospel Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit who sustains us and helps us to keep Jesus’ commandments.

Last year on Mother’s Day we also received a special offering for the purchase of blankets for the United Methodist Committee on Relief. In a natural or human-made disaster a blanket can serve as a shelter, a bed, or a carry-all for one’s belongings. Due to support for this offering last year, the Outreach Committee decided to provide this opportunity again.

May 20^th marks a transition in our children’s Sunday School program as we acknowledge the hard work of children and their teachers during the past year. The children’s classes will lead the 10:45 service as we acknowledge this transition.

And finally, May 27^th is Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the church and an opportunity for us to acknowledge the commitment of those who 17 years ago stepped out in faith and accepted a mortgage to enlarge our Sunday School and Fellowship Hall. Please plan to be with us as we acknowledge the retirement of that debt and the re-dedication of this new/old building. In addition to services at 8:30 and 10:45, we will offer a brunch and activities for all between services. Since it is the birthday of the church and we are burning the mortgage, we suggest that you might wish to look for a small gift that could be given to the church as a birthday present.

Aldersgate is a family of faith …

Scripture Readings – May and June, 2007

May 6 May 13 May 20

Psalm 148 Psalm 67 Psalm 97

Acts 11:1-18 Acts 16:9-15 Acts 16:16-34

Revelation 21:1-6 Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5 Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

John 13:31-35 John 14:23-29 John 17:20-26

May 27 June 3 June 10

Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Psalm 8 Psalm 146

Acts 2:1-21 Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 1 Kings 17:8-24

Romans 8:14-17 Romans 5:1-5 Galatians 1:11-24

John 14:8-17 (25-27) John 16:12-15 Luke 7:11-17

June 17 June 24

Psalm 5:1-8 Psalm 42

1 Kings 21:1-21a 1 Kings 19:1-15a

Galatians 2:15-21 Galatians 3:23-29

Luke 7:36-8:3 Luke 8:26-39

…Called out by Jesus Christ to serve our congregation, community and the world through loving, witnessing…

Join us on Tuesday Morning at 6 a.m. – 6:45 a.m. for Bible Study, prayer and fellowship! Our leader is Charles and we meet in the Concord Room! Please feel free to join us. It is a wonderful way to start the day!

Please pray for all the students, faculty, staff and the community of VA Tech in the tragic loss of life and for those who have been injured by this senseless act of violence. We are again reminded that life is precious and how important it is to make the most of each day we are given!

In our faith community, please continue to pray for Lois, for Dave, Ginny, Asha, Charlotte, Pat, Mike, Cindy, and our Confirmation Class and Mentors.

We are so grateful to all who helped to pay the mortgage on our church building – we will celebrate the mortgage burning on May 27^th. Plan to be here to help celebrate!

Lenten and Easter Reflections

Our thanks to all those who participated in the Palm Sunday and Passion Narrative; Readers, Victor, Janice, and Bill; Actors, Dan, Don, Tom, Sally, Deana, Bob, Hannah, and Joann. Thanks also to our Confirmation Class for leading in worship and to Hannah and Rebecca for participating in our Maundy Thursday Service in sacred dance.

A special thank you to our talented and dedicated Director of Music Carol, and Organist, Jane; our Chancel and Shepherd Bell choirs, our youth under the direction of Cheryl and teachers for our Easter Breakfast; to Debbie for our Lenten Daily Devotional; to Peter, Greg, Cheryl, Bob, and Pastor Sharon for teaching the “Chocolate for Lent” classes; to Janice and Victor for our beautiful altar and floral decorations; to Bob and Ardie who faithfully keep our Sanctuary neat and in order; to our faithful worship leaders and most especially to our Pastor Sharon for bringing the joyous Easter message!

We wish you a very Happy Birthday. If we miss your day, please let the church office know!

We apologize for missing Alex’s first birthday on April 3 and Becky Adams birthday on April 27^th.

THANK YOU

Our thanks to everyone for their concern during my recent surgery. We really appreciate the cards, thoughts, and prayers.

Kathy and John

What’s Happening At Aldersgate!

On Saturday, May 5, 10:00 a.m. - We're having a toy clean-up party for the crib room!  There are many toys that need to be sorted, cleaned and disinfected.  If you can help at that time, great!  If not, please consider taking a few toys home to clean at your convenience.  Many can be simply run through the dishwasher.  Please see Lee, Debbie or Sheri if you have questions or would like to volunteer to help.  Thank you!!

Change for Change!

