My normal routine is to write this portion of our Family Happenings on Friday morning. My hope is to create a desire within your hearts to attend corporate worship so you can sing God’s praises, hear God‘s Word, and respond as the Holy Spirit leads you to respond. This morning, just as I was beginning to write, I was informed that a good friend of mine may be going through a divorce. My spirit is crushed for him. Please pray for him and his wife and daughter.

The past two Sundays we have considered prayer as a gift. The first week I asked that you unwrap the gift, which means stepping into the presence of God with confidence that He desires you to come to Him in prayer. Last week, the focus was on our ability to come into His presence when we are overwhelmed or overjoyed (and every other time in between these two extremes). This Sunday, we will study the words of Isaiah:56:1-8. This sermon will conclude our focus on prayer by challenging us to recognize since God calls us to come confidently into His presence, we are able to invite others into His presence as well. When is the last time you prayed with another person? Our society is very individualistic, and so are we at times. Our church is to be a community. We are called to live life together to the glory of God and to the building up of one another in love. It is comforting to know prayer can be shared. I have shared my prayer request with you, now consider to whom you can share your requests. Let’s unwrap the gift of prayer together!

Thank You & Potluck Luncheon

Join us this Sunday, June 4, for a special potluck luncheon for the Grant and Beaulieu Families after our morning service. Our desire is to say, "Thank you" to Jeff and Julie Grant and Dan and Alanna Beaulieu for the years of service they have provided to our church family. Everyone is invited. If you have any questions, you may contact Sarah Wright or Sue McGowan.

There will be a basket for each pastor at the potluck for those who wish to give a sentiment or card.

IBMGlobal Sunday

Sunday, June 11, is our IBMGlobal Sunday. We will have a special combined Sunday School at the 8:45 a.m. hour with the Director of Faith Children's Village which is located in Kakolo, Zambia.

Ken Dady, the newest board member of IBMGlobal, will be bringing us the sermon in the main service. Ken Dady has been a missionary for Word of Life Youth Ministries for forty years and will have a special emphasis for the teens in his message.

You will get to meet the latest IBMGlobal appointees who will be joining the leadership team as well as those who will be raising support to serve around the world by making disciples and establishing churches.

Kids' Week Registration & Donations

We are looking forward to our Kids' Week, July 10-14! Kids' Week registration is open. You may sign up your children at our website or at the Connection Desk on Sunday.

If you would like to financially donate to help offset the cost of Kids' Week, you may go to our website at www.mvbc.org/donate or designate funds for Kids' Week on your tithe envelope. The approximate cost is $20 per child.

Children's Summer Program - Wednesday Evenings

Our Wednesday children's summer program has begun. We are still looking for volunteers to get involved with the children's program. If you are interested in helping, please contact the office or Cindy Hampson.

Teen Babysitting Fundraising Event

Our teens invite you to enjoy An Evening of Babysitting on Saturday, June 24, from 4:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m., in the multipurpose room. The Teen Life teens and adults are hosting this evening of babysitting to serve the church and raise money to purchase new equipment for the Annex. Sign up to register your children. The event is for children approximately two years to eleven years of age. There is no charge; however, you can donate to their needs by going to mvbc.org/donate and selecting "Teen Life Equipment." Contact Jenn Salisbury for any questions.

Giving

You can still worship through giving from home. You may either mail checks to 517 Boston Post Road, Merrimack, NH, 03054, or donate online here. To view last week's giving statement click here. Now you can also pick up a copy of this statement at the Connection Desk.