WORSHIP

We continue to worship on Facebook live for the time being. We also have worship on our website and by CD’s. If you need help connecting, let the office know.

In May we continue a service called Heart of the Matter. There are some ways you can prepare at home for this celebration.

The following are items we will be using in May. A heart or worry stone. A candle to light and something to eat. We invite you to participate in worship this way.

During May we will also be spotlighting our Food Pantry. A number of guest speakers will be sharing a short presentation at the beginning of worship.

This Sunday

This Sunday worship will again be on Facebook at 10:30. Scripture readings for Sunday are from 1 Peter 3:13-16a and John 14:1-21. Our Mission Moment will be offered by Erica Morrison, Erica Morrison, Executive Director of We Care.

Rev. Dick will be preaching and Rev. Tupper assisting with the service.

Tuesday Prayer Group

The Tuesday Prayer Group continues to meet online and by phone Tuesdays at 1:30.   If you would like to connect give Pastor Dick a call,   214-8924.

If you have prayer requests, please let us know.  These will be added to the Tuesday and Sunday lists .

Please hold the following in your prayers this week:

• Lynn Hiscock
• Bob Sollman
• Sophia Cochran
• Elsie Hoffman—3 yr. old great-granddaughter of Ann Gruber is home
• Marie Beauchamp—daughter of Donna Beauchamp
• Janet & Ron Danczyk
• All affected by the Coronavirus. (CoVid 19)

We pray for our brothers and sisters at Wide Awake UCC in Benton Harbor.

Masks

The church is handing out cloth masks. If you make these and would like to donate some for the church, that would be most helpful.

Thank you.

Flowers for Mother’s Day

A big thank you to Nancy Daugherty and Bob Linderman for organizing the creation and delivery of the flowers to honor all the women in the church.

Helping with the project was a great group of folks including, Kris and Art Ayers, Marcia Claggett. Tony Cochran, Dan Thompson, Tony Martorano, Mike and Joe Nelson, Dave Murphey, Jeff Muck, and of course Nancy and Bob.

Discernment

Our church is starting a discernment process regarding our response to LGBTQ persons. Discernment is a process of seeking God’s will regarding an issue or action. It’s a decision-making process that involves listening to each other and listening to God. I’m hopeful that during this process we will be able to honestly share with each other and openly hear from each other and God. Discernment involves both prayer and conversation.

We can start that discernment process now. The first and important thing is to pray. Pray for our church. Pray for us to be able to engage in dialogue in loving ways. Pray that God might reveal God’s will both to each of us personally and to the church as a whole.

Another step is for us to learn and listen to others. We will be providing opportunities to do this in the months ahead. But in the meantime, you are encouraged to learn and listen on your own. Talk to people. Study the Scriptures. I find Acts 10 helpful.

Together, we trust in God’s wisdom and look forward to God’s guidance. Together, we discern in a spirit of love.

-Rev. Mike Tupper

How Can You Help

You can mail weekly church offerings to:

First Congregational Church

651 Phoenix Street

South Haven, MI 49090

Pastors

Jeffrey Dick 269-214-8924

Mike Tupper 269-303-3743

Church Office: 268-637-3804

Church Building:  Here at church the doors are locked and the church building is closed.   Victoria will be here in the office M/W/F from 9:30—1:30 to do the most needed work.   Pastor Dick will be here as well on a limited basis.

The Food Pantry continues to be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 10 to noon.  Very steady flow of people coming through. We are very thankful for the many donations of food and money from members and friends.  Thank you.