GOOD TIDINGS GOOD TIDINGS THE NEWSLETTER OF ALDERSGATE CHURCH APRIL 2019 … continued on next page KNOW LIVE SHARE Jesus April Worship April 6/7 th week-end will be the conclusion of the sermon series, Know, Live and Share Jesus. We thank the youth for their participation in this sermon series. April 13/14 th week-end is Palm/Passion Sunday. All the services will have a joyful atmosphere as we greet Jesus as he enters Jerusalem. We will then move into a more somber mood as we begin to consider what follows the triumphant entry. Maundy Thursday, April 18 th will follow the pattern we used for Ash Wednesday. We will meet for a communal pot luck meal at 5.30pm and remain in Fellowship Hall for a blended worship service that will commence at 6.30pm. Communion will be part of this worship service. Opportunity to sign up and more details will be forthcoming in the Sunday Bulletin. Praise Team and Choir will participate. Good or Holy Friday will have a traditional type ser- vice at 6.30pm in the Sanctuary. The service will be patterned around readings of scripture and appropriate music. Service will be led by the Choir, WDT and the Youth. Easter week-end is full of opportunities for everyone to ex- perience the Joy of the Resurrection. We will have a Satur- day evening celebration on the 20 th April. Sunday 21 st April will commence with a Sunrise Service starting at 6:21am in the Church Parking Lot. The ser- vice will be led by the Rev. Dave Norris and will include communion by intinction. This is the only service where communion will be celebrated. Major celebrations in Worship will be at the regular times of 8am, Tradition- al with Choir, 8.30am, contemporary with Praise Team and 10.45am, Traditional with Choir.
Transcript
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KNOW LIVE SHARE Jesus
April Worship
April 6/7th week-end will be the conclusion of the sermon series, Know,
Live and Share Jesus. We thank the youth for their participation in this
sermon series.
April 13/14th week-end is Palm/Passion Sunday. All
the services will have a joyful atmosphere as we
greet Jesus as he enters Jerusalem. We will then
move into a more somber mood as we begin to
consider what follows the triumphant entry.
Maundy Thursday, April 18th will follow the pattern we used
for Ash Wednesday. We will meet for a communal pot luck
meal at 5.30pm and remain in Fellowship Hall for a blended
worship service that will commence at 6.30pm. Communion
will be part of this worship service. Opportunity to sign up
and more details will be forthcoming in the Sunday Bulletin.
Praise Team and Choir will participate.
Good or Holy Friday will have a traditional type ser-
vice at 6.30pm in the Sanctuary. The service
will be patterned around readings of scripture
and appropriate music. Service will be led by
the Choir, WDT and the Youth.
Easter week-end is full of opportunities for everyone to ex-
perience the Joy of the Resurrection. We will have a Satur-
day evening celebration on the 20th April.
Sunday 21st April will commence with a Sunrise Service
starting at 6:21am in the Church Parking Lot. The ser-
vice will be led by the Rev. Dave Norris and will include
communion by intinction. This is the only service where
communion will be celebrated.
Major celebrations in Worship will be at the regular times of 8am, Tradition-
al with Choir, 8.30am, contemporary with Praise Team and 10.45am,
Traditional with Choir.
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GOVERNING LEADERS
Harvey Elder, Chair of Church Council
Beth Duval, Vice-Chair of Council
Linda Jacob, Board of Trustees,
Dave Yoder, Chair of Staff–Parish Relations
Toni Nalesnik, Co-Chair of Finance
Ryan Wilt, Co-Chair of Finance
Ed Yohn, Chair of Endowment
Denny Cathcart, Stewardship Chair
Kevin Hoffman Co-Lay Leader
Jeff Lewis, Co-Lay Leader
STAFF
Pastor Rick Smith, Lead Pastor
MINISTRY STAFF
Judy Sterner, Congregational Care
Kristin Titzell, Children’s Ministry
Lynne Ciepiela, Preschool Director
Annie Childs, Teaching Assistant
Chris Schaeberle, Teaching Assistant
WORSHIP STAFF
James Young, Director of Music
Richard Sultner, Organist
Nick Curry, Interim Praise Leader
OPERATIONS STAFF
Sheila McConville, Office/communications Mgr
Sherry Smith, Membership Secretary
Bill Ilyes, Sexton
CHURCH PHONE: 854-4276
www.aldersgateyork.com
Our giving of ourselves and
our gifts will continue
during this time. Please
note that Saturday
morning, April 13th
brings our collection of
shoes and electronics
to a close. We will continue to collect
the remainder of the special listing until
Palm Sunday at which time the Gay-
lord in the entrance will be removed.
