Loading...O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Collect for Sixth Sunday of Easter, p. 225, Book of Common Prayer
My first trip to the ocean was a family vacation to Myrtle Beach when I was about 5 years old. At first I was terrified and hated when my father would go what I believed was too far out into the ocean for a swim. I watched and watched until he came back into shore. I played in the shallow end.
Eventually my parents rented a raft for me. Then you couldn't get me out of the water! Even when a wave tossed and and spun me around, I'd come up and go back for more. Who knows how much salt water I swallowed.
Yet, I'd never taken a cruise until last week! I wondered if I'd like the days at sea, being out on the water with the vast ocean all around, but nothing else in view. I absolutely loved it. I find the water calming and recently read there are wonderful health benefits from the salt air.
What made the trip more enjoyable was the friends I traveled with. They are part of a clergy group I worked with in Kentucky. We're becoming scattered in different places, but still keep in touch frequently. Being able to see each other in person was wonderful.
I never considered living in Kentucky. It wasn't on my bucket list; yet I've learned that God has plenty of experiences for me that I've never considered. Often, these experiences are some of the best in my life.
When I read our Collect for this week, I understood the line: "O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding...." I pray you have those good experiences that surpass your understanding....
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Save paper by downloading this Sunday's bulletin on your electronic device! The Bulletin page is under the worship tab on the website or click on the link above! Tell me if you think it's working well and how well you like it, so we can adjust the number of bulletins we print.
This Sunday we observe Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. We especially remember The Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Taiwan, the Diocese of Hawaii and Diocese of Micronesia.
Parlor People
This week at Parlor People, Glenn Holliman and Bill Rohm will make a presentation entitled, "Toward a Thology of Stewardship." Next week there will be no Parlor People.
Godly Play is May 8 and 22.
Take a Swing at Drug Abuse. Wendy Day, Sue Beamer and Rebecca will be competing in this miniature golf tournament on Saturday, April 30. They must each raise at least $25 in sponsorships, which supports Perry Human Services. Please let them know if you'd like to sponsor one of them.
Centering Prayer and Taize', Tuesdays, 5:15pm. Join us for twenty minutes of centering prayer, followed by an evening Taize' service.
Bible Study at Thompsontown? Would you be interested ina Bible Study to be held in Thoompsontown weekly or twice monthly? Let Rebecca know.
Men’s Breakfast - each Wed., 9am, Espresso Yourself Café.
Women’s Breakfast - May 11 and 25, 9am, May’s Railside.
Upcoming Meetings:
Tuesday, May 17, Program and Mission, 11am - 12:30pm, Honnamon House
Wednesday, May 18, Stewardship, 10-11am
Wednesday, May 18, Vestry, 6:30pm
Thursday, May 19, Program and Mission, 11am - 12:30pm
Choir will practice May 11 at 10:30am (after womens and men's breakfasts)
Perry County Annual National Day of Prayer, May 5, 7:00pm, Perry County Courthouse. Theme is "Wake Up America."
ECW Thankoffering Ingathering, Sunday, May 8. If possible count up what's in your blue thankoffering box and bring a check for the amount. You can also use the en velope in your April envelopes or write UTO in the memo section of a check. The ingathering occurs twice a year, so get a blue box for the next ingathering. This is a great practice for the entire family and supports $1.5 million in grants throughout The Episcopal Church.
Volunteers needed for 2016 Perry County Work Camp, June 20-24. If you're interested in assisting with home repairs/improvements for people in Perry County, sign up for this camp. Volunteers under 12 years of age must have a parent or guardian working with them. Applications are due by May 25. See Rebecca for an application.
Applications available for home repairs/improvements. Cornerstone Christian Church is accepting applications through May 25 for needed home repairs and improvements to be done June 20-24 through their work camp. Please see Rebecca if you'd like an application or know of someone who would benefit from this program.
Applications are being accepted for the Kyle Weller Scholarship. Active baptized and/or confirmed members of the parish are eligible for the scholarship to support their first post-secondary degree for up to four years. Deadline is June 1. Application is available at the back of the church.
Church Rummage Sale, June 10-11, 8am-2pm each day. Collect items for this rummage sale and bring them to the church with prices marked.
Perry County Literacy Council 22nd Annual Race for Reading, Saturday, May 7, 6:00pm, Little Buffalo State Park. If you're interested in attending this event, please see Miguel Gonzales. more information is available at www.perryliteracy.com.
Perry County Rotary Club 23rd Annual Golf Outing, Friday, June 17, Carlisle Brracks Golf Course. Proceeds benefit Rotary Scholarship Fund and community programs. Lunch, greens fees, car & dinner included. For more information, see Rebecca or email rotaryclubperrycountypa@gmail.com.
Join Hands items of the month are cleaning supplies and Similac Sensitive formula. Bleach, bathroom/toilet/sink cleaner, and laundry soap.
Help People in Need when you buy your Groceries! See Gail Shull or Pat Szabo to purchase cards in various amounts to use at Giant, Mutzabaugh's, or Weis Stores. 5% of the cost of each card stays with the church and is used for outreach and mission projects.
Honor or Remember a loved one or a special occasion with flowers ont he altar! Flowers make our worship space more beautiful and remind us of the blossoming life we have in Christ. Please consider sponsoring the flowers in memory of a loved one, ot to celebrate your thanksgivings. If you have a special kind of flower you'd like to see on the altar, please be in touch with Kay Cramer at least two weeks prior to the date. Flowers are $35. A sign-up chart is in the Undercroft.