A people of God in mission through Aldersgate, we hear the call to bring change and healing to those in need around the world. We are a blessed congregation where regular and ongoing giving by members and supporters funds much of our operating expenses. Confident in this base of faithful financial stewardship, we hear the call to reach out to those who continue to be in need locally nationally and globally. In response to those needs, we welcome and celebrate gifts of “change” (pocket change, spare change, piggy bank change) each week specifically for mission initiatives. May the jingle and clinking of these gifts placed in the offering plate be music to God’s ears and a symbol of our commitment to “change” the world with a closer reflection of the Kingdom!

Thanks for generous hearts and helping hands as we practice John Wesley’s Rule of Life: Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can! Bonnie, Chair, Finance Committee

May 13, Blanket Sunday – For Mother’s Day – an important way to remember all the important women who have nurtured and encouraged us along our faith journey is to remember those who are in need of encouragement and nurturing. You can help provide a “rainbow of caring” by giving a little extra in honor or memory of your mom or someone who has blessed your life to the Tools and Blanket program through Church World Service. We will provide envelopes for you the first Sunday of May and also for May 10.

Aldersgate Golf Outing

Get your sticks ready -- we’re having a golf outing!

When: Saturday, May 5th -- noon to six.

Where: Beautiful Chelmsford CC

What: Nine holes of golfing fun followed by a few burgers, dogs and prizes.

Mark your calendars -- Join in the fun!

AND…______________________________

Start cleaning closets and save your good used clothing,

household goods for a Rummage Sale,

Sponsored by the Outreach Committee and Women’s Ministry

On Friday, May 11, from 4 p.m. 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 12, 9 a.m. - Noon

NO ELECTRONICS PLEASE

* * * * * *

Annual Conference Dates – Friday, June 8 through Sunday, June 10

CAPITAL PROJECTS UPDATE

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to provide an update of the Capital Campaign projects. These include repair of the floors in fellowship hall and the front entry, an enclosed stairwell and elevator at the back entry and kitchen renovations.

Since the last update, the Board selected an architectural firm from three candidates. The firm is Gienapp Design Associates of Danvers, the firm of Mr. Dale Gienapp. Those wishing to know more about them may go to their web site: www.gienappdesign.com. We have accepted their proposal for analyzing our building and creating a design for an enclosed back entry stairwell and elevator. The job also includes a structural analysis of the floors in fellowship hall and the front entry. There is also an option to the contract for a follow on phase to create construction documents and to administer construction.

Mr. Gienapp and other architects from his firm have visited the church four times in April. On two of those visits, consulting professional engineers have also visited: a structural engineer from CERA Design Associates, and an electrical engineer and a heating, plumbing and fire systems engineer from the firm of Cronis, Liston, Nangle & White.

The architects are in the process of developing conceptual designs for a stairwell and elevator. They met with the Board of Trustees on Friday, April 20^th, to provide a progress update and discuss initial design concepts. Formal design concepts and cost estimates will be presented to the Board in early May. A presentation to the congregation will follow on a date to be determined.

The structural engineer who visited on April 11th inspected the flooring and substructure. He used a laser level and made other measurements. His report "concluded that the existing floor framing system meets all of the structural requirements of the Massachusetts State Building Code, and the product loading requirements for the wood trusses. We were unable to find any field anomalies to suggest possible latent structural problems." Therefore no structural work is required to repair the floor. The Trustees, in cooperation with the architect, will select a contractor to remove the old tile and any plywood that needs replacing, and recover the floor with tiles or some other commercial long-lasting covering material. Hopefully this will all be complete by Labor Day.

Kitchen: Currently the Trustees' "Kitchen subcommittee" consists of our two professional chefs, Mike Kane and Eric. Other interested members who want to help develop requirements for the kitchen renovation and to review the design prior to finalization are welcome. If you are interested in participating, please contact Dan.

Currently we have over $35,000 in the Capital Campaign account including $ 25,377 that was received from the Conference in March. We have so far spent $2,500 for the architect, and will spend at least $6,500 more.

The good news is that the existing mortgage on the church has been paid. The release of that $420,000 mortgage was recorded at the Middlesex Register of Deeds on Friday, April 20^th. Come help us celebrate on Sunday, May 27^th.

Dan, Chairperson, Board of Trustees

Here are some ways you can volunteer at Aldersgate:

Save your stamps for our stamp lady! Please continue to save your stamps – the box is on the table outside the church office. This is a continuing project – everyone can help participate!