Your monetary gifts, either in
the bank boxes that are still
available, or in the form of
checks will be collected at the
Easter Services. Tables and
baskets will be available for
these gifts.
April concludes on
the 27/28th with a
celebration of
Creation and our
command that
“We take care of
all God’s crea-
tion”
Submitted by David Jones, Team Leader of WDT.
Casserole Due Dates
Mark your Calendar
April 28 May 26
June 23 July 28
August 25 September 29
October 27 November 24
December 29
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SEMINARY STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS
DUE BY APRIL 15, 2019
The Harry B. & Ruth A. Nicholas Seminary Student Scholarship, one of the Aldersgate Endowment Funds, provides a source of financial assistance to active Aldersgate members who plan to attend an approved United Methodist Seminary and pursue a pastoral ministry career in the United Methodist Church. For an application, please contact Ed Yohn, Aldersgate Endowment Committee Chair. Completed applications for the school year 2019-2020 are due April 15, 2019.
Contributions to this or any of the Aldersgate Endow-ment Funds can be made in the form of gifts of mon-ey, stocks, wills, trusts, Charitable Gift Distribution (from IRA), or other assets in honor of or in memory of friends, family or other special people in our lives. A residual bequest is a convenient and thoughtful way to give “what’s left over” to a de-serving charitable organization after taking care of loved ones first. “What’s left over” often can make a big difference to our church for years to come without shortchanging your heirs. Please contact Ed Yohn at (717) 487-2107 or [email protected] for more information.
A Safe Sanctuaries Training will be held on Sun-day, March 31 during the 8:30 and 10:45 Ser-vice. This training, a volunteer application and background checks are necessary to serve in the Children and Youth Ministries. Please contact Kristin Titzell ([email protected]) if you have questions
the enormity of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and
the celebration of Christ’s victory over sin and
death. It is indeed a month for celebrating!
We have been especially blessed this last month
or so with all that’s happening in our church
home: great participation in Wonderful Wednes-
days – from the gatherings round the table to the
excellent studies; a very meaningful blended Ash
Wednesday service; a fun field trip to the fire-
house for our preschool; Men’s ministry going
again following a winter break; wonderful pro-
gress on our search for staff members; seeing
the talents of our youth in the mission video clips,
and so much more.
Many thanks to Jan Bowden for coordinating
Wonderful Wednesdays this year and to JJ
Lester, Stu Rambo, Sue Witmyer, Mike &
Michelle Latimer and Pastor Rick for leading the
study groups. Thanks also go to Dave Smith, Lin-
da Jacob and Barry Barbush our cooks for WW,
and all those volunteers who
help with prep and clean-up.
What would we do without
Jane Young for childcare,
Brenda Hersey and Nancy Pinkerton for chil-
dren’s choir! And, Beth Duvall for coordinating
the children’s craft time. You are all so appreciat-
ed!!
In April you will have ample opportunity to contin-
ue to enjoy that mid-week pick-me up and don’t
forget to bring the kids/grandkids to the Pancake
Breakfast & Egg Hunt on the 13th. I hear there
will be volunteers and scouts cleaning up our
church grounds on April 6th, mulching and spruc-
ing up our facility for the celebrations of both the
Resurrection of Jesus
and Earth Day! Per-
haps you would like to
help! Be sure to keep
your calendar open for
special worship opportunities on April 18, Maun-
dy Thursday, and April 19, Good Friday. No
doubt our Worship Design Team has some spe-
cial things planned. April will be a very busy
month!
Did you know that April al-
so boasts the 50th Anniver-
sary of Aldersgate Church?
