The Lynnewood Lines - Lynnewood United Methodist Church

The Lynnewood
Lines
THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE LYNNEWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Dare to question, love, and serve.
May 2016
Grace for the Journey
It is time to plant your spring garden! Here are some suggestions:
For the garden of your daily living, plant three rows of peas:
Peace of mind, peace of heart, and peace of soul.
Plant four rows of squash:
Squash gossip. Squash indifference. Squash grumbling. Squash selfishness.
Plant four rows of lettuce:
Let us be faithful. Let us be kind. Let us be patient. Let us love one another.
No garden is complete without turnips:
Turn up for meetings. Turn up for worship. Turn up for service projects.
To finish the garden, you must have thyme:
Time for each other, time for family, and time for the community we live in.
Water freely with patience, and cultivate with love. You reap what you sow.
This is a little corny, I know. But read it over now, and mark the rows that will need
special attention.
Thanks to our Trustees and Building Committees for upkeep and future plans for our
church garden beds and walkways. We have a great need for well-tended "peas,"
"squash," lettuce," "turnips," and "thyme" here at church. The investments in our Dare
to Grow program will reap a beautiful Fellowship Hall and frontage property for years
to come, inviting the community to experience this dynamic congregation we call
Lynnewood. Let's see how the garden grows.
With Jubilee blessings,
Heather
OUTREACH
Pages 6-7
BIBLE READINGS
Page 9
SMALL GROUPS
Page 10-11
CHILDREN AND YOUTH,
SUNDAY SCHOOL,
Page 12
BIRTHDAYS AND
ANNIVERSARIES
Page 15
In Need of Prayer…
Lynnewood Family
 Our Yemeni refugee family expected to arrive May 9 from Turkey
 People undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery for cancer
 Comfort for those who grieve the loss of a loved one
 God's guidance for families making important decisions
 Peace of mind for seniors making college and career plans
 Jobs for those who are unemployed
 Our church in its 50th Jubilee Year
National and World Needs …
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


Prayer Ministry:
Safety for international refugees
Peace and respect among world religions
Relief for earthquake victims in Ecuador
Relief from storms across the country
Kathy L - coordinator. Please Rev. Heather at
[email protected]
Stephen Minister Coordinator:
If you or a friend would like to meet with a Stephen
Minister, call Linda.
CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
On Confirmation Sunday, youth who are completing 8th grade and who have decided to confirm
the vows made at their baptism, are received into full membership at our church. Join us on the
patio on Pentecost Sunday, May 15th, as we celebrate our Confirmands with an All Church
Picnic. This event takes place following the second service at 11:30. The Men’s Group is
preparing hot dogs and hamburgers and the Membership Committee is providing dessert. Sign
up to celebrate with our confirmands and to get together with our Lynnewood Church family.
Please bring a dish to share. The Membership Committee will be taking sign-ups on the
patio each Sunday through May 8th.
Class with John Shelby Spong
July 11-15, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley
Bishop Spong, author and retired bishop of the Episcopal Church, will offer a summer class
at Pacific School of Religion, July 11-15. This is a unique opportunity to hear lectures by a
scholar on the cutting edge of biblical research. His topic is "Biblical Literalism: A Gentile
Heresy." He will discuss the Gospel of Matthew and uncover a "New Christianity." Rev.
Heather took a class by Bishop Spong in 2012 and invited him to speak at Lynnewood. The
sanctuary was packed. Heather will be preaching on the tenets of progressive theology
June 12-July 3. One of the tenets is that we do not need to take the Bible literally; it was
never intended to be read that way. Spong will address this topic from a reading of Matthew.
To register, visit www.psr.edu/summer.
Pleasanton's "First Wednesday," May 4
Come to hear our church's Come As You Are combo with Dave and Sheri on Main Street
from 6:00-9:00 p.m., May 4. This First Wednesday street fair ushers in the summer program
of music, food, and fun on the First Wednesday of each summer month. If you can help
pass out Lynnewood fliers, see Diana.
