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Dear Friends,
May has become, in recent years, a great month to understand the wide workings of God in our midst as a congregation and this year is no exception!
- Beginning on May 1 we will be distributing cards and addresses as we take the time to recognize and thank the retired clergy, and surviving spouses, for their service to the Reformed Churches of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. There are few professions that allow individuals to build relationships that are as deep and sacred as the ministry, however for many of our retirees, especially for those who served congregations that still have parsonages, they have had to relocate to retirement homes at a distance from the people with whom they served God. It has been a part of our mission life, for more than a decade, to send greetings and words of appreciation to those "good and faithful servants" so they are aware that their life’s work was, and is, valued. This is an easy and deeply appreciated mission project and I hope that you will take a pack of cards and addresses!
- On Mother’s Day, May 8 this year, we always recognize the women of our Church who have provided so much energy, leadership and vision through the years. This year we will be offering special thanks to all of the women who have been part of the Women’s Guild through the years. The Guild, for many years, provided the Mission Vision for our congregation, and while, over the years, their numbers have diminished their faith has continued to nourish us. The women have decided to disband as an organization with our congregation and we want to be sure that we note this end of an era with gratitude to them and to God. If you have ever been part of the Guild I hope to see you and thank you in worship on May 8.
- On May 15 our 2010-2011 Confirmation Class will step into their adult roles in faith and service to God as we celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Having spent time with them since September I am deeply impressed with the work that God has done, through their parents and our congregation and you will want to be there to welcome and congratulate them.
May 21 is our Warwick Work Day for this year! Sign up sheets are in the narthex, we need workers, cash, food and prayers, so be sure to find your place in God’s plan for this year!
- On May 22 we will mark the end of a wonderful year of Church School, under the leadership of Ann Cucchiara, as we distribute Bibles to children and gratitude to the teachers and helpers! There will be special activities for the children and plenty of smiles for the rest of us!
- Then, on May 29, we will begin our "Summer" with 9:30 worship through Labor Day in September. At that point we will focus in on VBS 2011, tentatively entitled: Cruising With God! And our first VBS planning session will be on Tuesday, May 17!
We are so remarkably fortunate that God has decided to do so many wonderful things in so many different ways. Every one of us can find a place (or places) to respond and together we will be the Church that God has created us to be!
Shalom,
Jack
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