Hello, friends! And, Happy Easter! Yes, we’re still in the “Great 50 Days,” also known as Eastertide… May 12 is the final Sunday of the Easter Season, but we’ve got LOTS of celebrating to do this month, all month long!
First, I’m really looking forward to May 5! While not all of us have a Hispanic background- Mexican, more precisely- you can still enjoy a taste of our culture as we’re celebrating cinco de mayo during Fellowship After Worship at Trinity. I’m planning on bringing tamales y la música. We’ll also have a taco bar with all the fixings… What would you like to bring to share? Sides? Desserts? ¡Celebramos la fiesta!
May 12 is not only the end of the Easter Season, it’s also Mother’s Day. Ladies, shall we dress up and wear hats again like we did last year? Let’s celebrate our love for all that the women in our lives do for us, as well as celebrate each other.
If the Easter Season ends on May 12, what’s next? Pentecost! That day we celebrate as the Holy Spirit descending upon those first disciples who were gathered together, landing on each person’s head. The Holy Spirit appeared as a flame resting atop each head, but did no harm to any one. In fact, the Spirit gifted each disciple with extraordinary abilities in service to God. Let’s wear something red to church on Pentecost Sunday to signify the Holy Spirit’s descent upon us and presence with us!
So far, every Sunday in May has something to celebrate… what about May 28? Yep, it’s Trinity Sunday! On that day, we’ll talk about the unique relationship God has with God’s self… One God in the Three Persons. It’s a mighty tricky concept to wrap our heads around! This picture helps give an idea of the interconnections within our Tri-Une God. You may recall the Apostle’s Creed (see page 881 in a hymnal). When we say the Apostles’ Creed, we join with millions of Christians through the ages in an understanding of God as a Trinity – Three Persons in One: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God, who is One, is revealed in Three distinct Persons. Since you already have your hymnal out, take a look at Hymn #64, Holy, Holy, Holy. The last line in verses 1 and 4 are: “God in three persons, blessed Trinity.” We just might sing this hymn on May 28! ♫ ♫ ♫
Over the Summer months, we’re going to do something similar to last Summer where you chose each Sunday’s topic, but, this Summer the subject is on Jesus’ parables! A parable is “a simple story that tells a message to the audience.” Jesus used parables to teach His listeners important truths about Himself, the world, and our spiritual lives.
Jesus shared some 46 parables with those 1st Century followers and they’re all recorded in the first 3 Gospels- Matthew, Mark, and Luke. You’ve got lots to choose from- anything from the Prodigal Son to the Good Samaritan to the Mustard Seed, and more! You will also get to choose your favorite hymns to sing over the Summer! If you need a submission slip, extras are at church, or you can email me the parable(s) you’ve picked and where it’s talked about in Scripture (if you know), as well as your hymn selection(s) and UM hymnal number (if you know). Please have your choices to me by Sunday, May 26. Thank you!
Before closing, I want to thank my faith family for the wonderful Easter Sunday gifts! It felt like a proverbial “Christmas” with all the gifts and good-ies! I’m gratefully thankful for you!
