Sunday, May 20 is Pentecost, which is 50 days after Easter when the disciples were empowered to spread the gospel to all nations. In the past, we have had people who speak different languages read the lesson from the Acts of the Apostles at the same time, so there is a cacophony of voices. If you speak a foreign language and you would be willing to participate in the reading of the gospel, please let Carol know as soon as possible.

In June, the six members of Education for Ministry will complete the first year of the four year program - Walt Cooner, Bob Faithful, Patricia McPherson, Durinda Smith, Craig Staresinich, and Val Tucker. (Carol serves as the mentor) We will be starting the classes again in September and we would love to have some additional members. We meet once a week for 9 months and then have the summer off. There are reading assignments to be done each week. It is a wonderful program of bible study and theological reflection. You sign up for a year at a time. Interested? Feel free to talk with a current member of EfM or let Carol know if you would like to sit in on a class. Registration for the coming year will be held during the summer.

As you know, we have a wonderful and very hard working Vestry! A lot has been accomplished under their leadership and there is more work that needs to be done. However, six of the nine current Vestry members will be rotating off at our Annual Parish Meeting in February after having served their three year terms. We will need to fill those seats (we can have up to 12 on the Vestry). If you might be interested in learning more about what the Vestry does, feel free to sit in on a meeting. We meet on the third Sunday of every month at 12:00 noon in the library. Or you can talk with a current Vestry member. Their names are on the back of the bulletin each week. We need YOUR help!

"Come Sunday" is a movie on Netflix about who can enter the kingdom of God. Is it just those who are baptized and "saved" or is salvation universal and open to everyone? The movie portrays an evangelical pastor's dilemma when he believes that God loves all of us. It's a good movie that makes you think. (Thanks to Craig Staresinich for the recommendation.)

Our prayers and sympathy go the Tim and Robyn Ramsey on the death of Tim's father, Bill Ramsey, on May 2 in Pensecola, Florida. The funeral  will be Tuesday, May 8 at Christ Episcopal Church in Pensacola.

Congratulations go to David Daniel Weir who is graduating from Northern Virginia Community College and will be attending George Mason University in the honors program in the fall.

Reminder

Every Wednesday evening, we have a service of Holy Eucharist and healing at 6:00 PM. The service is about 30 minutes. It is a perfect alternative for those who cannot come to church on Sunday mornings, as well as a good spiritual boost in the middle of the week. Come join us!

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