Acts 9:36-43

Thoughts:                                                                                                                 April 17, 1958
Dear Jerusha,
                             Well, we have had quite a time here in Joppa.  Remember when you came from Jerusalem last year to visit Simon and me here in Joppa, and you said it was such a boring little town and nothing ever happened here?  Well, I reckon you’d say things were a sight different if you’d been here last week.
                             You remember Tabitha, my neighbor who was always sewing?  Tabitha was always making clothes for the sailors’ widows and orphans.  She could stitch the straightest seam you ever saw.
                             Well, Tabitha up and died a few days ago, and everybody was right upset.  The women laid her out, nice and proper on her bed, and we all mourned for her.  Then Leah said she’d heard that Peter was over in Lydda – it’s not far away – and why didn’t we send for him?
                             Well, they sent word to Peter, asking him to come over to Joppa, and he did.  He went right up to Tabitha’s room, and Leah ran right to him, crying and showing him the little clothes Tabitha had made.
                             Well, Peter dealt with Leah real quick-like and told her and all the women to go downstairs.  They didn’t like it much, but they went.
                             Leah hung back just outside the door, and she heard Peter say, “Tabitha, arise.”
                             Well, Leah said she couldn’t keep from pushing the door open then, and there was Tabitha sitting up and smiling and looking real perky.
                             So everybody was after Peter to stay on awhile, and Simon had to pipe up and say, “You can stay at our place, Peter.”
                             Well, Peter took Simon up on it.  Nine days now he’s been here, with people coming and going all the time and me cooking half the night.  I tell you, I’m clear worn out.
                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                  Your loving sister,
                                                                                                                                  Zipporah
 
Discussion:          What would Peter have written home about his visit to Joppa?

 
Activity:               When one of your friends has a house guest who lingers, take your friend a casserole.

Remember in prayer this week Martha Blair, Vivian Hansard, and Martha Meyer.
 
The Bible Study at the home of Dale and Mary Jo Johnston will begin next Tuesday, April 19, at 7:00pm.  Please register with a phone call or email to either of the Johnstons by this Friday.
 
This Friday between 3:30 and 5:30pm will be the memorial visitation for Gladys Hughes.  The Memorial Service will be at 5:30pm in the sanctuary.  Per Gladys’ request, please wear something purple.  Dinner will follow the service.  UMW could use your help.  Please call Chris Gullion.
 
This Sunday will be Native American Ministries Sunday.  A video will show where your donation goes.
 
The Ministry Fair will be May 1st highlighting activities for May, June, July and August.  Please note this date change and notify Tom Stevens of your request for a table.