Remember our hospitalized troops! If you can take a few minutes out of your busy day, please send one (or several) cards to our wounded troops who are hospitalized in Washington. It would lift their spirits and remind them they are not forgotten and are indeed appreciated. Please send your messages to: A Recovering American Soldier, c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20307-5001. Thank you Jane for this suggestion!

Answering the Telephone during Worship! If you should hear the telephone ring, please make an effort to answer it. Even after four rings, when the message kicks in, you can interrupt and talk to the person calling. Recently there was an emergency call and it took four calls before someone answered. Thank you!

AND, if you are the last person leaving the church, please be sure the lights are off and doors are locked! Thank you!

AND … In the Community

My Father’s House needs volunteers! Orientation and Training Session on May 5^th from 9 to 1 p.m. Please repond to Cathie at (978) 251-8191 if you can help. Volunteers are needed as: office and clerical, mealtime helpers, donation coordinators, baby sitters, transportation, house and yard maintenance, fundraising, prayer partners, tutors.

Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser Walk- May 19 & 20, Informational packets are on the office counter. Please feel free to join in and perhaps we could form a team from Aldersgate. Outreach

Merrimack Valley Hospice is hosting a complimentary educational program on Friday, May 18^th at 8 a.m. at the Lawrence General Hospital, Kurth Auditorium on the 2^nd floor. Guests are asked to register by May 11^th by calling External Relations at 978-552-4748. The objectives for this program are to help you learn about starting a dialogue about end of life, addressing spiritual pain, addressing family issues and offering available bereavement and support services.

Rolling Ridge is hosting their Gospel and Jazz Brunch, on May 6 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $28 in advance or tables of 6-8 for $25 each.

Rolling Ridge is also offering “A Taste of OASIS” a Day Experience for $95 per person or include an overnight for a total of $150 per person. This wonderful retreat will offer you the opportunity to rest, relax, and rejuvenate you body and spirit. You can now register online and pay by credit card at their website: www.rollingridge.org.

We Stepped It Up on the Common

At the request of Pastor Sharon, Dan and I joined in an Interfaith Rally on the Chelmsford Common to support "Step It Up 2007" on Saturday, April 14^th. Organized by the Rev. Tom Barrington, of All Saints Episcopal Church, it was part of a national campaign to raise awareness about the impact of carbon emissions on Global Warming and to propose lessening emissions by 80% by 2050. We joined Chris, pastors from the Unitarian and Lutheran churches, members of All Saints, Boy Scout Troop 107 and others in "A Litany for the Preservation of the Environment".

We listened to a number of speakers and political candidates, of which the most interesting was Matt Meyer, from the Forest Ethics environmental organization (www.forestethics.org) which is campaigning to reduce the use of new paper in catalogs. Each year catalog retailers mail out more than 20 billion (with a B) catalogs and over 8 million tons of trees go straight into these catalogs alone - most of which are discarded. After a 2-year effort, they succeeded in getting Limited Brands, owner of Victoria's Secret, one of the largest catalog companies (a million a day), to change their policies.

For more information on Step It Up, see the article on page 3 of the April 19 issue of the Chelmsford Independent. Jane

CHURCH SCHOOL NEWS

LENTEN MISSION PROJECTS

Thank you to everyone that donated the ingredients to make Good Samaritan soup. The Senior Youth group put the soup mixes together, and the Confirmation class will distribute them when they serve a meal at the Elliot Church feeding program in May. Thank you to all that donated entertainment supplies for our troops in Iraq.

CHURCH SCHOOL SUNDAY – MAY 20^th

On Sunday, May 20^th, all of the children and youth will lead us in worship during the 2^nd service. The children and youth will sit with their classes during the worship service. We hope all the children and youth will be able to participate on this Sunday, and that we will all support these very important members of our church family!

POTLUCK LUNCHEON

MAY 20^th AT NOON

BRING YOUR FAVORITE SIDE DISH OR DESSERT TO SHARE

NO CHURCH SCHOOL ON SUNDAY, MAY 27^TH

JUNE ROTATION CHURCH SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN PRESCHOOL – 6^TH GRADE

The Christian Education group will be offering a special church school during the month of June. We will be using a rotation model curriculum called, “Breakfast on the Beach”. The children will experience this theme using different media, such as creating a puppet show, art, cooking, computer, and music. All children in preschool – 6^th grade are welcome to participate. All youth in grades 7 and higher are encouraged to be assistants. We will break up the children into 2 age levels; Preschool – 2^nd grade, and 3^rd – 6^th grade. Anyone is welcome to lead a class for a Sunday. Please see the sign up sheet downstairs in the hall.

