Newsletter articles for May when we are reminded of God s unfailing love. Pastor Patti s Pondering: New Life Springing Forth

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1 Many if not all of us have encountered panic zones. A panic zone is when we are totally overwhelmed, and our brain gets hijacked. We tend to fight, flee, or freeze. The disciples hit a panic zone when they felt their lives being threatened by a storm, and then a ghost. Jesus was not panicked by the storm. He was able to stay calm, and then to bring his calm to bear on the storm both on the sea and in the hearts of the disciples. A learning zone is that place where we stretch ourselves in order to grow. It might be taking on a task we are not sure we are capable of, or letting go of a role that no longer serves us. For Peter, it was braving the sea in order to meet Jesus. In order to gather together under God s big umbrella as a diverse community of faith, we will all find ourselves called into learning zones. As we grow together in God s love, let us remember Jesus promise to be with us: Courage! It is I! Don t be afraid! Pastor Patti Kenney St John s United Church of Christ 801 South Mechanic Street Jackson, MI We all have our comfort zones. They are important, because they anchor us and provide places of rest. Some of us find comfort in sitting by a fire. Some of us love to curl up and read a book. Some relish morning coffee. In church, some of us love to come early and sit in a quiet sanctuary. Some of us love lively music that lifts up our hearts. Some of us feel comfort when we receive guidance on how to engage the injustices in the world. Some of us are fed when we are reminded of God s unfailing love. RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED New Life Springing Forth ( continued from front) Website: Church office (517) Pastor: Rev. Dr. Patricia Kenney President: Richard Poor Office Administrator: Bobby James Newsletter articles for May 2017 Pastor Patti s Pondering: New Life Springing Forth Have you noticed the bulbs breaking forth from the ground, the trees bursting forth with buds, and then blossoms? Michigan is a glorious place to live and serve, and I am caught every spring by the hope and possibility and resilience of life, shown in the return of spring. I am writing this on the verge of retreat St. John s members and friends have been invited to a beautiful lodge along a lake to build relationships, worship God, and listen and dream into the future of all God has in store for us as God s beloved people in and about Jackson. I feel a tremendous sense of anticipation for this gathering. What will we learn about how God s gifts live in one another? What will burst forth as a bud and start to bloom in us as followers of the way of Christ? I am looking forward to the work of learning how to gather together under God s Big Umbrella how to listen to the stories of Scripture as we understand our differences, and navigate through comfort zones, learning zones, and learn how to be present to one another in our panic zones. One story from the Bible we will be looking at together is from Matthew 14: Jesus orders the disciples out on the water, where they were hit by a storm in the middle of the night. Having finished praying on the mountain, Jesus approaches the boat by walking on the water. The disciples, already in panic because of the storm, see what looks like a ghost approaching them and are terrified! Jesus calls out to them and identifies himself. Then Peter hurls himself overboard and starts walking toward Jesus on the water. He falters as panic overcomes him again, and Jesus rescues him. When they are all in the boat, Jesus wonders why they doubted. They are all astounded, and come to the quiet realization that they are in the presence of the Son of God. Continued on Back Page

2 NEWS FROM THE PAST CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Church Council is calling a Congregational Meeting for Sunday, May 7th A Congregational Meeting is needed to review the following financial topics: * Mortgage renewal our current mortgage is due June 29, 2017 and the congregation has to vote on any renewal * Anticipated sewer, water main, and road assessment last summer s construction on Mechanic has a preliminary assessment of our share and the payment terms available Apologies to David Chesney for omitting his contribution of an Easter Lily in the April 16th bulletin. It should have read: In honor of Liz & Jill s marriage. April 28 29th UNDER GOD S BIG UMBRELLA Church retreat was held at DeSales in Brooklyn. It was attended by 25 people and was quite the success. Thanks to Pastor Patti, Mike Young, and Harry Wilson for their efforts in putting together a wonderful program. Another big thank you to all who brought the delicious food, for serving the food, and cleaning up. We look forward to the next church retreat. * Report from Financial Review meetings held in 2016 the work done will be described and some resulting motions will be presented * Status of cash and deficit going into summer months we ll want to know how things are stacking up compared to the faith budget voted on at our October 2016 meeting * Proceeds from the sale of 2 parsonages the funds received from Jay and Leslie for the purchase of our parsonage on Biddle Street and the funds from the sale of Paul and Helen Masters house that Pastor Sue used. Please attend. CHURCH DIRECTORY There are only 5 more Sundays to have your picture taken at church, by Dick Poor. April 30th, May 7th, May 14th, May 21st, and May 28th. If you are unable to make any of these dates, send a picture you would like to have in the new directory via . Along with your address, give the first and last name of each person in photo, address, phone numbers and birthdates as well. We are updating our files and would love to have it complete. Please don t be a faceless person in the directory. FOOD PANTRY & COMMUNITY TABLE Food Pantry served 155 people on April 21st, this represented 366 family members. Next Pantry date is May 19th. We are also in need of food for our emergency food closet. Donations are welcomed. Thank you. Starting May 14 through June 18, 2017, Meijer on E. Michigan Ave. will have food pantry gift cards for sell. All proceeds go to St. John s UCC. Community Table dinner was held April 19th, people were served a delicious pork roast dinner. We would like to extend an invitation to the congregation to attend the next dinner. It will be on May 17th, at 6pm.

