A blessed Ascension day to each of you!

Let's begin with a prayer:  "Lord Jesus, King of glory, on this day you ascended far above the heavens and at God's right hand you rule the nations.  Leave us not alone, we pray, but grant us the Spirit of truth that at your command and by your power we may be your witnesses in all the world; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen"

Tomorrow morning we begin work on the shingling of the parsonage roof at 9:00am.  Once again, we welcome any and all help.  The ladies are preparing meals for the workers both Friday and Saturday.  We pray the Lord bless all our efforts.

I was just notified that Shirley Moore was taken to the hospital in Des Moines a couple of days ago.  I called the hospital to inquire of her status and was told that she was released.  Even pastors don't have the freedom of information from the hospital so I can only go on the rumors I've heard that she had two stents placed into one of her arteries similar to what my mother had a few months ago.  I can only assume she is staying with her sister in Waukee.  We keep Shirley in our prayers.

Sunday is the Seventh Sunday of Easter.  Our worship theme will be: Jesus continues to rule over and bless his church.  Our sermon text is: Luke 24:44-53 using the theme, "The Work of Salvation is Complete."   Sunday night the Youth will meet for a bike ride on the city trail.  We will meet at the church a little before 6:00pm.  Please let us know if are in need of a bike for the ride, we should be able to find one for you to use.

The Lord bless your weekend.  I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday.

"After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.  They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.  Men of Galilee, they said, why do you stand here looking into the sky?  This same Jesus, who has been taken from you in heaven will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."  Acts 1:10,11

In Christ,

Pastor

Grace and peace be with you all, in Jesus Christ our Savior!

Looks as though yesterday was the "pick day" for anyone wishing to go to Pella, IA for "Tulip Time."  For many of our readings of this greeting, who see it on our website, I suggest that, at least once in your lifetime you come to Pella for their annual "Tulip Time" celebration (held on the first full weekend of May).  You will see and experience an excellent example of small town America, community pride, and you will have an enjoyable time.  Then make the visit complete by worshipping our Savior, Jesus Christ, with us at Grace in Oskaloosa (about 15 miles southeast of Pella) on Sunday!

Next weekend (May 14,15) is the first date for our shingling of the parsonage roof.  As you recall, last fall we re-shingled the church building.  Many of you remember the devastating hail storm back in 1997, I think 3/4 of the roofs in Oskaloosa received major damage from that storm.  I still vividly remember the sound of that hail storm, it was like someone throwing large rocks against the house for about 2 minutes.  Anyway, next weekend is our first target date, all will depend upon the weather.  We will be doing the job on our own so we welcome your help.  Also, that Saturday is scheduled to be our "Family Bible Study" hosted by the Scotts.  If the weather permits shingling, the Family Bible Study will be held the following Saturday, May 22.  If the weather doesn't permit shingling we will have the study on the 15th.  Obviously that decision won't be made until late next week.

Sunday is the Sixth Sunday of Easter.  Our worship theme will be; Our Savior prepares us for his ascension.  The sermon text is John 17:1-11 with the theme, "Christ Prays For His Disciples."  Sunday is also Mother's Day.  Both Mother's Day, and Father's Day in June, serve as excellent opportunities to hi-light the family.

Remembering what God's Word tells us about the relationships between Husbands/wives, parents/children.  "Honor your father and your mother." A blessed Mother's Day to you!

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.  Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."  Pv 31:28-31

I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday!

In Christ,

Pastor