I am so excited for an overnight youth retreat this weekend at Spring Heights Center in Spencer. We have 20 youth and 4 adults going. THAT IS AWESOME!  Thanks to Bub Ord, John Cash and Krystal Cabrera for going with us.  I made a commitment during an Annual Conference meeting last spring that I was going to be making sure our church not only send children and youth to summer camp at Spring Hts, but that our church would be making use of the facility for a youth or whole church retreat sometime this year.  Original plans fell through but I was determined to keep my commitment, so I am thrilled at being able to go for that reason but also to be able to spend some time with the youth, to welcome the new 6th graders and to work on some team building activities.  The youth have a busy weekend as we work the hot dog sale in the gym during theRummage sale on Saturday and then head out for Spring Hts on Sunday afternoon.  Keep us in your prayers.

It is also time to move up in Sunday School and 'Be Transported into God's Word' through the fellowship, study and support offered in Sunday School classes. We ave children, youth and adult classes to offer including the nursery.  Perhaps this is your time to 'move into' Sunday School and 'Be transported' in your own growth and faith.

Wednesday Night Live kicks off this next Wednesday evenign, Sept 8 with a special meal t 5:45pm followed by the classes and studies for all ages. Hope to see you there too.

 My family just got back from a wonderful vacation. We visited Charleston SC for a few days - very nice but very HOT and HUMID! Then spent a week at Surfside beach with my sister and my brother and his family.  It was Liam's first trip to the beach and he loved it.  It was such fun to experience it with him even if we did see a 4 ft shark with in feet of my niece and nephew on the first day.   It is always a good time together and fun to be away but good to get back to home as well.

Under the 'did you know' category - We not only sent several children and youth to Spring Hts to camp this summer for outdoor Christian Education experiences, but we had adults up there too. In particular Maureen Miller volunteered 4 different weeks as nature director and all around camp counselor.  She says she really enjoys the time there and the it has found a special place in her heart and her faith.  Her husband David volunteered a week of his busy summer to help there too.  He took on some projects that needed completed. Roy White joined David one day for work on a prayer shelter, both of them 'enjoying' a very hot day of work but good food of course.  Then on another day, Fred and Sharon Hill headed up to join the fun in working on an altar that I hear looks awesome. Of course we expect nothing less from the Hills work.  So thank you to the adults who spent time at Spring Heights this summer.  We know you represented your church well and were needed by the camp and God in that place this summer.   

**We had a great trip to Wheeling. The team did work on the home of 2 sisters who need it fixed up to move back in, having lived next door caring for a neighbor lady for several years.  The whole team did good work and had fun.  Gary Bryant of the House of the Carpenter was terrific to work for and with.  We will share about our experience in worship sometime in August.

July has already been quite a full month.  The Pontiac Oakland Club International came to town with all their wonderful old cars (Pontiacs of course) and we were able to have a concession booth at their 'swap meet'. We appreciate the help of the parents, youth and others who dove in to work and sell as well as provide items and donations toward it.  We had a successful venture even if it was a lot of work.  I found myself making more trips back and forth to Charleston than I would have made all summer in those 4 days I believe.  Thanks to my husband for the use of his truck all week too! 

Following on the heels of the concession booth was the set up and week of VBS.  It was such fun as we ventured to "Egypt: Joseph's journey from prison to palace". The gym was filled with tents/canopies, plants and colorful material, baskets and more.  They learned about Egyptian customs while hearing about the "One True God" that Joseph served through all things in his life.  We had about 55 children each night and lots of youth and adult helpers working.  Ask Pastor Mark about the Pyramid Playground and the 3 and 4 year olds and be sure to ask Mary Newman about brick making - or mud baths!  Thanks to all who helped make the week such fun.

Right after that - Today - we are ready to head out to Wheeling WV on the mission trip. We'll be staying and working through the House of the Carpenter, a WV Conference United Methodist agency helping people in need in the northern panhandle of the state.  We aren't sure exactly what we'll be doing but the 6 youth (Morgan Peaytt, Olivia Hawley, Colin Waugh, Conner Means, Jake Bowles and Luke Bowles) along with Pastor Mark and myself are excited to go.  We'll have some fun too and check out some Wheeling sites.  I'll get to see some old friends from my days of ministry at Christ UM Church, Wheeling.  We are ending our week at Kennywood Amusement Park in Pittsburgh before heading home.  Keep us in yoru prayers this week and we'll tell you all about it when we get back.  Thanks for your support of the youth and their endeavors to be faithful servants to the Lord.

2 more playcation days for the children (July 28-water fun; and August 18) and Children's Camp (August 8-10)  and of course Saturday Night Live (August 14) are still to come this summer.  I'll be happy for a vacation time with my family too and getting to take Liam to the beach for the first time in his life!  

Blessings to you as you continue your summer fun. And be sure to include worship and church in your plans!

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