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Being Mortal
A Discussion about the End of Life with Claire, M.F.T.
7:00-8:15 p.m., May 1, 8
Medicine has triumphed in modern times, transforming the dangers of childbirth, injury, and
disease from harrowing to manageable. But when it comes to the inescapable realities of
aging and death, what medicine can do often runs counter to what it should do.
Atul Gawande, author of the acclaimed book, Being Mortal, reveals the suffering this dynamic
has produced. A practicing surgeon, Gawande examines the ultimate limitations and failures
of medicine—in his own practice as well as in others’—as life draws to a close. And he
discovers how we can do better. He follows a hospice nurse on her rounds, a geriatrician in
his clinic, and reformers turning nursing homes upside down. He finds people who show us
how to have the hard conversations and how to ensure that we never sacrifice what people
really care about. The ultimate goal is not a good death but a good life—all the way to the
very end.
If you find this topic interesting, or if you are dealing with your own or a loved ones' dying, join
the group in the library, Sundays, May 1 and 8 at 7:00 p.m. The book is available at Towne
Center Books in Pleasanton.
YELP LUMC!
Do you ever search the Internet for a great restaurant? Many people look for a church on the
net too! You can help people know about Lynnewood by going to Yelp and writing a review!
Go to: Yelp
Setting goals—1987
1988
Dancing with Sara
May 2016
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Music Notes
Calendar Notes:
Sonshine Choir and Joyful Noise Choir:
Last two rehearsals before summer break are May 1 and May 8.
We sing in worship on Sunday, May 15.
Michelle to Bid a Fond Farewell
(We'll all miss her!)
After retiring from my full-time job this past December, it became obvious that because of
financial considerations, I would be unable to continue living in this area. I have had to
make the very difficult decision to move back to Oregon this summer to be closer to my
family.
My last Sunday with the Lynnewood family will be June 26th, but please know that I will
dearly miss each and every one of you. My duties with Lynnewood's music program will
be in good hands as Amelia, our very accomplished and wonderful organist and pianist,
has graciously consented to take on accompanying the choir.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mary B. of the Staff Parish
Committee for further information.
My love and gratitude to you all for the wonderful memories that will travel with me always.
~Michelle
Mother’s Day worship will feature “A FAMILY JUST LIKE YOURS”
Lynnewood’s Wider Welcome Committee has been hard at work preparing a unique
celebration for Mother’s Day worship at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May
8th. Our worship experience will celebrate the diversity of families among us and
help us open our eyes to the uniqueness and commonalities among all families.
Special thanks to Lisa and Ron who have taken and prepared photographs for the
visual portion of our celebration. And thank you to the 6 families who agreed to be
featured. This will be a special Sunday at Lynnewood. Happy Mothering Day to all.
Come As You Are
We launched our new worship service on February 14, 2016. People who have attended find
the gathering very comfortable. When you come at 5:15 or 5:30 p.m., you will be offered
refreshments, an intimate seating arrangement, great music by Sheri and Dave, words easy to
read on a screen, and a message about a relevant topic. Heather and Diana alternate weeks
for the message, including videos and small-group sharing. Volunteers are invited to give
testimonies about their lives, and the community participates in prayer together. The first 6
weeks give us the sense that a small, informal worship opportunity meets many people's
needs. Join us! Come as you are!
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Lynnewood’s Financial Status Through the End of March
Operating Budget
Amount
% difference from
budget
Donations (Year to Date)
$ 115,352
14.3%
Expenses (Year to Date)
$163,694
-6.6%
Building Fund
Amount
Donations (Year to Date)
$ 26,878
Transfer from remainder of 2015 General Budget
$44,959
Transfer from remainder of 2016 General Budget ytd
$11,736
Building Fund Balance
$131,601
If you would like to better understand where our church stands financially or the financial goals of our church,
please see any member of the Finance Committee. We would be happy to discuss our finances with you!
Prayer Letter
Prayer is an important part of Stephen Ministry. Lynnewood’s Stephen Ministers are always
available to pray with you as part of our ministry to reinforce God’s love and care of the
Lynnewood congregation.
