Pastor’s NoteIt is not a big secret that Pentecost is my favorite Church holiday, and it feels especially ripe with possibility this year. Pentecost is a celebration of God’s gift for the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church. As more activities become possible, it feels like the world is full of gifts and new births. As we continue to navigate these challenging times, how are we going to live by the Spirit? What new possibilities is God going to bring to birth in us? Pentecost is May 23, and I look forward to a Spirit-filled worship, discipleship, and ministry in the days and weeks to come. I am particularly invigorated by one new possibility in my commitment to life-long learning. I am entering a Creative Writing & Public Theology program at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. This will be the focus of my continuing education for the next couple of years. Writing has always been a source of joy for me, and it is a part of my sense of self and vocation that I would like to nurture. I am eager to incorporate what I am learning into my ministry here, such as the reading discussion group I am planning for this July (read more under Christian Education notes.) I will be spending a week away in January and June for coursework, and each course will be followed by a ten-week virtual workshop. -Michael Isaacs COVID-19 UpdatesFellowship Hour is returning! Fellowship Hour will be hosted outside and will be limited to coffee and lemonade. We will need “baristas” for each Sunday to pour drinks and limit the number of people handling the cups and drinks. Fellowship Hour is weather-permitting. A small vocal ensemble will sing on Pentecost, May 23. We hope to have additional small vocal ensembles following. Fellowship Hall and Youth Room are available for use, including for outside groups. We ask that a window be opened when these spaces are in use and that best practices regarding masking and social distancing be followed. Please continue to be diligent about masking and social distancing during in-person worship.
Worship & Music NotesUpcoming WorshipWe will finish exploring Jesus’ “I am…” statements in May. PentecostMay 23 is a very special morning in our church year when Christians celebrate Pentecost. Janet, Brian, and Joyce have commissioned music by Joel Raney for organ, piano, and keyboard. "Lift High the Cross" will be premiered on Pentecost Sunday. We hope that our gift of music will bring joy and inspiration to our Pentecost celebration. Thank you from JoyceWe wish to thank everyone for your prayers, love, and thoughts during the very difficult time of Joyce’s illness. We have been blessed and encouraged by your prayers and God’s unbounding love. - Tom and Joyce Zigler Christian Education NotesStories of God at HomeThe Purple Table is offering resources for you to share Godly Play stories at home! Email Lisa (lisa@fpcmiddletown.com) to sign up to borrow a story kit. Story videos are easily accessible online (https://www.storiesofgodathome.com/events). Stay connected on May 10!Join our online gathering via Zoom at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 10 for a time of fellowship and activities. (Zoom Meeting ID: 357 756 9746) The Purple Table is a pop-up welcome space, online and in-person, that builds community, affirms, and supports healing. Let us encourage one another as we play, share stories, listen, and find a way through, together! Connect instantly with The Purple Table by visiting the website: https://the-purple-table.mn.co Summer Theology StudyThis July Michael is planning on leading a reading discussion group on Diane Glancy’s collection of poetry titled Island of the Innocent: A Consideration on the Book of Job this July. The poetry is from the perspective of Job’s wife and the Native American experience. If you are interested, please let Michael know along with the times that work best for you. Read the book review from the Christian Century. Prayers for GraduatesWe will pray for this year’s graduates in worship on May 16. Stewardship NotesGod, Whose Giving Knows No Ending is a popular hymn related to the practice of stewardship, dedication, and generosity. The words were written by Robert L. Edwards. Read—or sing to the tune of Beach Spring—these words and consider your own practices of receiving and sharing the generosity of God. God, whose giving knows no ending,
From your rich and endless store:
Nature's wonder, Jesus' wisdom,
Costly cross, grave's shattered door.
Gifted by you, we turn to you,
Off'ring up ourselves in praise:
Thankful song shall rise forever,
Gracious donor of our days. Skills and time are ours for pressing
Toward the goals of Christ, your Son:
All at peace in health and freedom,
Races joined, the church made one.
Now direct our daily labor,
Lest we strive for self alone: Born with talents, make us servants
Fit to answer at your throne. Treasure, too, you have entrusted,
Gain through pow'rs your grace conferred:
Ours to use for home and kindred,
And to spread the gospel word.
Open wide our hands in sharing,
As we heed Christ's ageless call.
Healing, teaching, and reclaiming,
Serving you by loving all.
Odds & EndsNew membersPlease welcome new members Phil and JoAnn Thornbery. If you would like to join First Presbyterian Church, please let us know at (513)422-6365. Online CalendarThe church calendar is now online! Go to https://www.fpcmiddletown.com/calendar.
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