CONFIRMATION CLASS and CONFIRMATION SUNDAY – JUNE 3^RD

Our last Confirmation class will be on Sunday, May 20^th from noon – 2:00 p.m. Please continue to keep the youth and their mentors in your prayers as we come closer to Confirmation Sunday. The youth will be confirmed on Sunday, June 3^rd during the 10:45 a.m. service. There will be a brunch for the confirmation youth, their families and the mentors from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. as we celebrate these new members of our church family!

Youth & Mentors

Rebecca - Betsey, Rachel – Hee Kyung, Ezekiel – Charles, Paul – Reggie, Jeffrey – Curt, Sydney – Pat, and Sam – Jim

HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR RECOGNITION SUNDAY – JUNE 10^TH

Congratulations to the following youth who will be graduating from High School:

John, Tyler, Elizabeth and Melissa

We will recognize them on Sunday, June 10^th, during the 10:45 a.m. service. There will be a brunch for the graduating youth and their families from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. as we celebrate this milestone in their life!

JULY & AUGUST STORY TIME AND CRAFT

During the summer months, we will offer a special class for 3 year olds – 4^th grade that will meet downstairs in room 7 & 8 after the theme conversation. We will listen to a special story, and do a craft related to the message of the book. If you are interested in helping, please see Cheryl or sign up on the sign up sheet located on the bulletin board beginning on Sunday, May 6^th.

SUMMER CAMP OPPORTUNITIES

Time is running out to sign up for a camp this summer. Please look for the camp brochures downstairs in the hall. There are scholarships available to all children and youth who attend a camp program, thanks to our Doris Miller Camp Scholarship Fund. Please see Cheryl for any questions.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

HOLY LAND ADVENTURE: Gailee By-The-Sea

August 13 - 17 9 – 12 noon each day

All are welcome to join us for Vacation Bible School this summer. This year’s theme is, “Holy Land Adventure, Galilee By-The-Sea.” All ages will explore ancient traditions, occupations, and food … they’ll even meet Jesus’ friends and followers! Everyone will discover that Jesus is a real person – who impacts and changes our lives today! This is a wonderful experience for both the children, and volunteers who participate in this energetic and uplifting week! There are registration forms downstairs and attached to this Advocate. Our next VBS meeting will be Sunday, May 20^th at 8:30 a.m. in the Library. Breakfast will be served and all are welcome to join us. If you have any questions, or would like to help, please see Cheryl.

WORSHIP ARTS

Tuesdays: 4 – 5:00 p.m. – change in time for the month of May

Children, ages 4 through 5^th grade are invited to join us on Tuesdays. All children are welcome to participate; you do not have to be a member of the church. We are learning about Abraham and Sarah. Our final gathering will be on Tuesday, May 22^nd, when we will celebrate everything we have done this year!

JUNIOR CHOIR

Tuesdays: 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. – change in time for the month of May

All youth in grades 4 – 8 are welcome to join us in this exciting choir! We are going to record a CD of all the music we have learned this year. Our last gathering will be on Tuesday, May 22^nd.

JUNIOR BELL CHOIR

Thursdays, from 6:30 – 7:15 p.m.

This choir is open to children and adults who would like to learn to play the bells. You do not need to know how to read music. If you have any questions, please see Becky.

Thank you Teachers

We are so blessed to have such loving and dedicated teachers and helpers. Please take time to thank the following:

Children’s Education Ministries Team:

Jill, Dawn, Christine, Debbie, Carol and Luann

Teachers:

Preschool Teachers: Nancy, Cate and Susan

Kindergarten Teachers: Terri and Annette

1^st & 2^nd Grade Teachers: Dottie and Wendy

3^rd & 4^th Grade Teachers: Holly, Reggie and Dianna

5^th & 6^th Grade Teachers: Laurie and Jim

Youth Class: Peter, David and David

Music: Melinda

Thank you to all the volunteers who subbed when a teacher was out!

SOFTBALL GAME & BARBECUE

Sunday, May 6^th from noon – 3 p.m.

All junior and senior youth and their families are invited to join us for a barbecue after the 2^nd service, and a softball game – the junior youth and their families against the senior youth and their families! Please bring a side dish or dessert to share, we will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggie burgers. Also bring any softball equipment you may have. Friends are always welcome!

JUNIOR YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

This fellowship group is for young youth in grades 4^th, 5^th and 6^th grade. Our mission is to provide your children with a safe, healthy and loving environment to help them grow and experience Christianity. Please see Cheryl, David or Maria if you have any questions or would like to help.