Each household of Lynnewood will be receiving a prayer letter beginning this spring over the
period of a year. This letter is sent to enhance your prayer life and to supplement the weekly
worship service at Lynnewood. Each time we send the letter, we ask you to pray with us and
include any members of your family in your prayers, as we will be doing. Our goal is to let you
know that we are thinking of you and praying with you. We hope when you receive this letter
you let the prayer time fill your heart with love and your mind with peace.
If you have further questions regarding this letter or this practice feel free to contact Heather
Hammer, Linda, or one of the Stephen Ministers: Lou R., Daniel R., Kim M., Kathy L., Teresa
D., Donna G., or Debbie R.
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Lynnewood’s Outreach, reaching out
Workday at Tri-Valley Haven’s Shiloh House
As part of our yearly Outreach efforts for Tri-Valley Haven’s two local shelters, we will again
host a workday at the Shiloh Shelter for abused women and children. This year the task will be
to repaint up to six medium to small bedrooms. The day will be on Saturday May 21st, starting
at 9:00 a.m. and finishing before 4:00 p.m. The Outreach Committee will supply all the needed
paint and equipment as well as a substantial lunch. Even if you can spare just a half day or
less, come and enjoy this painting party! To sign-up or request more information contact Ron or
visit the Outreach table during the next few Sundays.
EGG CARTONS—Ongoing Project
Do you want to be a GOOD EGG?
Many people see egg cartons in the narthex and wonder why empty egg cartons are brought
to church. The Tri-Valley Haven Food Bank receives eggs from local grocery stores with
good eggs and some broken and mushy eggs. Before Tri-Valley staff distributes the good
eggs to their clients, they seek cleaner egg cartons. Over the years the Lynnewood church
family has been the source for the egg cartons. Thank you for your continued support of this
outreach opportunity.
NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES SUNDAY
The Native American Ministries Sunday offering on May 1, 2016 develops and strengthens
Native American ministries within the annual conference.
Along with expanding the number of target cities in the Native American Urban Initiative, this
ministry supports the education of Native American seminarians. Please check out this link for
more information on Native American ministries: Connections: Celebrating the contributions
of Native Americans - UMC Giving
BUNDLES OF JOY UPDATE
Bundles of Joy is an on-going project only made possible by the donations we receive each
month. Our goal is to provide 14 bags per month to Axis Community Health. Your continued
support is needed. Please consider a donation from the list below. Help us continue to reach
out to families in need and show them what a caring community we are. Donations may be
left in the narthex or given to Kristin. Contact Heidi or the church office with any questions.
Thanks
Items Needed for the Bundles of Joy Project:
Diapers (Newborn – Size 1)
Wipes
Rattles
Hats (We usually include 2)
Bibs (We usually include 2) Pacifiers
Blankets
Cloth Toys or Stuffed Animals
Baby Wash, Lotion, Powder or Ointment (We include 1 item per bag.)
Newborn Outfits – Size 0-6 months (We usually include 1 per bag.)
Pajamas – Size 0-6 months (We usually include 1 per bag.)
Onesies – Size 0-6 months (We usually include 1-2 per bag.)
Baby Booties or Socks (We usually include 2-3 pairs)
Cash or Gift Cards (Target, Babies R Us, etc…)
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CONFERENCE OFFERING FOR JUNE 5
The conference offering this year will benefit United Methodist Volunteers In Ministry (UMVIM)
projects identified by California-Nevada Conference Native American congregations: Round
Valley UMC, Schurz UMC, Klamath UMC, and Point Arena UMC. The goal is to live fully into
a renewed commitment to learn more about and partner with these local churches in the
conference, providing ministry on or near formally recognized tribal lands. These funds will give
the churches the resources needed to put UMVIM teams to work on much needed projects that
will strengthen their abilities to be in ministry within their communities. The UMVIM office will be
working with these churches to organize these projects and deploy teams.
