We are a Christ-following community that brings ourselves and
others closer to God.
Easter is over. Or is it? Actually Easter is a SEASON, not just a day! The season of Easter lasts from Easter day until Pentecost. This season is often called "The Great Fifty Days". You can read about it here. I wonder if the season of Easter was thought up by someone who was really tired after Easter and didn't feel like changing the church decorations! But, that is not it! And each Sunday is a "little Easter" or a miniature celebration of the resurrection of Christ. That is why we worship on Sunday instead of continuing to worship on the Sabbath as the Jewish people would. (All of the very first Christians were Jews.) This is also the reason why we do not observe our Lenten fasts on Sunday--it is a "little Easter". Well, there you have it. More about Easter than you ever wanted to know. So, if you hear "Happy Easter" or "Christ is risen!" this Sunday, the person saying it is not a week late, they are just celebrating the SEASON of Easter! Here are some ways to make Easter part of your spiritual life and practices: Experiencing Easter.
Speaking of Easter, below are a couple of photos from our Children's Egg Hunt!
THIS SUNDAY don't miss worship! Pastor Paul will be preaching in the sanctuary, and Pastor Matt will be leading Holy Communion in The Refuge! Plus, we will have tables set up in the Pine Tree Patio to assemble snack packs. Snack packs are what we give out to folks who come into the office needing something to eat. This is a GREAT SERVICE PROJECT that you can do before or after worship right here at Catalina!
Hahaha! I love this photo! Family First Friday is this week! 5:30 for dinner and then we will celebrate Earth Day! Bring your friends and make a fun garden project to celebrate spring! Everything is FREE and EVERYONE is welcome! Meet on the south lawn. Contact Kristin for more information
YOU ARE WELCOME!
Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, whatever your age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic status, education, physical or mental ability, family structure, or religious background, you are welcome here.
We want to give you the opportunity to be part of what God is doing here at Catalina! If you have not already, please consider submitting an estimated giving card, or a pledge card. This helps us know what to expect so we can budget, and it allows you to commit yourself to God's work here at Catalina. Pledge cards are available in all of the worship services and can be placed in the offering basket. You can also complete a pledge card online or print one to bring in.
Read about why pledging is important here. SPECIAL EASTER OFFERING is also being received to allow us to continue our ministries and expand to serve others and do even more for the kingdom of God! What can you give as a one-time special offering?
***If you didn't have the opportunity to present your Easter offering yet, you can give it this Sunday, or any time online!
EVEN MORE STUFF!
READ TO ME under the big pine tree meets every Thursday at 5:30 pm in the Pine Tree Patio! Bring the kids you know or come yourself and volunteer to read a story. Snacks, juice, and baby kisses are free! Sign up with Kristin.
Young Adult Lunch meets the first Sunday of every month, and that is THIS SUNDAY! Meet outside Fellowship Hall at 12:15 for free lunch and great conversation!
Methodist Men's Breakfast is this Saturday, April 2 at 8am in Fellowship Hall. The speaker is Robert Bulechek, Chair of the Tucson Pima Metropolitan Energy Commission and Vice Chair of PAG Solar Partnership, and his topic is "Solar Energy for Pima County's Future". More here.
TRY ONE OF OUR ADULT CLASSES! Info about our Sunday morning classes for adults is here.
GINTER HOUSE BIBLE STUDY begins April 6 through May 18 at 6:30 pm. Join Seth and Kristin Ginter at their home (on the east side) for a video study about salvation and what we do with this gift. RSVP to Kristin. The study is for adults but kids are welcome to come.
FALL FESTIVAL PLANNING Our first meeting is scheduled for April 17 at 12;15, Room H232. Please email or call Marjie to let her know you are interested. [520-327-4296 ext. 115 or marjie@catalinamethodist.org]
YOUTH NEWS!
Youth/Young Adult Egg Hunt Friday April 1 [NO JOKE!] 5:30pm Start in Fellowship Hall. Too old to get an Easter basket? Already finished all your goodies? This annual event will help you get your sugar fix! We buy the good stuff when Easter candy goes on sale and we hide it in a challenging way! Come for dinner at Family First Friday, and then we will split off for our activities! Details here!
Youth Masquerade Dance This Sunday, April 3. The dance is from 5-7pm. We will meet at Christ Church at 5pm and get picked up at Christ Church at 7pm. The theme is a Masquerade Ball. This will be a good opportunity to meet kids from other youth groups and have some fun. There will be other things to do besides dancing, and I believe there will also be a swing dance group teaching us how to do that. This is something to which you can bring a friend. Snacks will be served. You can bring your own mask, get one at the dance, or have your face painted! DJ Rich (Rich Mayorga) will be providing the music!
April Youth Happenings with clickable links to ALL info and details is here!
Why not set up recurring giving to keep your contributions coming even when you are away? We are all busy and we will be away from worship from time to time. You can set up a regular schedule of giving so your contributions support God's work here at Catalina even when you can't be here! Info on how to set this up is here.
ONLINE GIVING
Click “Donate†button on website (catalinamethodist.org) or the Catalina Church App and follow the instructions to register and make single or recurring donations. To obtain our app, search the App Store (iphone, ipad, iOS) or the Google Play Store (Android) for “Catalina Methodist.†Or you can just check out the link below to be directed to our app!
TEXT GIVING
Text a dollar amount including $ sign (e.g., $50) to 520-441-8592 and follow texted instructions to register. After registration, simply text the dollar amount (e.g., $50) to make additional donations. You will receive an ereceipt.
WE HAVE AN APP! Keep up with all things Catalina while you're on the go. Search "Catalina Methodist" on the Google Play store (Android) or on the Apple store. You can also go to this website for links to download the app.
One of the things Jesus said to his disciples after his resurrection is called the Great Commission. It is found in Matthew 28.18-20. Chuck explains it here.
