Hi, Everybody:
This Sunday, April 30, 2023, is the 4th Sunday of Easter. It’s also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, when the readings include Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd…”) and a Gospel reading in which Jesus refers to himself as a shepherd (and also as a sheepfold gate — throw in being the Lamb of God, and Jesus does it all!). Aside from that, it’s a pretty normal Sunday with Worship Service at 10 am and Sunday School and Confirmation at 11:15 am. There is also a Worship Committee Meeting at 12:15 pm.
Tomorrow, Saturday April 29, there will be a White Sunday Rehearsal in Holland Hall for the kids who are participating in White Sunday on May 7. HTLC and HRLC kids are welcome to join the Tongan Wesleyan Church kids as they practice the songs and motions they will be performing during the service. There will also be another rehearsal next week on May 6 at 10 am in the Sanctuary.
What is White Sunday? I’m glad you asked! On the first Sunday in May, the Tongan Wesleyan Church traditionally celebrates White Sunday, when children are honored and everybody wears white. This year, we will all be celebrating it with them! During the worship service, the kids will perform motion songs, read readings, and generally impress us with their impressiveness. Afterward, there is a White Sunday Potluck (bring something if you wish). I don’t know about you, but I’m always up for a celebration involving food!
Speaking of which, Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, May 14, and we will be having a Mother’s Day Lunch following the service. There will be a sign-up sheet on the Media Table in the narthex if you plan to attend, so our Hospitality crew can gauge how much food to prepare.
Due to Mother’s Day (and Mother’s Day Lunch) being on the second Sunday in May, the HTLC Council Meeting has been moved to May 7 at 12 pm (conveniently after the White Sunday Potluck). Contact Marta Wicke if you wish to attend.
Also after the service on May 7, Holy Redeemer will have a short HRLC Congregational Meeting (constitutionally mandated to be on the first Sunday in May) so they can vote to postpone the meeting to May 21! (Now, I would never suggest a church council, let alone a whole congregation would move meetings merely to partake in a potluck or munch at a lunch, but…)
Other events coming up: Pentecost on May 28 (wear red!), Musical Theater Camp the week starting June 19, and the Spaghetti Feed on June 24. Watch for more information on how to participate (and volunteer!).
– Keith
your friendly Parish Life Coordinator (i.e. Church Secretary)