Avondale E-Worship
May 2, 2021
Rev. Jim Ewing

Let me tell you a story...
"The Sower"
Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23

The Parable of the Sower
13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. 6 But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 Let anyone with ears listen!”

The Parable of the Sower Explained
18 “Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. 23 But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

Communion Sunday

We invite you to participate from home using common bread and juice.
Children's Moment
Parents, read over the lesson below and use it to stir conversation as a family!
The Parable of The Sower

Have you ever planted a vegetable or flower garden? Did all of the seeds grow to be a plant? What happened?

Jesus used the Parable of The Sower to explain how God loves us!
A farmer goes out to plant a seed in the ground and hopes it will grow and produce good food to eat. It may shoot up and seem healthy, but quickly whither from the sun because it does not have a good root system. Sometimes, it may get smothered out by weeds, never having a chance and other times, the plant may grow big and strong and produce large amounts of food!

So what does this story mean?

Just like the farmer, who is waiting and watching to see what his seeds do, God is always planting seeds in you, waiting and hoping to see them grow! These seeds are planted everytime you read the Bible, pray, attend Sunday School, VBS or Avondale Adventures! Anytime someone offers you love, forgiveness, kindness and help. Sometimes these seeds do not grow but God keeps trying and never gives up! He plants more seeds and hopes that what you are learning, seeing and hearing about His love will be planted in your heart and will inspire you to grow and share what you know!

What do you know about God? Where and how did you learn that? How can you use what you know to grow and share with others?

Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for planting seeds in me. Help me to grow big and strong in your love! Amen.
Welcome Guest
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!
Member Care Corner
Teacher Appreciation Week
May 2 - 8

"When a 12-year-old Jesus escaped his parents’ watchful eye during the family’s annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the anxious couple returned to find him at long last in the temple, “sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” During a year like no other when students and teachers alike were confined to mainly remote learning, the world’s teachers — propelled by a love for both their charges and their profession — went to great lengths to nurture. It’s time for the Church to say thank you!" - PCUSA Presbyterian Mission

Teachers, thank you for your commitment to education, for pouring into the young and the old, for your patience, determination, passion and love! We give thanks for you this week and always!
All Glory be to God!
Lee Ballard
May 1
Send a Happy Birthday note!
11945 Providence Rd Apt 327
Charlotte, NC 28277
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...
For the updated password, email Caroline .
Prayer Requests

Graham Baakko & Family; Kemper Boyd; Ron Crossley; Abigail Corriher; Jozsef Eyer; Claire Graham; Kim Kirk; Gail Love; Tim O'Neil; Rita Outland; Tina Sanderson; Sarah Sperry; Gail Trippodo; Courtney Williams & Family.
Offering
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.
Announcements
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!
Look for the sign-up link in next weeks email. Maximum of 100 gathered outside. Masks are required. Please bring your own seating. Limited chairs available for those in need.
Avondale Presbyterian
2821 Park Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28209
Phone: 704-333-6194