HOLMAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Church of the Bells

Transcription

1 HOLMAN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Church of the Bells 3320 West Adams Boulevard Los Angeles California Phone: (323) Fax: (323) Visit us on Facebook: HolmanChurch REV. KELVIN SAULS, Senior Pastor MINISTER VICTOR CYRUS-FRANKLIN, Assistant Pastor REV. MARGUERITE PHILLIPS, Minister of Congregational Care Ministries REV. JAMES M. LAWSON, JR., Pastor Emeritus 4 th SUNDAY OF EASTER MAY 11, 2014 MOTHER S DAY The 11:00 a.m. Worship Celebration is broadcast LIVE on KJLH Radio Free FM and worldwide on TODAY S RADIO BROADCAST MINISTRY IS SPONSORED BY A-MAN, INC. STEM INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE & CONFERENCE CENTER invites you to join them in celebrating the Tom Bradley 23 rd Annual Recognition Dinner on Friday, JUNE 6 th at the A-MAN, Inc. Banquet Center in Civic Center Inglewood ( ). The STEM Science Center has been promoting youth, education and technology in the Los Angeles community, nationally and in South Africa since The STEM Center was founded by Holman members, Drs. Hal & Bettye Walker. Praise God for the Children and Blessed Mother's Day! VISION A place where bells are rung to GATHER people for dynamic worship, ANOINT them for joyful service, TEACH them powerful Christian spiritual principles, and ENGAGE them through expanding ministries, causing them to grow exponentially as they embrace the mandate of Christ in Matthew 28: MISSION To make disciples for Jesus Christ by bringing to the people of Los Angeles, and particularly the historic West Adams community, hope-filled, Christ-inspired responses to urban needs. 69 Years of Mission and Ministry 1

2 WORSHIP CELEBRATION THE CENTERING MOMENT God, our protector; God, our defender; Mother God, thank you for never leaving us alone. No matter who else lets us down, we know you never will. Hear our praise in celebration of mothering. THE PRELUDE *** Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty Lloyd Larson Handbell Choir ***THE GREETING *THE CALL TO WORSHIP One: This day we gather with eager hearts, celebrating your love, and lift to you those who have given us life. ALL: May your blessing pour out upon the woman who gave us birth, and those beautiful, strong women of faith who have been mothers to us along our journey. One: We bless our mothers this day, no matter what they have done or left undone. We do this because we believe in your healing, and we believe in your love and we believe that you love every mother, good or bad; and we stand together with all mothers in solidarity, for we all are in need of your grace. ALL: We call forth your compassion upon every mother who has unknowingly caused pain and suffering. And so, we lift to you our mothers, so imperfect, also so wounded by this world. One: We lift to you our Mother Earth. We lift to you our Mother Church. We lift to you, O God, your mother's heart; and although we cannot fully express our gratitude, help each one of us to be your blessing of love, a blessing straight from your heart. ALL: Praise God from whom all mothers flow! *THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN UMH #733 Marching to Zion * A LITANY FOR MOTHER'S DAY Leader: Mothers come in many different forms, and today we celebrate them all! All: Thank God for mothers! Leader: Everyone here is either a son or a daughter. All: Thank God for my mother! Leader: For those women who have joined God in Heaven and whom we miss dearly here on earth. All: Thank God for the mothers of the past. Leader: For every woman who is working day and night to raise her children right now. All: Thank God for the mothers of today. Leader: For all the women who are expecting, but aren't quite mothers yet! All: Thank God for the soon-to-be-mothers. Leader: For the women who took in others' children through adoption and foster care. All: Thank God for the mothers with hearts so big. Leader: For those women who have lost a child to death and must carry on. All: Thank God for the mothers who are so strong. Leader: For all the women who have desperately wanted to have children of their own, but chose instead to mother everyone else. All: Thank God for the mothers in spirit. We thank you, Lord, for the women who have influenced our lives in so many ways. We pray that we will honor them in everything we do. Amen. THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC *** What a Friend We Have in Jesus Arr. Cynthia Dobrinski * THE INVITATION TO CHILDREN AND YOUTH FOR CHURCH SCHOOL * Congregation please stand *** Worshipers may enter Handbell Choir 2

