|
Foothill Focus
Number 5 MAY 2009 Volume 17From a New Perspective "The Sharks have new lease on life after tonight's overtime victory." After Shark's losses in the first two games of the first round of NHL playoffs, Shark's fans concluded that they were witnessing another early playoff exit. But the Shark's recovered with a couple victories, one in overtime, and gave their fans new hope. They provided them a new perspective for future life. (By the time you receive this, you will know that hope was dashed for theSharks by a fourth loss.) Jesus' disciples were astounded at the new hope that Jesus' resurrection brought them. They didn't quite know what to do with it at first. But as dayfollowed day with Jesus still alive they looked at life from a new perspective. It was not only a look at a new and hope-filled future, but it was a look backwards. As they thought about what Jesus had done and what he had said before his death, they now understood what they hadn't understood at the time. This new perspective gave them new insights into who he had said he wasand what he had said he was about. Some pieces of the puzzle that was Jesus, now fell into place. I wonder if we could benefit from making an effort to look with fresh eyes, resurrection eyes, back into Jesus' life and ministry. Might we come to somefresh conclusions about who he said he would be after the events of his death and resurrection? During May we will look backward at some of Jesus' words about himself from a new perspective, so that we may go forward in following him with new insight and greater hope. Vision to ActionWhat's happening on our vision teams. Here's what is happeningCommunity Connections: We held a great 2009 HUNT on Saturday, April 11th. We had more adults and children than last year. People heard about us through the newspaper, the internet, our large sign, and by word of mouth. Many came because they had come in previous years and many of those brought friends with this year. Again people stayed around long after the eggs were picked up; just to talk and hang out with their families and friends. Thanks for all who helped. Mark Liedstrand, team leader. We continue to host INDOOR PARK, an informal, every-Thursday (11-Noon) play time for kids, 0-3 years. Some of the moms from our Genesis group have been developing it and it will be open through the end of May. If you know of young parents who might want a warm and dry place (our nursery) for kids to play and parents to chat, grab a few invitation cards and hand them out. If you have questions about the time, talk to Sarah Cerrona. Later in the summer we will host our "Mini Music Camp" and our neighborhood BBQ. Mentor/Tutors: Most of our mentors and tutors have new students this year and are actively at work with them. The students mostly come from Mountain View High School and Graham Middle School. Our newest mentor is Erik Gaderlund who is serving as "the computer guy" in Jackie Ince's 2nd grade class. If you are interested in ministering to the needs of our community in this way, call Pastor Jim and he'll help get you started. SYMPATHY We extend our sympathy to Gary Mutschelknaus whose mother, Eva Mutschelknaus died on March 31,2009 in her hometown of Dickinson, North Dakota. Gary and Darlene had just been visiting with her and helping her move into a new home. Theyhad headed home to Los Altos, but on the way they got the news and returned forfinal goodbyes. We also extend our sympathy to Hung Ecklund upon the death of her father, IchNguyen on Monday, April 27, 2009. He was blessed to have his family gatheredaround him in the last moments of his life. The Lord's peace be to the memory of each of these loved ones and upon their families. CONGREGATIONAL MEETING There will be a congregational meeting on Sunday, May 17th, at 12:15 p.m. immediatelyfollowing the worship service. Its sole purpose will be to read the proposed by-laws intothe minutes for action at an August congregational meeting which will consider a new constitution and by-laws for our congregation. Copies of the final draft of the edited by-lawsare available in the church office. This edition was shaped by discussions in the congregational conversations held during the fall and winter. You may also request copies of the proposed constitution from the church office. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~MAY WORSHIP/PREACHING -Jesus' resurrection made his disciples look at life froman entirely new perspective. As they thought about what Jesus had done and what he hadsaid before his death, they now understood what they hadn't understood at the time. We will look back through "resurrection eyes" at some familiar sayings of Jesus made during hisministry to see if we gain new insight into his life in us. May 3 - John. 10.11-18 -"The Good Shepherd" - Jim G. May 10 - John. 15.1-8 -"The Good Vine" - Jim G. May 17 - John. 15.9-17 -"The Father's Love" - Jim G. May 24 - John. 17.6-19 -"The Savior's Prayer" - Jim G. May 31 - Eric & Karyn Sorenson, Missionaries in Guam Women's Bible StudyWomen's Bible Study is on Wednesday mornings at 9:45 am. We are ably lead by Marian Ecklund and supported by Nancy Baldwinson. Our last meeting for this year will be on May 20. Afterwards, we will have a salad luncheon in the Ark. Please don't miss this celebration! Women's Lunch BunchWe will look forward to lunching together at the Country Gourmet in Sunnyvale on Thursday, May 7 at 11:30 am. Please call Ona Avent (408-984-7625) for more information. Stretch Yoga ClassWe continue our Stretch Yoga class on Wednesdays at Noon during the spring. Call Kay Roberts (408-255-7817) for more information. Men's Lunch We will be meeting on Thursday, May 7 at Noon. We'll be looking for you at Brian's Restaurant in Los Altos in the Rancho Shopping Center on Foothill and Magdalena. Please call Jim Gaderlund at 650.967.7447 with any questions. From Bible Study FellowshipDear Pastor, Your generosity in opening your facilities for Bible Study Fellowship is greatly appreciated.We want to thank you and your congregation for your willingness to be a host church forour 2008-2009 class year. It is a privilege to share with you in the Lord's service. The work of Bible Study Fellowship continues to increase across the United States and around theworld. Your participation and support encourages us as we continue in this ministry. We rejoice when we hear of lives that have been blessed through the study of God's Word, andwe know you do as well. It is our prayer that you and your church will be greatly used andjoyfully fulfilled in the ministry God has given you.Sincerely yours in Christ, Jean Nystrand Executive Director + + +MISSION SPRINGS Spring/Summer 2009 CAMP/RETREAT BROCHURES AND POSTCARD FLYERS ARE AVAILABLE! Find out what's going on this summer atMission Springs for children and youthat Frontier Ranch and Wild Oak and for families. You'll get your questions answered and find registration informationand forms. The brochures are available in the lobby and office. MISSION SPRINGS Camps &Retreats Family Camp June 29-July 5Kid's Camps Throughout the summer Detailed brochures and registrations information are available online at www.missionsprings.com. + + + Part of a Larger FamilyKeep up to date on what God is doing in our larger church family. Visit the web sites for our Pacific Southwest Conference at www.pswc.org and for the Evangelical Covenant at www.covchurch.org. Each site has current news in churches and ministries around the Covenant. To have the news sent to you, subscribe to Newswire by going to the home page on the Covenant web site and looking for the link on the right side of the screen. |