3 Please visit our website for the routinely updated calendar!!!

4 Please visit our website for the routinely updated calendar!!! May Schedule 2017 May 7 May 14 May 21 May 28 Driver: Dick Poor Sherman Smith Carl Robinson Duane Leece Worship: Jim Benedict Gene Johnson Barb Shelton Mike Young Greeter: Jean Allen Linda Canter Mariam Dorsey Greeter: Mary Dubois Jim Benedict Greeter: Art Bonner Mary Dubois Art Bonner Greeter: Muriel Ort Barb Parks David Chesney Barb Parks Usher: Erv Handloser Gary Reasoner Nancy Hackworth Barb Byrum Usher: Jim Benedict Mary Dubois Barb Parks Sherman Smith Usher: Bob Harkness John Roggenbuk Dorothy Woodruff Cathy Welker Usher: Donna Benedict Tim Schroeder Linda Chase J & R Nelson Usher: Wanda Beavers Mariam Dorsey Art Bonner David Chesney Teachers: Vickie Steck Kathy Schroeder Lead Worship Nancy Hackworth Vickie Steck Allen Schroeder Comm: Erv Handloser Janell Bumpus Coffee: Fund Raiser Breakfast Katie Reynolds May Birthdays 1st Meghan Osborne 17th Philip Patefield 3rd Jeannine Daugherty 19th Karen Duncan 4th Gary Allen 20th David Chesney Louis Cubille 22nd Delia Johnson Michele Daugherty 23rd Cody Schroeder John Roggenbuk 24th Shelly Root 6th Andrew Hackworth 25th Patrick Bymhold Alex Handloser Joseph Daugherty Jr. 7th Joanne Horsley 27th Wendy Allen 8th Miriam Brown Dorsey Emily Benedict Fred Shaffer Ron Thompson 10th Emily Bowman Edward Artz Brooklin Trudell 28th Janell Bumpus 11th Chandra Elliott Rose Canter Diamond Shannon 29th Samantha Havens 12th Sherman Smith 31st Antonio Ojeda 14th Victoria Canter Austen O Reilly 15th Caleb Allen Kelsey Bendict 16th Ian Wilson

5 UPCOMING DATES TO LOOK FORWARD TO Pride Prom 7 to 10:30 pm May 6, 2017 Chili Cook Off and Talent Show 6 to 8 pm May 13, 2017 Good News Choir (Last day of practice till September) May 14, 2017 Be More Kind Sunday (Wear your shirt) May 28, 2017 To Simply Give Program Meijers E. Michigan Ave May 14 June 18, 2017 (All proceeds go to St. John s UCC food pantry) Foster Care Program 5 to 8 pm June 19, 2017 Peace Camp July 24-28, 2017 Community Baby Shower August 26, 2017 May 14 Mother s Day and Baptism/New Member Sunday At 10:30 am on Sunday, May 14 we will baptize and receive new members into our church in the worship service. We will also be celebrating our mothers, and thanking God for the gift of life given through mothers physical and spiritual. Contact Pastor Patti Kenney if you are interested in baptism or membership. Church School and Confirmation Class Update The confirmation class is busy with their learning, faith exploration, and leadership development. Each confirmand is nearing completion of their lessons, and will be meeting with the pastor during May to develop statements of faith, choose Scripture verses and hymns for Confirmation Sunday. Thanks to the confirmation class for providing breakfast on Easter morning. Thanks to all who made an offering to assist with confirmation expenses. Upcoming events: * April 30, Confirmation class group lesson, noon-2pm prayer room * May 6, Confirmation class, Meijer Branch library, statements of faith (individual appointments 2-5 pm) * May 10th and 15th finalizing statements of faith * May 21 Church School Sunday celebration of learning of all children and youth * June 4, Confirmation Sunday 9am photos, 10:30am service Pray for our confirmands: Ben, Diamond, Jalen, Kanayah, Madelyn, Rashiem, Tenisha, Tony Hello all, First Presbyterian Church and the American Red Cross are hosting an upcoming blood drive. Please join the lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today! Drive Details: Site: First Presbyterian Church Address: 743 West Michigan, Jackson, MI, Room Name: Basement Date: Mon May 8, 2017 Time: 11:00 AM - 4:45: PM Coordinator Name: Shelia L Drewry Coordinator Phone Number:

6 Bible Literacy 101 The Books of the Bible and How to Read Them When: This class will be offered on Sundays from 9-10 am, and Tuesdays 11am-noon (repeat). Sundays from September 17-November 19; Tuesdays from September 19-November 21. Where: St. John s UCC Prayer Room (depending on class size, we may move to a larger space) Summary: the course will address types of literature in the Bible, highlight key stories and how they have influenced the development of Christianity, and introduce principles for reading and understanding the Bible both in its historical context and as a faithful guide to living in the way of Christ. Course Schedule Week one: Introduction to the Bible Week two: The Books of the Law Week three: The Books of History Week four: The Books of Poetry Week five: The Prophets Week six: The Gospels Week seven: The Acts of the Apostles Week eight: The Letters Week nine: Revelation Week ten: The history of the Bible in English