E-Prompter - July 21, 2008

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Pastor's Perspective -
Musings on Vacations

At the time you receive this E-Letter, my family and I will be in Wyoming for our annual two-week trek. (I was there for three days a few weeks ago for my dad's 80th, but this is the real trip.) No doubt many of you will be taking trips this summer as well, perhaps to a favorite camping place or a lake or, like me, to some distant destination to visit family or friends.

Of course, the great disappointment about vacations is, well, they come to an end so quickly. If you're like me, you begin looking forward to some time off or time away about, oh, 50 weeks in advance, and then - zoom!! - it's past. The vacation was a delightful break, but it's come and gone before you can say "it's time for college football season."

I've been thinking lately, What if we were to recalibrate our expectations of our time off or our time away? What if we were to think of our vacations as extended Sabbaths, time away from the day to day tasks of our lives so that we might rest in God. What if one of our goals for the time away was to come back with renewed perspective on our daily lives? Simply by getting away and giving the Spirit permission to speak, we come back and, for a while at least, see our lives and our settings differently. I know that each year as I make the long trek to Wyoming along with my family, I come back to Michigan seeing things from a different point of view. I might be a bit clearer about my life's purpose, a bit less vexed about some problem or challenge that was weighing on me before I left, a bit more open to taking risks or trying some things that are outside my comfort zone. I've decided that even if the time off doesn't go as planned (it rains constantly, somebody gets sick, the car breaks down on the way...), if I return from a trip with even a slight change in perspective, the time away was well worth the while.

Glad to be on the great journey with you,
Pastor Steve

Youth Pastor

On Sunday, July 13th, our congregation voted to offer Ben Kreider the position of Youth Pastor. We are happy to report that he joyfully accepted the position and will be in Alma at the end of August. Praise God! Thank you for your prayers and support during the search process. We would appreciate your continued prayers during Ben's transition into his new role.

Want to Make a Difference ...
in others' lives?

Do you want to learn how to share the light and love of Christ with a small group of Christians? Consider training as a ChristCare Group Leader. Click here to access a Group Leader application, or get one at the Welcome Center. Training of ChristCare Group Leaders will begin in September. Contact Beverly Hamp or phone 463-3730 for information.

Worship and Weather

We are into our summer worship schedule now, one service beginning at 9:00 a.m. Should the weather forecast project over 85 degrees with high humidity, we will move our worship service to His Place. Signs will be posted.

Family News

As a family we are in sympathy with Doug, Diann and Sara Seelbach in the loss of their son/brother Chris on July 15th. Read the local newspaper article. Should you wish to send a card or flowers to the family please call 463-3730 or email the church office for their information. Also, information about services here.

New Staff Profiles

Which church staff member's favorite band is The Eagle's? Check out the new staff profiles here - you'll be surprised!

Marriage Ministry

First Church of God is putting together a team of married couples to promote healthy marriages. ALL married couples are welcome! If you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact Bob & Kendra Beard or phone 463-6602, Matt & Sue Stack or phone 833-7186 or Brad & Dorothy Capen or phone 842-5376.

Two Different Honduras Trips

Trip #1 in 2008 - Sign up NOW at the Welcome Center for the December 26th - January 2nd Honduras trip. A $100 deposit is required by Friday, August 1st, 2008. Any questions please contact Shirley Wallace or phone 681-2539 or Rod Koutz or phone 463-6634.

Trip #2 in 2009 - This second trip is through the Missions Committee in conjunction with Donny Allen in La Ceiba. This trip is to La Ceiba Honduras in June of 2009. Please sign up at the Welcome Center. For more information contact Rachel Messer or phone 842-5197.

Attention 2008 Honduras Team

We will have a MANDATORY meeting after our worship celebration service on Sunday, July 27th in the West Room. Let us know if you are not able to attend. Contact Shirley or phone 681-2539 or Crystal or phone 463-6388.

FREE Youth Trip

Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Trip, Saturday August 2nd, for grades 7th - 12th. We will depart from the filling station at 10:00 a.m. and will return at 12:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Please bring a sack lunch, swimsuit & towel, water toys, kites, water bottle, insect repellent, sunscreen, and walking shoes. Also if you have a guitar or harmonica bring it along. Activities include:

• Beach Games
• Swimming/Wading
• Hiking
• Sand Castle & Sculpture Competition
• Campfire
• and Sunset viewing

For more information please contact Mark Prout or phone 463-2708.

Creative Greetings

Will be meeting Thursday, July 31st in the church basement. For more information contact Kristi Caszatt or phone 875-0615.

Childcare Needed

You don't have to be a professional childcare provider. You just need to provide care for either the babies in the nursery or toddlers in the 2's & 3's. One hour, one Sunday a month. You will find out not only will the children be blessed but you will be blessed by the children. Are you ready to be a blessing? If you are please contact Karen Brown or phone 463-6878. The new schedule is being made now and will start in September, so PLEASE let me know SOON!

Stronghold

Stronghold will be featured during a special concert on Sunday, August 10, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at the Saint Louis Church of God camp ground. The camp is located at 8489 N. Bagley Rd. east of St. Louis. Sharing contemporary southern gospel music, the group takes its name from Psalms 18:2, which says, "The Lord is my Rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."