Mid-week Update--July 19, 2017

Sermon Reflections by Angelie
This past Sunday we considered a different slant on the familiar parable of the Sower and the Seeds: what if all of the seeds were given what they needed to thrive? They each needed something different: to get to good soil instead of languish on the road; some to be transplanted, others to have the weeds removed around them. We also looked back on some of the Genesis stories to see that God is a good parent who meets us in all kinds of life situations and offers what we need to thrive. Yet sometimes God also asks us what we want, and prods us to understand what we most deeply need. Our culture sends a slew of messages about what we "need" ranging from the comically false to subtle half-truths. It can be hard to hear our own voice and God's voice in the loud fray. We need each other to help sort out what to listen to and what to ignore. Sometimes asking a simple question can help surface a buried longing: "What is something that you need but don't allow yourself?"

Pastors’ July Vacation Time
Pastors Julie and Phil are on vacation until July 24, They are visiting Phil’s mom in Michigan after her knee replacement surgery and doing some camping around Minnesota. Fred Clary will bring the message this coming Sunday, July 23, on “God’s Promises to Us.” Guest musician and director Dawn Huso will be filling in for Deb Carlson who is on vacation.

Self-Care Forum This Sunday
Self-care Forum this Sunday after worship: let's continue the discussion of how we might help each other listen to our own voice and God's voice prompting what we each need, and how we might support each other in following through on what we do hear. Meet in the sanctuary by the piano for an informal upbeat conversation.

More Outdoor Worship Services coming soon
Please think about inviting your friends and neighbors with fur-babies to our Pet Blessing Worship Service on August 6! What an easy way to introduce your peeps to the warmth of our Edgcumbe church family. There just might be ice cream following the service...

Project Home Mission Opportunity
Project Home Volunteers Needed – July 21 & 22! Parents of Youth: Please check your email and get back to Eleta as soon as possible about your youth volunteering on July 21, from 5:30-8:30 pm, and the possibility of doing the overnight shift. All EPC Members: We are still in need of volunteers for the July 22 evening shift (5:30-8:30 pm), and the overnight shift (8:00 pm to 9:00 a.m.) Individuals, couples and families can volunteer. This is also a segue into the all-church service project for the homeless that we will do this fall. Eleta will be presentboth evenings to get you started on your shift. If you are willing to volunteer, or have any questions, please contact Eleta directly (eleta.pierce@gmail.com or 612-719-0758).

IT’S SHOPPING TIME!
School Tools for 2017
Julie has issued this year’s list of School Tools that are needed by students and staff at Highland Park High School. We asked for a list of items that would be helpful for the Highland Park High School community, and this was the reply: Thank you so much for your support of HPSH staff and students!
Boxes of tissues are always a huge hit! In addition to tissues:
- #2 pencils - white board markers - Pens - Notebooks
- backpacks - hand sanitizer - tissues
If you would like to contribute to the School Tools program this year, we will begin collection at EPC August 6th, and each following Sunday, with the dedication on Sunday, August 27. Contact Pastor Julie with any questions.

An announcement from Pastor Julie:
the great news is that our our food shelves in the narthex have been used and are now completely depleted over the past few weeks! we are so happy to be able to offer this food to those individuals who need some extra help. if you can, would you be willing to bring in some items to restock the shelves? here is an list i found of healthy and helpful items which might help shape your donations:
The best non-perishable foods to donate:
1. canned beans
2. dry beans 3. peanut butter, or other nut butters
4. rolled oats
5. canned fruit in juice, not in light or heavy syrup
6. canned vegetables, with no or low-sodium
7. low-sodium soups
8. canned tuna in water
9. canned chicken
10. brown rice
11. quinoa
12. nuts, unsalted
13. seeds, unsalted
14. shelf stable milk and milk substitutes
15. whole grain pasta
16. low-sodium pasta sauce
17. popcorn kernels (not microwave popcorn)
18. canned stews
19. unsweetened apple sauce
20. whole grain, low-sugar cold cereals
21. olive or canola oil
22. canned tomatoes
23. dried fruits, no sugar added
24. honey
25. chicken, beef and vegetable broths and broth

Have a wonderful week! Lois Glewwe, Administrator