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Gifts of Life
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been really sick and the scariest thing for me was when I was having trouble breathing and the feeling that my body had given up on me when I was unable to walk from one side of the room to the other. After going to a couple a doctors, the common reason why I was sick that they could offer me was that I had pushed my body too far. The doctors told me that I try to fit too much into the hours of my day rather than listening to my body and taking time to care for myself.
As I have been doing a lot of thinking about how I can make changes in my life so I do not go down this road again, I couldn't help but think about our "Gifts of Life" sermon series. This past month on Easter, we celebrated Jesus Christ's resurrection and we began our new sermon series, "Gifts of Life" where we have learned the gifts that come through resurrection. So far, we have talked about the gifts of doubt, peace, comfort, and growth. What has surprised me the most in talking about these gifts is that we don't always see these things as gifts and therefore don't always treat them the way we would treasure a gift.
As I think about how my body put up this wall and basically said, "Enough is enough! You have to pay closer attention to me!" I couldn't help but think maybe that is what God is trying to tell us about these Gifts of Life.
In the days to come, I encourage you to take a closer look at the Gifts of Life God has given and ask yourself, "Am I doing all I can to treasure and nurture the gifts God has given me? Where do I need to pay more attention? Have I taken the time to step back and say thank you?"
Our relationship with God and the Gifts of Life is something that needs to be nurtured. This relationship and gifts are not to be taken for granted but, rather, are to be treasured and honored.
I pray you take the time to see God at work in your life and the world around you. As you recognize God at work, I pray that you take the time to say thank you and marvel in the wonder and grace.
Your Sister in Christ,
Alyssa
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Open Door Churches newsletters are sent out every other Thursday.
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Board Meeting
The next Board meeting will be May 29, at Las Naciones, at 6:00 p.m.
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Open Door Churches Webpage
each of the churches and ways you can be involved.
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Vacation Bible School
June 25-28, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. - Keizer ClearLake UMC
July 9-12, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. - Morningside UMC
All kids from age 4 to 5th grade graduates are invited to four days of venturing onto an uncharted island where we will learn about how Jesus carries us through all of life's storms such as loneliness, struggles, feeling powerless, and worrying. Each day as we sing, craft, snack and use our imaginations, we'll see how Jesus is always there for us!
Registration forms are available from both church offices and on the Facebook event page. There will be a limit of 50 kids at each site so sign up soon!
Volunteers are needed! If you have a heart for kids and want to venture onto an uncharted island, too, call your VBS location!
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Open Door Churches - Worship & Celebration
Sunday, September 9th
Riverfront Park
Although a few months off, the excitement is building for our
grand Open Door Churches Worship & Celebration at Riverfront Park! Please
SAVE THE DATE and plan to attend.
Are you interested in being a part of the planning team? The team is looking for ideas and will meet next Monday, May 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Keizer Clear Lake UMC. Call your church office for contact information.
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Lay Visitation Training
Sunday, May 20th, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
On Sunday afternoon, May 20th, Morningside will host a special guest, Rev. Sandy Kimbrow. Pastor Sandy is one of our Open Door Churches ministers. She will be at Morningside to offer training for all who are or would like to become lay visitors. The training is open to everyone, with a special invitation to our brothers and sisters within Open Door Churches.
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Youth Sunday
Join us for Youth Sunday! Our youth will be leading worship, Crossfire will lead music at FUMC, and our youth will be giving the sermon as well.
Together we'll be asking "How are we connected to God?" (John 15:1-8) These are always powerful times together. Service times are the usual Sunday gatherings at each church.
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Youth Group
For the month of May we will hold all of our meetings at Keizer Clear Lake UMC. There is no youth group on May 13th and May 27th.
Summer Mission Trip 2018
June 17-22
All youth 6-12th grade are invited to join us for our summer mission trip to the Yakama Reservation! Sign up details coming after the auction.
For details of youth group activities visit their Facebook page
Here
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Open Door Young Adults
The Open Door Churches Young Adult Group is made up of college students and young professionals ranging in age from 18-29 who are exploring questions of faith together. The group meets every Wednesday evening from
7-8:30 at IKE Box.
The conversations shift and change based on what is of interest to the young adults. Recently our conversations have shifted to social justice issues. During the month of April, we will engage in conversation around the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church. Please contact Pastor Alyssa via e
mail
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with any questions. Check us out on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/OpenDoorChurchesYoungAdults
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Come Visit!
We, as Open Door Churches, are a wonderful community together. To continue building our relationships, it's good to visit each other. If you would like to visit one of the other Open Door Churches, here are all our Sunday service times:
- Englewood - 11:15 a.m.
- Trinity - 9 a.m. (10 a.m. on August 20th)
- Morningside - 10 a.m.
- Salem 1st - 8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.
- Las Naciones - 12:30 p.m.
- Keizer Clear Lake - 10 a.m.
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