Friday April 24, 2015

An eNote from Rodney

Dear Trinity Family,

I just took a peek into the elevator shaft (no longer the stairwell or lift shaft) and work is progressing. The masons have been here this week and they are building the shaft up through the roof of the old stairwell. Then they poured concrete into the holes of the cement block so this thing is going to be solid. The Trustees will meet with the contractor this week for a walk through and he will tell us how things are going from his end.

Last week and Easter Sunday my sermons talked about the importance of understanding that Jesus’ resurrection is not a metaphor or symbolism but an event that took place in time and space. The tomb is empty and Jesus appears to his disciples. He is transformed but he is also the same, with the scars as his identification. This week I want to look at why this truth provides a center to our lives that we can trust. My scripture will be 2 Timothy 1:12.

This morning Andrew and I sat down and worked on plans for Confirmation Sunday which will be Sunday May 3rd. I am excited about the work this confirmation class has done and we are all deeply thankful to the helpers and parents who have assisted with this class. This afternoon Andrew will be taking the 9 confirmands on a weekend retreat to the Methodist grounds at Lake Junaluska. They will be joining confirmation groups from all over our conference for teaching and fun and celebration. They will return on Sunday and let our prayers be that they have a safe and wonderful time together.

Also next Sunday we will have a covered dish lunch after the worship service. The church will provide ham, drinks and rolls. You are invited to bring vegetables, salads, desserts and all the other culinary delights that make a covered dish lunch special. After the meal there will be a concise and informative talk presented by the Finance committee. The committee will bring the congregation up to date on church finances, where we stand with the use of the J.D. Howell fund and what the economic future of Trinity looks like. Again, that is Sunday May 3rd.

Also next Sunday Jim and Dianne Thompson will be in Asheville and will be worshiping with us. They would like to say hello and talk during the Sunday School hour about how their mission work is going in Guatemala. Plans right now are for the Mann and Sprinkle Bagwell classes to meet in the Mann classroom with Jim. Dianne will be meeting with the Faith class in their room upstairs. Please know that you are invited to join either of these groups for the Thompson’s talk next Sunday morning during the Sunday School hour.

Enjoy this beautiful weather; I am looking forward to worshiping with you on Sunday. Lee has arranged for Rachel Hansbury, who sings with Lee in his group Pastyme, and Nolan to do a duet. See you then.

Sincerely,

Rodney

rodhagans@gmail.com