May 9, 2021
Rev. Jim Ewing
Let me tell you a story...
|
|
Matthew 13: 24 - 30
The Parable of the Weeds
24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ 28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”
|
|
Children's Moment
Parents, read over the lesson below and use it to stir conversation as a family!
|
|
The Parable of The Weeds
What is a weed? Have you ever helped weed a garden? Why do we remove the weeds from the garden?
In our scripture today, Jesus told the story of a farm owner who planted wheat in his garden. Before long, weeds grew up around it and his servants came to him questioning why there were weeds? After all, the wheat was planted in good soil. The servants offered to help remove them but the owner replied, “No, because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. I will have the harvesters collect the weeds first and burn them; then collect the wheat and bring it into my barn."
Don't worry, God will work it out!
Sometimes it is hard to understand why bad things happen in this world. We want to react by pointing our fingers at who made the bad decision and "pull the weeds." Jesus is using this lesson to help us understand that God will take care of everything. There will always be weeds and if we put our energy into pulling the weeds we will harm the wheat! what Jesus wants you to do is continue growing tall and strong. It is not your job to point fingers instead, it is your job to offer everyone love, patience and generosity! God will work it out!
Can you think of a time someone you know made a bad decision and you pointed your finger? What could you have done instead? Can you think of a time you made a bad decision and others pointed their finger at you? How did it feel?
Prayer
Dear God, help me to be patient, kind, loving and generous with everyone I meet. Thank you for taking such good care of us! Amen.
|
|
Thank you for joining us in worship!
If you are interested in hearing more about Avondale, please take a moment to fill out our Next Steps form!
|
|
We look forward to hearing from you and the opportunity to share how God is working through the Avondale community! |
|
"By working to honor and help mothers of all kinds on this day, we honor the day’s original intent—to draw attention to those women who serve as disciples of God’s compassion, peace, and justice for all." -Presbyterian Mission
|
|
Avondale Baby Blessing Basket
We celebrate with great joy and anticipation the arrival of two new babies within Avondale during the month of May! Member Care invites you to share in this excitement by signing up to contribute to a Baby Blessing Basket to be delivered to the families just prior or shortly after their arrivals. The sign-up includes diapers, wipes and their most frequented grocery stores and take-out restaurants. Please return your gifts to Avondale by Wednesday, May 12!
When dropping off, please assign a card or sticky note indicating the family each gift is intended for!
|
|
If you know of any member concerns or needs, please email Jim.
Member Directory online...
|
Prayer Requests
Graham Baakko & Family; Ron Crossley; Abigail Corriher; Jozsef Eyer; Stewart Farris; Claire Graham; Kim Kirk; Gail Love; Tim O'Neil; Rita Outland; Tina Sanderson; Sarah Sperry; Gail Trippodo; Courtney Williams & Family.
|
|
Your Avondale Pledge
For those of you who contribute to your pledge through the offering plate on Sunday, there are many opportunities to fulfill your commitment including, mailing a check, PayPal or a one-time or reoccurring bank draft. Drafts can be setup or changed at anytime. Please contact Jacqueline for more information.
Using the link below, you may contribute to your 2021 pledge or make a gift to the church.
|
|
Worship Gathering - Small Groups |
|
Did you know that the early church started in small groups, often within individual homes?
Starting today, we are offering 2-3 small group worship gatherings on the Avondale campus....think a "Worship Watch-Party" followed by a small group discussion on the scripture and sermon. Gatherings are limited to 10 or less participants. Masks are required at this time.
If you are interested in participating in one of these small group gatherings, use the link below to sign-up!
|
|
|
|
Pentecost
May 23, 2021
Our next in-person worship opportunity is scheduled for May 23 at 9:30 AM in the courtyard! The Avondale Adventures children will lead us in worship, both in-person and virtually as we celebrate Pentecost!
Maximum of 100 gathered outside. Masks are required. Please bring your own seating. Limited chairs available for those in need. A pre-recorded pentecost service will be streamed at 9:30 AM on our YouTube channel for those unable to attend.
|
|
 |
Join Avondale families in celebrating the graduates in their lives. High school and college...the accomplishments are many. If you have a graduate that you would like to celebrate, please complete the form below!
Graduates will be recognized and celebrated Sunday, June 13th during worship!
|
|
|
|
Avondale's Quarterly Newsletter |
Avondale Avenues is here.
Find Session reports, a Letter from our Pastor, Member News, birthdays and anniversaries, pictures, ministry updates and more.
Thank you all for contributing!
|
|
|
|
Avondale Presbyterian
2821 Park Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28209
Phone: 704-333-6194
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
