Green Hill Good News Online* Edition for April 2019
*Church members, check your e-mail and/or a printed copy for the complete newsletter.
PASTOR’S CORNER
As you read this, we are well into the liturgical season of Lent, culminating in Holy Week the third week of April, then Easter–a highlight of the entire Christian year. Lent comes from an Old English word for Spring (Lenten). It lasts for the 40 days before Easter, not counting Sundays. And, typically, we compare the timeline to the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness when he was tempted by the Evil One.
Now, most of us think of this season of Lent as a time of giving up something, because, traditionally, many of our Christian friends would give up something in order to become more sensitive to the cost of discipleship; to be more aware of the ultimate sacrifice that our Lord suffered on the cross for us. Going without a familiar food or snack would be a physical reminder of our Lord’s loving sacrifice.
However, an alternative approach would be to take on a new project or challenge during this season of Lent as a way of “living out” the loving spirit of our Lord through acts of kindness and charitable activity. This would seem to me to be a more positive way to become aware of the loving way our Lord lived his life in this world—teaching, healing and modeling both obedience and loving faithfulness.
There are any number of opportunities for loving service in this community where your volunteer time would be well received. In my travels, I have found volunteers in our local hospital, Christian Mission, as well as many other places.
So, my challenge to you is—if you have not already done so—find a place where you can use your talents to add something extra to some organization or ministry during this Lenten Season. Who knows, you may even grow your faith during this Lenten journey!
Rev. David Jamison
GREEN HILL CONGREGATION SURVEY
Included in this month’s newsletter is a survey. Every member is asked to take the survey and return it to the church office. We are in the process of trying to plan the church calendar for the next year, and we need to know what events you all would like the church to host and which events you would like to help with. Circling an event does not automatically lock you in to attending or to helping. We just want to get a sense of what you all would like to do so we know what to plan. The more feedback we get, the better. So please take the survey and turn it in. Thank you.
OUR DAILY BREAD
Have you been looking for a LARGE PRINT version of the Our Daily Bread booklets? You are in luck! Large print booklets for April/May/June are now available on the table in the Narthex. We have signed up for a subscription of these larger books so we should receive a new edition every three months. The regular size books for March/April/May are also available, as well as a special seasonal booklet titled “There is a Redeemer.” Grab one for yourself and one to share with a friend.
The following article was written by Rebecca Reed, one of the students in the Boll Weevil Homeschool Co-op.
The co-op’s students meet at Green Hill from 8am to Noon every Monday to take elective classes such as Military Life Skills, Cosmetology, Sign Language, Intro. to Theater, Engineering, Girl Empowerment, Human Anatomy, and more.
WHY I LIKE HOMESCHOOL
by Rebecca Reed
One could argue back and forth about the advantages and disadvantages of public school verses homeschool. Having a flexible schedule is an advantage that allows homeschoolers the opportunity to participate in more activities during the day. It also makes it much easier to take vacations or long weekends without having to catch up to others in a classroom. Moving at your own pace is a benefit that permits homeschoolers to focus on certain subjects for a longer or shorter amount of time. For instance, if you are struggling in a certain subject, you can slow down and focus on strengthening yourself in that area. A final advantage, choosing your curriculum, allows homeschoolers to pick certain materials to meet their specific needs. It helps preserve my Christian values, along with my belief that you can use your faith to help you achieve a good education. In conclusion, having a flexible schedule, moving at your own pace, and using curriculum of your choice, are several reasons why I like homeschool.
Green Hill Presbyterian Church 