Dr. Joel Panciera concluded his interesting Lenten series with an overview of the previous weeks’ lessons and a thoughtful discussion of "Ultimate Hope in Suffering". When our suffering makes us feel helpless, we can finally let go of the illusion that we are in control. Being loved puts us in unity with God who is always working for good in the world. Many thanks to Joel for this thought provoking discussions over the past five weeks. We have grown spiritually and intellectually.
Class Announcements
Happy Birthday this week to Rob Reck (7), Bruce Chucoski (8), Dee Dueck (10) and Lee Ann Nichols (13). Three couples are celebrating their anniversaries this week: Martha and Dan Blevins (7), Judy and John Markins (9) and Jim and Sherry Griffin (7).
Thanks to Bruce Chucoski for our prayer today. Next week Kendall Carpenter will have our prayer. Our abundance of snacks were provided by the Chucoskis, the Rowes, and Judith and Ed Payton. Next week the Goodwins and the Paytons will bring the snacks.
The Class Progressive Dinner that was held last night was a big success with over 60 members attending. Thanks to the Rowes, the Martins, the Evans, the Tallents and Jeff Allen for hosting the party in their homes and to Charlotte and Melanie for organizing it!
Our next class social will be a Pot Luck Dinner/Trivia Game at the Church on June 14.
The Christmas Auction Beach Party hosted by the Butterworths will be held this weekend.
The Boston Avenue youth will be presenting the musical "Little Mermaid" on April 12 and 14th.
The Fall Maranatha Mission trip to Port Arthur, Texas will be October 7-11, 2019. Richard Wansley suggested that we partner with Vernon AME Church in this mission endeavor. The class was in agreement.
Pam Sherman announced that "12 and 12", a local drug and alcohol treatment facility, is in need of men’s clothing. If you have any to donate, just bring them to Sunday School and Pam will take them to the treatment facility.
We will have an Easter Brunch on April 21st.
On June 2 Rabbi Weinstein will be speaking to the class about Judaism. If you have any questions that you would like answered, please email them to the Maranatha email: maranathaclass
Church Announcements
The class is invited to the UMW Unit Meeting on April 18 at 11:30 am. Tony Moore, Executive Director for the Gathering Place will be speaking.
Senior Seekers is showing the movies, "Easter Parade" on April 10 at 1:00 pm in Room 2016.
On Good Friday, April 19, the church will be holding a prayer vigil. If you are interested in signing up for a 15 minute segment, please call the church or sign-up next week in the Bishop’s Hall.
Joys and Concerns
Cisco Maldonado is in the hospital and not having visitors. However, he is appreciative of our cards and prayers.
Several class members attended Jennifer Hall’s funeral last Saturday in Collinsville.
Jane Smith thanked the class for the desserts which the class served at her mother’s (Louise Schloss) funeral.
Michael Turner’s funeral will be held in Perkins, Oklahoma, his hometown, on April 13.
Suzy Morgan talked about attending a workshop on "Radical Hospitality" last week. Thanks for being the coordinator of the greeters, Suzy!
Please continue to keep all of our classmates in our thoughts and prayers during this Lenten season.
Have a wonderful week! We hope to see you next Sunday.
Carol and Meredith
Maranatha Class Website 