This Week's News and Updates
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We also celebrated our May birthdays with cake in the Social Hall after service.
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This Week's Wednesday Gathering - 7pm
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Loving God, as a people of faith, we may be standing on high mountains or in deep valleys; we need Your love and protection to bring us closer to You. In times of growth we feel Your presence ever close; yet in our valley times we many not find You so readily. You are always there God, above those dark clouds that loom upon us sometimes.
Help us to meditate on the immeasurable love You have for each one of us; we feel the swell of Your love grow in our hearts. Holy one be with us, as we search for our Sabbath time; our time of pastures green and rest, of knowledge and wisdom. Let us find the sacred in the ordinary times, quietness in the noise, contentment and peace in our difficulties.
Help us God, to find that still small voice within and know that you are GOD.
John Rutter encapsulates it quite simply in the words of his hymn: "For the beauty of the earth; for the beauty of the skies; for the love which from our birth, over and around us lies."
How beautiful You made our earth and we are so grateful that we live with such beauty all around us God; let our grateful hearts help us to do all we can, to help preserve Your wonderful creation; we are human beings, part of your divine plan, given freely and with Your grace; we thank You for Your constant love and guidance. Amen.
Prayer submitted by Rev. Janice Bowker, Senior Pastor, God's Acre MCC, Ocala, Florida, USA.
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Church Was Supposed to be an Alternative Society by Rev. David Wynn
Okay…so the idea expressed in the title above did not originate with me…many, many, participants in and observers of the church have expressed it in one way or another. To be clear, this title came from Richard Rohr. I agree whole heartedly with it though and have set about being one person who is part of many communities who are deeply invested in the kind of world Jesus was teaching about and creating in his physical and now spiritual lifetime.
I’m convinced it is the only way our lives will evolve into futures we want to inhabit. Richard Rohr says it this way, “The individual is largely helpless and harmless standing against the system of disguise and illusion. Thankfully, we’re seeing many people, religious and secular, from all around the world, coming together to form alternative communities for sharing resources, living simply, and imagining a sustainable and nonviolent future. It is hard to imagine there will be a future without them.” The mystical and practical Paul that lives in our scriptures understood this…that creating an alternative society began with us recognizing our connection to all things and living as many parts in one body.
How will we embrace and become a people who share our resources, live simply, create sustainability, and are deeply committed to nonviolence in how we speak, live, and move through the world. Well, it will take all of us communally to co-create that world. Let’s talk more on Sunday!!
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Upcoming Workshops - From Judy Hudson
This summer, I am offering classes in how to create Mesmerizing Mosaic Tiles (June 16 and July 21) and Magical Underwater World (June 23 and July 28). I use a lot of clay to create 3D mixed media artwork and many people have asked me about my techniques and methods.
All four classes are from 9-4, held at the social hall at Agape'. All materials and lunch are included AND provided in the registration fee.
Classes are limited to 15 people
. If you follow the link, you'll find the registration forms for each class. Hope to see you there!
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Calendar of Events
- Wed, May 09 - 7pm Wednesday Gathering
- Thu, May 10 - 6:30pm Grief Support Group
- Fri, May 11 - 5:30pm Samaritan House Supper Club
- Sun, May 13 - 10:30am Worship Service
- Mon, May 14 - 6pm Worship Team Mtg / 7pm Board of Directors
- Wed, May 16 - 7pm Wednesday Gathering
- Thu, May 17 - 6:30pm Grief Support Group
- Fri, May 18 - 7pm LGBT SAVES Scholarship Dinner - Private Reservation
- Sun, May 20 - 10:30am Worship Service / M,G&E Cheesecake Bake-Off!
- Mon, May 21 - 6pm Worship Team Mtg
- Wed, May 23 - 7pm Wednesday Gathering
- Thu, May 24 - 6:30pm Grief Support Group
- Sun, May 27 - 10:30am Worship Service
- Mon, May 28 - 6pm Worship Team Mtg
- Wed, May 30 - 7pm Wednesday Gathering
- Thu, May 31 - 6:30pm Grief Support Group
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- May 03 - Judy Hudson
- May 04 - April Nash
- May 07 - Mark Vega
- May 16 - Helen Smith
- May 23 - Teresa Mallott
- May 29 - Candy Davidson
- May 31 - Tyler Spence
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Call to Worship
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Media
Morning Meditation
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Rev. David Wynn
Song of Intention
- "In the Secret" -
Community
Words of Welcome -
Rev. David Wynn
Time of Greeting -
Community
Time With Our Children -
Trish Ashton
Response - "This Little Light of Mine" -
Community
Song of Preparation - "There is Only Love" -
Community
Scripture Reading - Matthew 18:19, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 -
Melisa Price
Song of Response - "There is Only Love" -
Community
Time of Teaching - "Community: God's Strategy" -
Rev. David Wynn
Centering Song - "Fill Me Now" -
Community
Community Prayer -
Rebecca McDonell
Prayer Response - "Fill Me Now" -
Community
A Time of Offering -
Cassy Batts
Celebration of Holy Communion -
Rev. Robert Myers
Song of Sending Forth - " The River is Here" -
Community
The Sending Forth -
Rev. David Wynn
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