3 *THE SCRIPTURE JOHN 10:1-10 *THE CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Liturgist: The Word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God! THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC *** "I'll Praise My Maker" Lloyd Pfautsch THE SERMON Abundant Mothering The Holman Choir Rev. Kelvin Sauls THE INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP, MEMBERSHIP AND COMPANIONSHIP (ALTAR CALL) Persons desiring to become disciples of Jesus Christ and/or members of Holman UMC are asked to come forward and complete a Discipleship / Membership Registration, Intercessory Prayer Card found in the pew rack. Please place the card in the offering plate and/or bring it with you to the Altar while the choir / congregation is singing. THE PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS Offertory The Holman Choir *Doxology UMH #95 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen THE MOTHER S DAY RECOGNITION United Methodist Women THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GUESTS & VISITORS / REGISTRATION OF ATTENDANCE / BIRTHDAYS THE SONG OF ASSURANCE / PASSING OF THE PEACE UMH #369 Blessed Assurance THE INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN MINISTRY (ANNOUNCEMENTS) *THE HYMN OF SENDING FORTH AND RECESSIONAL *THE BENEDICTION As we depart worship, wherever you go, toll YOUR Bell!! THE POSTLUDE All Praise to Thee, for Thou, O King Divine Robert Johnson, Jr. PARTICIPATING IN OUR SERVICES TODAY: Our Clergy: Rev. Kelvin Sauls, Minister Victor Cyrus- Franklin, Rev. Marguerite Phillips; Liturgists: (8:00 am) Sandrel Terry, (11:00 am) Bertha Carter; Holman Choir directed by William Campbell, Jr.; Robert Johnson, Jr., organist, Handbell Choir, directed by Evelyn M. Freeman; Ushers chaired by Gilbert Jones; Acolytes coordinated by Pearlene Allison and Muriel Parker; Greeters chaired by Donna Richardson; Hospitality Ministry coordinated by Sharon Jackson; New Members Ministry chaired by Sharon Hodgson; Transportation Ministry coordinated by Cynthia Gibson; Media Ministry: David Sears, Keith McGruder, Mark Conway, Reggie Moon and Kayla Bennett. Bulletin front photo collage by Jules Green. NEW PRAYER REQUESTS James and Rosemary Dunnings & Family, Alnita Dunn and Family, Addie and Ta-Lecia Arbor & Family, Ingrid and Andrew Richards & Family, Nola Boyd 3

4 HEART TO HEART Lord, Thank You for Mothers Everywhere! Oh Lord, thank you for waking us up this morning to pay homage to you through your son, Jesus Christ. We pay homage also this day to our mothers, whether we knew them or not. We pay homage to our mothers, whether they showed us love or not. We pay homage to them Lord, because you chose women to usher new life into the world. Through their pains, we have been born onto this earth. We love them just because they are our mothers. Through the pain of Jesus, we have been born again on earth and in heaven. Thank you for mothers everywhere. To mothers who are strong, grant gentleness and understanding. To mothers who are weak, grant grace sufficient to meet their every need. God of our mothers, hear their prayers and fill them with your Divine Spirit and Wisdom. "While on them you are calling," do not pass us by. Amen. GRATITUDE REPORTS The Holman Choir expresses its thanks to all who sold tickets for the 54 th Annual Negro Spirituals Concert. A special Thank You goes to Mrs. Beverly Cephus for being the biggest ticket seller. We also extend our appreciation to our special volunteers Mrs. Anna Gant, Mrs. Mamie Kerns, and Dr. Daisy Spearman who were at our greeting table collecting tickets, handling will-call, and ticket sales at the door. We could not have done it without!! LET US PRAY FOR THE BEREAVED ODESSA JOHNSON (Covert, Michigan), cousin of Holman members Addie and Ta-Lecia Arbor, passed away on April 26, 2014 in Michigan. Funeral was held in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, May 3, 2014, 11:00 am at Grace Calvary Methodist Church. EDITH NEWMAN (Chicago, Illinois), sister and sisterin-law of James and Rosemary Dunnings respectively, passed away on Sunday, May 4, Funeral service will be held in Chicago, Ill. ANITA KENNEDY (Los Angeles, CA), sister and sister-in-law of Holman members Agnes Bernice and James Cooper, respectively, passed away on Sunday, May 4, Funeral arrangements are pending. BENE ALLOTEY (Los Angeles, CA), sister and sisterin-law of Holman members Ingrid and Andrew Richards, passed away on Sunday, May 4, Funeral will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014, 11:00 am at Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary. Congratulations to ROBIN BLAKE CLAY On his graduation Saturday, May 10, 2014 from Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri with a Master of Education degree in Guidance and Counseling Saturday, May 10, 2014 We are extremely proud of you and all your accomplishments! With our love, YOUR DAD-MARK, KEVIN-PAPA, CRYSTAL AND MATTHEW A mother s love is often taken for granted, but its length cannot be measured! In remembrance of Valerie Reed, Frances "Frankie" Reed and Faye Mitchell. Happy Mother's Day with love to all the mothers and those who are like mothers to all!! Lovingly, "THE BROWNS" QUINCY SR., ATTAYA, MADYSEN AND Q2 Many blessings and happy birthday wishes to a beautiful person, DR. ALNITA RETTIG DUNN! We love you Mom and Grammy! SHERI NICOLE, BRIAN, AMARA AND MIKAELA ELIZABETH BELL We celebrate you and give God thanks and glory for allowing us to have you here with us for 90 years on this day, May 11, 2014! We love you, YOUR DAUGHTER DEIDRA ANN, GRANDDAUGHTERS DANIELLE AND ERIKA, GRANDSONS DEREK AND JEFFREY, AND GREAT-GRANDSONS RASHEED AND JEFFREY, JR. You are my witnesses, says the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Isaiah 43:10 (NRSV) 4

