Father’s Day is a holiday to honor fathers. All fathers – biological, step, adopted, foster, grands, and those who’ve been like a father. We see you! And we celebrate you.
“Credit for originating the holiday is generally given to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, whose father, a Civil War veteran, raised her and her five siblings after their mother died in childbirth. She is said to have had the idea in 1909 while listening to a sermon on Mother’s Day, which at the time was becoming established as a holiday. Local religious leaders supported the idea, and the first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, the month of the birthday of Dodd’s father. In 1924 U.S. Pres. Calvin Coolidge gave his support to the observance, and in 1966 Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson issued a proclamation that recognized the day. It became a national holiday in 1972, when Pres. Richard Nixon signed legislation designating the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day” (britannica.com).
So, that’s the official version. The real deal is that most dads just want to be left alone! A quiet day of golf. Watching their favorite sports station. My dad wasn’t big on receiving gifts. Especially not another tie or pair of fancy socks or cuff links. But he loved to get cards! In fact, he saved some of them. I love that. Apparently, the cards brought him joy, which he could relive every time he read the card.
Dads are men of simple desires. The TV, control of the remote, and a good beverage. Oh, and don’t forget their favorite easy chair! And they deserve it. Dads carry the weight of the world, or at least their family, on their shoulders. They are our providers, protectors, and a broad shoulder to lean on.
So, this Father’s Day, remember to celebrate dad. And give God thanks for those who have gone home to glory. And remember those men who were there when you needed them. Perhaps with a word of advice, or maybe they just listened. We celebrate you this day and always!
Join us this Sunday as Scott Lambert, one of our awesome dads, brings the message: Living Water. You can worship in-house at 10:00am (masks optional), or you can also join us online. For online worship go to www.umcgt.org.
In Sympathy We extend our heartfelt condolences to Carol Myers in the passing of her sister, and our hearts are with Bruce Pittman in the passing of his brother. Also, Barry Streeter lost his mother late Friday afternoon. All will be traveling to be with family this week. May they experience the peace and comfort from the Spirit of the Living God.
Zufan Hailemariam, our Business Manager, will be leaving her position and starting a new chapter. This Sunday we will have a celebration to honor her eleven years of dedicated service to GT and bless her as she goes forth! Zufan wrote a goodbye message that she wants to share with the congregation:
“Thank you! As I'm getting ready to complete my term as a staff after 11 years, I wanted to reflect on my unconditional/unbreakable love for my United Methodist Church of Green Trails family. It was in early 2012 when Nate Berneking and Mary Weaver welcomed me with open arms to join the Green Trails Church staff family. I was nervous as I knew little about the faith-based industry, but "you" made my transition seamless. My fingers trembled as I composed this message because I'm terrible at sharing departure news. You have been with me throughout the pivotal moments in my family's lives, from marriage to starting a family! You believed in my abilities to care for your treasures, and I carried the role with pride, grace, and integrity. I made sure that I reciprocated your unconditional love through my responsibilities. I'm grateful that I served four pastors and several leadership teams and watched the church transform. This role has connected me with so many of you on a deeper level, and I'll cherish the experience for eternity. Your love is truly contagious, UMCGT! You're more than an employer. You're my family! May your Sanctuary continue to flourish! Sincerely, Zufan Hailemariam, Mewael Girmay, Adonia Mewael, and Adorain Mewael
Juneteenth The office will be closed on Monday, June 19, for the newest Federal holiday, Juneteenth. To learn more about Juneteenth, follow this link on the umc.org website: https://www.umc.org/en/content/juneteenth-hope-for-the-future-wrapped-in-a-history-lesson
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) will gather this Tuesday, June 20, 11:00am. Dan Fels will bring his guitar and lead us in a songfest! Come out and have a little fun.
Hymnsing The first Sunday of July will be dedicated to singing some of the wonderful hymns of the church! If you’re a hymn lover, this is for you!
Stay in the Know! Don’t forget to pick up this month’s Memory Verse Card, the Growth Guide, and the newsletter at the Welcome Center or the Coffee Station.Just our way of helping you to stay in the know!
Vacation I will be on vacation for the next two weeks, so the blog will take a brief vacation too. If an emergency arises, such as hospitalization or death, please call me or call the church office and I will be notified. See you in July!
Blessings,
Pastor Linda
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