From the Associate Pastor
The Reverend Carla Dietz
View Carla's Sermons here.........
Wednesday night Bible Study always proves to be a rousing experience and discussion! We ask, what is the Bible for, the present or its historical information? I lean on the side of studying the Bible for its relevance to our lives today in 2012. Some of our members are more historically minded or appreciate the analytical details of the social structure of the period it was written in. One thing is for sure, it is never dull to study our Holy Bible with this group and the “God Is Still Speaking” curriculum we are working with is pithy, to the point and uncomplicated. If you are up for some lively discussion (especially as we approach Lent) come join us, Wednesday February 8th and Wednesday March 14th. This is one of those studies you can jump into anytime, and this congenial group is happy to have you do so. We gather at 7:15 for fellowship and start the study promptly at 7:30, for an hour. Prayer, mediation, reflective notes are all part of the highly rewarding activities.
Church School is pumping iron this year. We have LOTS of 1st, 2nd, 3rd graders and the other classes have consistent attendance as well. One of the great joys of Christian Education is visiting the classrooms to hear how the kids are integrating the lessons into their lives. Our Seasons of the Spirit curriculum is used in all classes and as a point of reference in the weekly Order of Worship and sermon messages you hear most Sundays. All in all we as a church are getting the same lectionary-based lesson on the same Sunday. It’s fun! Church School will be February 5 ,12,19 and Intergenerational Worship on February 26. In March we will be in Church School March 4, 11, 18, and Intergenerational Worship on March 25. The first Sundays are Communion Sundays, so 5th - Middle School stay in worship for those Sundays.
EXCITING news – 4th Graders will stay in Worship on March 4th to Observe Communion in preparation for their First Communion on April 1st.
Youth Group is thriving with a group of 10 - 20 on any given Wednesday evening. It is a terrific group of caring kids who support one another. We have been to Hill Top Homes to play games and another time to sing Carols, we have made Halloween and Thanksgiving cards for our Church friends, had a scavenger hunt, done team building activities and scheduled a field trip to the Sound Tigers Ice Hockey game at Harbor Yard. February 1st is Ludlow Commons Bingo Night. February 8th Is a Lenten Discussion and Activity. March 7th Tolerance is our topic and we’ll be doing activities about avoiding bullying, acceptance and caring. March 21st is Movie Night and Discussion. Please do
encourage your 6th, 7th and 8th graders to join in on the action. Our vibrant Youth Director Sarah and I are glad to have newcomers anytime.
Oaxaca, Mexico - Simply Smiles Mission Trip
The Board of Christian Outreach and Simply Smiles are joining efforts for a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico
April 14 - 21st. It is a one-week trip during school vacation for anyone in good health 15 years old and beyond. If you have ever wanted to participate in a meaningful Service Trip to partner and work with people in need, this is a sensational opportunity. Our Souper Bowl of Caring fundraiser dollars will be going toward this trip to help with the cost for each individual. If you are interested in joining the group, led by Michael Harden and the Simply Smiles team, go online to www.simplysmiles.org where you can find all the details. You can also contact Mike Harden at wmharden@optonline.net or see him at Fellowship Hour where he sells Simply Smiles coffee, talking to folks about the trip and is happy to sign you and your family up! Contributions are encouraged even if you can’t go. You can make the trip happen for another Church member. My door is always open to you, so feel free to come by to chat anytime.
Peace,
Carla
