LADIES GROUP

Ladies last meeting for the season will be on May 22^nd.  We will be finalizing preparation plans for the Lutheran Urban Ministries luncheon scheduled for May 31^st.  We encourage everyone to participate in this project.  Please sign on the board what you can help out with.

“BRING A FRIEND” SUNDAY

            Plans are underway for a “Bring a Friend” Sunday on May 3^rd, 2009.  Do you have a friend, neighbour or family member who might be looking for a church home?  This is an excellent opportunity to invite them to join you for worship!

MISSION AS HOPE

On Sunday, May 10th, an information sheet and envelope will be included in the bulletin regarding the MNO Synod's "Mission as Hope" appeal.  The appeal supports projects in the areas of Leadership Development and Mission.  Some of these projects are already underway but insufficiently funded.  Others could be started if the funds were available.  Please prayerfully consider this appeal when you receive it.

THE KNITTING BASKET

            A few new knitters have volunteered their services this year and I want to thank them for all the items they have contributed so far.  I am always looking for more knitters (I am willing to teach you myself or else connect you with someone else that would assist you with the projects you would like to do.)  Some of the ladies use the wool we provide and others have used their own wool.  We thank you also for this contribution.

            I am always on the “hunt” for great bargains on wool.  If you see any bargains, please consider donating it to this project.  (Best are 3 or 4 ply knitted worsted.)

            Some of the best colours to buy are pink, yellow, purple, mauve, brown, beige, green, gray, cream, white, variegated colour combinations and blue.  Please no dark navy or black.

            Thanks in advance!

Linda Edel

SUNDAY SCHOOL

            A huge THANK YOU to Val Kunkel, the Sunday School Staff, and students for their wonderful Easter presentation “HEROse”!  We also loved the children’s beautiful voices as they sang.

            Thank you also to the Sunday School and their families for hosting the “Rise Again Cafe”.  The food was excellent!

            Great job!

FOOD BANK

            Please note that there is a change in the times of the food bank.  It is 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

            Thank you to all our volunteers!

LUTHER VILLAGE NEWS

Bikeathon June 5-7
            It’s not too late to plan on attending the annual Luther Village Bikeathon.  Challenge yourself to a fun ride in beautiful Northwestern Ontario.  Pick your distance (20km, 80km, 100km) and dust off your bicycle.  Contact the camp for more information (204)783-3337.

Women’s Retreat June 12-14
            Calling all women.  Take a weekend off from your regular commitments and head out to the Lake.  Come and enjoy creation, relaxation, community, yoga, and much more.  There is a 25% discount for those who register by May 22nd.  Contact the camp for more information.

Bus Day Trip June 20
            Have you been meaning to visit Luther Village, but just haven’t been able to make it out?  Come and join us for our Bus Day Trip/Open House on June 20th.  The bus leaves Winnipeg in the morning and returns in the evening.  Some things past participant have enjoyed about the bus day trip are:  “staff out there were great”, “not having to drive”, “great hosts on the bus”, and the “food was terrific”. What are you waiting for?  Make Luther Village your destination.  Contact the camp for more information (204)783-3337.

Billious Pond Update!

As most of you know every dollar raised from the sale of our C.D. “A Letter from Home” will be given to the Canadian Diabetes Assoc.  In March we were able to drop off our first cheque for $500.00.  We are grateful for the support that we have received, especially from this congregation.  On April 19^th we were invited to “The Gathering Place” which is a church just on the outskirts of Portage La Prairie.   We were asked to play for the first hour or so and then to participate in the sharing of the gospel.  Though small in numbers one could not help but sense the presence of the Holy Spirit.  It was a wonderful experience and we hope to have the opportunity to visit with them again.  Upcoming dates:

May 3 - 10 a.m. St. Luke’s Zion

May 23 – Morden (Nursing Home)

May 31 - LUM

July 12 – Glenlea Gospel Festival

July 18 & 19 - Gospel Festival @ Beausejour

August  22 (?) St. Laurent Gospel Festival

Once again it is with a humble yet thankful spirit that we give all the praise and glory to God our Father and Jesus our Lord and Saviour.  On behalf of Billious Pond,

Blessings!

Poet’s Corner

Hands

Look at my hands

No longer smooth and straight

Age spotted and gnarled arthritically

Yet the greatest tool I have

To get me through the day.

What do my hands speak?

What do your hands say?

In pronouncing a blessing

Or in a robbery

We lift up our hands.

In embracing a loved one

Or in repelling a hated one

We stretch out wide our hands.

Hands open doors; hands close doors.

And sometimes we only knock on doors.

Mother’s hands soothe a child’s fears away

But also spank a bottom on an occasional day

All done in a loving disciplinary way.

How precious are these hands

Mirroring our many emotions