Celebrating special birth-
days in April are Phyllis Miller on the 3rd
, Ralph
Baum on the 8th, Dale Gable on the 12
th, Russ
Potter on the 18th; Glenn Bar-
tels on the 22nd
, Barb Galka
on the 24th, and Marlasee
Douts on the 29th. April’s full
birthday list is posted on the
bulletin board outside the
main office, across from the
mailboxes.
Lots going on, but most importantly, we continue
to be challenged to Know Live Share JESUS in
new and relevant ways. All our activity is for
naught if we aren’t reaching new souls for Christ.
As you prepare for Resurrection Day, Easter
Sunday, ponder anew what the Almighty has
done for you and what Jesus, our Savior, has
promised for our own day of resurrection! And
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OLDER ADULTS Submitted by Karen Julian
SENIOR MINISTRY
On the morning of the resurrection, God put life in the present tense, not in the future. God gave us not a promise but a presence. Not a hope for the future but power for the present. Not so much the assurance that we shall live someday but that he is risen today. Jesus' resurrection is not to convince the incredulous nor to reassure the fearful, but to enkindle the believers. The proof that God raised Jesus from the dead is not the empty tomb, but the full hearts of his trans-formed disciples. The crowning evidence that he lives is not a vacant grave, but a spirit-filled fel-lowship. Not a rolled-away stone, but a carried-away church. From The Substance of Faith by Clarence Jordan
APRIL CALENDAR
Card Players - Thursday, April 16 from 1:00-3:30pm in The Gathering Place. This is a friend-ly game--just for fun--and we always need new players. Contact Ray Gilbert or Ruth Minnich to learn more. Book Readers - Tuesday, April 16 at 1:00pm in
the parlor. Discussion of the book The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.
Contact Karen Julian for more information, or just show up.
Senior Games will be held June 17-21. All registrations must be in by June 7.
Cost is $15.00 For information or to get a registration form, con-
tact the York County Area Agency on Aging at 717-771-
There will be 48 different events, including pickleball (new this year).
The Agency also has many classes for health and wellness scheduled for spring, such as fall prevention, balance, healthy aging, etc. Call them for more information.
Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt The Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 8:30am. Registration is required by Sunday, April 7. You can pay when you arrive on April 13. You can arrive between 8:30-9:15am and eat as soon as you arrive. The menu includes All-You-Can-Eat Pancakes, Egg Casserole, Bacon, Fresh Fruit, coffee, tea and juice. During Breakfast, there will be activi-ties for all children. Following Breakfast, there will be an Easter Egg Hunt for children up to 12 years old. You can register online at www.aldersgateyork.com/easter2019. Registra-tion forms are available in the Sunday School Classes and on Bulletin Boards. Those can be turned into the church. Please contact Kristin Titzell ([email protected]) if you’re in-terested in helping to set up for this event or serve during the event. Easter Flower Cross
On Easter Sunday, April 21, the children will once again be decorat-ing a flower cross. Each child is invited to bring in a flower to add to the cross. The cross will be made up of colored flowers this year. The flower can be real or artificial.
The children will come as a group with their Sun-day School class to decorate the cross. If your child does not attend Sunday School, please feel
free to stop by the East Lobby anytime Easter morning before 10:30 to add their flower to the cross. The cross is moved into the Sanctuary for 10:45 worship and then will be placed outside, in front of the Tyler Run Road doors after worship. Children’s Wing Renovation Plans On March 19, the Children’s Renovation Team made their recommendation to work with the
Core Design Group to work on the Children’s Wing Renovations. Church Council voted to accept this recommenda-
tion to move forward with the Core Design Group. The Core Design Team members are Certified Church Consultants (CCC) of the National Asso-ciation of Church Design Builders (NACDB). They also bring the experience of working with York Suburban Schools. The Core Design Group will work with Aldersgate Church to complete the renovation plans. Our plan is for work to begin after the Preschool year ends in May. We are planning to have the first phase of reno-vations complete by Fall 2019. ORANGE In March, meetings were held for parents of Pre-school and Elementary Age students. The fol-lowing resources are available to families as you continue the conversation all week.
