Top 5 @ SPUMC

#1 HOLLYWOOD JESUS
This past Sunday, Rev. Ron brought the movies into the Sanctuary in his sermon, Hollywood Jesus. He connected the practice of Jesus preaching in parables where God is never mentioned by name but always present in these glimpses of the Kingdom of God with contemporary films that have spiritual themes. In both overtly Christian “secular” films, the good news of redemption, forgiveness, calling and sacrifice keeps showing up time and again. This Sunday, Rev. Byron will conclude our An Altar in the World series with a sermon about finding God in science and nature.

#2 FAMILY MISSION TRIP TO DC
Our first ever Family Mission Trip took place this past weekend with a crew of 8 children and 8 adults that headed to Washington, DC. The team prepared and served breakfast at Charlie’s Place on Saturday morning, sorted clothing, home goods and furniture at A Wider Circle in Sliver Spring, worshiped at Foundry UMC on Sunday morning and then prepared bagged lunches that they distributed on Dupont Circle to hungry people living on the streets. It was a joyful, fun and meaningful experience and we’re already planning the next one. Contact Erica if you want to know more or to save a spot. On Sunday, June 2, you’ll hear more about their experience in worship.

#3 UMYF BANQUET: TEARS & SMILES!
It is always one of the highlights of the youth ministry calendar and this year was no different. Our Fellowship Hall was packed with teens dressed to the nines as Rev. Lee honored the seniors, gave out crazy and serious awards and thanked her amazing team of counselors. Thanks to the kitchen crew and servers composed of “alumni” parents and participants for helping to make this great night possible. Check out the pictures on our Facebook page to get a taste of this fun event. We are blessed to have such an awesome youth program — thanks Lee!!

#4 SACRED WORTH GROUP LAUNCHES
We are creating a group for LGBTQ+ persons, family members, and allies (people who simply want to be supportive) as a safe space for support and conversation about how our church can be more welcoming. Our first meeting will be this Wednesday, May 22, 7pm in the Parlor. In this moment as our global church continues to wrestle with issues of human sexuality, it is more important than ever that we make clear that our church welcomes ALL GOD’S CHILDREN. Contact Rev. Ron for more info. ron@severnaparkumc.org

#5 ANNUAL CONFERENCE MEETS NEXT WEEK
Next week, more than 1,700 United Methodists will gather in Baltimore for the 235th Annual Session of the Baltimore-Washington Conference. You are invited to lift all of those attending (including our lay members, Heather Kraus, Beth Smith & Erica Benjamin and Revs. Ron, Carissa, Lee & Byron) in prayer.  Chris Dillard is also helping to lead worship throughout the Conference and Rev. Carissa will be ordained on Friday night, May 31st at 7pm at the Marriott Waterfront Grand Ballroom and you’re invited to attend or watch the service via Livestream. The church is living through a significant time of ferment and change and we call upon the Holy Spirit to be present with us as we seek to live and lead as Christ would have us.