5 THIS WEEK AT HOLMAN MAY 11 TO MAY 17, 2014 CHILDREN & YOUTH CHURCH SCHOOL 8:00 am & 11:00 am, Love Educ. Bldg. FELLOWSHIP HOUR, 9:30 am, Patio Adults Church School, 9:45 am: ADULT BIBLE STUDY Love Educ. Bldg., Room 5 BOOK TALK Lawson MP Bldg., Room 204 currently reading The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus' Final Days in Jerusalem, by Marcus J. Borg & John Dominic Crossan MEN IN THE WORD, Lawson MP Bldg., Room 203 Cherub Choir Rehearsal, 10 am, Johnson Chapel FELLOWSHIP HOUR, 12:30 pm, L.L. White Hall Greeting Card Ministry Meeting, 1 pm, Room 202 UMW Executive Board Meeting, 1 pm, Crockett Library In HIS Steps Liturgical Dance Rehearsal, 1:30 pm, Sanctuary MONDAY INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY 7 am (Mon. Wed. Fri.) Join us on the PHONE PRAYER LINE from any location for a time of prayer & encouragement. Call ; Code #. Storehouse is open (for the needy), 1 pm 3 pm (Mon. Wed. & Fri.), Love Educ. Bldg. CIRCLE OF CARE FOR WOMEN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS, 5:30 pm, Room 204 Jazz for the Soul Committee Meeting, 6 pm, Bowick Music Room Focus Point Study Group, 6 pm, Johnson Chapel Disciple V Bible Study, 6 pm, Crockett Library Disciple IV Bible Study, 6:30 pm, Room 202 ZUMBA FITNESS CLASS (Health & Wellness Ministry), 7:30 pm, L.L. White Hall (fee applies: $8)) TUESDAY Banners & Paraments Ministry, 10 am, Room 203 LINE DANCING (Health & Wellness Ministry) 4 pm, L.L. White Hall (fee applies: $5) Social Action & Advocacy Ministry, 6 pm, Room 203 Disciple IV Bible Study, 7 pm, Crockett Library H.O.P.E. Ministry Meeting (Ministry Focus: HIV/AIDS/STIs), 7 pm, Woodson Parlor WEDNESDAY Disciple V Bible Study, 8 am, Crockett Library 55+ Fellowship Ministry, 10:30 am, Crockett Library Prayer Shawl Ministry, 12 pm, Crockett Library Sports Ministry (Table Tennis), 5 pm, L.L. White Hall Women s Weekend Committee Meeting, 6:30 pm, Room 204 Disciple I Bible Study, 7 pm, Crockett Library Jubilant Voices Rehearsal, 7:30 pm, Bowick Music Room THURSDAY Disciple III Bible Study, 9 am, Crockett Library Banners & Paraments Ministry, 10 am, Room 203 BIBLE STUDY, 12 pm, Crockett Library Jester Hairston Scholarship Committee, 6 pm, Woodson Parlor In HIS Steps Dance Ministry, 6 pm, Sanctuary Recovery Ministry Meeting, 6:30 pm, Room 202 Young Adult Study Group, 6:30 pm, Room nd & 4 th 6:30 pm WE GATHER NEXT ON MAY 22 ND! This contemporary worship experience draws upon the rich treasures of the African tradition of Gospel and Jazz. Our worship celebration includes music by our Holman Quartet, a light meal, spoken word, guest soloists and musicians, the Message, and sometimes more...!!! Disciple III Bible Study, 7 pm, Crockett Library Disciple II Bible Study, 7 pm, Room 204 Holman Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 pm, Bowick Music Room FRIDAY Friday Morning Prayer, Share & Communion Service, 7 am, Johnson Chapel Holman CDC Jobs for Kids Interviews, 4 pm, L.L. White Hall Bell Choir Rehearsal, 6 pm, Love Educ. Bldg. Room SATURDAY SATURDAY MORNING PRAISE & WORSHIP, 7 am, Johnson Chapel. All are welcome! Join us and experience your blessing! BOOT CAMP (Health & Wellness Ministry) 8 am, Patio NON VIOLENCE WORKSHOP, 9 am, Bowick Music Room Holman CDC Jobs for Kids Interviews, 9:30 am, Rooms 202 & 203 SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES FORUM, 3 pm, L.L. White Hall MOSAIC QUILTING MINISTRY, 2 pm, Room 204 (fee applies: $75 for series) 5

