Attention Parents of Senior High & College Graduates
Our Graduation Recognition Sunday will be June 7th during both services.  If your student is graduating this year, please let us know as we will be recognizing them.  We will also be preparing a special pictorial flyer in the Free Press.

• If your student is a college graduate, we would like to include their name, college and degree received.
• If your student is a high school graduate, we would like to include your graduate's picture and the name of their school.  Please bring a wallet-sized photo to the church office by Sunday, May 17.  Your photo can be returned to you.  You may also email a scanned photo to Shirley Hackney at hackney@thechapel-efc.org.  Be sure to include "Graduation Picture" in the subject line.

Baby Dedication - Mother's Day
We are planning a time of baby dedication during our services on Mother's Day.  If you would like to have your child dedicated, please contact the church office.

Teen Fundraiser
Our teens are looking for fundraising work to raise money for their mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico.  Do you have any odd jobs around your house or yard that you've been putting off?  Contact Margrit Ciaravino at 429-6032 or Pastor Dan to schedule.

Volunteer Opportunities in Children's Ministry

• Summer help in preschool classes.  Find out where we need help by clicking here.  Then contact Jan Brandt at 429-1041.
• Summer help in grades 1-4 Big House
• Set up and decoration for Big House
• Decorations help for VBS - contact Leslie Kroeze at 266-7056 or Keith Stephas at 429-2071

Host Families for Five Day Clubs needed
We are doing this a little differently this year.  You can choose your week and choose your time.  The weeks available are June 29 - July 3, July 6 - 10, July 20 - 24, July 27 - 31.  Invite your neighborhood kids to come spend an hour on a blanket in your backyard or on your porch.  The club is taught by our summer intern, so you just need to provide a place for the kids to meet.  Please call the Children's Ministry Office to reserve your week at 429-1041 ext. 215.

Mens Softball Season Coming!!!
Guys, we are planning another team for the Monday night church league.  Sign up at the Information Center.  If you don't already have a t-shirt, the cost is $10.  Games start in mid-May.

Interested in Co-ed Softball??
We are planning to enter a co-ed team in the YMCA softball league again this summer.  Here are the details:

• At least 5 guys and 5 girls are needed each week
• Games start first week in June, 1 game per week for 10-12 weeks 
• Games are played Monday thru Thursday at 6:15 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. at the YMCA field
• Cost is $30 (includes t-shirt) and is due when you sign up
• Sign up at the Information Center

Sunday Morning Prayer Ministry
The Sunday Morning Prayer Ministry is in need of volunteers who will commit to meet for prayer during the Worship Service one time each month. Small groups (2 - 4 people) meet in a designated room and lift the needs of the morning to the Lord in short sentence prayers.  Openings are available during both worship hours, and if you desire a "special blessing" while taking others' needs to God, come join us.  Contact Jim or Barbara Spicer for more details at 556-0205.

His Hands Ministry
This ministry is designed to show the love of Christ to the body of Christ by meeting practical needs. His Hands will help those who need assistance with basic tasks that they are unable to do themselves because of physical or financial limitations.  To learn more or to volunteer, pick up a brochure at the Information Center or contact Tonya Miller at 429-7801.

Library News

• New Books on the 'Top Shelf'
  Each month the Library will be highlighting new books and authors on the bookcase identified as the 'Top Shelf'.  You can find various new picks in both fiction and general interest books to encourage your growth in your Christian walk.  Often there are book reviews by the library committee to help you decide.  Stop by to see what's new! 
• Children's Library
  Check out our new DVDs.  We have picked out some new "Heroes & Legends" favorites for you to enjoy.
• Chapel Book Club Discussion - June 29
  We will be discussing Mistaken Identity:  Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope by Mark Tabb.  More details to follow. 

If you haven't visited us recently, drop in.  The library is located in the central wing foyer, next to the military bulletin board.  You can check out books and movies by signing the date and your name on the card in the pocket of each item.  Do you have movies and/or books that you have had longer than two weeks?  Please return them in the "Book Return" box on the table. 

Vacation Bible School Volunteers Training
Ready to join this energizing week?  VBS is July 13 - 17.  If you haven't filled out a volunteer form, they are available at the G'Day Cafe in the foyer.  One open opportunity not listed but needed is a kindergarten crafts leader.  VBS training dates:  all adults on Tuesday, June 9 at 7 p.m., all teen helpers on Tuesday, June 16 at either 10 a.m. or 7 p.m.

