Over the Rainbow

THIS WEEKEND

Saturday, April 26, 5:00

Sunday, April 27, 8:30 & 10:45

Bruce preaching the General Conference Special:

WHY JOHN WESLEY WAS KICKED OUT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

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Each Monday, I get a count of attendance and what was in the offering plate. I was delighted to learn the Rainbow Network event had generated just over $18,000 in contributions. Wow! I assumed, of course, this meant there was $6,000 in the special offering and the Dean H./Mark R. matching gifts had tripled the amount. No. The $18,000 was BEFORE the matching gifts kicked in. I don’t think anyone saw that coming; I certainly didn’t. Anyway, Mark and Dean are indeed matching the $18,000, which by my calculator means the event generated in excess of $54,000. I’m stunned, frankly. A lot of good is going to come of this. Thanks for putting a little love in your hearts—make that a WHOLE LOT OF LOVE!!!

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From NANCY D.: If you have some free time to volunteer this summer, La Casa del Pueblo UMC (Omaha Methodism’s Spanish-language congregation) could use your help with some of their summer programs. Volunteers are needed to serve prepared free meals to children from June 2- June 27 and from July 7 – July 31 from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. Volunteers are also needed to provide adult supervision for field trips for children from June 4 – June 25 and July 7- July 30, Mondays and Wednesdays only from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. And volunteers are also needed to help make crafts, create skits, or tutor in math, English, or technology from July 14 – July 31, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. If you can help call the pastor, Alberto Silva at 733-0202.

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Two items from THE CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT:

Looking for a way to help out with Vacation Bible School? We are looking for donations for scholarships for some of our children. If interested, contact Netta.

Our first “The Big Ticket” movie night was a great success! We hope all the kids and parents who attended had a great time. Our next movie night is scheduled for Friday May 16^th, @ 6:30 pm. More info will come out next week. Reserve the date!

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A NOTE FROM DIANE M.: FLOWERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PICK-UP FRIDAY 9 TO 6 PM AND SATURDAY MORNING 9 TO 11. IF YOU ORDERED FLOWERS FROM THE UMW, PLEASE REMEMBER TO PICK THEM UP!!

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MULTIPLE ITEMS FROM BOB D. AND THE YOUTH DEPARTMENT:

PENNY CHALLENGE RESULTS: 51661 PENNIES were turned into the bank today. The money will go to help pay off the church. THANK YOU every penny counts!

We will be having “ALL PARENTS MEETING” (parents of youth grades 6-12) on Saturday April 26 at 6pm to 6:30pm for those who attend the Saturday service. We will also have a meeting on Sunday April 27 at 11am to 11:30pm for those who attend the Sunday service. The purpose of the meeting is to distribute the youth calendar thru August and to have parents sign up to help with the activities. We will be meeting in the youth room. (You only need to attend one meeting)

Attention Parents! Please e-mail me the name of your GRADUATING SENIOR as we want to recognize him/her at our May 18 Sunday services. We will just ask the seniors to come forward and announce their names and what their future plans are. I want to make sure I have a complete list so e-mail the names to me. Thank you.

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PRAYER MATTERS:

Chris G. (sister of Sandi D.) battling cancer..

Gene W., treatment for cancer.

Dick W., father of Pam M., tests.

Pam M., surgery on April 21.

Sandi J. and family, friends of Kathy K., cancer treatment.

Roland S., friend of Christine B., in the ICU unit.

Mark & Kris B., newborn triplets in hospital.

Randy S., friend of Christen B., recovering from back surgery.

Rachel W., Margie W.’s daughter, surgery 4-24-08.

Gene S., knee replacement surgery, 4-23-08.

Diane P., sister-in-law of Laurel P., hospitalized.

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Acts 15:1-11

It wasn’t long before some Jews showed up from Judea insisting that everyone be circumcised. ‘If you’re not circumcised in the Mosaic fashion, you can’t be saved.’ Paul and Barnabas were up on their feet at once in fierce protest. The church decided to resolve the matter by sending Paul, Barnabas, and a few others to put it before the apostles and leaders in Jerusalem. After they were sent off and on their way, they told everyone they met as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria about the breakthrough to the non-Jewish outsiders. Everyone who heard the news cheered. It was terrific news! When they got to Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas were graciously received by the whole church, including the apostles and leaders. They reported on their recent journey and how God had used them to open things up to the outsiders. Some Pharisees stood up to say their piece. They had become believers, but continued to hold to the hard party line of the Pharisees. ‘You have to circumcise the pagan converts,’ they said. ‘You must make them keep the Law of Moses.’ The apostles and leaders called a special meeting to consider the matter.

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BRD