6 MINISTRY AND MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS WEEKLY HEALTH TIP: May is Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis is joint inflammation. It is known to cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. There are more than 100 types of arthritis which affect 1 in 5 adults and 300,000 children. Physical activity and weight management are important and can help manage the pain and stiffness from many forms of arthritis. Walking, bicycling, and swimming are examples of exercises that can help reduce pain and improve overall quality of life. MOTHER S DAY RECOGNITIONS Holman United Methodist Women will once again recognize our mothers today in the following categories: 1. Oldest mother present in worship today; 2. Mother with the youngest baby present with her in worship today; 3. Mother with the most children present with her in worship today; 4. Mother with the most generations present with her in worship today. 5. We also honored to recognize Rev. Marguerite Phillips, Rev. Judi Wortham-Sauls, Mrs. Dorothy Lawson, and Mrs. Neema Cyrus-Franklin. 2 ND ANNUAL TAY SUMMIT will be held on MAY 15 th here at Holman. This is a great opportunity to be present and support our transitional age youth who are moving forward from the homeless and foster care journey. Cost is $20. We have 10 sponsorships available for Holman members to attend who are interested in working with the homeless. Please call Joni in the church office to register ( ). Your cost to attend would be $5.00. See additional info in flyer below. GET YOURS TODAY!!! STAY AT HOME TEA The Holman United Methodist Women invites you to participate in this special fundraiser that supports our Claudia Whitmore / Beatrice Borders Memorial Scholarship Fund. Invitations are available at our UMW table on the patio after the 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM worship services. Enjoy a wonderful cup of tea at your leisure, and share your blessings by making a donation to this project that supports our young people in their pursuit of higher education. Thank you in advance for your support. GRADUATES! It s that time of year again!! The time when we get to celebrate you and your next step on the ladder of education. Please let us know when and where you are graduating from, and what school / college / university you are planning to attend. Contact the church office at and leave a message for Tracey Morgan. HELPSS MINISTRY (Holman Emergency Life Preparedness Safety/Security) TODAY we will host the AMERICAN RED CROSS after the worship services. Plan now to share in this time to receive information on disaster preparedness. Visit us on the patio. NAACP LA 2014 ROY WILKINS FREEDOM FUND AWARDS GALA will be held on MAY 15 th, 6 pm, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, 506 S. Grand Ave., L.A., CA. The L.A. Chapter celebrates 100 years. The evening will begin with a pre-dinner concert featuring The Manhattans. The gala dinner & program will celebrate its 1 st Annual Person of the Year Award, to be presented to Rev. Al Sharpton and Mayor Eric Garcetti, as well as other special awards. Mrs. Mary Louise Batiste is coordinating Holman group to attend this very special event. Stop by the table after worship for more information or contact her at

