May 2023
Pastor’s Notes:
Zechariah 10:1 “Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.”
You can probably guess what this newsletter topic is about based on the scripture I chose. Spring.
Spring is one of my favorite times of year. There are gardens to be planted. Trees begin to show signs of flowering. Grass turns green after lying dormant through the winter. Often in spring, graduation announcements come in the mail for both high school and college graduations. What does God say about spring season?
For believers, spring is a reminder that God is all about making things new. In fact, Jesus promised to make everything new one day (Revelation 21:5). In the meantime, He gives us glimpses of the coming attractions through spring.
In Kansas, spring can bring many of us closer to God. We see a fair share of wildlife throughout the year where we live, but it is spring when the little ones are born. Babies are signs that God is at work. When the Bradford Pear trees begin to bloom in the neighborhoods, we can thank God and know that spring has begun. When we hear the lawn mowers going, we know the grass is growing. Spring and growth go hand in hand.
Prayer for Spring: God, thank you for Spring and the hope of warmer, longer, brighter days. Thank you for the coming of growth and life and birth. Thank you that things are coming awake in the world. This is what our calendar says, and we do see some signs that it is real. Amen.
Love, Pastor Janet
Additional Note: I have missed you all so much. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the prayers, personal notes, phone calls, texts, emails, food, and visits. I have treasured every connection with the church and it has helped the days go much faster for me. I cannot wait to return to Douglass and fellowship with you.
Church News
Sympathy
We were very saddened to hear of the passing of Karen Dansereau. Her celebration of life will be held: June 24th 1:00 – 4:00 at the Madison Garden Villa Clubhouse, 2418 Madison Ave., Derby KS or to send a card: 2418 E. Madison Ave, Apt 903 Derby KS 67037.
Mother & Daughter Luncheon
“Seeds of Relationships”
Sat. May 6, 2023
Douglass UMC in Fellowship Hall
11:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Senior Sunday
We will honor our graduates of 2022 & 2023 on Sunday, June 4th. If you have a graduate who would like to be included in the Sunday service, please let Ev or Pastor Janet know. (We missed honoring those from last year, so they are welcome to be honored this year).
Community Dinners
Thanks to all who tirelessly give of time, food donations, and cash donations to make our Community Dinners a success for another season. Our last dinner will be Wednesday, May 10th at 5:30 p.m.
Joining Together with The Leon United Methodist Church
We were blessed by the Leon UMC hosting us for the Good Friday service and a fabulous meal. It was a somber evening but so refreshing with fellowship.
May Activities & Community Events
05-06 Mother/Daughter Luncheon
05-08 TEFAP Delivery
05-09 Bible Study at 10:00 a.m.
5-09 DHS Band Concert 7:00 PM
05-10 Last Community Dinner – 5:30 p.m.
05-11 Spring Fling in El Dorado
05-13 City Wide Clean Up 8-2
05-14 Mother’s Day & DHS Grade
05-16 Last Day of School
05-16 Bible Study at 10:00 a.m.
05-21 Pastor Cindy’s Retirement
05-23 Bible Study at 10:00 a.m.
Card Players at 1:30 PM
05-27 TEFAP 9:00-11:00 a.m.
05-29 Office Closed
05-30 Bible Study at 10:00
06-04 Senior Sunday