Parent Cue Card (Take Home from Sunday School and sent through email)
Parent Cue App (TheParentCue.org/App) Reminder Text Messages sent 1-2 times per
week To join the Preschool List, text
@ACYork to 81010 To join the Elementary List, text
This is a FREE seminar designed for FAMILY CAREGIVERS!
What to expect as the disease progresses
How to communicate better
Techniques and approaches for different
stages
When is it time to make those difficult deci-
sions
Simple activities and games
Updated medical advances and research
How to take care of yourself as a caregiver
Breakout sessions with more information,
technology, creative art, 20 tips in 20
minutes and busy hands
REGISTRATION FOR THIS FREE
SEMINAR IS REQUIRED
AND SEATING IS LIMITED.
CALL TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR
SEAT! 717-751-2488
Congregational Care We will be most effective when the family and
the church work together! Two combined influ-ences are always greater than two separate influences. In April, the theme for the Preschool Students is Pack A Picnic. God wants us to have friends, and to be a good friend to others. In fact, He wants it so much, God sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to show us how to be a good friend and make a way for us to be friends with Him forever.
The theme for Elementary
School Students is Bright
Side: find the Light in the
dark. Hope is a way that
we respond to God’s
character. We want the students to see the
connection between Hope and God’s charac-
ter, as shown through God’s Big Story.
Maundy Thursday—April 18
We hate to end Wonderful Wednesdays so
much that we decided to go ONE MORE
WEEK! But, change our meal day to Thursday!
We will be serving fried chicken and ask that
you carry in the rest. See list below:
if your last name starts with
A-J bring SALADS (all sorts)
K– R bring VEGETABLE dishes
S– Z bring DESSERTS (OH BOY!)
We will start at 5:30pm and be finished eating
by 6:20p so you can wash up before the ser-
vice at 6:30p.
Registration a MUST! (So we know how much
chicken to get.) Use the connection card to
sign up!
8
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Meet Sheila McConville
Sheila is our newest employee. As Office & Communications Manager, Sheila will oversee all communication and administra-tive efforts here at Aldersgate.
If you see Sheila and Craig (her hubby), say hello and WEL-COME! We are glad they both are part of the Aldersgate family!
An Invitation ~“Taste and see that the LORD is good.” Psalm 34:8a
On January 29th this year, I went into work having no idea
that I would be laid off by midafternoon - but God knew! In fact, as I reflected on the situation, God revealed how He had “prepared” me for this “severing” over the previous couple months without me even realizing that’s what was happening at the time. The stirring within my soul over those months was without a name - though I knew something was happening; but the peace I experienced could have only been from His sweet Spirit – so I rested in that familiarity. On the 29
th He knew I was ready for what was
ahead - my “prep time” was finished; and He would be there to comfort me through it. In the days that followed, His kindness and provisions changed the way in which I had defined that day. It went from a day of “lamenting the severing” to a day of “rejoicing in the preparation of what was to come” – both of which needed to take place prior to my next assignment.
I wonder if you can recall a time in which you experienced a paradox of feelings. Maybe a time in which you were bold and confident, yet scared and hesitant – with an overarching peace above all, that compelled you to ask God, “What are you up to and how can I be a part of it?” Did you gasp in amazement that you just put yourself out there completely? Did you begin to wonder what God was inviting you to? These are the types of questions I had asked just prior to being intro-duced to Aldersgate Church. After seeing the employment opportunity on Indeed and then re-searching the church; the stirring within began. Unsure of whether it was for employment (which I was searching for) or to become a part of the fellowship; the stirring was strong and enough for me to notice. I shared this with my husband, Craig, and we had both decided to attend the worship ser-vice. Once I submitted my resume, the interview process began and with each step, the stirrings became stronger until the final affirmation of the call came through Pastor Rick on March 12
th! I am
so humbled and grateful for the invitation to fill the Office and Communications Manager position and for the opportunity to serve with Aldersgate Church as we Know, Live and Share Jesus.
