a monthly newsletter publication of Burton Memorial UMC
May 2014
Kerry’s Korner
Most people think of Easter as a single day. It’s never had the commercial appeal of Christmas, and because it
always falls on Sunday, most people don’t get an additional day off from work. But for Christians, Easter isn’t
just a day, it’s a whole season. The Easter season stretches all the way from Resurrection Sunday (April 20,
2014) to the Pentecost Sunday (June 8, 2014). Lent, which is the preparation time for the Easter Season is
actually forty days long (not counting Sunday’s).
Easter, on the other hand, is all of fifty days long (counting
Sundays too). About these fifty days theologian Nathan
Mitchell writes: ‘The great fifty days of Pentecost are not an
unwelcome, unrealistic obligation to “party on,” even if we
don’t feel like it, but an invitation to explore more deeply
“the weather of the heart,” to awaken our memory of God’s
presence and power in our lives, to look more closely at all
the rich and varied textures of creation.’
One way the church pursues this goal of seeing God present in the world is through the reading of Jesus’ action
during the 40 days on earth following his resurrection and prior to his ascension to Heaven. Also through the
reading of the actions of the Apostles during these 40 days too.
These readings tell the story of the church’s earliest days, and the beginnings of our
faith’s spreading throughout the ancient world. These stories of heroism, controversies,
persecutions and miracles all testify to the continued presence of the Risen Christ in the
world, through the lives of his disciples, and the actions of the Holy Spirit.
This should be an encouragement and a sign of hope for us today. Despite war, violence,
personal struggles, and an under-performing economy, God has not abandoned us, nor
left us to our own devices. The risen savior is still with us. These 50 days of Easter ask
us to reflect on his presence, and—even in the face of danger or fear—to live with joy.
Burton Memorial VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten)
Graduation Ceremony
On May 18, 2014 Nilda Bernaldez and the Teaching Staff at Burton Memorial Child
Development Center will be hosting a graduation ceremony in the sanctuary at 12:00 p.m.
We will be graduating 10 students this year and recognizing them for all their
accomplishments. We hope you will attend and show your support for our director,
teachers and students.
New Staff at Burton
I am pleased to announce that there has been an increase in number of paid staff here at Burton. It is exciting to
see these new team members as they will help us meet the needs of our growing congregation. These new
people are: Betsy Edwards (Administrative Assistant) / JonWesley Barnhill (Assistant Pastor) / Nina Lopez
Cantera (Food Pantry Coordinator)