Pastor Wes’s morning meditations this week have focused on the treasure in clay vessels. You can click here to read.
At the 34th General Synod in Indianapolis on Monday, July 3, 2023, the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson was elected as the 10th General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. This makes her the first woman – and the first woman of African decent to lead the denomination. We offer our support and prayers to Rev. Dr. Thompson.
Important Information regarding
Sanctuary Enhancement Project ~ Summer 2023
From Church Council ~ Please watch the above presentation from Carol Fields and Bud Rives regarding the Sanctuary Enhancement Project.
Beginning next week we will begin to prepare for the renovations which include:
1. Beautiful new tile
2. New T-Loop System to help with hearing in the sanctuary
3. New Pew Cushions that were given with a generous gift by Roy Burns.
~~ Thank you to Maggie Revere who also has offered a generous gift for this project. We are blessed by a wonderful congregation.
During July, August, and September, our 11 am worship will be in Syster Hall beginning this Sunday: July 9th.
The 8:45 am worship will remain in the chapel for the time being ~ remember there is a beautiful organ in the chapel if you start to miss organ music this summer.
We hope to be back in the sanctuary by September 10 or 17th ~ stay tuned for the date of the re-dedication of our sacred space.
We offer a heartfelt thank you to Bud Rives who has volunteered countless hours meeting with contractors. Thank you to Carol Fields, Marsha Knight, Greg Chestnut and Becky Rives who have been an important part of the design team.
90+ Wise Birthdays in July
7/7 ~ Maryanna Daniel
7/18 ~ Lovette Harper
7/23 ~ Millie Small
7/29 ~ Margaret D’Albert
Racial Justice Mission Group Presents a Program on Rosa Parks on Sunday, July 16th at 3 pm. Ms. H. H. Leonards, a personal friend of Rosa Parks, is an author who lives in Washington, DC. Ms. Leonards‘ latest book is entitled, “Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons and Leadership.” Ms. Leonards will talk about her new book and share personal stories about her friendship with Ms. Parks. She believes this book, which describes Ms. Parks’ way of interacting with the world, offers important lessons and inspiration for current and future community justice struggles. Ms. Leonards will have copies of her book for sale. “I believe there is only one race, the human race.“ Mrs. Rosa Parks, Mother of the Civil Right’s Movement
During my senior year in high school, I tried out for a role in the play, Our Town. I was cast in the role of Stage Manager. I can still remember the rehearsals, trying to memorize my lines and being fitted for a costume. I was so nervous on opening night that I forgot some of my lines.
This summer marks 30 years since that moment and I thought it would be fun to gather a reader’s theater and discussion of Thornton Wilder’s play. Please join me on Tuesday, July 18th and 25th @ 1 p.m. in the Chapel (note location!) and on Zoom. We will read aloud the play and discuss how Wilder’s words connect to our life.
Please order a copy of the play for yourself wherever you purchase books and come ready to read portions and discuss the themes of this play. Please call or email Pastor Wes if you plan to attend this fun and faith-filled experience.
Ready Readers ~ July 13th at noon in the Oasis Center
The Fight of Our Lives by Iuliia Mendel. When Ukranian journalist Iuliia Mendel got the call that she had been hired to work for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, she had no idea what was to come. In this frank and moving inside account, Zelenskyy’s former press secretary tells the story of his improbable rise from popular comedian to the president of Ukraine. Mendel has a front row seat to many of the events preceding the 2022 Russian invasion. Throughout this story she reminds us of the paramount importance of truth and human values, especially in these darkest of times. contact Sandy Smith,
Please pray for Joy Kuhn on the passing of her husband, Harold. The service will be on July 22nd at 11 am in the chapel with reception to follow.
All who are grieving.
Lavilla Watson, Larry Long, and Millie Small on hospice care.
Prayers for Dr. Robert Bryant, Blaine Pool, Gail Johnson, Roger Weiss, Connie Toops, Ken Briggs, Connie Schaefer, Carole Patterson, and Mary Lou Starcher who all continue to recover.
COLLLAGE will Zoom July 11 and 25th at 11 am. You are always welcome. Contact Pauline Geary for the Zoom link.
Sacred Conversations on Race
SCOR will take off July and resume in August.
Wednesday, July 5
Wednesday morning Bible Study, 11 am, Oasis Center and Zoom
Choir Rehearsal, 7 pm, Chapel
Sunday, July 9th ~ TWO Worship Early Morning Worship, 8:45 am, Chapel
Sunday Worship, 11 am, in Syster Hall and online
Reading the Bible in a Year, 1 pm, Oasis Center and Zoom
Monday, July 10
Facilities and Grounds meeting, Oasis and Zoom, 10 am
Reading the Bible in a Year, 1 pm, Oasis Center and Zoom
Tuesday, July 11
COLLAGE Zoom, 11 am, Zoom
Tuesday Night Bible Study, 6:30 pm, Zoom
From Church Council ~ Please watch the above presentation from Carol Fields and Bud Rives regarding the Sanctuary Enhancement Project. 
90+ Wise Birthdays in July
Racial Justice Mission Group Presents a Program on Rosa Parks on Sunday, July 16th at 3 pm. Ms. H. H. Leonards, a personal friend of Rosa Parks, is an author who lives in Washington, DC. Ms. Leonards‘ latest book is entitled, “Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons and Leadership.” Ms. Leonards will talk about her new book and share personal stories about her friendship with Ms. Parks. She believes this book, which describes Ms. Parks’ way of interacting with the world, offers important lessons and inspiration for current and future community justice struggles. Ms. Leonards will have copies of her book for sale. “I believe there is only one race, the human race.“ Mrs. Rosa Parks, Mother of the Civil Right’s Movement
Our Lives by Iuliia Mendel. When Ukranian journalist Iuliia Mendel got the call that she had been hired to work for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, she had no idea what was to come. In this frank and moving inside account, Zelenskyy’s former press secretary tells the story of his improbable rise from popular comedian to the president of Ukraine. Mendel has a front row seat to many of the events preceding the 2022 Russian invasion. Throughout this story she reminds us of the paramount importance of truth and human values, especially in these darkest of times. contact Sandy Smith,
COLLLAGE will Zoom July 11 and 25th at 11 am. You are always welcome. Contact Pauline Geary for the Zoom link.
