Sunday  - May 12 - Mother's Day  

Honoring Mothers (with more than cards and candy) 

The origins of Mother's Day, I'm told, had more to do with providing health and sanitation in a hurting and broken world than with sending flower and cards. The (single, childless) woman usually credited with founding, Anna Jarvis, grew to be disgusted with what she saw as the commercialization of the holiday.

 

"A maudlin, insincere printed card or ready-made telegram means nothing except that you're too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone else in the world," she said. "Any mother would rather have a line of the worst scribble from her son or daughter than any fancy greeting card." (Her outrage at the way the day was co-opted by commercial interests would eventually get her arrested for disturbing the peace during a bold moment of protest.)

 

I'm not ready to launch a public protest, but I do feel sympathy for her frustration at the way candy and printed cards have become place-holders for more important, heart-felt expressions of our gratitude to our mothers, living and gone. 

 

And, as a church, I would hope this holiday could be yet another occasion to honor God, whose generous and life-giving, unconditional love we receive. Medieval mystic Julian of Norwich often referred to Jesus Christ as our Mother, honoring the way we are loved, given new birth, and are fed by the very body of Christ. By the life-giving love given by our mothers (and all those who mother us), we come to glimpse the beautiful love that comes from God. 

 

Belonging as brothers and sister together, recipients of that kind of love, I feel a call to celebrate the day with much more than flowers and cards: also, by living in and sharing a love that includes and embraces all humanity. 

 

with gratitude,

Pastor Molly

If you didn't get your photo taken at church in the last two months, there's still time to send us your own photo. 

Send it to the church by Thursday, May 16. 

Sign up by June 1.

There are a multitude of ways you can volunteer through the church, to support our ministries and programs. Whether you are a student looking for a good way to earn community service hours, or someone looking for a good way to use your retirement, or anyone else, we invite you to serve with us. Here are just a couple of our current opportunities:

Sunday Nursery Volunteers: Caring volunteers would assist our nursery staff in providing care for infants and young children during a Sunday worship service. Volunteers could work once a month or more. Skills with caring for young children and patience are required. Interested people should contact Kathy Martens, Director of Children and Family Ministries to apply. 

Our Chancel Choir shares a musical message each week in our 11:00 worship service, and anyone is welcome to join! New members are always welcome. 

On Sunday, May 12, guest director Megan Eddy will lead John Rutter's "Gaelic Blessing," which would be a great occasion to give it a try! 

Come (any week) for Wednesday evening rehearsal (from 7:30 to 9 p.m.), Sunday warm-up/rehearsal at 10 a.m., and be ready to sing in worship at 11!

 

The Church Facebook page is getting more and more active--visit the page and "like" us so you can keep up with the latest photos, news and links from the church.