The Weekly News for  June 7, 2017 
Greetings!

There is a lot of news In this issue of T he Weekly News. You may want to grab your favorite beverage or snack before you begin (if you dare having it near your computer)!
  • Strawberry Fest (with Some Instructions)
  • Summer Choir
  • Scavenger Hunt with Fr. Steve
  • Deadline for Wine and Canvas Party Reservations
  • June 25 Celebration Honoring Father Steve and Marian
  • Transition News from the Vestry
  • Summer Lunch Program News and Needs
  • Natural Playground + Nature Play Day Event
  • Service Opportunity with Interfaith Hospitality Network
  • Important Dates for Your Calendar
The 2017 Strawberry Fest
This Saturday, June 10, Noon to 8:00 p.m.

Join us for the Strawberry Fest in the big white tent at the PNC Bank parking lot at the corner of Rangeline Road and Main Street in the Carmel Arts and Design District. Tickets cost $5 each and will be available at the event. Bring your friends and neighbors. It's a great way to introduce them to St. Christopher's.

If you have volunteered to bake shortcakes, please download and use only this recipe: Strawberry Shortcake Recipe, Due to a celebration of life service at the church on Friday, please deliver your freshly baked shortcakes to the kitchen ONLY between 8 and 11 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Please do not cut them.

Questions or ideas, email Steve Lawson at stelaw2011@yahoo.com or call him at 317-590-0025.

Are you a Social Media Evangelist?
Help us spread the word about the Strawberry Fest

Like us on Facebook, pin our Pinterest posts, and follow us on Instagram to share our event with your social media contacts.
Summer Choir

Every Sunday during the month of June, Summer Choir will meet at 9:15 a.m. in the choir area of the sanctuary to rehearse an easy-to-learn anthem to sing during the offering. This is a great time to sing in a relaxed setting.

Singers of all ages and abilities are welcome. Come once, twice, or every Sunday.  No commitment necessary.
Calling all youth for a scavenger hunt with Father Steve

We will gather at the Food Court entrance to Castleton Square at 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, for a scavenger hunt. The hunt will last until 5:30 p.m. Then we will walk to Buca di Beppo where we will have dinner. Reservations are not required for the scavenger hunt, but we do need a count for dinner to reserve our table at the restaurant. If you plan to attend, please complete the RSVP form by Friday, June 9.
Wine and Canvas Party
Sign-up Required by June 9
 
Our wine and canvas party at Painting with a Twist will be held on Saturday, June 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This event is limited to 40 participants. The cost is $35 per person which pays for paint supplies and your take-home painting. Beer and wine can be purchased for an additional fee. We will order pizza at the event. 

To participate, email Gina Frey at  ginamariefrey@gmail.com. Once Gina has your email, she will send you the link to register and pay Painting with a Twist.
Celebrating Father Steve's Ministry
Sunday, June 24, 11:15 a.m.

Father Steve's last Sunday as our rector will be June 25. Immediately following the 10 a.m. Eucharist we will honor him and Marian at a reception. Lunch will be provided. T here will be activities for children and adults, so we encourage everyone to attend and participate in the celebration. 

A second event is scheduled for the evening of Saturday, August 19. Look for additional details in Sunday bulletin inserts and in The Weekly News in the coming weeks. 
Transition news from the Vestry

Senior Warden Anne Long presented an excellent summary of news about clergy and staff transitions as well as upcoming celebratory events to honor Father Steve and Marian. If you could not be with us last Sunday or you want to review what she presented, read the update below. 
Thank you!

We acknowledge with gratitude (and delight!) the gift of snacks for the Summer Lunch Ministry from the youth of the Confirmation Class of 2017. It's wonderful to see our youth helping others.
Do you want to support the Summer Lunch Ministry? 
  • Participate in The Great Cheerio Challenge. If you missed the announcement, read it here.
  • Help with organizing groceries and supplies prior to Coffee Hour on a specific Sunday or Sundays. Complete the interest form below and indicate your preferred Sunday.
The natural playground is taking shape!

Wonderful progress is being made on our natural playground. The concrete pad for the picnic shelter was poured a week ago, the rafters were completed on Monday, and the roof went on Tuesday. The Red Oak centerpiece tree has been planted.

Our developing playground will be the location for the Indiana Children and Nature Network 's June 17 Nature Play Day. Get the details of Nature Play Day at the link below.
Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) Service Opportunity, June 11-18

Second Presbyterian Church, an IHN host congregation, is currently seeking volunteers to help with hosting four homeless families at their church. Volunteers are needed in the areas of set up and tear down, transportation, staying overnight, and kids' activities/recreation. It's easy and doesn't require a huge time commitment. Families are welcome to come and play with the kids from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Sign up now for this service opportunity by clicking the button below.
Important Dates for Your Calendar

The  Save the Date page  of St. Christopher's website is updated weekly. Check this resource for new information. You also may want to review the insert in the Sunday bulletin, as it provides the schedule for the coming week. 

Wednesday, June 28 | Young at Heart Luncheon
Saturday, August 19 | Farewell Party for Father Steve and Marian

Church office hours
Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Friday, 8:00 a.m. to noon
Continue  the  conversation with us on Facebook for inspiration, interesting articles and questions,  news  of upcoming events, pictures and videos from recent events, breaking  news , and more. Or, follow us on Pinterest and Instagram. For information about St. Christopher's Service to Others Ministries, Music Ministry, and Christian Formation, visit us at  stchriscarmel.org .

The deadline for announcementsnews, and articles for The Weekly News is Monday Noon each week. Email announcements to the church office at office@stchriscarmel.com with a copy to carolyncparrott@gmail.com.