May 2008
Dear Church Ohana,
We have an incredible month coming up in May, with a banquet of opportunities to grow in our faith and fellowship. Just like we need a balanced diet to have healthy bodies, we need a balanced diet of church activities.
Prayer
We begin with "Lei Day," which also happens to be National Day of Prayer. I ask you all to stop whatever you are doing on May 1, at noon if you can, but any time if you can't, and pray.
The Thursday evening Companions in Christ recently reviewed using our hand to organize our prayers. This was published in the Agape Herald before, but we have found it helpful and on this National Day of Prayer I want to share it with you once again. We can say one prayer for each finger as follows:
Little Finger -- we pray for those who are weak and need strength, and for our children who are small.
Fourth or Ring Finger -- we pray for those we love.
Middle Finger -- we pray for all those who stand tall and are in positions of authority (our political, civic and church leaders).
Pointer Finger -- we pray for all those who are in the public eye.
Thumb -- For ourselves, for the thumb points back at us, and for all those who appear to be strong but who need to be reminded that they cannot work alone
A Time of Renewal -- The Men's "Walk to Emmaus" retreat, 72 hours with Jesus, is May 15 - 18.
Time for Fun and Fellowship Don't miss the "Bistro Night" 5 p.m. in the Social Hall on May 10 for a great spaghetti dinner, fun and the opportunity to support the mission projects of the church.
In addition, the United Methodist Men will have their District Breakfast at Aldersgate UMC on May 31.
We Celebrate our United Methodist Connection and Heritage at the District Conference at Christ UMC on May 24. Rev. Doug Anderson will be the guest leader, speaking and leading small groups on the topic "Deepening Our Discipleship."
We Remember our Fallen Heroes on Memorial Sunday May 25, and we give thanks for all those who serve our country.
We learn about the church on Pentecost Sunday May 11 and Trinity Sunday May 18. It is important to know about what we believe and why, and to worship in spirit and truth. Each Sunday is important, but May has these two Sundays where we focus on the Holy Spirit and on how we experience God as the Trinity of Father/Creator, Son/Redeemer, and Holy Spirit.
We celebrate our ohana with Mother's Day, also May 11 We honor our mothers and the women of the church.
All this is in addition to our regular Bible Studies, Sunday School and Youth Activities. We welcome everyone to Wahiawa United Methodist Church to partake in this banquet of faith, fellowship and fun. May God bless you each day.
Blessings and Aloha,
Pastor Fran
