When was the last time you paid attention to your breathing? Maybe you were one of our campers who jumped into a cold lake and found your breath taken away. Or maybe you woke up to a beautiful summer morning and just took a deep breath of fresh air. Some of us have held our breath in anticipation, or gulped air as we grieved.

Our texts in John this week point to the breath of God, the Holy Spirit, that Jesus has promised will accompany us in all that we do. When we have the opportunity to just breathe, God comforts us, enlivens us, reminds us what Jesus taught us, and speaks the truth of God into our lives. What a gift!

Next week (August 3-7), this breath will feel more like a mighty wind! For our Everest Vacation Bible School, two hundred children and youth, along with over forty teen and adult leaders, will be singing and playing as they learn to "Hold On" to God when things get difficult. As preparations ramp up this week, keep this team in prayer - surround us with that holy breath. If you are an adult who can assist with Monday or Tuesday check-in, or have time to help with Friday's picnic lunch, connect with Pastor Dawn ([email protected]). If you are able-bodied and creative, we can always use extra hands with decorations (see schedule below). But most of all, pray for our staff, for our leaders, and our families. Set the Holy Spirit loose to blow through the hearts, minds, and souls of our people so that God's light is glorified in our space!