Thanks to Pastor Bill Siebert for his sermon Sunday while Marie and I were in Peoria, IL for the 63rd National German Song Festival. It is quite an experience singing in a choir with around 800 members! My mistakes were drowned out by those who knew the music better. 
This Sunday I begin a sermon series from 1 Peter. In Chapter 1:1-12 Peter describes our salvation, using words which should encourage everyone who has placed their trust in Jesus.   
Wednesday Bible study continues at 3:30. We will continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount focusing on the Beatitudes. Choir will not meet Wednesday but will be singing on Sunday. After Sunday the choir will be resting their voices until next September. Marion Keith will be on vacation this Sunday and we welcome Dorothy Merrill back to the organ. We do special music during the summer months so if you want to sing see Marion. 
The annual academic excellence awards banquet will be held this Thursday at 6:30 at the high school gym. We are very proud of Kamryn Yach who will be honored as this years Valedictorian. Good job Kamryn! Two of our retired teachers, Jackie Barb and Elaine Simmons, will also be honored. Our little congregation is well represented in our school system! 
Thanks to an anonymous donation we will be purchasing new upholstered chairs for the fellowship hall. If you want 1 to 4 of the old metal chairs there is a sign up sheet in the fellowship hall.  
Looking ahead, our annual picnic will be on June 9th following our worship service. It will be held at the Bowman’s if the weather is nice. If we have rainy weather we will picnic in the fellowship hall. 

The men and women’s groups are finished until September. Bible study on Wednesday at 3:30 will focus on the Beatitude, “Blessed are the Poor in Spirit.” This Beatitude is very important as it relates to how we can receive salvation. Choir will follow at 4:45. Remember to sign up if you or a group wish to do special music during the summer months. Our small but faithful choir will go on furlough after May 26. 

Marie and I will be gone on Sunday 5/19. We will be in Peoria, Illinois for the National North American German Sängerfest. The German choirs from all over the country get together every three years for a concert of German Music. The choir will contain about 1000 singers, of which I will be one! Bill’s sermon this Sunday is entitled, “The Source of Peace.” The following Sunday I will begin a series from 1 Peter. 

Have a blessed week.  Trust and obey and you will!

Pastor Bowman

Thanks to a donation we had a new microphone is use Sunday.  The sound was greatly improved. Many commented that they could hear so much better. 

FCM (men) will have their regular meeting on Tuesday, 5/7 at 8 AM. This will be the final meeting until September. All men are welcome. 

Bible study will be on Wednesday. We are scheduled to begin a study of the Sermon on the Mount. However, since questions came up last week about prophecy and the end times we may do a special lesson on that theme (if I have time to prepare it!). 

The sermon on Sunday 5/12 will focus on Mary, Mother of Jesus as we celebrate Mother’s Day. On May 19th I will begin a series from 1 Peter. Peter was not as prolific a writer as Paul but what he did write is very enlightening. 

The big event this week is the annual FCW Guest Day on Wednesday. Our ladies have a wonderful program with lots of delicious food. It is a time when all our encouraged to invite a guest. The men (FCM) will meet next Tuesday May 7th for their regular monthly meeting. This is the final meeting of the year for both groups until September. 

Our Wednesday Bible study will complete our study of the parables of Jesus. We will be looking at John 15 when Jesus spoke of the vine and the branches. Next week we will begin a study of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. 

The sermon on Sunday will explore the theme, “What Happens to Disobedient Christians?” Some get the idea that since we are saved by grace, once we receive the free gift of salvation our daily behavior does not matter very much. There are some definite consequences that will come to us when we disobey God.  We can hide bad behavior from other humans, but not from God. Disobedient Christians do not necessarily lose their salvation but there are negative consequences that result when we turn away from doing God’s will. Obedience to God is always the best choice, and the choice that will lead to a very meaningful and joyful life. 

Pastor Bowman

Our schedule for this week is fairly normal. Bible Study at 3:30, continuing our study of the parables. We will be looking at a faithful vs. an unfaithful servant (Luke 12:35-48). Choir follows at 4:45. 

The sermon for Sunday will focus on Titus Chapter 3 as we complete our study of that epistle. The focus will be on the two sides of our redemption: salvation and sanctification. We will just scratch the surface on part two which will conclude on May 5th. 

Also, don’t forget the chicken and noodle dinner following the service this Sunday. Everything is provided so just come, eat and enjoy.

I encourage you to read my comments in the May Courier which will be out soon. It has to do with our declining attendance. If you have comments or suggestions I would love to hear from you.