The Way of the Master Evangelism Training Course - Begins May 6
Learn to share the gospel simply, biblically and effectively in this eight-week course.  Pastor Blair will be leading this class which includes an exciting 30 minute DVD lesson, discussion, and prayer.  We will also be putting what we learn into action by going out to share the gospel.  Classes are Wednesday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. beginning May 6.  The class runs through June 24.  Register here or sign up at the Information Center.

National Day of Prayer - Thursday, May 7
Our local observance for the National Day of Prayer will be held on Thursday, May 7, on the steps of the Berrien County Courthouse beginning at 12:10 p.m.  The Chapel will be open at 7:00 a.m. on this morning if you would like to come to the Worship Center and pray.

Senior's Trip - May 7, 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Our next trip is scheduled to Holland, MI.  We will be traveling by chartered coach to the Tulip Festival and attend the Kinder-parade.  The cost for transportation and the parade is $35/person.  Please make your payment when you sign up.

Adoption Shower for the Marchenko Family - Saturday, May 9, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
You are invited to join us in the Multipurpose Romm on May 9 to "shower" Sergei and Gillian Marchenko with prayer, written words of encouragement and financial support.  It will be a fun afternoon of fellowship with the Marchenkos as we learn a little more about them and their adoption experience up to this point.  RSVP at the Missions' Table in the foyer or by contacting Bonnie Goodwin (556-0401) or Carla Penner (429-3258).

New to The Chapel Seminar - Saturday, May 16, 8:00 a.m. - Noon
If you are new to The Chapel and would like to get to know us better or are interested in membership, we encourage you to attend our New to The Chapel Seminar.  Childcare is available by requesting it in advance.  A light breakfast will be served.  This is a relaxed time to get to know the staff and learn more about what we believe.  Register here or sign up at the Information Center.

Church Awareness and Abuse Protection Workshop - Saturday, May 16, 6:30 p.m.
There is no way to guarantee that our children will be 100% protected against abuse, but there are things we can learn and apply to protect our children.  This workshop will help us learn how to keep our family safe, recognize red flags, and give parenting tools for healthy family development.  Workshop features counselor Robin Zollar, a member of the sexual assault unit of Berrien County and a co-developer for the Forensic Interview for the state of Michigan, and counselor Marla Hutchinson.  Sponsored by The Chapel Student Ministries and Stephen Ministries.

High School Missions Breakfast - Sunday, May 17, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Come enjoy a free breakfast provided by the Reynosa Mission 2009 High School team.  Donations are accepted and will help support the expenses of the trip.  Follow the smell of bacon and  we'll see you in the Youth Room!

Rock Solid College Group Summer Gathering - Sunday, May 17, 6:30 p.m.
All current college students and high school graduates are invited for our summer gathering.  Jerry and Andrea Burkard will be your leaders (428-0877).  We will meet at the home of Dave and Karen Kortebein , 1849 Stockbridge Path, St. Joseph.

Five Pines All-Camp Work Day - Saturday, May 30, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Come one, come all!  The site of recent Chapel church picnics, Five Pines, is celebrating thirty years of ministry.  We have an opportunity to impact children and families who will be spending time this summer at Five Pines by helping to clean up the camp for the expected 600-700 campers.  Wear work clothes and load up on sun screen and bug spray.  Five Pines will provide all the tools.  RSVP in advance for the cookout lunch at 471-1396.  Families, groups and individuals of all ages welcome!  Visit www.FivePines.org for more information.

Twin Cities Free Children's Book Fair - Saturday, June 20, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Chapel is participating in the Twin Cities Free Children's Book Fair.  The event will be held at Union Memorial A.M.E. Church.  During the afternoon, children will receive a free book with the criteria being that they will listen to a book being read to them by various guests.  Food will be served and several public agencies will be present to give the children some "hands-on" education.  Would you be willing to help?  Here are some ways:

• We are collecting gently used books for ages 2 -10.  There is a box on the Missions' Table in the foyer for you to drop them in.
• We are looking for people to help with the organization and flow of the children that afternoon.
• We are looking for individuals or organizations who might be willing to donate funds to help us purchase more books for this event.  We are working with a resource called "First Books" where we can purchase new books at a minimal cost.

If you have suggestions for the above or are willing to help us on this committee, please see Joy Klute or Cindy Swearingen.

Chapel Golf Outing - Saturday, June 27, 8:00 a.m., Pebblewood Golf Course
Come enjoy a great round and some great fellowship.  Cost is $40 and includes golf, cart and lunch.  Sign up in the foyer.