Greetings Church Family,
I am so enjoying the wonderful warm weather and sunny skies! One thing I love to do in the Spring is to practice my powers of observation. When I was younger and Spring was fully in force in Toronto, I remember thinking to myself, where did all the lovely green leaves suddenly come from??? It never failed, year after year, I would suddenly see the leaves on the previously bare branches. After studying plant biology in High School, I learned a truly amazing fact about God’s artistry in His creation.
The meristem, the part of a plant where leaves begin to form, contains a bunch of building blocks, or cells. It is a growing point for other plant parts like buds and flowers, as well as leaves, so in a way, these cells are a lot like animal cells where some form into parts like liver and muscle tissue. Others will form into nerves and blood. In the Fall, as the days get shorter and colder, some of the tree’s cells start to act like scissors and start “snipping” the leaves. The leaves fall and the tree gets ready to hibernate to survive the cold winters. At this time, the meristem sends a signal to the tree to form small bumpy buds on the branches. A layer of scales form around the buds to help protect them from the cold. Within those buds will be all the leaves and flowers ready for the next year. The Spring rains help to soften and wash away the spring scale layer so that the leaf can emerge. Much like the glorious rain of God’s Grace that softens hearts and washes away our scaly parts allowing us to emerge into the beauty that He initially intended.
It was this knowledge, that the leaf bud was already formed and just waiting for the warmth and rains of Spring, that inspired me to become more observant as the cold darkness of winter gave way to the warmth and light of spring. Now I actively look for the first hints of green amongst the bare, grey branches of tree groves along the Henday as Pastor Dan and I drive to and from work each day. And on our evening walks around our neighbourhood, my head is held high, looking up, eager to see the tender, peeking green that speaks of renewed life in the trees. And in my “observing” I see the beauty of the artistic workmanship of my Creator that speaks renewed life into my soul. May the God of all seasons speak life in to your souls!
Endeavouring to build community, we recently made arrangements to have a photo directory prepared. If you were unable to attend the March photo sessions, you still have an opportunity to become part of the directory. You may attend photo sessions at the following location: St. Charles RC Church, 17511-112 Street, Edmonton (780-456-5399), May 22-25 from 2:30-8:30pm. Just let the photographer know that you are from Red Willow and he will give you a cross over sheet to fill out.
Remember that there is now a new, easier and perhaps more convenient way to donate your tithes and offerings. The Adventist Giving App is now available in the App Store for those of you who would like to donate online using your cell phone.
The Hymningbirds, a group committed to serving Edmonton’s homeless and impoverished, are conducting the Ultimate Action Pack Fundraiser. Percentage of sales will go directly to their ministry. See details at www.hymningbirds.org. For more information please call Dini at 780-721-2209, Tracy at 780-921-3388 or text 780-695-0136.
The Prayer and Encouragement ministries at RWCC are two very important aspects of Pastoral Care. If you are in need of prayer or would like to be added to the prayer chain, please email Donna Kutzner (wildon@albertacom.com). Likewise, if you are aware of anyone that is in need of encouragement, please contact Ona Marques (ona560@gmail.com).
There are a couple of events on the horizon that I would like to bring to your attention.
Due to ongoing requests, Journey to Healthy Eating is offering a class on Everyday Whole Grains where you will learn how to prepare and include fibre and nutrient rich grains in all your meals. Two popular cooking methods will be covered: stovetop and instant pot. The instructor will share some of her favourite recipes while preparing millet, one-minute quinoa, Better Burger with bulgur, buckwheat and Spanish rice. Class will be held Wednesday, May 9 from 1 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. This class is free, however pre-registration is required. Donations are appreciated to help cover cost of food and instructor’s time. For more information contact Yvonne at 780-801-0872 or email yourj2h@gmail.com.
This coming Sabbath, May 12, the annual ADRA Canada Disaster and Famine Relief Offering will be collected. Envelopes were provided for this offering last Sabbath and will be available as bulletin inserts again this week. Your gift will bring relief to those affected by famines, earthquakes, conflicts and other disasters.
And don’t forget your baby bottle this Sabbath. The Baby Bottle Campaign for the Pregnancy Care Centre ends this Sabbath, May 12 and we will be collecting the bottles to return to the Pregnancy Care Centre so that your change can help them continue to impact the lives of the women and families they serve.
Until next week. . .
Blessings,
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