For theologian Karl Barth, participating in congregational life is a core tenant of our faith and an essential expression of faith. In one of his teachings, he explained:

I agree with Barth! And, as we plan for for the end of our program year with three big Sundays ahead, I am reminded of why congregational life is so essential. The rhythms of our life together ground us in a way that nothing else can. In corporate worship and fellowship and learning and service, we have the opportunity to practice becoming the beloved community we read about in the scriptures. Addressing hard topics gives us the chance to bear with one another in love. Sharing life's heartaches and joys gives us the chance to nurture one another. Beginning our week with worship, even when it feels like an inconvenience, grounds us in a rhythm greater than ourselves. I'm not convinced that there are any suitable alternatives for congregational life, no other expressions that could substitute for this essential commitment of our faith. Our lives and our faith are meant to be shared in community. And you'll see that on full display in worship these next few weeks.

We will be celebrating our life together in various ways. We'll welcome new members and baptize children this Sunday, we'll be led in worship by our high school seniors next Sunday, and on May 22, we will celebrate the life we've shared together over the last year, recognizing outgoing leaders and ordaining and installing incoming elders and deacons. I hope you'll join us and give thanks for the ways that members of this community have committed to living out their faith through congregational life. And, I hope we all find renewed commitment for our life together as a result.

With great anticipation,

Betsy

PS - Many of you met our new Facilities Manager, Mark Burns, on Sunday. If you haven't yet, please introduce yourself to him when you're in the building next. Watch the video below for a brief introduction!

At 10:00 a.m., author Jim Schutze will lead the discussion on his book, The Accommodation: The Politics of Race in an American City, in Quillin Hall.

If you cannot get a copy of the book in time, click here to learn more about this book and the history of Civil Rights in Dallas here.

Kids' Connection

The Day Circle of PWIN will meet Tuesday, May 10 at 10:00 a.m. This will be a hybrid meeting—join us at the church in room 135 (masks optional) or on Zoom.

Each week, The Wired Word provides resources on a current event. This week's topic is:

An email is sent to those interested. Previous participants don't need to sign up again — they're on the list. Those who would like to join or who would like more information are invited to contact Mike Marcotte.

We would love notes of encouragement for the seniors! We will have a basket in the narthex on Sunday to collect notes. We will also have a place in each of their senior books for you to sign on May 15. 

Are you interested in helping with Friday Night Faith this summer? Please email Emily Cox at [email protected]. We need helpers who can come June 24, July 29, and August 26 from 5:30-8:30 PM.

We are looking for teachers to join our team! Northridge Child Development Center is an accredited preschool serving children age 2 to 5 years. We are a play-based school focusing on the whole child. For more information, please email Director Heather Kolodziej at [email protected]

This summer, we will meet the last Friday of the month from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for fun, dinner, music, bible stories, mission projects, and more! Set your calendars for June 24, July 29, and August 26! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.