The Lighthouse - May 4, 2015

A Mother's Day Tree

I must have been about ten years old the year that I gave Mama a tree for Mother's Day.  And by give, I mean, of course, that my father likely picked out and paid for the silver maple that he and I then planted in the back yard in view of the kitchen window where my mother spent so much of her days. That tree was not much more than a sapling - barely taller than myself once we had it buried in the ground. Still, the pictures we took that day show my mother beaming proudly beside that freshly planted tree.

That tiny tree grew slowly at first and then blossomed into the wonderful shade tree we had hoped for. Almost thirty years later, it still stands there in view of the kitchen window - only now it is my sister and her family's home. That tree has shaded many an outdoor family gathering and picnic, served as home base to quite a few games of tag, provided relief from the summer sun for folks as they shucked corn, snapped beans, and shelled peas, and held up several swings for all my mother's grandchildren (and their parents) to enjoy. Looking back at those old pictures, it is amazing how such a small thing planted with a measure of hope on a Mother's Day long ago could become such a central point in the lives of generations of a family.

What seeds and small trees are we planting today with hope for a beautiful tomorrow? May God bless and sustain them into fruition!

In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
- Hymn of Promise, Natalie Sleeth

Blessings on the journey, Jim

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Worship This Week

This Sunday, we celebrate Mother's Day and honor all of those women who have been like mothers to us. In the church, we often talk about being a family, but sometimes we forget how great a family we have through Jesus Christ. Join us this Sunday as we give thanks to God for the family that surrounds us in love and care!

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VBS Right around the Corner!

We are less than 
two months away from the kickoff of Vacation Bible School 2015 - Camp Kilimanjaro! You can find out more about our VBS and pre-register your kids here.

Over the next few weeks, we will need your prayers and your help as we make the final preparations.  Right now, we need you to start collecting empty paper towel and toilet paper rolls for use in our crafts. 

Automated Giving Available

For your convenience, we are now offering automated giving in which your monthly contribution can be electronically transferred. No more having to remember the checkbook on Sunday mornings or rushing to write the check during worship!  You should have received information in church the last two weeks or by mail sometime in the next few days.  If you have any questions, Kendra Burns will be available to answer them during the coffee time following worship this Sunday and next.

Plant an Extra Row!

As you plant your gardens over the next few weeks, please consider planting an extra row to support our Wednesday at the Port ministry for the fall. Our cooks can use onions, green peppers, and potatoes in addition to canned or fresh (in September) tomatoes and green beans. Thanks for your support!

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Living in Community

• Thanks to our confirmation class that raised $247.22 for Imagine No Malaria - helping to save almost 25 lives!
• Congratulations to David Holsinger on earning his Eagle Scout award!  Thank you for all the work you did to redesign our website.
• Please remember in your prayers our VBS leaders as they continue to recruit, plan, and prepare for this year's event.

Upcoming Events

May 5 - 7 pm - SPRC Meeting
May 6 - Youth Mission Night
May 9 - Helping Hands Auction
May 10 - Mother's Day
May 12 - 7 pm - Administrative Council Meeting

Mark Your Calendar

Youth Dodge-ball Tournament - May 17
Praise in the Park - May 31, 10 am
RENEW Youth Mission - June 14-19
Vacation Bible School 2015 - June 29 - July 3