May events just dominate the calendar. The first Sunday we usually celebrate confirmation. This year we have 15 professions of faith as these young Christians confirm their relationship with Jesus Christ and join the church. We will also be lifting up Disciple Bible Study, hearing from new graduates and encouraging new people to get into the Word!

Then comes Mothers Day, Graduation,and Memorial Day.
Before you know it, another springtime is gone and Summer brings camp and VBS and vacations and HEAT! All in God's good time. Peace, Paul

It has been a tough week for many in our Derby area. A mile wide tornado went though just north of Derby creating havoc and causing much damage. Today, schools in the Oaklawn area are still hoping to open. Power has been out for thousands. Our friends at Spirit Aerospace are waiting the call to come back to work. We have been able to help but their will be much to do for long time as people need help getting back on their feet. So we Pray, Give, Help!!!! Lord be with all in tornado alley this week.

There is no greater time in the Christian year than Holy Week. We remember the last week of Jesus life and walk with him through the sacrificial death on the cross and the triumphant resurrection on Easter Morning! Palm Sunday I will explore the power of the cross. On Easter I will speak to the Real Relationship you can have with the risen Christ! Peace, Paul

2011 has been a deeply satisfying year. Life was filled with its challenges and sadness as well as its victories and joys. God was with us and our community of faith was there for each other as well as reaching out in great care for the world around us. As I dream of 2012, I cannot help but think that God has wonderful things in store for us as we follow him in faith. Peace and all God's blessings for the New Year!

So many things so be thankful for as we count down to the Day! I am amazed at how wonderful life is...its complexity, depth of emotions, and opportunities to creatively serve others. Truely God made us to serve and gives us endless opportunities to do so. Happy Thanksgiving!

Faith Raising
Woodlawn family and friends, it is
decision time. As your pastor, I cannot beat
around the bush. You need to know how
very important every gift is to the ministry
and mission of our church. On November 6
and 13, we celebrate our financial
commitment Sundays and invite everyone to
place their tithes on the altar. This single act
is one of the most faith challenging and faith growing actions any
of us can make. It reflects in one action both our love for Christ
and our willingness to trust him. Across the years, I have heard
every excuse, but they cannot erase the evident lack of faith.
Woodlawn, it is time to raise our faith. As we look forward to 2012,
our ministries are poised to make great advances for the kingdom.
Every gift will make a vital difference. Please participate and take
the intentional step to increase your giving in proportion to your
faith.
Jesus said, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you
can say to this mountain ‘get up and move to the sea.’” We
have mountains of ministry to move and your faith will make the
difference.
Please join in prayer that Woodlawn will rise in faith to meet the
2012 challenge.

October is the time of year when we conduct our annual stewardship campaign. It is the vital ritual when we hold ourselves accountable for the resources God has entrusted to us and listen for where God is leading us next.
Each week we will review different ministry areas both looking at the years accomplishments and dreams for the new year.
At the end of our review we will put the giving cards into the hands of our congregation and challenge everyone to review their own record of ministry and how they can grow more deeply in love with Christ and his mission.
We don't necessarily talk a lot about money...but it reveals a lot about where our hearts are.
As for me, I want my heart to be with Jesus.
Peace, Paul

Tomorrow is the tenth anniversary of 9-11. It will be a time to remember and reflect. As Christians we ask what Jesus would have us do in response to evil. Woodlawn is challenging everyone to a day of prayer, service, and community. We also launch our new community of faith; CHURCHANEW! Evil only wins when we return evil for evil. In other words, when we guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, we return good for evil and the power of evil is broken. Tomorrow we celebrate that good wins the battle of the heart.

10,000 Contacts
Soon it will be the tenth anniversary of that fateful day we know as 9-11. As Christians, we do not sugarcoat evil but face it head on. What makes followers of Jesus different is our response! Romans 12:21 directs us: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

In the coming weeks, Woodlawn is inviting you to be inviting! This Sunday we will celebrate all of our Adult Discipleship opportunities. Next week is our Harvest Festival for “Seeds of Faith” when we celebrate the missions of the “Bridge to the Future Campaign”. Labor Day Weekend Tate Addis will be leading us in praise at all three services. Then on 9-11, we will commemorate the day with a focus on prayer and service. That very evening we will launch the Church Anew weekly worship at 5:30.

In response to the evil and trouble we face in this world, Christians build community that strengthens and serves helping everyone see that God is good. This month, tell everyone! Share Woodlawn and the wonderful opportunities we offer. Bring family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers as we celebrate the power of God’s love, which alone can overcome evil.

Peace, Paul Wilke

Summer at Woodlawn is a great time. Tomorrow we advance all of our children and youth into their new grade level classes and groups. Our summer reading program kicks off and then on June 12, the Rev. Jim Reed will show us what our Seeds of Faith will do in Mission and Ministry! So that is just a start to a summer filled with camps, trips, Bible school, Weddings, celebrations, and worship. It will be a great time!