I am praying for you.
These words are a wonderful comfort. Each week we pray for the people that are in our hearts. They have let me know what it means to them.
Nelson who has led our prayer/meditation group appreciates our prayers for him. This group he started, continues.
I also heard from Becky Malinowski who has suffered from cancer for years. She is managing, has a great oncologist and appreciates our prayers.
In John 17 we have the prayer of Jesus for “Those whom you have given me.” Nice to know that Jesus is praying for us, especially in times of transition. Jesus’ prayers helped the disciples move out of their shell and begin their adventure in ministry. They move on from fishing for life’s meaning to finding purpose in service to others.
Joseph Campbell who extensively studied world religions wrote: “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”
This week – Thursday is Ascension Day. After being with the disciples for 40 days Jesus ascends to heaven, and they are left on their own. They certainly appreciate his prayers for them as they meet the challenges ahead.
Who are the people who are praying for you?
This is a week to remember them with gratitude.
We can see how the prayers of Jesus are answered as we read through the book of The Acts of the Apostles. Peter is a special focus in the first chapters.
His ministry which was full of surprises: A wonderful healing of a lame man, a subsequent arrest for that act of grace, Gentiles coming into the church.
We read in John 21 that after the resurrection of Jesus, Peter’s first choice was to return to his vocation of fishing. Six others decided to go with him. As was the case when Peter first met Jesus, they caught nothing all night. Jesus appears on the shore and tells them to cast the net on the other side of the boat. The result of their following his suggestion is that they catch 153 large fish. We do not know who counted them or what happened to those fish.
We do know that Jesus commissions Peter to make the transition from fishing to feeding “my lambs”. To make that transition, Peter and the others pray for guidance.
On Sunday we will be recognizing mothers in our church. They are the first ones to feed the lambs with their very selves. Connie and I have been praying for our daughter as she makes the journey into motherhood, so far all is going well.
For our 75th Anniversary Celebration, we will recognize our Preschool Ministry on May 19. Our dedicated preschool staff has been caring for and feeding little lambs for years. We even have former students bringing their children.
This week pray for those who prayed for you and the mothers who fed you.
During their days of prayer, Peter and the disciples decided to find a replacement for Judas, which they do in calling on Matthias to take his place. Then ten days later, the Holy Spirit comes on Pentecost, and with wind and fire as they embrace their ministry. They fully made the transition from fishing to ministry. Prayer was a huge part of the process.
Dr. Seuss is quoted as saying: You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams. That seems to be what happened for the disciples. Prayer called the dream into being. They could move on from catching fish to feeding lambs.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for praying for us. Help us to make the transition in life from trying to catch something to feeding lambs. May we embrace the world around us and our place in it.
Grace and Peace, Pastor John
HELP NEEDED
Saturday, May 11th will be the annual food drive by the Yucaipa Postal employees. Tell your neighbors to do spring cleaning of their pantry and put out a bag for their Postal employee. Any non-perishable items are welcome. Faith Food Pantry is a recipient of this food drive and will need help bringing the food across the street to the church and putting it away.
There will also be Pantry that morning as it is the second Saturday – Every 2nd & 4th Saturday. May 11 and 25.
A Regional Gathering of our Synod will also be held on May 11th from 10:00am – 2:00pm at First Lutheran, Redlands, and lunch will be provided. The cost per person will be $20. The Regional Gatherings will be an opportunity to worship together, as well as to engage in substantive conversation on the issues that matter most to us as a synod. Everyone is invited to the Regional Gathering. All voting members are expected to attend both the Regional Gathering in their area and the Azoombly (assembly online Zoom). Each person must be registered to attend, so that they can plan meals and seating.
Support – Bless you for all the ways you support Faith Lutheran. Your financial support has been amazing. We do need continued support as the second story is no longer rented by Zion Reformed. If you have ideas for renting the space, call the office.
Time of Meditation –Nelson will be in rehab for some time, but the group is still meeting Thursdays @ 1 pm. Thanks Bonnie and others for this spiritual support of our church.
LAUREN SCHAFER our Office Assistant’s hours will be out of the office for the next couple of weeks. Pastor Bunge is in the office Monday and Tuesdays.
Confirmation Classes We are back in action through May at 11:15 am. Last day this year spring is May 19.
CHOIR – We practice at 9:00 am before services.
BELLS – are coming back this summer on Thursday nights. Let Irm know about your interest.
WELCA – The Next Women’s Bible Study is June 1.
Thanks for you for your help with the memorial service for Lynda Buschauer.
The service and reception was special and beautiful.
QUILTING – Emily Smith’s Group (909.255.2452) has completed 16 for Central City Lutheran Mission and 6 for Lutheran World Relief. They also gave 23 lap quilts to Smiles Seniors of Yucaipa, who sent a nice Thank you note.
PRAY for:
- Nelson is doing well recovering from hip surgery. He and Karen will be a bit scarce around church for a couple of months.
- Nancy’s son, Gabe, is recovering after being attacked in the Riverside area.
- erwin so appreciated the memorial service and luncheon for Lynda.
- Eloise appreciates your prayers.
- Jan Wheeler appreciates our prayers for Andrew Gentry, a co-worker of her son Brian.
- The Koening’s appreciate your prayers.
- Kyle and Dana’s son, Kevin’s, Mother-in-Law, Lisa, cancer was found even after surgery.
- Cesar and Kim appreciate prayers for their sons, Tim, and Kyle. Her brother Jim is in a critical state.
- The Sheas would appreciate prayers for Rebecca and Chris Herandez in need of housing for themselves and the twins.
- Continued Godly journey for Brendan Simms, son of Bonnie Strack.
- Continued prayers for Bud Watson for strength and healing.
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY
Faith Lutheran will be supporting Soles 4 Souls, a San Bernardino located charity that collects and delivers shoes for people all over the world who have no shoes.
If you have new or lightly worn shoes that are “just taking up room” in your closet or garage, please bring them to the collection boxes inside the Narthex and Fireside Room and place in the box labeled “Soles 4 Souls”
JOIN US – FUN & FELLOWSHIP @ FAITH
after the WORSHIP SERVICE
MAY
12 HAPPY MOTHER’s DAY COFFEE – If you are a Mother, we will celebrate you! If you are born of a Mother we invite you.
We will have gourmet appetizers, petite desserts (and food for young people, too) Thank you to Kim, Dona, Jennifer, Bonnie S.!
19 75th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION/PRESCHOOL
Thank you to the Preschool Committee, Robyn Blue, Pat Motschall, Sharon and Steve Cady for planning the event. This is also Pentecost – you are invited to wear red for that day.
26 Memorial Day Weekend
Celebrating Very Very Merry UnBirthdays of Jan – Jun
Spaghetti, Salad, and Jennifer’s famous coconut cake!
JUNE
2 Thank you WELCA
9 Meatballs, Salad, Dessert
16 HAPPY FATHER’S DAY – LOVE TO FATHER’S WITH Root Beer FLOATS! on the patio
LOOKING AHEAD
JULY 14th — 75th Anniversary Celebration HONORING THE PANTRY
AUGUST 11 — Mark your Calendars for a 90th Birthday party for erwin.
REMINDER: Please think of us for donating BINGO prizes. We will be playing 3 times during the summer; by popular demand.