Ellsworth United Methodist Church

April
Spring leaps up.
Joy, joy, joy:
is the sun splashing white
on dark rushing, ice-free waters;
is the bloom stretching
from new-fallen snows;
is the robins’ fat red bellies,
so filled from bingeing,
they wobble as they fly.
Joy rings and shimmers
when sweet loved ones call.
Joy is knowing soon everywhere here in Maine
our world will be waking from winter,
folks out and about enjoying the crisp, fresh warm.
Joy is today.
Joy is what fills me.
Joy is God, God is Joy,
Joy is God, Joy is God ever near.
(April 2007/revised April 2013)

Dear Friends,

Happy April. As you can see, I am filled with post-Easter joys!
The thrill of longer days, fresh sweet air, new life pushing free from dark earth to fill our flower beds, our fields, and roadsides with color. Maybe not yet, but soon. In Maine, Spring POPS! It is a sudden surprise, as sudden as God surprises. Each day is a blessing. Believe it.

At EUMC the congregation is filled with excitement as new ideas are springing like jonquils, new projects (painting our new doors red), planting flowers in our beds . . . all being planned. New members have joined and bring fresh ideas and their gifts. We are blessed. Some historical research has revealed we will be having some BIG anniversaries this year — so celebration plans are in the works. I will keep you posted of events as they arrive.

Let me share what you might find this April, should you stop by EUMC at 11:00 a.m. on a Sunday:

4/7/13 — I will be on vacation and worship will be done by one of our lay leaders, Mahlon Kennedy. It will be terrific, I am sure.

4/14/13 — Prelude: Bruce Clark, Introit: “Surely the Presence of the Lord”, Psalm #30, Opening Hymn: “Christ Who’s Glory Fills the Skies”, Hymn of Preparation: “Thine Be the Glory”, Scripture: Acts 9:1-20, John 21:1-19, Anthem: “Christ Has Risen”, Sermon: “Darkness and Light”, Holy Communion (all are welcome to come and receive), Closing Hymn: “Crown Him with Many Crowns”.

4/21/13 — Prelude: Bruce Clark, Introit: “There’s a Spirit in the Air”, Psalm #23, Opening Hymn: “Fairest Lord Jesus”, Hymn of Preparation: “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”, Scriptures: Rev. 7:9-17, John 10:22-30, Anthem: “Lamb of God”, Sermon: “SNL (Shepherd N’ Lambs)”, Closing Hymn: “Jesus Loves Me”.

4/28/13 — Prelude: Bruce Clark, Introit: “Be Glorified”, Psalm #148, Opening Hymn: “Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above”, Hymn of Preparation: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”, Scriptures: Rev. 21:1-6; John 13:31-35, Anthem: “Since Jesus Came Into My Heart”, Sermon: “Love in Heart is Singing Praises/Love is a Gift from God”, Closing Hymn: “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”.

Every Sunday our choir is beautifully led by our amazing Choir Director, Amy Briggs. Every Sunday we have coffee hour before and after worship with yummy goodies. Every Sunday our children “Wow!” us with their innocent wisdom and faith during “Time for the Young at Heart” before going to Sunday School. And every Sunday different members (all ages) take part in worship.

So come visit us if you can, we would love to meet you face to face. You can also follow us on Facebook. We are a small family size church with members who truly live their faith through mission and fellowship, bringing smiles and good cheer all over.

See you here next month? I do truly hope so. May God Bless you all,

Yours,
Pastor Susan Yaruta-Young (Susan Y-Y)