Welcome to another week! How did you honor your mom on Mother’s Day?
If your mother has passed away this might be a painful holiday. If your mother abused you, it’s certainly a tough day. But if you’re blessed to have a good relationship with your mother, please don’t waste the opportunity to make her week special. My mother-in-law likes to celebrate holidays as seasons rather than single days. So you have at least a week during Mother’s Day season to figure out the best way to make your mom smile. If you’re struggling, I have a few ideas.
When I was a little girl I remember matriarchs with corsages pinned to their blazers in church, surrounded by their families. Ushers gave carnations to mothers as they entered the sanctuary, and everyone seemed especially happy to be in church.
Moms beam when their families attend church with them. I never see them happier than when they’re surrounded by generations of loved ones. Maybe you can go to church with your mom next Sunday.
Do certain foods remind you of your mom? Maybe you picture your mom when you smell sugar cookies or roast beef. Cinnamon rolls always remind me of my mom. Maybe you could make one of your favorite childhood foods and reminisce with her over a cup of coffee.
Does your mom battle pain every day? Maybe you could buy her a gift certificate for a massage or take her to a chiropractor. Or you could buy her a membership to a swimming pool. I’ve heard swimming relieves arthritis. You could even take her swimming and make memories together.
Blending gifts and quality time will help you make memories with your mom that you’ll cherish forever.
May is a busy month in the Atlantic community. If you’ve got some free time, you can fill your calendar these fun events.
Fallowfield United Methodist Church is hosting an old-fashioned hymn sing on Sunday, May 22, at 6:30 p.m. If you attend a contemporary worship service and miss the old hymns you grew up singing, please join us. And if singing hymns just makes you smile, please come. Hymn writers often include Bible verses in their songs; that’s what makes the lyrics so powerful. Like “God Will Take Care of You,” for example. I’ve sung that chorus to myself many times when I’m worried about the future. Civilla D. Martin wrote this song in 1904. These words are just as relevant today as they were 112 years ago.
There will be a flea market at Kennard United Methodist Church on Friday, May 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church’s fellowship hall. There will be lunch available, as well as Amish baked goods.
Kennard United Methodist’s last breakfast for the spring is on Saturday, May 14, from 8 to 9:15 a.m. If you typically greet the morning with bran flakes and orange juice you owe yourself a treat.
There will be a luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at North Salem United Methodist Church on Thursday, May 26. Anyone age 55 and older is welcome to attend. The luncheon is free, but they request a free will offering.
On April 27, Fallowfield United Methodist volunteer evangelists visited people in our community who haven’t come to church and in a while. They also invited others. Eight evangelists visited people and four prayer warriors stayed at the church to pray for God’s blessing on the visitations. It was a very positive event. Most people welcomed the visitors.
Atlantic Friends and Flower Club had its annual plant auction on May 2. There were many varieties of plants for sale. Gardeners bid on hostas, butterfly bushes, bee balm, alyssum, sedum, primroses, and red raspberry bushes. Two Amish ladies also sold annuals. It was a big success.
Ascension Day was May 5, 40 days after Easter. This is when Christians celebrate Jesus returning to heaven. The Amish celebrate this day in a big way. It’s a day of rest and visiting with family. They close most of their businesses. Young people fish, play softball or volleyball. I’ve never observed Ascension Day, but it’s certainly an event worth celebrating.
Have a wonderful week. Blessings!