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Avondale E-Worship
February 21, 2021
Rev. Jim Ewing
"The Blessing of Wilderness"
Rev. Anna Rainey Dickson
Guest Preacher
Exodus 17: 1 - 7

17 From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. 2 The people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” 3 But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?” 4 So Moses cried out to the Lord, “What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5 The Lord said to Moses, “Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you; take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 He called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”
Lent
Congregational life put together Lent in a Bag, where you will find a Lenten devotional and other symbols of the season. Pick up your bag today from 12 to 1:30 PM at Avondale. You may also download a digital copy of the devotional using the picture link above.
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!
Children's Moment
Parents, read over the lesson below and use it to stir conversation as a family!
Did you know that your body is mostly made up of water?
Check out the chart above! Not only is water fun to splash and play in but it is essential for life! Without water we could not survive and neither would other plants and animals!

In our scripture lesson today we read the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses was doing exactly what God had asked him to do and the Israelites were trusting Moses to protect them and lead them to safety.

What happened on their journey? Why did the Israelite's become angry with Moses?
The Israelite's became scared because they had no water! They had journeyed a long way and were very thirsty! They became angry with Moses and accused him of not protecting them and providing them with what they needed.

Moses went to God!
Moses knew he did not have the answers and did not know where to find water so he turned to God. Moses asked God, "What do I do? I am scared!"

God answered Moses!
God led Moses and a few of the Israelite's to water! They remembered this as the place where they tested God and God was with them.

Prayer
Dear God, Help me to remember that you are with me and that when I am afraid and in need, I can turn to you for help. Amen.

Activity
Many people around the world lack access to clean and safe water! Some people travel a long distance everyday in search of clean water to drink. This week, try and be mindful of the water being used in your home! Make a badge and name yourself the water patrol officer, finding ways to save water in your home and teaching your family to do the same!
Member Care Corner
It is with great joy that we share the news of the arrival of Henry Worf and Helen Doherty! We invite you to send notes of love and care to the Worf and Doherty families! If you would like to assist Member Care with providing a meal, please contact Leslie Saleeby for more information.
Henry Melancton Worf

Born February 14, 2021 to proud parents Rich and Lisa Worf!
Helen Lafortune Doherty

Born February 18, 2021 to proud parents Tim and Anne Doherty and big brothers Thomas and William!
Ellen Watson
February 26
Send a Happy Birthday note!
5215 Randolph Rd Apt 2250
Charlotte, NC 28211
If you know of any member concerns or needs, please email Jim.

Member Directory online...
For the updated password, email Caroline .
Prayer Requests

Ed Ballard; Abigail Corriher; Jozsef Eyer; Claire Graham; Paula Huffines & Family; Kim Kirk; Gail Love; Marilyn Nolan; Mary Hall & The family of Warren Nolan; Tim O'Neil; Privette Family; Tina Sanderson; Sarah Sperry; Gail Trippodo.
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
March 7, 2021 / 12 PM
A Congregational Meeting has been called by the Session to hear and receive the 2020 Annual Report.
Join us on Zoom using the link provided.