Greetings,
I hope you enjoyed this recent series on “Christians in the City” as much as I have. Thanks for your positive feedback after this week’s message about the workplace. We talked about being a witness in 3 ways: our integrity (sincerity whether people are looking or not), our purpose (work for the Lord and His reward), and our work ethic (do your best). Many seemed to appreciate the poem by Mother Teresa so I’ve included it at the bottom. It is certainly inspiration to live by!
This sermon series is not the only thing I’ve received a lot feedback on lately. The marquee quotes have generated a lot of discussion. In case you’ve only noticed one side and not the other here’s what it has said and what I’ve heard since Mother’s Day. One side reads, “Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” This quote is actually attributed to Oprah Winfrey, a person who has tried to mentor many young women directly and indirectly. Of course, I can think of many qualities of a mother (especially a good mother) that matter more than biology: kindness, patience, wisdom, nurture, endurance, resolve. Unfortunately, you can be a biological mother and not possess these important qualities, or have them and be more like a mother than some will ever be. Keep praying for all mothers and mentors and the prayer requests that were shared!
The other side of the marquee is a quote from Proverbs 31 saying, “A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” The full verse actually says, “Charm is deceptive; beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” This is the statement that I’ve received the most comments and questions about, in particular the phrase “fear of the Lord.” (You probably see that we added an explanation to its meaning.) Some were perplexed, even bothered, by the admonition to fear the Lord. The Biblical understanding of “fear of the Lord” is utter respect to the ultimate authority. This respect involves reverence, awe, and wonder, and maybe a little healthy fear—like you would give to a good mother or father who sets guidelines out of love. Our job as Christians and the Body of Christ is to display to all the love and acceptance of God, but also the positive reverence that God deserves. We’ll be changing the sign soon, but I hope and pray these conversations will be redemptive and helpful, and that by digging into scripture there will be spiritual growth.
Peace,
Pastor Amber
“Do It Anyway” –Mother Teresa
People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
· Saturday, May 22, from 8—11am you can pick up SHARE food packages. Also, you can come order packages for June. New Prices: family of 2- $20; family of 4- $24; produce only $12
· Sunday is Pentecost Sunday- wear RED to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit.
· This Sunday is the first New Member info session. Anyone is welcome to meet at 9:15am in the Fellowship Center, or catch the next one on June 6. Call Pastor Amber if you would like to join the church but cannot make either date.
· Sunday, June 6, is Graduate Sunday! If you know anyone graduating or having a milestone this year, let the office know, so we can include them in our recognition. We will also be recognizing our volunteers with Children & Youth.
· VBS is coming soon! Please sign up to volunteer at an activity station or register your child/children by the end of May, so we can get to planning!
· All June/July newsletter announcements are due by Monday, May 21st. Thanks for your contributions!