East Bay Gives
On Tuesday, May 3, 2016, Circles for Change will participate in East Bay Gives, a 24-hour
online fundraising effort hosted by the East Bay Community Foundation that will bring 501 local
nonprofit organizations together with hundreds of donors who want to help our communities.
Last year, from midnight to midnight, East Bay Gives raised more than $649k for 360 nonprofit
organizations, and we're excited to do our part to make the day even more successful this
year.
You can participate by going online and making a tax-deductible donation of at least $20.00 to
Circles for Change on May 3rd using this link: https://eastbaygives.org/npo/asbury-unitedmethodist-church. For those unable to participate online, checks may be made out to Asbury
United Methodist Church with Circles for Change in the memo line. Though welcome at any
time, funds by check must be received by April 30th to be included in the East Bay Gives event.
So far, we have been offered $1000 of matching funds as an incentive to do our best. Please
help us to meet and exceed that goal!
Circles for Change is one of Lynnewood's strategic plan goals: to bring families together to
reduce poverty in our valley.
Quilt and Craft Sale
May 6 and 7
San Ramon
Grace United Methodist Church will host a craft sale with jewelry, baskets, gifts, quilts, and
lunch including home-baked treats, Friday, May 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 7 from 9
a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds support missions. 19901 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon.
“Quilts Around the World”
Show and Tea
May 20 and 21
Castro Valley
Castro Valley United Methodist Church invites Lynnewood to its bi-annual qulit show and tea
Friday, May 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Quilt show-$5.00, High tea--$10.00, funds go to mission projects. 19806 Wisteria St., Castro Valley.
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Refugee Family to Arrive May 9!
A family from Yemen will arrive at the Oakland Airport May 9. It is a mother and 2 sons,
ages 9 and 12. The family has been in Turkey for several years waiting to be accepted in a
new home country. Catholic Charities is the Refugee Resettlement Agency we are working
with, who will find an apartment and social services appropriate for this family. Apparently
the mother speaks some English. If you can provide school supplies for the boys, please
see Heather, or email Liz Bayat directly: [email protected]. Liz is the Refugee Resettlement
Task Force chairperson, coordinating our effort among 5 Circuit churches: Lynnewood,
Asbury, San Ramon Valley, Grace, and Castro Valley UMCs. Together we have raised
$10,000 to assist with rent and immediate needs. We have collected furniture and linens
and are close to stocking an apartment. Thank you for your support!
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Sermon Topics for May
Sundays at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
The Season of Easter
May 1
Diana preaching, “At the Pace of the Children,” Genesis 33:12-14,
informal worship with communion.
May 8
“A Family Just Like Yours,” Wider Welcome planning our worship for a
Celebration of the Christian Home, Ruth 1:7-19, Matthew 12:46-50
Pentecost
May 15
“From Babel to Pentecost,” Pentecost and Confirmation Sunday, Acts 2:1-8,
communion at 9:00 a.m., and reception of new members at 10:30 a.m. A Jubilee
Sunday! Stay for a picnic after worship!
Ordinary Time after Pentecost
May 22
Katherine Parker, missionary to Nepal, preaching, "In Mission Together:
Responding to the Nepal Earthquake," John 13:12-15.
May 29
Progressive Christianity: "Who is Jesus?" John 14:6, Galatians 1:1-12. This week
begins a series of 4 weeks on the basic tenets of Progressive Christianity.
Sundays at 5:30 p.m.
“Seasons of the Heart”
May 1
May 8
May 15
May 22
May 29
A good place to meet new friends, relax, sing along, be yourself….Come as you are!
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
LUMC Library
All are welcome to share in this adult Bible study on Wednesday mornings at the
church. It is a “lectionary” based study, looking at the scriptures to be used in
worship and preaching the following Sunday. The group meets for 90 minutes.
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Small Group Ministries
YOGA CLASS - Basic Yoga
MEN’S BREAKFAST
Meets Each Monday night at 6:30
p.m.
SECOND SATURDAY of the month - 8 a.m.
