Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (Romans 12:9-13)

This holiday was originally set to honor those who died as a result of battle while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.  The holiday was made a federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968.  Oftentimes, volunteers place American flags in cemeteries to honor their lives.

This day is actually an older tradition that began when people began to strew flowers and decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of this country.  This tradition was called  "Decoration Day," and occurred when families traveled to the cemeteries where their ancestors were interred to place flowers on their graves, per Decoration Day in the Mountains. Often, large groups of extended families made the trip, religious ceremonies took place and food was served.

As I was growing up, my fairly large family would participate in these traditions...

Sunday, June 1st—No Bible Study today.

 Sunday, June 1st—Children’s Chime Rehearsal after worship in the Luther Room.

Wednesday, June 4th—Pray without Ceasing.  Join the Movement: Weekly Prayer Gatherings on Wednesdays from 9am-12pm in the sanctuary. This prayer event is a come and go event during that time frame.  There will be prayer resources provided to help you through your prayer time. 

Saturdays, June 7, 14, 21, and 28—View The Chosen season 2 in the conference room 2pm-4pm.

Next Sunday, June 8th—Day of Pentecost, wear red.  Mark Mittelstadt will be installed as a Council Member during worship.

Sunday, June 8th—Manna Bags Assembly after worship in the Werner Hall. Donate items we need to fill the Manna Bags: 

• Protein (pouches of chicken, peanut butter pouches/cups, vienna sausages, jerky, meat sticks)
• Individual peanut butter pouches
• pudding cups
• granola or protein bars
• Individual packets of crackers or nuts
• Bottled Water
• Sunscreen & Chapstick
• Fruit cups or dried fruit or fruit snacks
• Wet Ones/Handi-wipes (individual packets)

Donation table is in the gathering area marked GRACE Center.

June 13 & 14 & 15—Curtain Up! A choral celebration of classics from Stage and Screen by Desert Voices, James Higgs is the Artistic Director,  Performance are at Christ Church UMC, 655 N Craycroft, on Friday, June 13 at 7pm, Saturday, June 14 at 7pm, and Sunday, June 15 at 4pm. Early Bird tickets are $20 at www.desertvoices.org or $25 at the door.

Tuesday, June 17—AVIVA Child Services bag project at 9am-Noon in the Youth/Craft Room. Come help make bags for Arizona children in foster care. AVIVA Child Services is an organization that provides counseling for children and their families taken into the foster care system. 

Saturday, June 21—The 75th Anniversary of D-Day & The 70th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, Colonel Timothy G. Tarris of the Commemorative Air Force will make a video presentation at 6pm in the sanctuary. Free will offering will be taken to benefit homeless veterans.

Tuesday, July 1—Blankets of Comfort at 1pm in Werner Hall. You are invited to help prepare more blanket kits and stuff toys. Help bring comfort to babies and children. Kits will be available in the narthex for those who would like to crochet around the blankets. Contact: Linda Claasen (520) 561-9711.

Do you have medical equipment that you no longer need? Do you find yourself in need of crutches or a walker or something other medical device and not sure where to get it? BSLC has partnered with Southwest Medical Aid, to help members of our church community with just such need. You just call the church office (520-744-2665) and let them know what you need and one of our volunteers will arrange for pick up at the facility, and bring it to the church for you or a loved one to pick up. When you're done using it or have something to donate, simply bring it to the church and it will be taken to Southwest Medical Aid.

Welcome into our community today as we seek to follow the one who gathers us.
May you feel a connection to the beautiful Savior in worship this day! May you join us in learning and seeking to live in G.R.A.C.E. (Generosity, Reaching Out, Advocacy, Compassion, Encouragement).   

We gather in the unity of Christ and are all invited to the Lord’s Table. He is the host —we are all guests. We celebrate that Jesus came to us and continues to come to us.  In faith we receive the body and blood of our Lord and Savior. We believe that he did this “for you.”

Join us in-person, on Facebook Live at Beautifulsaviortucson, and on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88641186563   Meeting ID: 886 4118 6563 and Passcode: 188820