The May Glad Tidings is available on our website!

Saturday Evening Service Go-ers! Looking to join other Saturday attenders for dinner out? Approximately once a month we would like to hang out at a local eatery for good food and fellowship after the 5pm Saturday evening service. A different dinner destination will be chosen each month in hopes to offer a variety for all. The next meet-up will be Saturday, May 16 around 6:15 pm at Jersey Mike's Subs in the Kentlands. We look forward to spending time (and eating!) together in a casual environment. All are welcome!

The June Glad Tidings deadline is Sunday, May 17. Please submit your articles, photos, etc. to Martha Rogers.   

For Pentecost, May 23/24, we will read the Pentecost story in a variety of languages to celebrate the wide reach of the Spirit's power. If you speak another language, please sign up in the narthex to read the gospel in that language at one or more services.     

On June 2 at 12:30pm, the Women's Bible study will begin discussing the book, "Learning to Walk in the Dark," by Barbara Brown Taylor (Chapters 1 and 2). This book explores our tendency to associate 'good' with 'light' and 'evil' with 'dark'. The overarching question the book addresses is: Doesn't God work in the dark as well? The author shares personal experiences and also tackles the differences between faith and belief, certainty and trust. In short, this is a great book for anyone who has had doubts, felt alone in the dark, or wondered about the role of God in hard times. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Christine. This is a great time to join this open and fluid group. We base our meetings around the joy of coming together over the word of God. Come when you can; bring your lunch or a snack, if you would like. If you have questions or want to be included on our email distribution list, please contact Pastor Christine.  

Evening Bible Study This Summer! A three-session adult evening Bible Study will be held during the summer on the third Monday evening each month (June 15, July 20, & August 17) from 7:00-8:00pm. We will meet in the sanctuary to study the Bible and how we can put His Word into practice in our everyday lives. (You do not need to attend all 3 sessions - come as you are able!) Topics will include abiding with God, mirroring His Son, and being led by the Holy Spirit. We look forward to spending time discussing these topics as a group in order to live out our life's purpose! Bring a Bible and beverage if you wish, light refreshments will be provided. Questions can be directed to Sherry Kienzle.  

Exploring Faith - Pick up and read the book, "Wanted: A Spiritual Pursuit Through Jail, Among Outlaws, and Across Borders" (available in bookstores or order online) and join us Wednesday, June 10 for a casual evening of fellowship, food, and conversation. A 'sandwich bar' will be available beginning at 6:30pm with all the fixins and discussion will begin at 7pm. Come whenever you are able. The book follows a restless young man as he finds God and spirituality while volunteering as a night shift chaplain at a men's correctional facility.    

Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 27-31. This year's theme is "Everest - Conquering Challenges with God's Mighty Power". VBS is always a lot of fun for current members and a great way to attract new families as well. If you are interested in helping with VBS, please contact Lori Kohne. We hope you can join us and tell your friends too. Registration forms will be available in early June. See you on the mountain!

Many thanks to all who joined The Auxiliary of the Village at Rockville; you are making a difference! So far, we raised $700 for Auxiliary projects such as birthday parties and bus trips for the residents. If you didn't get a chance to sign up, it's not too late; memberships are accepted throughout the year. The Auxiliary flier is available in the foyer and memberships can be mailed directly to The Auxiliary or left in the POP Office. Please make checks to "The Auxiliary, TVAR".    

Pastor Steve will be leading a trip to the Holy Land in September of 2016! Brochures are available online and in the narthex. Contact Pastor Steve for more info. 

You Made a Difference! Thanks to your generous contributions to the Debt Reduction Fund, we were able to pay an additional $1,325 on our mortgage principal with our May payment. This enabled us to retire a total of $4,225 in principal. Thank you!   

Please consider giving to the ELCA Disaster Response to help people affected by Nepal Earthquake. Visit the ELCA Disaster Response webpage (http://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response) to donate or learn more about how you can help.