OUTDOOR GAME NIGHT

Friday, May 18^th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Come join us as we play a variety fun and crazy outdoor games, and remember friends are always welcome! Please bring a snack to share.

BACKWARD NIGHT – INVITATION TO 3^RD GRADERS

Friday, June 8^th from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

All 3^rd graders are invited to join the junior youth for thgin drawkcab! We will do everything backwards for the whole evening!

CANOBIE LAKE FUN FOR JUNIOR AND SENIOR YOUTH GROUPS!

Saturday, June 23^rd: 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

If we have 25 people or more sign up to go, we will receive a group discount of $19.00 per person. Please let Cheryl know if you are interested in going so I can sign us up for a group rate. Friends and family are invited to join us.

SENIOR YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

We are a fun group of spiritually focused youth who celebrate Christ’s presence among us by engaging in community and group activities, church participation and mission projects.

All youth in grades 7 – 12 are welcome to join us at any time; you do not have to be a member of the SENIOR youth group. There is no special sign-up sheet; you just come when you can. We ALWAYS welcome friends, or anyone else that happens to be with you.

MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST

Sunday, May 12^th from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Please arrive at 8:00 a.m. - we will cook a delicious breakfast for our church family.

YOUTH 2007 MEETING

Saturday, May 19^th from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Anyone signed up to join us for Youth 2007 should plan on attending this important meeting. If you are interested in going but haven’t signed up yet, there is still space available. Please see Cheryl if you have any questions.

CANOBIE LAKE FUN FOR JUNIOR AND SENIOR YOUTH GROUPS!

Saturday, June 23^rd : 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

If we have 25 people or more sign up to go, we will receive a group discount of $19.00 per person. Please let Cheryl know if you are interested in going so I can sign us up for a group rate. Friends and family are invited to join us.

… AND TEACHING GOD’S WORD.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH CLASSES AND SMALL GROUPS

Early Bird Class

Tuesdays: 6 – 6:45 a.m. Concord Room Leader: Charles

The theme for the coming year is “Being a Faith Community”. Plan to rise early and participate in this Bible study as together we explore and gain understanding of what it is to be a community of faith.

Thursday Morning

Thursdays: 10:00 a.m. Concord Room Leader: Pastor Sharon

This class is a low key community study that acts as much as a support group as it does a Bible study.

Prayer Gathering

Tuesdays: 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. Concord Room Leaders: Debbie, Carol

My House Will Be A House of Prayer

Is Aldersgate a house of prayer? We sure hope so, and we also hope that you’ll consider on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 for our weekly prayer gathering. There’s no pressure to pray out loud; some weeks we’ve spent the better part of 45 minutes in silent prayer and it has been a powerful experience. There are other weeks when the 45 minutes seems barely long enough to speak all the requests that are on our hearts. This is a really rewarding time spent in the presence of God Who Hears what is on our lips and in our hearts. Please join us! For more information, call the church office.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Thursdays: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Concord Room Leader: Cheryl

If you like to knit, or would like to learn how to knit, please join us on Thursday evening in the Concord Room to knit Prayer Shawls. If you have someone in mind who would love a Prayer Shawl as a reminder of God’s love that surrounds and gives comfort, please let us know.

SMALL GROUP STUDY CLASSES

The Holy Mystery Class

Sunday Mornings - May 6^th, 13^th, 20^th, 27^th

Concord Room

Leaders: Pastor Sharon & Walt

9:35 – 10:35 a.m.

All are welcome to learn more about the official United Methodist position on Holy Communion.

When Your Parent Needs You

Sunday Mornings

May 6^th,13^th, 20^th

Library

Leaders: Cheryl & others

9:35 – 10:35 a.m.

Do you know the number of adult children caring for a parent has increased from 4 million to 19.5 million, with roughly 80% of the nation’s elderly cared for at home? During this 5 week class, we will focus on the challenges of caring for our aging parents and how as caregivers we can use this time to deepen our faith and strengthen our character. We will use many resources for this class and offer them for you to purchase for your own personal use.

Holy Ground: A Resource on Faith and the Environment

Sunday Mornings

June 3^rd, 10^th, 17^th & 24^th

Concord Room

Leaders: TBA

9:35 – 10:35 a.m.

Exploring environmental racism and the population explosion, this study guide offers an exciting challenge to all of us who share creation. This study will offer practical reflections and models for action through articles and study questions. This class is for committed environmentalists and for people newly exploring environmental issues.