Our dedicated members of Chancel Choir, Chapel Choir, Children's Choirs and Agape Ringers (all of our choirs) have now taken a well-deserved hiatus for the months of June and July. However, that does not mean "the fun will stop!"  During the month of June and the first Sunday of July; we will enjoy special musical offerings provided by soloists but beginning JULY 9TH we invite you to join other singers and raise your voice in creating a VOLUNTEER CHOIR for the Sunday morning worship services!   That's right .... Now is your chance to "make a joyful noise" together with other enthusiastic singers by joining me (Lori) in the Chapel at 10:00 a.m. to:  1) learn the music and 2)sing for the church service at 10:30.   Please bring your families - everyone is welcome (including children)!   

The Psalms speak to us about singing, about instruments, about opening our mouths in praise of God, tells us to clap our hands, and shout to God with loud songs of joy. From one of my favorite books, Please don't ask me to sing in the choir by Thomas L. Are, published in 1985 (Hope Publishing), I share this story.........

     "I'm thinking about joining the choir at church."

    "Oh . . . I don't know if that's a good idea.  It would tie us down on the weekends," my wife, Ellen, said.

    "Yeah, I know.  I've thought about that and I've thought of other things, too.   Going to rehearsals when tired, being away from home another night each week, not sitting with you and the kids in church.   But it's something I think I would like to do," I said, talking more to myself than to her.

    "You're serious, aren't you?  I didn't know you had such a good voice," she sounded more surprised than opposed to the idea.

    The next Thursday, I felt a little surprised myself walking into choir rehearsal.  I could think of a hundred reasons to be somewhere else but over against all the reasonable objections, something inside me wanted to give it a try.  

    I learned something about myself.  I usually wind up doing things I want to do.  I do my work and volunteer my services because of an inner desire.

    My wants may be the lesser of two evils.  I may not desire to get up each morning but I choose to be a responsible person so I do.  I will make sacrifices to sing in the choir and my family will too, but only because I want to do it.

    I think God leads me in this way.   Every time I have been called to service Him, He has accompanied the opportunity with a desire to do it.   

    Maybe this is one way the Holy Spirit works in us.   At least for me, when it feels right and it seems good with God, I believe He has His hand in it.   I will take seriously my choir commitment, making my vow not only to the church, but also to God Himself.   

    The Psalmist said, "So will I ever sing praises to thy name, as I pay my vows day after day."  I'll do that too, because I want to.   

Please mark your calendars so that you may join in the fun - 10:00 a.m., July 9th.   Volunteer choir will be singing for services on July 9, 16, 23 and 30.  We will look forward to seeing you there!

What an Awesome week we had at Hero Central, our VBS headquarters! We had 76 children join us and, together, we worked to discover our strength in God. We learned that all we need to be real Heroes is a Heart for God, Courage to face our fears, Wisdom through God's Word, Hope through Jesus Christ and the Power of the Holy Spirit. Visit our Facebook page or website to see the fun through photos!

We want to thank all of our volunteers -- 50 Superheroes in all.  Thanks to everyone who helped make decorations, set-up hot and steamy buildings, shop and sort supplies, and figure out our sound system. And, A very special Thank You to our SUPERHERO Center and Group Leaders, who demonstrated over and over how to be Heroes for God! Thank you all for serving and sharing in this adventure!

Speaking of sharing, our Heroes collected enough money to provide 34 pairs of Shoes-that-grow to children who live in extreme poverty. Dr. Jane and the VBS kids challenged YOU to double our gift! With the donations collected this last Sunday during worship we have enough money to purchase 66 pairs of shoes! We are so close to our goal of 68! Each pair of these shoes cost just $15 per pair, last up to 5 years, and can "grow" 5 sizes! For more info, check out their website:  www.shoesthatgrow.com. If you would like to donate towards the last two pairs of shoes for us to hit our goal, please contact the church office and talk to Ruthie or drop your donation in the offering plate during worship with "VBS Shoes" written in the memo section of your check. THANK YOU!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR VBS GALLERY
ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! 

Cleaning UP and Clearing OUT!

Over the next two weeks much work will be done on the second floor of Trice and the second floor of the Children's Building. Both areas are being prepared for a change in licensing that will utilize both spaces when the children return in early August. During the next few weeks, we will be cleaning up cupboards, gathering up teaching materials from cabinets, getting rid of older televisions that we no longer need, replacing chairs and tables in classrooms. This sounds like a lot of changes and it is but everything is all for the better!  Our UMPEA and After-School will be expanding their outreach to more children and more classrooms are needed to accomplish this. If you or your class use any of the spaces in the upstairs Trice or Children's areas, please check in with Toi Davis, Director of the Preschool and After-school programs about the things you would like kept.  Thank you!