After returning from vacation and study leave, I will be teaching an Inquiry & New Members Class from, 9:00-10:00am in the Great Hall on three consecutive Sundays: June 16, 23, 30.  If you’re ready to make a commitment to the ministry here at Chapel in the Pines, or if you’re curious about what makes us unique as Presbyterians, I invite you to join us!  At the end of our three part series, we will welcome into membership those who feel called to join our church family.  For questions or suggestions, call me at 205-807-2646.  

I’ll be out of the office from May 28-June 10, including a week of vacation and a week of study leave.  I have found two great guest preachers to fill the pulpit while I’m gone.  Rev. Debbie Feagin will preach and preside at the Lord’s Table on Sunday, June 2nd.  Debbie always does a great job and we’re glad for her leadership!  On Sunday, June 9th Chapel is doing something altogether new.  We are hosting a seminary student, Aaron Macklin, from Beeson Divinity School.  Aaron will be delivering the sermon and helping to write portions of the worship service.  This is a great opportunity for him to practice preaching, and to be encouraged by this loving church family.  I will be back on June 11th, but am always available by phone, at 205-807-2646.  Love to you all!

Session has charged the Wednesday Night Task Force with the job of evaluating our current WNL program, and making recommendations to improve the program before it begins again in the Fall.  We will be considering: time and frequency, food/food prep/cleaning, programming and worship.  The WNTF will meet 4 times: June 12, 26, July 3, 17 at 5pm.  Meetings will last approximately 1 hour, and childcare will always be provided.  Thanks to Kathy Hudspeth, Laurie Primeaux, Pat Carr, Andrew Roberta for agreeing to serve. 2 addtional people, including at least 1 man are still needed so if you’re interested, please give Shelaine a call at 807-2646.  And please keep this group in your prayers this summer, as we envision what God might have in store for Wednesdays night at the Chapel! 

Chapel’s quarterly trip to HOPE LODGE is scheduled for Tuesday, June 4th. If you’re interested, please sign up at the Mission table. Plan to meet at Chapel at 5pm, or if you choose, at Hope Lodge at 5:30pm.

Our annual End-of-School Lake Party for the Whitfield Cottage girls (PHC, Talladega) is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th. Sign up sheet is also on the Mission Table.

Our Annual Yard Sale will be Saturday, October 5th. We need someone to serve as the Coordinator this year. Please let Pastor Shelaine or Pat Carr know if you’re interested!

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) will be responding with One Great Hour of Sharing funds and members of the National Response Team to a devastating tornado that struck Moore, a populous suburb of Oklahoma City, Okla.

The 200 mph, F-4 tornado struck Monday evening and destroyed whole neighborhoods. Two elementary schools were in the tornado’s path and one school sustained a direct hit. Of the 51 confirmed deaths from the storm, 20 were children. Additional causalities are expected.

Five counties in Oklahoma have been declared federal disaster areas. The Oklahoma VOAD has reported that many unsolicited volunteers have been showing up. They have pleaded that the information get out thatvolunteers are not yet needed. First responders need first to complete their work.

How you can help

 You can stand in the GAP for disaster survivors, and help the church in its response:

Give

Share your financial blessings by designating gifts to DR000015 – USA Disasters and Emergencies.  Individuals may give through your local Presbyterian congregation, online, or by mailing a check to Presbyterian Church (USA), P.O. Box 643700 Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.  Please note “DR000015 – Oklahoma” on your gift.  You can also text PDA to 20222 to donate $10 for disaster response; or call PresbyTel at (800) 872-3283 to give by credit card.

ACT

• Following disasters in the United States, there is a need for cleanup buckets for those returning home to begin the daunting task of cleaning up what the disaster left behind.  Learn how to assemble a CWS Cleanup Bucket.
• Volunteers may be needed for future recovery efforts.  You may email the PDA Call Center or call (866) 732-6121 to discuss your interest in serving.  You will then be notified if/when the communities are requesting volunteers.  Please keep in mind that volunteers at this time are not requested, while first responders are completing their work.  Please keep them in your prayers.