Today the session voted to receive three new members into our congregation. Praise the Lord! And bless and protect Belinda, Cheryl and Shirley as the continue on their new life in Christ. The congregation will receive them into membership on Pentecost Sunday, May 31.

Hope in our communities

From First Lady Michelle Obama’s Commencement Address at UC Merced, May 16, 2009:

And with jobs scarce, many of you may be considering leaving town with your diploma in hand. And it wouldn’t be unreasonable. For those of you who come from communities facing similar economic hardships, you may also be wondering how you’ll build decent lives for yourselves if you choose to return to those communities.
But I would encourage you to call upon the same hope and hard work that brought you to this day. Call upon that optimism and tenacity that built the University of California at Merced to invest in the future of Merced in your own home towns all across this country.

What a rain! I thought we had entered summer. I thought, “Maybe we’ll get a shower or two.” But still we prayed for rain. I even kept praying for a gully-washer. Oh! the sound of that downpour on Friday! If that was not the voice of God I don’t know what is.

Psalm 8:3-4 — When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

Take some time to consider our place as human beings in the midst of God’s universe.  And let the praise flow.

Psalm 7:9 — O let the evil of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous, you who tries the minds and hearts, you righteous God.

How has God shown God’s righteousness?  or How has righteousness revealed God?

Billboard

See what the wind uncovered!
Thank you, Bev, for the photo.

I’m still singing the songs from Easter Sunday.

Psalm 6:9 — The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.

Praise God for hearing our prayers.

Refuge

Psalm 5:11 — O Lord, let all who take refuge in you rejoice, let them always sing for joy; and defend them, that those who love your name may exult in you.

How has God defended you when you looked to him for refuge?

Safety

Psalm 4:8 — In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord make me dwell in safety.

How has God given you peace and how has God helped you to feel safe?

Christ is risen indeed!