“Making Our Neighborhood
God’s Neighborhood for Healing, Health and Hope.”
Phone:
April 29, 2008
Job Description
This
Sunday is Mother’s Day. It is the day
that has been set aside since 1914 to honor our mothers and those who have been
like mothers to us. I realize that not
everyone had a wonderful mother. That is
what makes celebrating the day difficult for some. Others have had great mothers. Still others have had women in their lives who have filled the role of mother for them. For some it was a grandmother. For others, it may have been an aunt or a
cousin. Our hats are off all of the women
who have been helped us along life’s journey.
As I thinking about what I would write in our lead
article this morning, I came across what amounts to a job description for
mothers. I thought you might enjoy both
the truth and the humor it brings. These
words come from Lenoard Sweet, a gifted preacher and
writer.
Here is the job description. Long term team player needed for the
challenging and permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent
communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours,
which will include evenings, weekends, and frequent 24 hours shifts on call.
Responsibilities include on the site training in the
basic skills of life, such as nose blowing.
Must have strong skills in negotiating, conflict
resolution and crisis management.
Must be able to think out of the box but not lose track of the box,
because you most likely will need it for a school project. Must reconcile petty cash disbursements and
be proficient in managing budgets and resources fairly. Must be able to choose your battles and stick
to your guns. Must be
able to withstand criticism, such as, “You don’t know anything.” Must be willing to be hated
temporarily, until someone needs five dollars to go skating. Must be willing to bite
tongue from time to time. Also,
must possess the stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to sixty in
three seconds just in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not
someone crying wolf. Must
be willing to face technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, sluggish
toilets and stuck zippers. Must
screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of homework
projects. Must be
willing to be indispensable one minute and an embarrassment the next. Must have a diverse
knowledge base, so as to answer questions such as, “What makes the wind move?” Must always hope for the
best but to be prepared for the worst.
Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work
throughout the facility.
As to prior experience, none is required. On the job training is offered on a
continually exhausting basis. As for the
salary for this position, there is not one.
In fact, you will have to pay those you take care of. In addition to that, a balloon payment is due
to them when they turn eighteen on the assumption that college will help them
become financially independent. It might
not. And when your life is over, you
give them the balance of the funds. The
strangest thing about this reverse-salary idea is that you enjoy it and wish
you could do more. As for the benefits of the position, here is what we
know. There are no
health or dental benefits. A
pension is not offered. Tuition
reimbursement is not a possibility.
There are no paid holidays and stock options aren’t an option. The real benefit of the position is knowing that you have done the best you could
everyday. Other benefits include free
hugs for life and an occasional compliment.
I’m
not sure why anyone would want the job described above, but I am certainly glad
that my mother accepted it. I hope to
see you this Sunday.
John
Fleming
What’s Happening at
YOUTH NEWS
Congratulations to our seniors!!!
The
congregation is invited to the gym on Sunday, May 18, during the Sunday School hour to recognize our graduating seniors. Our three seniors are Parker Stark, Dustin
Frazier and Bart Roper. These three
outstanding young people are graduating from
Men’s Group
After months of planning
and preparation the expanded playground is officially “Under
Construction!” This past Saturday, May
3, one dozen men toiled against the strong winds of nature and the strength of
Children’s Choir
Reminder!!
As a special treat on Mother’s Day during 10:45
worship you will sing three songs dedicated to your mothers. We will practice
Wednesday, May 7, at 5:30 and then on Sunday morning at 10:30. This will be the last time Children’s Choir
has practice or sings until after school begins again in the fall.
Have you picked up your
copy of the
Golf Camp
June 16-18, 2008
Grade 7-12
Cost $230.00
Deadline June 2
Beginners
and pros alike will enjoy playing two 9-hole and one 18-hole rounds at a nearby
golf course. Hands-on clinics to improve
putting, pitching, and driving skills will be led by course professionals. During the morning and evening hours,
participants will be involved in curriculum study and traditional camp
activities. Campers must bring their own
clubs. Transportation will be provided
by Tanako.
Younger
Elementary Extravaganza (Y.E.E.!)
June 16-18, 2008
Grade 1-2
Cost $175.00
Deadline June 2
Are you ready for your first solo experience at
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
The Prayer Shawl Ministry
Team will meet on Sunday, May 18, at 2:00 p.m. in the Parlor. If you are currently working on a prayer
shawl, we hope you will bring it with you to this meeting for blessing. Our prayer shawl cabinet is well-stocked at
this time. We hope you will continue
with your knitting and crocheting and plan to come
meet with us on May 18.
Prayers
In the hospital:
Sarah Pickering is
at Children’s Hospital
In Grief:
Jamey
Joyner on the death of his mother, Beverly Singleton.
In Service to Our Country:
Ross Hoover
Bill O’Dell Mike Vittorio
Will Allen Chris Boyd David Chastain Trey Boatman Ian Wilson Marc Fonssagrives
Joe Brannon
J.P. Burkhead Ray Moreno
Jim Speidel Adam Prince
Other
Prayers Requested This Week:
Tommy Benson Vic Wright Stephanie Briley
PRESENCE
Worship: 220 Sunday School
Attendance: 139
GIFTS
Operating Budget: $10,964.00 Memorials:
$165.00
SERVICE
Thanks to those who worked on the playground project this past
Saturday. Special thanks to all our
Sunday School teachers.
MOTHER’S DAY
BRUNCH
Join us in the
Fellowship Hall beginning at 9:15 a.m. on May 11 as we honor our Mothers on
their special day. Enjoy coffee, juice,
sweet rolls, muffins, and other treats.
Feel free to stay and visit or come by on the way to your Sunday School class.
More News
♫♫♫ “Notes” from Bob ♫♫♫
Sunday, May 11
Pentecost Sunday - Mother’s
Day - Festival of the Christian Home
THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
THROUGH GREAT MUSIC!
The Chancel Choir, joined by trumpeter Amy Anderson, will sing “Canticle of the Spirit” by Lloyd
Larson.
The St. Paul Ringers, joined by Flutist Michelle Drilling, will ring “The Gift of Love” by John Behnke.
The Children’s Choir will sing “Songs for
Mother’s Day.”
________________
Music Rehearsals for May
Children’s Choir – rehearsals will resume
in August.
THANK YOU for a great year
of singing and fun. We are all so proud
of you!
Chancel
Choir – Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
- Bob
The Men’s Group is
sponsoring two monthly golf outings. All
church members and guests are welcome.
The WEEKDAY golf group will play every 2nd Thursday at 4:00 p.m. (or as
soon as you can come) at War Memorial Golf Course. The first meeting will be May 8. The WEEKEND golf group will play every 4th
Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at
A monthly breakfast has
also been added to the schedule. It will
be held every 3rd Thursday at the Ozark Mountain Country Restaurant on
The St. Paul Men’s Group
meets every 4th Thursday in the Annex. A
meal is provided. All men of