Hello there,
I guess some of you were a bit puzzled by the opening of last week’s weekly contact where it seemed like I was reminiscing about wanting to be Wonder Woman. If you read it all you realized Pastor Beth was writing it while Judy and I were on vacation. We had a great time although it was rather surreal to be walking on the beach Tuesday morning and then having to start up the snow blower when we arrived home that evening. I know some of you are heading out this next week since it is spring break week at Linn-Mar. I hope you have a fun, relaxing time.
With snow on the ground, you may not be thinking much about summer, but if you are making plans, give some consideration to Synod School. It is a wonderful, multi-generational, weeklong event put on every year by the Synod of the Lakes and Prairies. Judy and I have attended a number of years now and we have enjoyed it each time. It runs from Sunday, July 21st to Friday, July 26th and it is always at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA. There are very well run programs for children and youth, interesting classes for adults, and inspiring worship every evening. Judy and I have already sent in our registration. I am taking a “Preaching without Notes” class in the morning and “Introduction to Drawing Techniques” in the afternoon. How is that for an interesting combination? Room and board are all included in the fees, and scholarship money is available. Just think about it: your kids having fun all day, you attending interesting classes, and someone else cooks and does the dishes. Doesn’t that sound like a good deal? If you are at all interested click here to check out their website, or let me know if you would like more information. By the way, if you will indulge me a little, the artwork on the poster and catalogue is one of my watercolors. Click here to see the poster.
As long as you are thinking about summer, if you are planning a garden or have some ideas for your yard, do your shopping at the Earl May Nursery and Garden center next Saturday, March 16. Earl May is donating 20% of all their sales on that day to the Churches of Marion Food Pantry. So, here is a chance to pick up some outdoor supplies and help feed the hungry as well.
As far as Sunday, don’t forget: SET YOUR CLOCK FORWARD AND HOUR SATURDAY NIGHT. Our Seminary Intern, Andy Smothers, will be preaching. His text is 2nd Corinthians 5:16-21, and his sermon title is: “Ambassadors for Christ.” The Chancel Choir will be singing in the first service. In between services, we will be celebrating Candida Perez’s 100th birthday. Candida is Abby Pumroy’s mother. We will also be having our “Barney” training. This is a unique program we have in our church that welcomes new members into our congregation. If you are at all interested join us in the chapel at 10:15.
Stay in One Peace,
Howard