As You Know
I began a “Renewal Leave” on April 4th. This was mandated by Bishop Wills for all full time clergy in the Tennessee Conference. This has been a special time. We have had time as a family. I have had personal time for reflection and devotion. I have had time to just be a dad and husband. As I told someone the other day, during this time God has reminded me of some things that I had forgotten and he has revealed to me some things that I needed to learn. I have worshipped each Sunday at a different church from Nashville to Chattanooga to Murfreesboro.
I want to thank the staff and the congregation of Winchester First United Methodist Church for allowing me this time away. Many of you jumped in and picked up the slack in my absence and for that I am grateful. It truly was a renewal leave and I feel that it will of great benefit for years to come.
Thanks again and I will be back in the office on Monday, May 3rd.
On the journey,
Randy
Beersheba Springs Assembly Project to Fix Chapel:
The church at Beersheba Springs Assembly is in dire need of repair. Approximately $62,000 is needed to complete the job of repairing the basement walls and front porch. Donations are to be sent to “100-100 Project” and sent to Beersheba Springs Assembly, ATTN: D. Hinton, P O Box 577, Beersheba Springs, TN 37305. It is hoped this money can be raised by May 31.
Did You Know
Winchester First United Methodist Church was recognized by the Chattanooga Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes as the 2010 Church Partner of the Year. Thanks be to God!!!!!
WESLEY PRESCHOOL NEWS
We had a wonderful year here at Wesley Preschool. As we approach graduation this month we are joyful, yet sad to see the children move into the next phase of their life. We are excited to report that we have sent off another box of drink pouches and the total we have earned this year is $107.22. We almost have a box of potato chip bags ready to send. Please remember to save these for us and open the packages careful to not damage them.
We understand that some of you might want to order books for your children or grandchildren. We order books from Scholastic book club monthly. They offer books for as low as a dollar and the preschool receives points to get free books. If you are interested in books for family members, please see Ms. Fayna.
We are accepting applications for the 2010 summer program and 2010-11 program beginning in August. We accept children from 9 months to Pre-K. We have exciting plans for both programs.
Please be in prayer as Wesley Preschool is out growing the area that we are in. To continue to be the outstanding program that we have, we need more room. Ask God what He wants for Wesley Preschool.
In His Service,
Fayna A. Edens
CHILDREN’S NEWS
It’s almost here! The children’s pageant is quickly approaching! Please come out and worship with us on Wednesday, May 5, at 6:00 PM for our spring pageant “Peter Cotton’s Tale”. Don’t forget to sign up for the WNL meal as well. For those who were unable to attend our Acolyte training session, we will have another session soon. We had ten in attendance and had a lot of fun! Come out and join us for our next session to be held in June. We have several fund raisers approaching. First, the youth department and children’s department will work together to host a church wide yard sale to be held on Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8 from 8 AM until 5 PM. The children’s department will also be working in conjunction with Broadview School Elementary School for a pancake breakfast on Saturday, May 15 in the fellowship hall. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. For both fund raisers the children’s department will split the proceeds with the youth department and Broadview School. On Sunday, May 23 at 12:30 PM in the gym, we will have a parent’s meeting for upcoming children’s activities and our new tween (6th grade) ministry. A light lunch will be served. Come in! Join us!
All aboard God’s journey!
NOTES FROM MY MUSIC STAND
Spring is here, and God shows His hand in all of the beautiful blooms and new growth! Since spring is a time of new beginnings, renewal, sand the promise of better things to come, then we should make it a time to seek Him for a stronger walk in our lives.
We all too often limit God by narrowing our scope of Him in our minds. God wants us to give control of our hearts and lives to him, and trust. Faith means trusting Him to guide and direct your life the way that He knows best. We may not always understand, but God moves everything around for the right timing. Jesus sacrificed Himself for us, and sent us the Holy Spirit as a guide and comforter; therefore, we should not be trying to solve all our problems, but rather allow the Holy Spirit to lead.
Find a few moments to commune with God daily. Ask Jesus to strengthen your faith in Him. Seek the Holy Spirit to guide you in decisions, small and large. When you trust in God, He dwells more in you every day. When the Trinity is in your heart, you will bloom deeper love and grow to new heights of understanding. What an eternal spring that will be!
Peace, Jon