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8 AFTER THE SERMON FAITH FORMATION IN ACTION Living Our Social Gospel MAY IS FOSTER CARE AWARENESS MONTH On Sunday, MAY 18 th we will welcome African-American Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) for foster care youth, who will be present to share with us about volunteer opportunities with CASA. CASAs are trained to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in foster care. Over 25% of the 28,000 children in foster care are African- American. While this opportunity is open to everyone, we are specifically targeting African-Americans to become CASAs. This will allow for greater advocacy for children by volunteers who may have shared backgrounds and experiences. CASAs of Los Angeles is the only local agency with volunteers appointed by the dependency court to advocate for children. Its vision is a Los Angeles in which every foster child has an advocate and an opportunity to thrive. Children are entitled to stable, safe and permanent homes with loving caregivers. This cannot be effectively achieved without increased participation from the African-American community. Stop by their table after worship to learn more. SAVE THE DATE AND SAVE A LIFE! "ERADICATING THE SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE" If you are a concerned citizen (of any age), you need to be at the California African American Museum (CAAM) on Saturday, MAY 24 th, 1 pm 4:00 pm for this panel discussion. They will explore the educational, psychological and physical impact it has on our youth, families, communities and our nation! Come out and hear the facts and statistics, receive materials and solutions, in helping save our sons, daughters and selves from an unfair system established to decimate a people and a nation! Join National Education Association (NEA) analysts, members of the sheriff s department, community engagement advocates, certified family counselors, and members of the UTLA African American Education Committee. Don't miss out! CAAM is located at 600 State Drive in Exposition Park. We will recognize NATIONAL POLICE WEEK (May 11 May 14), a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, which pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. Our own Kimberly Jones Harris will share with us on Sunday, MAY 25 th for this occasion. Alnita Dunn is coordinating a Holman group to attend this 11 th Annual Giants of Justice Breakfast (MAY 22 nd ). Cost is $90. Bishop Minerva Carcaño, our Cal-Pac UMC Presiding Bishop, will be the keynote speaker. See further details on insert below. Stop by the table today or contact Ms. Dunn at or nita95@aol.com if you would like to attend. Limited transportation available. 8

9 FREE N ONE CELEBRATES RECOVERY WITH ANNUAL BREAKFAST It's time the Church takes a larger role in this fight against Drug and Alcohol Addiction. Free N One is just one of God's tools that is making a difference. Join with us, as we continue to attack Satan's stronghold on Drug and Alcohol Addiction. We come in the matchless Name of Jesus Christ. God is building an army and we will win! 55+ FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY SANTA BARBARA SUNSET TRIP AUGUST 13, 2014 We will travel to Santa Barbara via motor coach and upon arrival have a delicious lunch. After lunch, we will be joined by a local guide where we will visit Moreton Bay Fig Tree, the County Courthouse with its sunken gardens, hand-painted ceilings and murals. We will drive past Mission Santa Barbara and have some time to stroll down State Street to browse galleries, boutiques and souvenir stores. As the sun fades into the Pacific we will board Amtrak for a sunset ride home. COST: $91.00 LAST DAY TO SIGN UP & MAKE PAYMENT IS JUNE 8, 2014 To sign up contact Pearl Crowell (323) or Phyllis Stephenson SAVE THE DATES FRIDAY, JUNE 27 to SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2014 STRENGTHENING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FATHERS AND THEIR AT-RISK CHILDREN Visit childrensinstitute.org additional event information WOMEN S WEEKEND (formerly Women s Intergenerational Prayer Breakfast) WOMEN S MINISTRY & HOLMAN ADULT MINISTRY JOIN IN HOSTING A WEEKEND OF SHARING FOR WOMEN, YOUNG LADIES & GIRLS!! STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER DETAILS!! 9