FELLOWSHIP HALL
Join us for Basic Yoga and put some Zen back in
your life! Join us from 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the
Fellowship Hall. Our instructor, Beth Fox, promises to
provide a relaxing, stress-reducing venue. Give
yourself the gift of relaxation. Your body and mind
will thank you! The cost is just $12 per session, with
special rates for seniors and youth, and Beth has lots
of extra equipment for us to use. So, just breathe, and
join us. You can do it! See you Monday! Questionscontact Beth at [email protected] or 925-200-4060.
All men are invited to breakfast at 8:00 a.m. in
the Fellowship Hall. Come and join in a great
breakfast and better fellowship. Heart-healthy
food to be included.
We will meet Saturday, May 14, in the
Fellowship Hall. Start the day off right with
good food and good fellowship!
Please call Daniel or the church office with any
questions.
LADIES’ NIGHT OUT
Everyone needs some time out!
Who: Women from Lynnewood and bring a friend!
What: Dinner out! No dishes! No demands!
When: Second Thursday of each month, at 6:30 p.m.
May 12 — Mexico Lindo
6690 Koll Center Parkway, Pleasanton
If you let me, Jennifer, know the Sunday before, I try to
let the servers know how many to expect in our party.
Just look for the reservations under the name "Lynne
Wood." If you forget to tell me or change your mind
about coming, just show up, we can always scootch
over.
LADIES’ LUNCH
Meets every 3nd Thursday at Bill’s Café on
the corner of Valley and Hopyard, at 12
noon. Come join the fun and fellowship!
PRAYERS & SQUARES
Prayers & Squares is an interfaith outreach organization that combines the gift of prayer with the gift
of a hand-tied quilt. Unlike many other groups that make quilts for charitable causes, the purpose of
Prayers & Squares is not to make and distribute quilts, but to promote prayer through the use of
quilts. The organizations motto is: "It's not about the quilt; it's all about the prayers.”
I am so excited to be assisting Jane and Julia with the Prayers and Squares group. Over the last
couple of years these two amazing quilters have shared so much knowledge and information with me
about quilting that I am happy to be helping. Every Sunday, I will have a few quilt top kits with me. If
you would like to pick up a kit, I’m happy to let you choose one. You can then sew the kit at your
convenience and return it to either Jane, Julia, or myself. You don’t need to know how to quilt, it’s all
straight sewing with a 1/4 inch seam, and I am happy to teach you if you are a beginner! ~Michele
We will also be planning a workday in the future. All the help you give is greatly appreciated. If you
would like additional information about the origin of Prayers and Squares, check out the Prayers and
Squares web site at http://www.prayerquilt.org/. Lynnewood is Chapter 34.
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SEASONED CITIZENS
One of our most popular groups is our seniors’ monthly luncheon group. If
you are retired, you qualify as a “seasoned citizen”! Call the church for the
date and location, and enjoy a meal at a restaurant or home, with a chance
to meet new friends.
MEAL MINISTRY
Lynnewood meals ministry provides temporary help with meals to those recovering from
surgery, illness, or suffering a crisis. If you have need of this service contact the church
office.
We can only deliver meals, whenever they are required, with your help. Please consider
volunteering to occasionally prepare and deliver a meal. For information please call
Dianne A. or Betsy D.
Knitting Group
The Afghanistan knitters are going full strength. If you would like to join in on a Thursday
morning, contact the office (925-846-0221) or [email protected]) for times and locations.
Book-A-Month Discussion
Please join us for a stimulating group book discussion:
Next meeting: (Always the third Thursday of the month) April 21 at 10:00 a.m. to11:30 a.m.
Location: LUMC Youth Room in the Black Avenue office building, 4466 Black Ave, suite C
Let Towne Center Books know you are with the Lynnewood discussion group for a 10% discount.
In addition to the Pleasanton Library, the Dublin and Livermore Libraries are a great source and
these are members of the Alameda County Library system. For those looking for an inexpensive
option, try Amazon Books, Half Priced Books, and the on-line e-book options.
