May 2026 Newsletter
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
✝️ Atonement, Forgiveness & Unashamed Service — May at Union
Union Lutheran Church’s May 2026 newsletter centers on the liberating power of Christ’s atonement and the call to live as faithful witnesses of His forgiveness. In her Monthly Musings, Pastor Heidi Punt reflects on the biblical meaning of the scapegoat from Leviticus, contrasting it with the way people often seek someone else to blame for their mistakes.
Through Christ’s sacrifice and victory over sin, believers are freed from guilt and sent into the world as living testimonies of grace, reconciliation, and hope. Forgiveness, she reminds the congregation, is not merely received—it is also proclaimed through the lives of those redeemed by Christ.
✨ Throughout May, the congregation is encouraged to move beyond blame and self-condemnation, resting instead in the certainty that Christ has borne their sins and defeated every accusation against them. This confidence becomes the foundation for worship, service, learning, and outreach in the life of the church.
📖 Worship, Learning & Growing in Faith
May's worship life follows the Easter season toward Ascension Day, Pentecost, and Holy Trinity Sunday, emphasizing the Church's calling to proclaim the Gospel and grow in discipleship. Sunday School lessons focus on servant leadership, studying Scripture, choosing faithful leaders, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and sharing the Good News with others. Adult studies explore themes such as grace, vocation, justice, spiritual rhythms, and Christian community.
Bible study continues through an eight-week journey in 1 and 2 Chronicles, highlighting God's faithfulness, the importance of worship, and the hope found in His covenant promises. Catechism concludes for the summer with an emphasis on reading through the Bible in a year, while Sam Nguyen's reflection on the Ten Commandments reminds readers that God's law both guides believers and reveals their need for a Savior.
The congregation also joins Christians nationwide in observing the National Day of Prayer and celebrates key moments in the church year, including Ascension Day and Pentecost, each pointing believers toward Christ's ongoing work through His Church.
🚗 Outreach, Mission & Serving the Community
A major focus of May is the preparation for Union's First Annual Cruise'n Fundraiser, designed to support Youth Missions while welcoming the broader community onto church grounds. Volunteers, donors, Thrivent supporters, and church members unite around the event, demonstrating the congregation's commitment to outreach, hospitality, and service. The fundraiser becomes a tangible expression of Union's mission to be Christ-centered, mission-driven, and congregationally focused.
Mission-minded ministry extends beyond the fundraiser. The Mission Outreach Team meets to prepare for future projects, Chapel Time continues at Autumn Care, and support is gathered for youth attending the Continental Youth Gathering. May's benevolence focus, SMI Haiti, highlights Union's ongoing commitment to global missions and partnership with ministries serving vulnerable communities in Haiti through education, care, and Gospel outreach.
The Carolinas Mission Region Convocation also gathers pastors and lay leaders under the theme "Unashamed Workers for Christ," encouraging believers to know God's Word deeply and share it faithfully with others.
🌸 Fellowship, Celebration & Congregational Life
May is filled with opportunities for fellowship and celebration. Mother's Day worship honors mothers and mother figures while recognizing the Class of 2026 graduates and celebrating their accomplishments and future plans. A special breakfast and worship service bring generations together in gratitude and encouragement.
The congregation gathers for a community meal in memory of Wade Leazer, while Good Timers enjoy fellowship, learning, and shared meals. The Mary & Martha Circle continues its ministry of encouragement and Bible study, and clergy gatherings strengthen connections throughout the wider church. Through each event, members are reminded that Christian fellowship is both a gift and a vital expression of life together in Christ.
May also celebrates volunteers, musicians, youth leaders, mission participants, and those whose behind-the-scenes service supports the congregation's ministries throughout the year.
🏛️ Stewardship, Leadership & Looking Forward
The month includes important conversations about the future of Union Lutheran Church. A congregational Town Hall Meeting explores sanctuary renovations, facility improvements, and stewardship of resources following recent property decisions. Members are invited into thoughtful discernment regarding worship space enhancements and long-term planning for the congregation's ministries.
Leadership continues to focus on responsible stewardship of time, talent, treasure, and mission. Through council meetings, ministry planning, and congregational discussions, Union seeks to remain faithful to its vision of being fellow workers of the Gospel, unified in Christ and committed to serving future generations.
🕊️ Prayer, Remembrance & the Hope of Christ
The newsletter also provides space for gratitude, remembrance, and prayer. Members give thanks for memorial gifts and acts of generosity while extending Christian sympathy to the family of Kenneth "Kenny" Davis. Congregational prayers continue for those who are homebound, hospitalized, serving in ministry, or facing challenges both locally and around the world.
Through prayer, service, and fellowship, Union remains grounded in the truth that Christ's victory over sin and death continues to shape every aspect of congregational life. His forgiveness not only frees believers from guilt but empowers them to live boldly as witnesses of His mercy.
✨ Living as Witnesses of Grace
As May unfolds, Union Lutheran Church embraces its calling to be a community marked by forgiveness, service, and faithful witness. From Bible study and worship to outreach, fellowship, and mission, the congregation is reminded that Christ has already borne their burdens and secured their freedom.
Freed from blame and confident in God's grace, Union moves forward as a people unashamed of the Gospel—serving their neighbors, supporting one another, and proclaiming the hope of Christ wherever He calls them. ✝️🚗🌸🕊️
Through worship, learning, generosity, and fellowship, the congregation lives out its mission:
“Christ Centered ~ Mission Driven ~ Traditionally Grounded ~ Congregationally Focused.”
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