United Methodist Churches in the York Area
Men’s Lenten Breakfast Schedule for 2019
Saturdays during Lent 7:30am
Date Church Address
April 6 Yorkshire UM Church 125 Edgewood Rd, York
April 13 NO Breakfast
April 20 Calvary UM Church 11 N Richland Ave, York
9 … continued on next page
I grew up in a Christian home where the whole family attended church regularly. I went through Confirmation Class and was very familiar with the Trinity and all the Bible stories; but it wasn’t until the 23
rd year of my life that I made a wonderful discovery – a “personal” relationship with
God through Jesus Christ! I had no idea how that was different from what I knew to be a “Christian”, yet at the same time knowing the essence of that difference was the key to understanding it. In ad-dition to the ministry of a wife and mother, it has been a great joy over the years to serve in various positions in all aspects of missions - praying for, teaching, learning and doing. In addition to wor-shipping and serving through the local church, I also engage with a community of believers through Kavanna House (www.kavannahouse.com) where I am able to intentionally nurture a personal rela-tionship with Him.
Currently, my high-school sweetheart and husband, Craig and I reside in Stewartstown, PA. We have wor-shipped in Southern Baptist churches most of our married lives, even though we both grew up Lutheran. Craig has enjoyed working from home for 12 years as the Northeast Sales Representative for Valmont/Site-Pro One. Once mar-ried, we moved from Maryland to Pennsylvania to raise a family and will be celebrating our 27
th anniversary in Octo-
ber. We have been blessed with three beautiful children and recently welcomed a son-in-law into our family.
Marlaina, our oldest, graduated from Liberty Univer-sity in December 2017 with a BS in International Business Administration and currently works for Sinclair Broadcasting. After getting married this past November to a fine young gentleman she met at college, Nathan Law, they relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina to begin their life together. Josiah, our oldest son, is a junior at Liberty University, majoring in Cinematic Arts and aspires to be a Film Director. He will be spending this upcoming summer in Boone, North Carolina, where he will be a Media Production Intern for Samaritan’s Purse. Noah, our youngest, is enjoying his first year of col-lege at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. In the classroom, he is studying to become an Architect; while on the court, he is playing on the Men’s Volleyball Team as the Libero.
As God continues to orchestrate divine appointments and opportunities to serve Him; though it is not always easy, may we each strive to live a surrendered life that the Holy Spirit’s residence is evident and is free to work in and through us so that others may come to a saving knowledge of God’s love for them and recognize their need for Him. As Aldersgate moves through the Growing Effective Churches initiative, may He become known in the community as we build relationships ca-pable of bearing the weight of Truth. Looking forward with great anticipation of what God has in store for us as we journey together.
Food includes hot dogs, fries and drinks. Everything that day is free!
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Merry Makers Friday April 12, 2019
This is the new logo our youth group. Isn’t is great!
Thanks also goes to them for their extra efforts in producing the
videos used for Mission Moments during the Lent season!
Women in Mission will gather Thursday, April 11st at 6:30 pm to put together Easter Baskets for our homebound members. If anyone is interested in donating items (candies, snacks, small seasonal items, toiletries, etc.) for these baskets, please place donations in the plastic bin located under the mailboxes. That same evening we will also assemble hygiene kits to be handed out at the next Helping Hands food run in April. You are always welcomed to join this group! See Nancy Miller, Linda Clark, Sherry Smith or Mary Ann Neff for additional info.
When a disaster such as the flooding in the Midwest occurs, we are all aware of the disaster re-sponse provided by the American Red Cross in the event of a disaster or fire. But there's more, much more! Every 60 seconds 44 people are assisted in some way. Every day, 308,000 people receive measles vaccine. Every day, 15,500 people receive health, safety and preparedness train-ing. Every day, assistance is provided to our military members or their families. And there is more, much more! On Friday evening, April 12, the Merry Maker's program will be presented by Beverly Stambaugh, Executive Director of the South Central Chapter of the American Red Cross. Beverly will present an overview of the broad services that the Red Cross provides not only in the United States, but also the world!
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March was a busy, fun month at preschool! The children learned about community helpers. We visited the Goodwill Fire Station and the Kaltreider -Benfer Library and had a great time learning about fire safety and all the wonderful things the library has to offer! The 4’s class also had visits from some dental hygienist students to learn about dental health and the im-portance of wholesome foods to keep our teeth healthy and strong. KPETS came for a visit with their therapy dogs to teach the children what they do with their pets to help people in our community. A local police officer also came to class to talk to the children about safety and what the police do for our community. The children made Thank You cards to send to our Community Helpers to show their appreciation! We also enjoyed some warm days to play outside and even have outside story time. Fingers crossed the warm spring weather will continue! We were also busy preparing for our Craft Night Fundraiser. On Friday, March 29th we had a make-it-take craft event. We learned to make a Book Wreath. For the month of April, the children will be focusing on Easter and spring.
