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  "I'd rather be in Philadelphia."     Epitaph: W. C. Fields
  

   It is not unusual for people to express their fears in the form of a joke and the fear of death is no exception. Saint Peter jokes are a prime example of this. Making light of a serious subject often helps to diminish feelings of anxiety. A near-death experience I experienced as a teenager left me with a profound sense of serenity with regard to my own unforeseen and inevitable demise. That, my faith and a genuine appreciation for all forms of humor enables me to make light of the topic and moves me to share an anecdote about an unfortunate fellow named Marvin:
   Marvin was on his death bed, in the hospital, when his family called the pastor to come and comfort him. As the preacher stood by the bed, offering assurances, Marvin's condition quickly deteriorated. Unable to speak, Marvin motioned for pen and paper. The Preacher lovingly handed Marvin a note pad and observed him, as he hastily wrote. Moments later, the note pad slipped from Marvin's fingers and he breathed his last breath. Unconsciously stuffing the note pad into his jacket pocket, the pastor moved to the family's side, to comfort them. At the memorial service, several days later, the pastor was describing Marvin's life and legacy when he suddenly remembered the note in his pocket and decided to share it with the congregation: "Before Marvin died, he handed me this note and, knowing him as I did, I'm certain it's an inspiring message from which we all may profit." The pastor then opened the note pad and read aloud, "You're standing on my oxygen tube!" 

                                                        -Digger O'Dell 

   Many thanks to Dave Loudon, Daniel Loudon, Quentin Jensen, Madge McGoorty, Pam Frucci and Kathy Benton who, on May 23rd, served dinner to parents in residence at the  Ronald McDonald House in Detroit.

   The next date for serving is Friday, June 13th at noon for lunch. Check at the crossroads for the signup sheet in order if you can help out. 

 Our Pentecost Offering is one of four special offerings which benefit various missions of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. This year the PMA is placing special emphasis on support for the Young Adult Volunteer Program, celebrating its 20th Anniversary.  

   You have been reading of some of their projects in the weekly inserts in the Sunday church bulletins. Young adult volunteers spend an intense and focused year in Christian Community practicing simple living, and meaningful involvement with communities of need. One third of YAV alumni are now ordained clergy in our denomination. The other two-thirds provide important ministry and service with their local faith communities.
   Forty percent of the Pentecost Offering received by our church is allocated by the Mission and Stewardship Committee, with Session approval, for various projects.  Besides support for the Young Adult Volunteer Program, the Downriver Celebration Camp will receive assistance.  Supported by the Colina Foundation, this camp will take place in August. Its purpose is to educate entire families on the subject of substance abuse.
   Please give generously. Special Offering envelopes are located in the sanctuary pew racks through Pentecost Sunday, which is June 8th.  Please indicate "Pentecost" on the memo line if you give by check.for your readers.

   Vacation Bible School and Middler Madness will take place on June 24 and 25 from 9-2:30 and June 26 from 9-11:30. VBS is for those children entering Kindergarten through 5th grade and Middler Madness is for those finishing 6,7 and 8th grades. Lunch is provided on Tuesday and Wednesday. Please sign up at the registration table at the Crossroads.