“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
I’ve heard about the dedication that members of Oneonta have in helping to bring children closer to Jesus through volunteering for Vacation Bible School. What a joy it will be for me to be a part of VBS this summer and see this verse in action, not only through the volunteers but also through the children that come to participate in the program.
The theme for this year’s VBS is “Living in the Light” and it is a week long music camp, August 5-9 from 9am to Noon each day. Children will have the opportunity to explore and learn about who Jesus is through the stories of Bartimaeus, Zacchaeus and Mary discovering the light of Jesus. At the end of the week, students will put on a production and have the opportunity to be a light and share these stories through using music, movement, drama and arts and crafts. This VBS is for children going into 2nd grade-6th grade. Cost is $100 per child for regular registration (April-June) and $120 per child for late registration (July 1–July 19). Forms are available online here or in the church office. We also have a variety of volunteer positions available so if you are interested in helping out, please let us know! For more information, or to volunteer, contact Erica Jones at 626-799-6161 or erica@oneonta.org. Thank you!
Erica Jones, Director
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SENIOR MINISTER SEARCH COMMITTEE – What qualities are you looking for in our next Senior Minister? The Senior Minister Search Committee is encouraging congregants to sign-up for an appointment to speak with an individual member of the committee, to talk with you, take your questions and record your ideas &/or concerns. To make an appointment, please contact Rick Aoyama (please contact the church office for his information). The Search Committee will also be available in the quad area after the Sunday worship services for the next few weeks.
NEW ADULT BIBLE STUDY – Beginning April 14 through May 26, Joan Hine will facilitate a new adult bible study on Sunday mornings from 11am-11:30am in the Forum. The 7 week bible study by Joyce Meyer is called “Power Thoughts & Making Right Choices”. All are welcome!
SMALL GROUPS – All are welcome to our small groups! The Adult Bible Study meets every Wednesday @ 7pm in the Forum, Practical Spirituality meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month @ 6:30pm in the Library (next meeting is scheduled for April 18) and our prayer group meets every Thursday @ noon in Redwood Chapel.
CRAFTING MATERIALS FOR SALE! – Dear Oneonta Friends: on May 11 from 9am-1pm, we will have “our sale” of materials for sewing, knitting, crocheting and embroidery items such as needles, threads, mohair/wool/acrylic yarn, etc. The sale will be held in the Oakview Room and is open to the public. Also, every Sunday after church you can buy items as well so bring your friends! Take them to worship and listen to Lincoln’s fantastic sermons, have coffee and go home with something from the Oakview Room. Live, love and enjoy! See you there, Riet de Raad. PS – In case you cannot come on Sunday, give me a call).
CHURCH LIBRARY NEWS – For those who have access to a VHS player, during the next three weeks the Library will be giving away their VHS videos, which include a number of excellent children’s videos. We would, however, appreciate the donation of any DVD’s to fill our empty rack.
LOS AMIGOS PICNIC IN EATON CANYON – Los Amigos invites everyone at Oneonta to join us in Eaton Canyon for a picnic on Saturday, April 20 from 11am-2pm. Bring your own picnic entrée (no barbeques allowed) plus an appetizer, salad or dessert to share with the group. Cost is $5 per person. Beverages, table covers, plates, plastic eating utensils, cups & napkins will be provided. Eaton Canyon Natural Area is located at 1750 N. Altadena Dr., Pasadena, one block north of New York Dr. We will gather in the picnic area by the pond just north of the Nature Center. The Nature Center will b e open for us to enjoy. Please RSVP to Mary or Wendell Webster by April 16 to let them know you are coming and what you are bringing. Call Carole Abernethy if you would like more specific driving directions. You can call the church office for their phone numbers.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS – Scholarship applications for Oneonta’s graduating high school seniors (and undergrad/grad students who have not received an Oneonta scholarship previously) are due by May 15. Applications are available at the Info Table in the Narthex and in the church office.
COOKIES FOR LUKAS KIELEY – Lukas Kieley, longtime friend of the Brandt family and member of Oneonta, enlisted in the Navy after graduating from high school. In appreciation of his service, Sandy Stone is organizing a cookie drive to be packaged and sent on Saturday, April 27. We will meet in the Gray Hall kitchen from 1pm to about 3pm. All who are interested may sign up for any of the following: bake cookies, tin foil (wrap cookies), packing materials (plastic wrap, Styrofoam peanuts), shipping boxes, tape (for boxes), money for postage, transport boxes to the post office. Please respond to Sandy Stone (call the church office for her phone number) by April 20 if you are able to help with this project. Thank you!
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WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
- Tuesday, April 16 – OCMA @ 4:45pm, Button Hall / Deacons @ 7:00pm, Tower Room
- Wednesday, April 17 – OCMA @ 6pm, Button Hall / Youth Group @ 7pm, Modular / Adult Bible Study @ 7pm, Forum
- Thursday, April 18 – Prayer Meeting @ Noon, Redwood Chapel / Practical Spirituality @ 6:30pm, Library / Chancel Choir Rehearsal @ 7:30pm, Button Hall
- Saturday, April 20 – Los Amigos Picnic @ 11am, Eaton Canyon
- Sunday, April 21 – Traditional Service @ 9:30am, Sanctuary / Fellowship Time @ 10:30am, Tower Room / “Power Thoughts & Making Right Choices” Adult Bible Study @ 11am, Forum / ONE Worship @ 11:30am, Gray Hall
Oneonta Congregational Church 