Avondale E-Worship
"Thou Art With Me"

Psalm 23
The Divine Shepherd
A Psalm of David

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
3 he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
    for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
    I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff—
    they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    my whole life long.
A Moment for Children
Parents, read over the lesson below and use it to stir conversation as a family!
Do you know what it means to be a leader?
According to the dictionary a leader is someone who takes charge, has influence and guides groups of people. In our scripture today we hear David singing praises to God for being his shepherd and leader. David reminds us how God is always walking alongside us, guiding and providing.

Spend time talking as a family about ways God has led you!

Can you think of someone in your life who has been a good leader? What made them such a good leader?

Activity
It is your turn to lead! Play a fun game of follow the leader and while you are leading your family, think about what makes a leader GREAT!
Are you being helpful? Are you encouraging? Are you making safe decisions?

Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for your leadership. Be with us as we grow, helping us to become great leaders. Amen.
Member Care Corner
"Show You Care - Task of the week"

Help us celebrate two cherished members of our congregation with milestone birthdays this month! Rachel Caudle (Olivia Magee’s mom) turns 96 on May 24 and on May 30th, Betty Boyd will celebrate her 90th. Please remember these special ladies with a card, a note, an email or a phone call.
If you know of any member concerns or needs, please email Jim or call the church office and leave a message.

Online Directory Password: 1944A
Mission Corner

How is Avondale responding during this time of need?

The Bethlehem Center continues to use space at Avondale to host children whose parents are working in essential jobs, ensuring that the children can continue to learn while school is being conducted online. The program has had approximately 8 children in recent weeks. Each week, Avondale's ABC team has put together non-perishable meal bags for each child's family for the weekend to ensure the children and their families are receiving nutritious meals. In this time when it is difficult for so many to feed themselves, Avondale is able to help those with whom we are engaged in mission year-round thanks to your faithful giving!  
Special Offering

We invite you to participate in contributing to this wonderful ministry!

All gifts received will be used to purchase weekly meal supplies. Use the link below to give using a credit or debit card. You may also mail a check to the church office with "ABC" noted on the memo. Thank you for your support and generosity!
Stewardship

A Moment of Grace!

When have you experienced a moment of grace? These are the moments that God lights you up, awakens your heart and touches you. These can be fleeting moments when you become intensely aware that Christ is working in the world, in you, through you and around you. These Moments of Grace can be a conversation, an act of sharing, an act of silence, a mere moment or a long story. Stewardship comes from the reality of awareness of our own moments of grace and highlights the responsibility to nurture our giving. We are called to share what is needed and to be conscious of the moments when we are called upon. 

Enjoy this Moment of Grace , as told by Zach Chambers, sharing where he has experienced moments of grace in this time of crisis, change and uncertainty .
Offering
Your Avondale Pledge

Please see the "Mission Corner" for this weeks special offering!

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.
Self Care and Prayer
The Labyrinth is a sacred place set aside for you to reflect, pray, and worship God. The rhythm of walking empties the mind, relaxes the body and refreshes the spirit. 

The Labyrinth can be walked in four stages, allowing you to walk with your body and rest your mind.

Remember: Before walking the labyrinth take time in gratitude to be thankful for your life. Bless the people in your life. If there is a specific event or situation troubling you (like the coronavirus) bring it to mind and form a healing question if possible (such as why am I anxious about …).

Release: Walking into the labyrinth quiet the mind, let go of the chatter and release any tension. Open your heart to feel whatever it might feel. Become aware of your breathing making sure you are taking slow deep breaths. Relax and move at your own pace. 

Receive: While standing or sitting in the center, use this space as a place of reflection. Pause and stay as long as you like. Open yourself to God. Listen to God’s small, inner voice. Use this time to pray and be honest with God about the things you need to say. 

Return: While walking out of the labyrinth, take the same path you followed to go in. Walking out experience the sense of well-being, healing, energy, and peace.

Prayers You Might Choose to Offer

"I place myself in your presence O God."

"Thank you God for ______. I praise your name because you _______."

"Lord search me and know me for you have created me. Give me the strength to serve you and to _____."

While exiting, offer words of praise and thanksgiving!
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