Congregational News and Events

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL:  ONE NIGHT ONLY, FOR ALL AGES

On Monday, July 26, there will be an intergenerational Bible School focused around the story of the big catch of fish in John's gospel.  The evening will begin with a simple meal.  Look for the sign up sheet to see what you can bring that will suit a "fishy" theme for the night.  There will be games for EVERYONE, and crafts for EVERYONE, and the Bible Story will be an experience!  Some of the typical events of Bible School will be part of this evening, but we will all explore the theme during just one night.  The meal begins at 5:30 p.m.  Please put this date on your calendar.

PASTOR'S POST (Point of View)

I have a big event this summer.  I'm scheduled to preach at Annual Conference for the Tuesday night worship service and I am nervous.  A few of your gracious faces will be in the audience and I'll be looking for them.  Mostly I will see a "sea" of faces.  I wonder how the message will be received.  I wonder if it is appropriate for this wide and diverse audience.  I wonder, "Why did I say, 'yes'?"

Big events fill large spaces in our lives.  We spend time in preparation (and worry).  We mark the days and weeks leading up to the event.  We schedule things for before "IT" or after "IT."  Yet most of our lives are full of little events not big ones and these little events shape our living.

I met a neighbor last month and discovered we have a lot in common.  How many "little" meetings have you had which turned into lasting friendships?  I attended two short webinars (internet based seminars) last month, which stirred my thoughts, prayers, and the work in which our outreach committee is engaging.  When have you read a little book, or watched a television show that sparked your interest and set you in pursuit of a new hobby, sport, or career?  Little things like books, videos, and casual greetings make life interesting and help open us to new opportunities.

Last month (like most months) several people visited the Arlington Church of the Brethren for the first time.  It was likely a little thing in their lives, just a Sunday worship service and yet perhaps they met you.  Perhaps your words or your common interests contained the spark of something new for their lives.

Jesus had many little encounters in his travels.  Some of them turned into life-changing events for people who were healed and for those who turned and followed Jesus.  Others just heard him speak and went home to live life with a little more grace than the day before.  We never know how many lives we touch with the little things we do and say.  Maybe you are the vehicle through which God's love touches someone's life.  Maybe your kindness or your greeting will set someone on a new path.

This summer may we all keep our eyes and ears open for the little events where God can accomplish something big.

STEWARDS OF THE SUMMER

Summertime is when priorities turn to vacation, relaxation, and setting aside time to leave the routine behind in order to refresh our bodies and spirits.  Church attendance typically dips in the summer due to vacations, family reunions, and short trips to "get away."  Financial challenges sometimes arise for congregations because giving also dips in the summer.  Of course expenses don't take a vacation and utility bills continue or rise as air conditioners go on.  We trust that as you set aside time to renew and refresh you will also set aside the tithe you have designated for this ministry and the ministries to which we contribute.  Setting aside time to focus on priorities reminds us that spiritual journeys are a priority that we all share.  You are encouraged to set aside time to nurture your spirit this summer by setting aside time for God.

UPDATE ON QUILTING/CRAFT GROUP MEETING THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

The quilting/craft group has been under way for several weeks and is making steady progress on several projects.

Rather than concentrating on one larger quilt for the auction, we've decided to focus on some smaller items which can be completed in less time and will also allow for broader participation.  In addition to working on items for next year's District Disaster Response Auction, we're also creating inexpensive crafts for our fall Soup & Pie/Bazaar.  Thanks to the leadership of Dee Richardson and Cathy Powers, we have plenty of ideas and lovely fabrics from which to choose.

Unless it is noted otherwise in weekly bulletins, the group will meet on Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in the kindergarten room -- lower floor near the kitchen.  New members are most welcome!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Peace is a big subject and there is a multitude of ways to be involved.  Choose one that fits your interests and join with others to make a difference by finding the "things that make for peace."

=================================================================================