Dear Friends,

One of the children approached me on Sunday morning filled with excitement. “Pastor Scott, I brought you food”. They ran to their parent to find out where the food was only to hear it was put in the grocery cart in the front hallway. This youngster was so proud. He had remembered that Pastor Scott needed food! And he brought some! As you may have guessed by now the food was and is for the Jamesville Ecumenical Food Pantry and NOT for Pastor Scott! And it is so wonderful that our kids are OUTREACH FOCUSED . Allia Mitchell came to me on Sunday. She had 12 blankets for the clinic near Kamanzi. She said “Two blankets were extras for when they changed the sheets”. Here is a seven year old connected to the mission of BEYOND REACH !

While we were worshiping Sunday I made an observation. The number of countries that were represented other than the United States was very moving. Here is the list of countries, Philippines, Kenya, Liberia, Cape Town South Africa, Haiti, Canada, Ghana, a visitor from Germany and Pierre is from the Ivory Coast (currently in DC). Oh, I almost forgot. Frank Henderson is from Liverpool (NY).

Seriously, what a wonderful mix of rich traditions and cultures we have here at FBC. And on Sunday afternoon the church is filled with friends from Korea! I just love this congregation!

I was here on Sunday afternoon when the River of Joy finished worship. Pastor Rhee was leading about seven people in a sacred music piece for a special worship in May. I sat and listened to the beautiful music. When Pastor Rhee saw me he said they would share it with us at our next combined worship service! Now that is something to look forward to!

Also, I met several parents from the Korean School Sunday afternoon. There were almost forty parents and children. One of the parents came to me to thank FBC for the Labyrinth. She said her family arrives early each time so they can walk the Labyrinth together. When I mentioned the Meditation Pathway and Meditation Well, she became very animated and excited. Next Saturday the Korean School will host its closing ceremony and family picnic. In the past they have gone to a State Park. This year they said, “Why go to a State Park when First Baptist is a park that is just as beautiful?” God has blessed us beyond measure friends.

This Sunday is both Mother’s Day and Pentecost (the birth of the Christian Church). We will celebrate and worship well. I look forward to being with you.

Pastor Scott