Stay Connected

I just read a review of a remake of one of my favorite musicals, “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Remember that musical, it came out in the 70’s and depicted the Passion of Jesus. I did not necessarily agree with all of the theology of the musical but I loved the music. I even listened enough to memorize it. Back to the review. The new musical stars Ted Neely, the same man who played Jesus in the original movie version of the musical. Now, instead of being a 30 year old man playing Jesus, he is a 64 year old man playing Jesus. The reviewer points out that in the Gospel story of Jesus people were drawn to Jesus. There was a connection between him and the people and him and the disciples. The new version does not provide that connection.

This review seems to fit life very well – the older we get the harder it seems to stay connected. As we age we struggle with the distractions of life – there is family, job, health, recreation and, of course, our spiritual connection has to fit within that hectic life. So, we raise a family, work, take care of ourselves, and play. Often times we get disconnected from our spiritual well being. It takes effort to stay connected with God!

As we read the Gospel stories we understand why we are connected in the first place – we recognize the love, care, compassion, and hope God gives to us through Jesus. Sometimes we get in such a big hurry we seem to forget that. Our challenge is to stay connected, to work at staying connected, and to continue our journey and our spiritual growth no matter where we are on life’s journey. We are challenged to read, pray, worship, fellowship and to connect with God. We are challenged to continue our journey with a Christ that attracted us and drew us to him. Stay connected! See you in church on Sunday.

Shalom,
Mark


SPECIAL WORSHIP:
MAY 11 is Mother's Day and Pentecost Sunday. In honor of Pentecost, please wear clothing in the warm 'flame' colors...red, orange, yellow. Mother's will be given carnations in honor of their day.

MAY 25 - Memorial Weekend, there will be only one worship service at 11:00.


CHRISTIAN WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP
All women are invited to participate in a CWF group or join us at the General meeting at 10:30 on the first Wednesday of each month (Sept - June) for study, fellowship and potluck lunch. Study group times are listed on the calendar and meet at the church, unless otherwise noted.


YOUTH GROUPS (grades 6 - 12)
The 4th Street Group meets on Sunday evenings from 6 - 7:30. They occassionally change their meeting time for a special event, so be sure to check the church calendar.

The group is under the direction of Rev. Mark Schlessman and Carolynn Vaughan.

The youth group programs integrate spiritual and personal development. Youth are given opportunities to learn new skills, make friends, have fun, and develop Christian values which effect every area of their lives. They have special outings to the bowling alley, swimming, miniature golf, skating, and other fun activities.




May 2008
SuMTWThFSat
1

9:30AM
Crafting & Devotions

7:00PM
Chancel Choir practice

2

3

4

8:30AM
Contemporary Worship

9:45AM
Sunday School

11:00AM
Traditional Worship

1:00PM
4th Street Group - skating in Pendleton

5

6:00PM
Finance Committee

6

6:30AM
Sonrise Breakfast & Devotions - Smokehouse

9:30AM
Valley Women's Bible Study

1:00PM
Joy Group Bible Study - homes

7

10:30AM
CWF General - potluck

6:00PM
Men's Bible Study

6:30PM
Books & Crafts

8

9:30AM
Crafts & Devotions

7:00PM
Chancel Choir practice

9

10

11

8:30AM
Contemporary Worship

9:45AM
Sunday School

11:00AM
Traditional Worship

3:30PM
4th Street Group - take mom to the movies

12

13

6:30AM
Sonrise Breakfast & Devotions - Smokehouse

9:30AM
Valley Women's Bible Study

1:00PM
Joy Group Bible Study - in homes

14

9:00AM
Homemakers' Bible Study

6:00PM
Men's Bible Study

15

9:30AM
Crafts & Devotions

7:00PM
Chancel Choir

16

5:00PM
Come Together Group - meet to go to Baker City

17

18

8:30AM
Contemporary Worship

9:45AM
Sunday School

11:00AM
Traditional Worship

6:00PM
4th St. Group (gr. 6-12)

19

6:30PM
Committee meetings

7:30PM
General Board

20

6:30AM
Sonrise Breakfast & Devotions - Smokehouse

9:30AM
Valley Women's Bible Study

1:00PM
Joy Group Bible Study

21

9:00AM
Homemakers' Bible Study

10:30AM
CWF Faith Decker Group

6:00PM
Men's Bible Study

6:30PM
Books & Crafts

22

9:30AM
Crafts & Devotions

7:00PM
Chancel Choir

23

24

25

9:45AM
Sunday School

11:00AM
One Worship Service

26

Memorial Day - Office Closed

27

6:30AM
Sonrise Breakfast & Devotions

9:30AM
Valley Women's Bible Study

1:00PM
Joy Group Bible Study - homes

28

9:00AM
Homemakers' Bible Study

10:30AM
CWF Executive Committee

6:00PM
Men's Bible Study

6:30PM
Books & Crafts

29

9:30AM
Crafts & Devotions

7:00PM
Chancel Choir

30

31