Good News vs Goodbyes

Hello Everyone --

It is with mixed emotions that I write this news.

On Thursday, April 27th, I received word that I had been chosen to be the next Administrative Assistant to the Greater Norwest Area Bishop Elaine Stanovsky.  This is a tremendous honor, but it means I must say goodbye to my Mason United Methodist Church family.

As the Administrative Assistant to the Bishop, I will be able to devote more time to the struggles that Methodists face. This position will also allow me to have greater financial stability and a chance to travel a bit around the Greater Northwest area.
 
Due to the time-line of the new job, my last day with Mason will be Friday, May 5th.  That is coming up-much more quickly than we had anticipated.  Plans are being made, as I type this, to make sure you will still be taken care of and not experience much disruption in the process.
 
I will miss all the wonderful people of the church, but will be back at some point to worship with my family and sing with the talented Erin and Paige.  (Don't think I've forgotten about that!)
 
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you for the past few years!  I wish you all peace, love, and fulfillment. 
 
Until we meet again ~
Rachel Fitzgerald
Office Admin and Communications Specialist


Scholarship Packets Available Now

The Centennial Scholarship applications are now available in the office for students that will be in college in the autumn of this year. 

You can stop by during office hours (Mon, Tues, Wed, and Fri. from 9 AM to 2 PM) to pick up your packet.

We need YOU!!

We are looking for a volunteer to teach the Children's Sunday  School class during the Summer Session, which begins on June 4 .
 
We definitely need help June 4-18 , but if you would be willing to teach for longer, that would be wonderful as well. This is a fantastic opportunity to get to know the youngest members of our congregation, and to help shape their spiritual growth. Please reach out to [email protected]  if you have any questions. 
Opinion: The Cost of Unity
by Rev. Austin Adkinson
From the Conference Website

Fears of schism are heightened this week as our denomination's equivalent of the Supreme Court considers cases about the legitimacy of LGBTQI leadership. With the decisions of multiple conference Boards of Ordained Ministry to not consider sexual orientation as a factor in ordination, the mass coming out letter of 111 LGBTQI clergy and candidates (now 140+), and the election of our first out queer bishop, 2016 clearly demonstrated the breadth of the divisions between inclusionary United Methodists and those who seek to continue rejecting the gifts, talents, value, and calling of LGBTQI Christians.
To read more, click the link below.

Mason Welcomed New Members on
Easter Morning!
Mason welcomed six new members on Easter Morning.  There was so much excitement, we had to share it with you!

Welcome...
The Nunnally Family
 
Michelle Emens (and family)
Anna Bisch
We would also like to welcome Alice Winters.  We weren't able to snap a picture on Easter, but look out for her on Sundays.  What a charming lady!
YOUTH MINISTRIES
There are some pretty cool events coming up.  Check it out!
Youth Group this month will be on May 7, from 5 to 8pm!
All in grades 6-12 are welcome for an evening of food, games, and discussion of faith. Come join us and help to wish Margo "Bon Voyage," since this is the last youth group gathering before she leaves for Indonesia! 
ADULTS
The Youth Group would greatly appreciate if someone would be willing to bring a meal (for 10-12) for us to share in fellowship together during our meeting on May 7 at 5pm. If you are able, please email [email protected] ! We love having support from our congregation. Thank you!
What are you doing over Memorial Day Weekend?

Sign up for CONVO!
From the Convo website, " Over Memorial Day weekend, hundreds of Youth (grades 6-12) and adult youth workers will gather at the University of Puget Sound for CONVO, three days of worship, fun, and learning. This United Methodist youth retreat is a fantastic opportunity to connect with friends new and old from across the Pacific Northwest!"
 
Head to  http://www.pnwumc.org/event/convo-2017/ to register and get more information.
We are also in search of an adult volunteer to hang out with the youth at this event, because Margo will be studying in Indonesia and Olivia will be helping to run the event on UPS' end.
 
If you would like to go, register at the link above, and also let Olivia and Margo know at [email protected]!
 

Financial assistance is available to anyone in need.  Please contact Pastor Stephanie for help.
Mason goes to the Mariners!
More details to come, but plan to keep the evening of Friday, July 7 open for a trip to a Mariners game for their Fun & Faith night. We will get a group-discount rate on tickets, so it's a can't-miss event! If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].
Community Events
Historic Home Tour

Saturday, May 6th -- 10 AM to 5 PM &
Sunday, May 7th -- 1 PM to 5 PM
Tickets: $25

That's right folks!  The Historic Home Tour is back.  For more information, click here.

Northwest Repertory Singers
Home is Where the Art is
May 6th at 7:30 PM
May 7th at 3:00 PM

This concert is not to be missed -- AND -- it's taking place in our own Sanctuary.  Tickets can be purchased at the door, but to purchase them ahead of time, or for more information, click here.

Salish Sea Early Music Festival

Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 7:00 PM
(in the Mason UMC Sanctuary)
 
BAROQUE IN TRANSITION: 1600-1700
Ingrid Matthews ~ violin
Jeffrey Cohan ~ renaissance & baroque flutes
 Elisabeth Wright ~ harpsichord

An evolving musical perspective:
17th-century trios on both late renaissance and early baroque instruments.
A suggested donation is taken at the door.
You better Run...
Saturday, May 20th
Kids Start: 8:30 AM
5K Starts: 9:00 AM
Owen's Beach at Point Defiance.

100% of the proceeds for the registration fees go to FISH Food Banks of Pierce County.

For more information, or to sign up, click here.

Know someone else who would be interested?
Did someone share this email with you? Sign up now.