I have finally - almost - caught up on my work. The end of Lent and Holy Week and Easter always put me far behind where I want to be in terms of getting things done. The ecumenical Easter Sunrise service was a great experience. I met a lot of good people and I think our parish made a good impression on the community. A number of people told me it was the best sunrise service Parrottsville has had in a long time. A link to my sermon for that service is at the left side of this page as "Pastor's Sermons".
Don't forget that Youth Day is coming fast on May 17 as well as the Conference Youth Day at St. James and the Night of Italian Splendor at Salem, both on May 9!
I have begun attending a Conference pericope group at Our Savior in Johnson City on Wednesdays. This means I will not have office hours on Wednesdays and so my schedule is changing. I will be in the office Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 10 a.m. to noon. Next week is an exception to that rule, since I will be attending the ELCMA annual assembly in Morristown for continuing education. Also by way on continuing ed this week I'm reading a book by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, "On Life After Death." This is a short one a shouldn't take this slow reader long to finish. Also, I plan to attend the annual Yost Lectures at Southern Seminary on May 14 for even more continuing ed.
Every Monday: Pastor's Day Off.
Every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.: Choir Practice at Salem.
April 25, Saturday, 6 p.m.: Cub Scouts Blue and Gold ceremony at Salem.
April 26, Sunday, 7 p.m.: Opening the Book of Faith at Salem (#5 in a 7-part series.)
April 27-29, Monday-Wednesday: ELCMA Annual Assembly at Good Shepherd in Morristown
May 2, Saturday 9 a.m.-noon: Holston Heritage Conference Spirng Assembly at Faith Lutheran in Bristol.
May 3, Sunday: Rachel's Day.
May 3, Sunday, 7 p.m.: Opening the Book of Faith at Salem (#6 in a 7-part series.)
May 9, Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.: Conference Youth Day at St. James; our Youth Group is providing outdoor activities!
May 9, Saturday, 4:30 p.m.-?: Night of Italian Splendor at Salem! Youth begins cooking at 4:30. Seatings at 5:45, 6:30, and 7:15.
May 10, Sunday 7 p.m.: Opening the Book of Faith at Salem (#7 in a 7-part series.)
May 12, Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.: Conference Ministerium at Holy Trinity in Kingsport.
May 14, Thursday, Yost Lectures and Alumni Day at Southern Seminary.
May 17, Sunday: Youth Day at both our churches! The Youth Group leads the service and Brittany Coggins preaches.
May 18-24, Monday-Sunday: Pastor's Spring Vacation!
May 21, Thursday: Pastor's anniversary (20 years).
May 23, Saturday: Work Day at Luther Memorial.
May 23, Saturday, 6:30 p.m.: Natalie Neas' shower at Salem.
May 24, Sunday: Pr. Delmer Chilton preaches at both our congregations.
May 26, Tuesday, 11 a.m.: WELCA lunch at the Chocolate Cafe.
Peace be with you,
Pr. J
