On Sunday, May 31st the worship at St. John-St. Matthew-Emanuel was especially filled with the Holy Spirit. Not only was it Pentecost Sunday, with many present wearing red to commemorate the day, but also we welcomed three new members - Mina Canaday, Tyrone Canaday and Christopher Robbins - into the life of the Church by Holy Baptism, and added five more members or associate members - Jamie Canaday, Haneulee Canaday, Guita Acosta, Sarah Meyer and Marc Youngblood- by affirmation of baptism.

These new members of our community will always mark May 31st as a special day in their lives - a day to remember.

On November 1st of this year we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of this congregation. Bishop Rimbo will preach and preside, and a special luncheon gathering (details forthcoming) will follow that same afternoon. That, too, will be a day to remember.

As part of our anniversary celebration we are creating a commemorative booklet. Along with a general history of our constituent congregations, we hope to have a section for reminiscences from current and former members.

What do you remember from the day you joined, or took first communion, or were confirmed?

What memories do you have of youth group outings, camping trips, ministry projects, or musical events?

Do you still have contacts with old friends from St. JME? Tell us about that, and pass this invitation along to them.

If you have any photos of your special times, and could include a scan or copy, that would be great. We would especially appreciate any photos you have of any of our former pastors.

Lastly, and most importantly, “save the date:” November 1st, 2009. 150 years of ministry… and counting.

Pastor Parsons