| Parish Twine Updated: 4/28/2008 |
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When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force - no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them. – Acts 2:1-4 (The Message) In an area where the wind blows much of the time, it is not hard to imagine the setting for the Pentecost experience. One Friday I took a bike ride to Wenona. It was a nice day and there was a southerly breeze so I knew the trip south was going to be more difficult but hopefully not significantly. By the time I left Wenona, the wind had grown with intensity and the return trip took 4 times longer than the trip north. I called Karen as I rode and to tell her I was going to be later than I had anticipated but the wind was so strong, I could barely hear her when she spoke. Another cyclist once said, “we don’t need hills as a challenge in this part of Illinois, we have wind!” How true! I always consider the direction of the wind when I go riding and try to take advantage of a tail wind for the return trip if possible. This does not always happen as the wind can shift at a moment’s notice. Those who had gathered in recognition of the Feast of the Harvest experienced a significant shift as the Holy Spirit came upon them through wind, fire and through expression in many languages. In Peter’s address to the crowd, we get the impression that many of the devout Jews who were there had been in Jerusalem since Jesus had been arrested, crucified and buried. Many had longed for the coming of the Lord’s Messiah and Peter describes that they, or members of their tradition had put Jesus to death. “But let it be known with certainty that God made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Their response was, “What shall we do?” “Repent and be baptized,” was Peter’s reply. Airplanes crash into buildings and the world awakens to efforts to combat terrorism. Tornados rip through a manufacturing facility near Roanoke and new construction makes sure there is adequate space for shelter for employees in the event such an occurrence is repeated. The ocean swamps coast lands of India and Bangladesh, and the southern coasts of the US and we pay attention. We even begin to rethink our security regarding earthquakes in this part of the country after a moderate shift of earth’s plates near New Salem. For first century believers, a mighty wind, fire and expression in many languages was enough to take notice and call them to repentance. What does it take for us to rethink our focus? What centers our lives so that we repent from our waywardness and heed the message of the Lord’s Messiah? Though the expression of the Spirit may be different for us, the message calling us to repentance is the same. How will we respond? Peace in Christ. Pastor Craig Swenson IMMANUEL MAY SERVANTS LECTORS: 4 Linda Budde 11 Viola Zupansic 18 Tracy Schultz 25 Monica Kalkwarf ACOLYTES: CruciferS: 4 Matthew Carr 4 Patrick Luckey 11 Evan Kapraun 11 Kyron Tarmann 18 Tiffany Lindsay 25 Tyler Lindsay Nursery Helpers 4 11 18 25 Communion Assistants: 4 Dean & Carol Stimpert 11 Wayne & Kelby Tarmann 18 John & Shelly Krug Altar Guild: Amy Kleen & Tracy Luckey Ushers: Rich Luckey, John Konwinski Terry Kalkwarf, Chip Kalkwarf Worship Pouches: Kelly, Taylor, Bailey & Jordan Hochecker MAY SERVANTS LECTORS: 4 Jan Bakewell 11 Jolissa Antolik 18 Brian Richard 25 Greta Kurrle ACOLYTES: 4 Justine Skinner 11 18 Melissa Coons 25 Kylie Sullivan Communion Assistants & USHERS: 4 Randy & JoEllen White Usher: Bob Kurrle 11 Marla & Jolissa Antolik Usher: Jane Schoeopke 18 Ed & Donna Schmillen Usher: ALTAR GUILD: Peggy & Steve Goulding Honor the woman WHO GAVE YOU THE GIFT OF LIFE Mothers’ Day is May 11 May God bless all our mothers and those who will one day be mothers. Good Samaritan Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Friday, May 2, 2008 at 12 noon in the Rainbow room Good Samaritan will honor our treasured volunteers. The special guest speaker, Judie Lehman, formerly of Flanagan will share about her recent trip to the “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21 Fondly, Becky Wilder Director of Life Enrichment SUMMER YOUTH TRIP Special events are being planned to raise funds for the July trip (especially considering the cost of fuel). Immanuel May 11 – Bakesale May 31 & June 21 Carwash Sunday’s plate money Bethany will sponsor one of the Friday summer events in the park with funds to be matched by Thrivent Financial May 26 is the official Memorial Day holiday this year. Each year we Americans honor all who have served in the military of our country by observing Memorial Day. Banks, post offices, schools as well as other government offices close to honor these men and women. Special services will be at 10am at both Wenona and Minonk on this day. It is well that we thank each and every brave service man and woman who has ever served throughout the history of our country to maintain our freedom. Thank you!
W.E.L.C.A.* (*Women of the W.E.L.C.A. is having its monthly meeting on Wednesday May 7th at 7 pm at What do we do at W.E.L.C.A. meetings? Each month we have a brief business meeting, a thought-provoking Bible Study and a time of fellowship. Who can be part of W.E.L.C.A.? Any woman, (from high school age through senior citizens) who is part of either congregation is welcome. Why participate in W.E.L.C.A.? The women of the ELCA share common goals—learning to love our Lord Jesus more each day and sharing that love with others through community efforts both in this country and abroad. BETHANY CHANGES TIME FOR WORSHIP THIS SUMMER Worship will be at 7:30 am during June, July and August at Immanuel’s worship time will remain at 9am. Be Blessed! Serving others (and therefore Christ) is a real blessing. Every worship service in the church offers that opportunity to be blessed. Sign-up sheets are on the board opposite the kitchen for the following: · Communion Assistant · Usher · Alter Guild · Nursery Attendant (see Jessica Overocker) No special skills needed—just willing heart and hands. Please sign up for your turn to be blessed! Very special thanks to all who signed up for May! SCHOOL IS OUT! Sunday School that is. May 18 is the last Sunday the Immanuel and The Adult Bible Class (I) will also meet on the 18th of May before taking a break in June. BACCALAUREATE There will be a worship service for graduating seniors of Fieldcrest and their families on Sunday, May 18 at 7pm at the high school gymnasium in Minonk. All are welcome to honor the seniors and their families and praise God during this special transition time of life. Graduation is the following weekend. You succeeded! You made it! Great job! Fieldcrest East 8th grade Graduation will be Saturday, May 24 at 3 pm in Wenona Fieldcrest High School Graduation will be Sunday, May 25 at 3 pm in Minonk.
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