WEEKLY MEMO NEWSLETTER 

Tuesday, June 8, 2010  

 Volume 5 Issue 23  

JUNE  

 8    Emersyn Hill  

 12   Rev. Mary Martin  

 25  Elder Paul Cudworth    

Two of Sunday’s scripture readings place two women in prominent roles.  As subject or objects, whatever your perspective, Jezebel and the nameless woman at Jesus’ feet propose dilemmas for us.  Old Testament’s I Kings 21 takes us to the palace of King Ahab of Samaria.   A commoner named Naboth owned the property next door.   The king wanted to purchase it for a fair price but because it was an inheritance, Naboth wanted to keep it in the family.  In comes Queen Jezebel, identified only as King Ahab’s wife.  When the King became seriously depressed that his request was denied, Queen Jezebel arranged for Naboth’s death, thus freeing up the land for the royal family.  Traditionally, we see the story this way, a tale of a wealthy and powerful person (Ahab) who oppresses (to the point of death) a less wealthy and powerful person (Naboth) who is simply seeking to do the right thing by his family.  Let’s focus on what the scripture really says.  It was the queen who did the dastardly deed, determined to “win” at any and all cost.  Queen Jezebel is known, however for using her “womanly ways” to get a man away from another.  Today we call such one, a “Jezebel!”  This story has to do with power and gender has nothing to do with it!  The Gospel of Luke 7:36-8:3 is commonly thought to be about a person with four strikes:  1.) A woman, 2.) A woman unaccompanied by a man 3.) A woman who let her hair down 4.), A sinner.  Jesus is invited to the home of a Pharisee (an expert in the law), who  becomes  perturbed that one kisses Jesus’ feet then pours expensive perfume on both feet then wipes them with her hair.  It didn’t matter to Jesus that a woman so lavishly tended to him.  Jesus intimated that the Pharisee as host could have also showed love in this way, but didn’t.   He then teaches there are levels of a sinful nature.  Some sin to a lesser degree than others. Jesus revealed he has to power to forgive sin according to t It has become habitual in the assumptions made when women are mentioned.  May we always be open to read and understand with fresh eyes every time we read or hear the Living Word?

Spiritual Connections

 Wednesdays,  7:00 pm

  Please read : 

1 Kings 21:1-10 (11-14), 15-21a  

Galatians 2:15-21  

Luke 7:36-8:3

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Personal Boot Camp  

 Four-week Session 1 ½ Hour each  

 Thursdays,  5:30 p.m.  

Contact David Adams, Sr. 

322-5142 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    

GR V.O.I.C.E (Volunteer Opportunities and Involvement with Community Education) presents the second in a series of community forums 

An Open Forum on the Challenges and Opportunities in Grand Rapids Public Schools

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Academy  (645 Logan St. SE - Grand Rapids, MI)

With the “Race to the Top” and other programs mandating changes within our schools, what impact will this have on our schools and how can we as a community help the students of GRPS.

This will be an open forum to discuss your questions about the challenges and opportunities in GRPS. Please email questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

There will also be an opportunity for questions from the audience during the forum

Roundtable Participants include:

    Hon. George Heartwell, Mayor, City of Grand Rapids                                                     Dr. Bernard Taylor, Jr., Superintendent of GRPS

    Paul Helder, President, Grand Rapids Education Association (GREA)                             Ron Gorman, Principal Creston High School

   Amanda Palmer, Teacher, Burton Middle School                                                         Wanda Couch, Parent/PTSA Organizer, Ottawa Hills High School

    Senita Lenear, Vice President, Grand Rapids Board of Education                                    Craig Datema, CEO Triangle Associates Inc.

The forum will be moderated by community members Jonathon Jelks and Jon Waalkes.

An Opportunity to Be a Gift          

  Prayerfully make a

special offering to

Free Spirit Worship Center. 

 Council Meeting   

  Wednesday, June 23 

 5:30 pm

 We appreciate your generous support during the 5/3 River Bank Run and thank you on behalf of all our participants, whose experience can not be measured in words.  

2010 5/3 River Bank Run  

Captain Nick and Team

W E S T M I C H I G A N

 Rev. Mary will be on vacation

Sunday, June 13

through

Saturday, June 19

2010 West Michigan Pride Festival  

Saturday, June 19, 2010  11: 00 a.m. -10:00 p.m. Contact Sally to volunteer at the Free Spirit Booth.   

• This year there is a wide selection of entertainment on two stages
  offering hours of continuous amusement. 
• A multitude of vendors will be displaying a vast array of good from art and jewelry to pet care and advocacy. 
• There will be a kids and family area with fun activities for all children.  For more fun, try mini gulf or Frisbee gulf. 
• There will be karaoke and opportunities to make your own music DVD. There will even
  be bingo. 

When you get hungry, there will be plenty of vendors serving great food.  Beer and wine will also be available for those over twenty-one.