newsletter: This week at church

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IMPORTANT THINGS THIS WEEK

ELC Summer Camp notice
National Day of Prayer
Men needed to sing on Mother's Day
GriefShare starting

Also, keep an eye for our monthly newsletter this week! Packed full of information and pictures, you will not want to miss it! The newsletter is typically sent out the first of the month via email, online, or a hard copy can be picked up at the church after the 1st.

National Day of Prayer Events

Two events will be held for National Day of Prayer on May 2, 2024. One at noon at the courthouse, and the second at 6:30 p.m. at Community Center of Hope.

ELC Summer Camp

Summer Camp for the ELC school-age students is just five short weeks away. Beginning next Sunday (May 5), there will be a sign-up sheet for anyone wanting to share a special interest with the kiddos. Additionally, there will be a list of items needed for projects. Check out the May newsletter for more information.

Also, if you are interested in learning more about how to help the ELC, please click the link before to read the community letter recently sent out.

ELC: How to Help

BREAKTHROUGH PRAYER

Please pray with us at 6:05 (CCUMC address) each day, pm/am or both.
Holy Spirit, breathe on me and help me discern Your will for my life and Your church. Lord lead us. We will follow.

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK

Monday, April 29

9:00 am – Woman’s Group (200)

6:00-8:00 pm – Bell Choir practice (216)

Tuesday, April 30

9:00 am – Bible Study (201)

Wednesday, May 1

Noon – 5:30pm - BABE open

Thursday, May 2

Noon – 5:30pm - BABE open

6:30 pm – Choir Practice

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

8:30 am – Flock Sunday School (201)

9:00 am – Prime Time Players Study Group (211)

9:00 am – Inductive Study Group (Hearth Room)

9:15 am –Youth Sunday School–grades 6-12 (upstairs Lobby)

SERMON SERIES RECAP

Let's give a heartfelt thanks to our choir for singing for us nearly every Sunday (and some holidays!). They work hard practicing to bring even more joy to each service.

April 7, 2024 - "Uneasy Start" (John 20:19-31)
Mary had a personal encounter with Jesus after his leaving the grave and so did the disciples except for Thomas who wasn't there. Eight days later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples including Thomas this time. Easter and the following week was a very uneasystart for the disciples. They needed a personal encounter with Jesus to continue in their belief.

How will we seek an encounter with Jesus? What do we need so we believe in our hearts not just our heads. People want to see how we have experienced Jesus.

*Be a community of forgiveness.
*Be transparent in our faith.
*Show a presence of peace.

Are we hiding behind closed doors? Are we letting Jesus into our lives? Are we embodied through Christ all week?

April 14, 2024 - "Children of God"
(1John 3:1, 16-18: Luke 24:36b-48)
We all go by different names: our given name, mom or dad, friend, co-worker, etc.. One name that each of us has is Child of God. "See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are." 1 John 3:1.

A heart can symbolize God's love for us. As a Child of God, our Father wants us to love with action and speak with truth. Jesus showed his love for his disciples when he went to their home twice after his resurrection. He ate with them. He helped them understand.

Following the example of Jesus, and the many people who help us learn and understand, we can do the same in return. This is a way we can show God's love, as a Child of God.

April 28, 2024 - "Shared Joy" (Acts 8:26-40)
Last week we were reminded that LOVE is at the very heart of the gospel. Today, we see from Genisis to Revelation God is inclusive.

Genesis 12:31b tells us "all the families of the earth will be blessed because of you (Abraham)." In Revelation 7:9 we read "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. 1 John 4:7-21 reminds us that God is love. Love is the bottom line. If we love one another, God lives in us.

We need to put our arms around others, not point fingers, tear down walls, and share the Good News with everyone. What can stand in the way? NOTHING!! Not color, gender, finances, religion, cultures. God doesn't care about any of that!

God's kingdom of love needs to:
*Move across categories
*Embrace eagerly
*Share joy

We are called to share space, reach out, and embrace.
SHARE THE JOY!!