Martha just returned from a two week pilgrimage in southern France that included significant spiritual, healing, artistic, and historic locations. Among the artistic sites were two where Vincent Van Gogh painted hundreds of pictures including those that featured irises. Iris are in full bloom in the “gravel garden” at the end of our parking lot. They are beautiful and are a local reminder of Van Gogh’s work.

Tomorrow’s Features – Ascension Sunday

At 9:00 am we will have our final intergenerational confirmation labyrinth walk with Lars. Walkers of all ages are invited to join us at 9:00 am. During worship we will celebrate both communion and our graduates – Jaelyn, Mitch, and Emma. Be there to offer them a word of congratulations. Monthly intergenerational labyrinth walks will continue beyond the completion of confirmation next Sunday.

Confirmation Sunday for Lars will be held on Pentecost, June 9. One of the prominent symbols of Pentecost is fire. If the weather allows, this service will conclude in the Monarch Waystation with a Pentecost bonfire. This is a day when you are encouraged to wear flame colors to church – red, yellow, and orange.

Nature Notes

Diana has spotted the first monarch eggs of the season on the bottom of milkweed leaves in the Waystation. And Peggy is keeping track of two nests of young robins on the front and north side of the parsonage. What welcome signs of the season!

Mayfield Fellowship Meeting, June 13, noon, DeKalb County History Center.  $20 will cover your lunch and your tour cost which includes the traveling Smithsonian exhibition, “Crossroads:  Change in Rural America.”  The sign-up sheet and further information will be available in the Gathering Area tomorrow morning.  If you have any questions, check in with Ann T. about the June 13^th program.

June Council Meeting – Wednesday, June 19 – 6:30 pm

Soap Suds for the Monarchs

Our annual car wash to benefit the Monarch Waystation, staffed by our children and some adult helpers, will take place on Sunday, June 23. You will have the opportunity to leave with a clean vehicle and to give a free will gift for the Waystation. Thanks to Dawn and John for coordinating this event.

A New Event – A Summer Day in the Woods

Church Council leaders are planning a day at Russell Woods for Mayfield members and friends on Saturday, June 29. Watch for an event flyer in early June.

Remember, we are saving plastic caps for the Granville UCC.  Bring them to church in coming weeks. Becky will deliver them on our behalf to the Granville church.

Northern Illinois Food Bank

Our continued support of the Northern Illinois Food Bank is crucial. Donations for the Northern Illinois Food Bank can be given by way of the offering plate or the food bank box.

Our Father’s Day Offering

This year’s offering will benefit the Hearts to Art Camp.  In its 15th year, this interdisciplinary arts camp for children who have experienced the death of a parent serves the broad Chicago area. This year they are especially seeking funds to help cover the additional costs of making their snacks more nutritional. What costs the least does not often offer the best nutrition. Martha’s daughter Molly is currently the assistant director of the camp. A copy of the sheet for you to indicate the men you are remembering or honoring is attached to this email. $5 is requested for each name given.  Please return the names and your gifts to Martha by the end of the day on Wednesday, June 12, so a complete list of names can be prepared for the June 16th bulletin. Thank you.