Book for May: Beneath the Linden by John H Emerson (previous pastor for Lynnewood) is "based
on a true story about love and courage in spite of impossible odds. Marlo, an American student
overseas, meets and falls in love with Karl, an East German medical student. Karl tries to escape
the "Iron Curtain" for the West to start a new life with Marlo. But Warsaw Pact troops mobilized in
August of 1968 create an unexpected obstacle, and the couple's future appears doomed." (Amazon
Books).
Take care and happy reading!
Monday Evening Bible Class
This class meets on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in homes. Call the office for location.
Christian Bowling League to Start May 16
Monday nights are bowling nights for teams of 3—men and/or women—at Earl Anthony Dublin
Bowl. Come to a short meeting at 5:30 p.m. and plan to start bowling at 6:25. The cost is $19 per
week. Call George Withers (Trinity Lutheran Church) with questions or to sign up.
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United Methodist Summer Camps Are Now Registering Campers
Children as young as 3rd grade are invited to participate in our conference-wide United Methodist
camping program. Youth camps and adult family camps are also offered. For more information
go to www.cnumc.org/camping or contact Shari Sandoval at (916)374-1528. Lynnewood has
scholarships available. No one will be turned away. Once again Toyon Kids Camp, held at
Monte Toyon in Aptos for 3rd-6th graders from July 10-15 will be led by Jenna and Megan, young
adults who have grown up among us at Lynnewood!
Children’s Offering Project Will Bring Sight To Children Around The World
Our current children’s offering project is for the organization 20/20/20 which seeks to bring
sight to 20 million children who were born blind. Through a 15 minute operation that costs
$300 to perform, sight can be restored to children who would otherwise likely become beggars
on the streets of India and other countries around the world. To learn more check out the
YouTube video “two blind sisters see for the first time” (4:31 minutes). Thank you for your
generous support.
EVENTS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Children and Families of Lynnewood created warm
blankets for pups and kittens at the Valley Humane
Society.
The next event of our Lynnewood Children
and Families Together will be held after
10:30 worship on Sunday, June 5th. We’ll
be making lemonade and sponsoring a
lemonade stand to raise funds for Sunflower
Hill. This event is open to all families with
children in 5th grade or younger. Watch for
more details through email.
May 2016
Children and Families celebrate
Earth Day with a hike and a trail
clean up.
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YOUTH EVENTS
p
ou
ut
Yo
r
hG
y
Ma
t
1s
2016 SSP Orientation Meeting
Sunday, May 22nd at 11:45 in the Youth Room.
If you are attending Sierra Service Project in Stockton in June or Smith River in July, your
attendance at this meeting is required. If you are unable to attend this meeting please make
arrangements with Diana to get information and materials from her or Deb O. Please RSVP
to [email protected]
Youth
pM
Grou
th
ay 29
FIRST SUNDAYS ARE LEADERSHIP SUNDAYS FOR YOUTH IN WORSHIP
Youth are invited to serve as leaders in our 10:30 worship service every first Sunday of the month.
If you are in 6th-12th grade and would like to serve as an usher, greeter, scripture reader, or
communion server let Diana or Carlene know. Step up and serve in this important way!
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Stay tuned for our Jubilee Events to celebrate Lynnewood's 50 years!
May 15—A Jubilee Sunday with Pentecost, Confirmation, Reception of Members, Heather's
"Jubilee Hymn," and all-church picnic. You don't want to miss this Sunday morning!
July 9—A Jubilee "Happening" with 60s-theme fun: carnival food, 60s fashion
show, tie-dye, games, and dancing in the courtyard to your favorite oldies, 6 to 9
p.m. Save the date!
October 1, Saturday 6:00 p.m. catered Jubilee Dinner with program about our 50 years! This
will be the event of the year! Save the date and get your tickets in September.
October 2, Sunday, World Communion Sunday, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Rev. Staci Current, our
District Superintendent preaching, former pastors present to serve communion, special music
and brunch after worship. This is Jubilee Sunday!
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