"God of Hope and Purpose"
John 13: 3 - 5; 34 - 35
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Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God,
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got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself.
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Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him.
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I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.
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By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
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Questions to stir thought and conversation...
In your early spiritual life, who was one of the people that demonstrated to you what it means to “wash feet?” Have you ever thanked them?
Today, where you work or live, who is the person that needs a loving touch from you?
When it comes to foot washing and other acts of humility and service, do you find it easier to serve others or to have your own needs attended to?
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A Moment for Children
Have you ever washed someone's feet?
One night, long ago, Jesus sat down and washed all of his disciples feet. And, back when Jesus was here on Earth we didn't have sidewalks and paved roads. All of the roads were dirty and muddy and people wore sandals around. Feet got really, really dirty and stinky! Washing feet was usually a job that the servants did, and Jesus was a King!
Why do you think Jesus would do the job of washing feet?
Jesus wanted to show his disciples how to be a servant. A servant is someone who is taking care of others, always putting another's needs before their own. Jesus came as a King but not to be served like most Kings. He came to serve all of us and to teach us how to serve one another, even when the job is hard and sometimes stinky!
This week, how can you be servant and show the love of Jesus?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help us to be more like you. May we have a servants heart and always share your love with others. Amen.
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Member Care Corner
"Show You Care - Task of the week"
Using the church directory, pick 3 members to send a hand written note or card. Receiving a letter from a friend in the mail is often a thing of the past but during this time of slowing down, take a moment to sit and craft a letter of love and encouragement.
Happy 90th Birthday Claire Graham!
March 29
It is with deep sadness that we share that Lamar Gunter joined the Church Triumphant Friday, March 20. Plans for his service have not yet been made. We will share details as they become available.
If you know of any member concerns or needs, please
email Jim or call the church office and leave a message. We will do our best to ensure all needs are met!
Online Directory Password: 1944A
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Mission Corner
How is Avondale responding during this time of need?
Avondale continues to serve as host to the Bethlehem Center's Out of School and Teen leadership programs, as a location of last resort after city facilities were closed due to COVID-19. Both last week and this week, the ABC Team shopped for and assembled food bags for the families participating in the program.
Kids in the program (as well as others in the community) are receiving a free hot meal at lunch courtesy of a non-profit called Culinary Connections (which is associated with the Cuzzo's restaurant on Tuckaseegee Road). We invite Avondale members to donate as a way to assist an organization that is helping the kids we normally work with. Donations are tax-deductible (it's a 501(c)(3) organization) and can be sent to Culinary Connections, c/o Anglee Brown, 3418 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, NC 28208.
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Ways to serve in our community...
Supporting Our Homeless Neighbors
Unfortunately, Room In The Inn was cancelled due to the potential threat of COVID-19. Urban Ministries has worked very hard over the last week to ensure our homeless community is still being served. They have set up tent housing and also partnered with city government to lease a hotel where many may be housed. However, there are many ways you can continue to support our homeless neighbors, including drop-off donations or placing an Amazon order from the Urban Ministries Wishlist. Click
here
for additional information on these opportunities.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina
Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina is in desperate need of not only donations, but volunteers to help sort and distribute food to children, seniors, families, veterans, and pets. Due to many company policies during the virus outbreak, regular groups have had to cancel their shifts and the Food Bank is in desperate need of volunteers to help fill those shifts. At this time, they are asking volunteers and staff to stay home if they experience any symptoms of illness, or if they have traveled to high-risk locations within the last 30 days; however, volunteer sessions are planned to run as scheduled. The Food Bank is taking every safety precaution for volunteers and staff including increased cleaning/sanitizing of the facility after each volunteer shift, consistent hand washing, along with social distancing. (No hugs or handshakes allowed either.) The leadership of Avondale asks that you carefully consider the potential risks of volunteering; however, if you are interested in volunteering in the coming weeks with a small group of Avondalers, please
email Amanda Shanks.
You are also welcome to sign up to volunteer individually. Click
here
for additional information about volunteering or about making a donation to the Food Bank.
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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.
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Easter Gifts
Given to the Glory of God
Honor or remember a loved one this Easter by supporting a particular mission or project of the church!
You may use the links below or print a form and mail it to the church with a check attached.
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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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