Abide in my LOVE and I will bring you JOY!

JOY and LOVE and GOOD NEWS to give!   PRAYERS and GRACE and LOVE needed!  As I edit this newsletter each week, I think of both – but especially this week as I reflected on the many needs on our prayer list (see link to the left), but also on the great scripture readings this week.   God is good  to us. When we are at our lowest and in need most, he provides.    Take time this weekend to pray for our All Souls family and prayer requests – but also take time to read the various scriptures below.  May you be blessed!

 

Please take the time to read the articles and information in this week’s “GOOD NEWS”. There are some new links on the left column for ECC news – so check them out too! Feel free to forward this newsletter on to a family member or friend, or share it on your facebook page or twitter by using the “like” and “share” icons at the top of the page.

This weeks readings and question of the week:

Take time to mediate on God’s word and prepare for worship this Sunday.  And as you meditate on them, consider the question of the week: “I have called you friends”, so graced with Jesus’ friendship, to whom can I become a friend this week and how?

 

Acts 10:44-48

Psalm 98

1 John 5:1-6

John 15: 9-17

 


John 15:9-11

Jesus said to his disciples, “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

 

John continues to remind us of the power of LOVE. In this scripture, Jesus is telling his disciples – and us, that not only does he love us; but the love that he has for us is the same love that God has for himself (Jesus).  Then he extols to continue to abide in this love.    Why? So that he can feel good? NO.  So we can fulfill an obligation? NO.  He tells us to abide in his love, so that we can have JOY!

 

Jesus will continue if you read the remainder of the Gospel to also tell us to Love one another – IN THIS SAME KIND OF LOVE! WOW!  And then gives further promises if we do!  So take time this week, to explore GODS love, abide in it, and share it with others!

May 10 – HONORING OUR MOTHERS!

If you did not put down a name or names of Mothers to remember or honor last week, please come early to church this week so you can add any names to list as needed.

Saturday, May 16

6:00 pm – Pine Room

Future Dates to Save!

  • May 16 – Potluck
  • June 27– Opportunity House Breakfast
  • July 19 – Reading Pride – HELP NEEDED AT ALL SOULS BOOTH
  • August – Opportunity House Lunch TBD

 

We would like to thank
Donna Torres for  playing flute last week during services and adding to liturgy.

WANTED: New Board of Directors Member 

With Fr. Henry being our new pastor, we now have an opening on the Board of Directors.   If you would like to be more involved in the ministry of All Souls please prayerfully consider this possibility.  The board meets once per month, provides leadership to the events of the parish, and each member fill some role based on their gifts, talents, and time.     If you are interested, please speak to any current member of the Board of Directors.

“Virtual Happy Hour” with the Presiding Bishop Elect.  This will be a news conference-type format exchange between Bishop Frances and anyone who cares to join the conversation.  We will be using the ECC conference line (712-432-0750; Code: 549473#) Thursday, May 14 at 7 pm EST.
(See new links in the left column under the ECC logo for more news from the ECC)

How are you doing answering this  past week’s question 
of the week from the bulletin? 

 

Question of the week: Jesus is the true vine and we are the branches. What needs pruning in our life so that we can bear much fruit?