English Ministry News and Notes 2016-2-28

• Last weekend, Cyclone Winston, the largest storm to hit the South Pacific impacted both Tonga and Fiji bringing much destruction and death. Bishop Warner Brown invites us to be in prayer for healing and recovery, but also to take up a special offering for our mission partners there. We will do so next Sunday, Mar. 6th. Great thanks in advance for your generosity.
• Let's Slurp SOUP - You are each invited and encouraged to "complete" worship by participating in SOUP following worship. We will gather in the Annex. Great thanks to soup-makers this week: Donna & Adrienne, and always to our bread queen: Peggy!
• Project Welcome Update - Great huge thanks to all who have signed up to share welcome to our newest neighbors. Today is our 1/2 way point in inviting participation and it looks like we're about half way to filling 4 kits. If you haven't yet signed up to pitch in, please do so today!
• Great thanks to Ben and Al - If you appreciate the brightness of the sanctuary projector today, please be sure to share a word of gratitude with Ben and Al.
• Easter Lilies - You are invited to purchase Easter lilies to fill the sanctuary on Easter. Each plant is $10. Please sign up with Peggy no later than next Sunday, Mar. 6th.
• An Invitation to Prayer: The Ugandan elections were held last Thursday, Feb. 18th. Rev. Martin Odi, former Board Chair of YCVM, wrote: "This elections were marred by the dirtiest corruption I have ever witnessed in my life, intimidation, brutal abuse of people, especially opposition, such that in one week of election the key leader of opposition was jailed 5 times and continues to be under house arrest. Vote rigging and vote stealing; and suppression of human rights. It is the worst in the history of Uganda, even worse than the days of Idi Amin! Internet and social media, including Mobile money were not allowed to operate. Police were mechanized and acted in favor of the incumbent; beating people and blowing tear gas often, also shooting live bullet which saw about 5 people dead in separate incidences. We are back beyond days of the worst regimes in our country and now being ruled by Totalitarian African colonialists wielding not just power alone but all authority against the freedom of people. Our next parliament is a cemetery with very weak people who will be used as rubber stamps for some strong man. We need God to save us from this. The intelligent people and wise Ugandans have folded their hands and closed their mouths to watch because you can be killed if you do so. Please pray for us more. I fear for our children and grandchildren. May God help us!" Let us indeed join our brothers and sisters in prayer.