10 CONNECTED IN COMMUNITY & OUTREACH Circle of Care Ministries CIRCLE OF CARE FOR WOMEN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS will meet Monday, MAY 12 th at 5:30 pm in Room 204. Please contact Rev. Marguerite Phillips for further information at the Church Office, X15 or MAY IS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH Each May the nation celebrates Older Americans Month to recognize older Americans for their contributions and provide them with information to help them stay healthy and active. This year, we are focusing on injury prevention with the theme Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow. The Advocates for African American Elders and The Center for Health Care Rights is hosting Get Your Medi-Medi Questions Answered on Saturday, MAY 17 th, 10 am 12 pm, with breakfast at 9:30 am. We extend the invitation to you and invite you to contact Rev. Marguerite Phillips if you would like to attend as part of our Holman group or would like more information. SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. Benjamin Franklin MOTHER SAID THERE'D BE DAYS LIKE THIS Holman members or those recommended by one: Want to go to or stay in college? Money short or non-existent? Then remember mom's words: "Don't put things off if you want to get ahead." She also suggests you apply for the 2014 Alen Henry Memorial Scholarships and return all paperwork before the MAY 31st deadline. Mom wants you to win one of the $1000 grants and to contact for an application. You don't need a high GPA and it will take a bite out of tuition costs. Today is HER day. Make tomorrow yours! NEED A SCHOLARSHIP? Applications are now available for the 2014 CLAUDIA WHITMORE / BEATRICE BORDERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP. To qualify you must be an active member of Holman United Methodist Church. A high school graduating senior accepted for admission to a college or university or a continuing college / university student (age limit 25 yrs). An official transcript from your school, college / university must be submitted with the completed application. Applications may be obtained by calling Gloria Allen at (323) Deadline to return completed applications and official transcripts is Friday, JUNE 6, KEEPING ACCURATE RECORDS We encourage you to complete your attendance slips and offering envelopes completely and clearly, preferably by printing, to assist us in accurate record keeping. Thank you for your cooperation and collaboration in serving you. OFFICE RECORD KEEPING DEPT. CIRCLE OF CARE DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP will meet in Room 204 from 11 am 1 pm on Wednesday, MAY 21. We look forward to seeing you!! Kindness and caring are ambrosia for the soul. Amy Leigh Mercree BULLETIN DEADLINE Submissions for bulletin are due by 5 pm on Mondays. Please forward your announcement via to joniarlain@holmanumc.com and include BULLETIN INSERT in your subject line. THANK YOU 10

11 HOLMAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION STOP BY THE HCDC TABLE AFTER WORSHIP TODAY TO GET YOUR TICKET!! For information please contact the HCDC office at or 11

12 Worship Celebration 8:00 A.M. & 11:00 A.M. SERMON NOTES Abundant Mothering SCRIPTURE JOHN 10:1-10 Rev. Kelvin Sauls, Preaching SCRIPTURE REFLECTION Blessed Mother s Day to you!! Mother's Day can be a time of joy and sadness. The day can bring grief and growth, remembering and planning. Reaching beyond mothers, our focus will be on how all of us can reposition ourselves to engage in the act of mothering. How can we allow this day to be an extension of God's mothering love available to us daily. Mothering gathers us to the side of God, who walks with all of us in our time of joy and sadness. Mothering is an invitation to be light and bring life, and accompany those in need of protection and shelter, hope and renewal. If Mother's Day can be one of the happiest days of the year, I invite you to explore abundant mothering as a lifestyle. Who are you mothering for abundant living? L KING AHEAD MARRIAGE & FAMILY SUNDAY SUNDAY, MAY 18 th Foster Care Month Observance CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM Rev. Kelvin Sauls, Preacher MEMORIAL SUNDAY SUNDAY, MAY 25 th Remembering our Military and Law Enforcement Personnel Who Have Given Their Life in Service CELEBRATION OF BAPTISM Minister Victor Cyrus-Franklin, Preacher Lord God, Our hands are open to you. Our ears are listening to you. Our eyes are watching you. Our hearts are trying to beat with yours. Live in us and love others through us today. Amen. 12