The children will be anticipating the arrival of the Easter Bunny as they also learn about the joyful resurrection of Je-sus on Easter Sunday! Not only will the children be learning about that first Easter Sunday, but also the renewal of life in nature with the arrival of spring. The preschool still has a few openings in the 2, 3, and 4 year old classes. Please contact me if
you would like more information or a tour of our wonderful school! Submiited by Lynne Ciepiela, Director [email protected]
Phone: 717-843-8292
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SISTERS IN CHRIST
WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Random Thoughts
Is it time to have another Women’s
Worship Night? Maybe a Weekend Retreat? What about having a
one day retreat? Should we gather for a Women’s prayer group?
Maybe an event for Mother/Daughters (or Sisters)?
Ideas are wanted and needed to bring Women together to celebrate.
Please give any kind of ideas or thoughts to Jan Bowden at
LOVE ONE ANOTHER The National Day of Prayer is May 2nd this year. The
theme is “LOVE ONE ANOTHER”. This is one of our
core value recently adopted for our church. But while
this is great, how do we really do that? Let explore this a little bit deeper. Think about this:
Love God so completely that you can love one another completely, (Matthew 22:37-39)
Love your enemies with supernatural love as you love one another. (Matthew 5:43-46)
Love one another without conditions. (John 13:34 & John 15:9-10)
With genuine love of Christ, love one another. (Romans 12:9-10)
With the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, love one another. (Romans 15:30)
Love one another in serving others, not out of obligation. (Galatians 3:13 & Ephesians 4:2)
In a spirit of unity, love one another. (Philippians 2:12)
Look up the scriptures and see that Loving One Another is biblical. Take time to seek God. How
are you loving one another? Would love to hear your ways of Loving One Another. And, maybe
you’ve received love from someone else. Let’s us know.
John 4:19: “We love because he first loved us.”
Jesus, you are the author and originator of love. We only know love because you are love and you loved us first. You love us specifically and sacrificially. You love us in our sin and rebellion against you. You love us despite the pain we inflict on others. You love us in our mess. It is that love - that selfless, self-sacrificing love, which allows us to love others. It is an overflow of your love for us that allows us to love other people. Jesus, we ask you to make us better lovers of one another. Would you give us the heart and love to proclaim your love to those who need to hear it?
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LENTEN MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
Starting the week-end of March 2nd and 3rd
Pastor Rick will be using our Aldersgate Mission State-
ment of Know Jesus, Live Jesus, and Share Jesus to build our worship services. As part of each
service an Aldersgate Mission area will be featured in a video. The 6 areas are Food ministry, Jack-
son school and Leg Up Farm, Global Mission, Red Bird, Shelter ministry, and Mission Central. Our
Youth are creating the video presentations to highlight all the Mission possibilities at Aldersgate.
To tie in with this emphasis there will be a BIG box in the West Lobby to collect items for these mis-
sions. We ask you to please consider bringing the following from March 2nd
to April 13th :
Individually wrapped snacks such as granola bars, fruit bars, protein bars
(please no pretzels or chips)
Children’s Underwear, sizes 4-adult Medium
Adult Underwear for men or women especially size large or plus sizes.
First aid supplies, e.g. band-aids, hand sanitizer, ace wraps, chewable
11 9am Preschool 10:30 Pastor Paul’s Bible Study 12pm Al-Anon 1pm 500 Game 6:30 Women In Mission 6:30 Bad Girls of the Bible 6:30 Men’s No regrets 7pm Praise Team Practice 7p Bridging Team
12 6p Merry Makers
13 8a Pancake Break-fast 10a Earth Day Observance 6pm Worship
14 Worship at 8am, 8:30, &10:45 9:40 Sunday School 5pm Confirmation 6 Youth Group
