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Dear Faith Des Peres Family

I'm guessing that many of you, like me, have been watching the news about Ferguson.  I find it hard to believe that the events I see on TV are happening in our very own city.  I hope you will hold all of the people of Ferguson in your prayers.

This week the lectionary reading is Matthew 15: 21-28.  It's a difficult story for many reasons, some of which we'll touch on Sunday.  But it couldn't have come at a more important time because it gives us insight as to what can happen when we listen (or don't listen) to others, disruptions that challenge our lives, and how even Jesus can change his mind.  I encourage you to read the story before worship, and come ready to listen and learn and maybe even struggle with what the word of God has to say to us today.

I hope to see you in church.

Blessings,

Annie

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Around Church...

Rally Day—Sunday, September 7th!
Rally Day is a time to gather and catch up after a fun-filled summer.  Plan to join us as we kick-off our Sunday School and Adult Discussion Group for the fall. Rather than asking everyone to bring food, we’ve enlisted the help of Chris’ Cakes who will provide a delicious pancake breakfast for a nominal fee ($5/person ages 6 and up). We’re also trying to secure a bounce house (as of time of printing, this hasn’t been confirmed), AND we’ll have the Jim Dandy’s Dixieland Group performing… so JOIN US!! All are welcome—bring friends and family—but we need a headcount for breakfast, so please register by Sunday, August 31st. Registration for breakfast is in the Gathering Space and online. Payment in advance is encouraged (checks with memo “Rally Day”) or you can pay at the door.

Congratulations, Danny and Kenny!
Please extend your congratulations to Danny Mortimer and Kenny Landers as they were joined in marriage on August 9. We thank God for their love and we pray for peace, contentment and joy as they begin their lives together.

Rally Day Music will begin at 10:15am!

The Jim Dandy’s will start playing at 10:15 am, so plan to get here EARLY on September 7th so you don’t miss anything! 

Thank you for Donating to the School Supply Drive!
Our donations were greatly appreciated by the Circle of Concern. These supplies will help children who would otherwise struggle have a better start to their school year. Thank you for your support!  

Work Day Results
Thanks to everyone who came out on the 9th to help clean up and organize some of our spaces! The goal was to make the spaces more functional for John Paul II school and for other groups, including ours, which use them throughout the year. One of our outside groups replaced the worn carpeting in the Adult Conference Room on Friday and we reorganized the furniture in that room. We cleaned out and organized the toys in the nursery, and we did the same for all of the items in the upper balcony room. That balcony room will be used as additional classroom space for the school.  Please take a few moments to look around and enjoy some of the spaces.

New PW Bible Study Beginning August 27th
Join us for a new Presbyterian Women’s study based on the book of 2 Corinthians entitled, “Reconciling Paul,” by Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty. Our first meeting will be Wednesday, August 27th at 9:30am, led by Joanna Gerst. We’d love to see you, so register and pick up a book in the Gathering Space.

Directory Update
Please let the church office know if any of your contact information has changed since the last directory update in September of 2013. A new directory should be distributed in the fall.

Facebook Update 
Facebook is a “social media tool.” In our case, we use it to promote the events, the studies, the opportunity for fellowship here at FDP.  In a way, you might consider it a “mission tool” in that we’re trying to spread the Good News and invite people into a relationship with Jesus Christ. When we invite people to Faith Des Peres via postcards, word of mouth, an outdoor sign, or even Facebook, we’re inviting them to come … to see … to hear the Word … to attend … to participate. Hopefully, through an event like a Bible study, worship at the Old Church or a float trip, we may reach one more person with the love of God we see in Jesus Christ.  We see a lot of “likes” on our Facebook page, and that’s great! But better yet, please SHARE something that you like—SHARE it to your timeline so others that may not normally hear the Word of God have that opportunity. Be courageous about your faith and also INVITE your friends to “like” our page. If you don’t know how to “like,” “share” or “invite friends” on Facebook, ask Marie in the church office. Thank you. 

 

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family:

It’s a flurry of activity here as I write this! We’re gearing up for fall programs to begin soon, so the school (John Paul II) is having a cleaning and work day. Parents, students and teachers are all over the building moving furniture, cleaning windows & baseboards, washing walls. Annie, Julia and Charlotte are going through toys in the nursery (which is why I’m writing this now!). Carpeting will be laid in the Adult Conference Room tomorrow (a different group is providing that), and we’re scheduled for our own “work day” on Saturday from 9-1 (please contact Barb Abbett if you would like to help). Please check out the nursery, conference room and what the school is now referring to as the “upper room” on Sunday, when you join us for worship! Hope you can make it!  ~ Marie

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Around Church…

Rally Day—Sunday, September 7th!
Rally Day is a time to gather and catch up after a fun-filled summer.  Plan to join us as we kick-off our Sunday School and Adult Discussion Group for the fall. Rather than asking everyone to bring food, we’ve enlisted the help of Chris’ Cakes who will provide a delicious pancake breakfast for a nominal fee ($5/person ages 6 and up) AND we’ll have the Jim Dandy’s Dixieland Group performing… so JOIN US!! All are welcome—bring friends and family—but we need a headcount for breakfast, so please register by Sunday, August 31st. Registration for breakfast is in the Gathering Space and will be online soon (or email the church office with a name and headcount). Payment in advance is encouraged (checks with memo “Rally Day”) or you can pay at the door.

New PW Bible Study Beginning August 27th
​Join us for a new Presbyterian Women’s study based on the book of 2 Corinthians entitled, “Reconciling Paul,” by Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty. Our first meeting will be Wednesday, August 27th at 9:30am, led by Joanna Gerst. We’d love to see you, so register and pick up a book in the Gathering Space.

Facebook Update
Facebook is a “social media tool.” In our case, we use it to promote the events, the studies, the opportunity for fellowship here at FDP.  In a way, you might consider it a “mission tool” in that we’re trying to spread the Good News and invite people into a relationship with Jesus Christ. When we invite people to Faith Des Peres via postcards, word of mouth, an outdoor sign, or even Facebook, we’re inviting them to come … to see … to hear the Word … to attend … to participate. Hopefully, through an event like a Bible study, worship at the Old Church or a float trip, we may reach one more person with the love of God we see in Jesus Christ.  We see a lot of “likes” on our Facebook page, and that’s great! But better yet, please SHARE something that you like—SHARE it to your timeline so others who may not normally hear the Word of God have that opportunity. Be courageous about your faith and also INVITE your friends to “like” our page. If you don’t know how to “like,” “share” or “invite friends” on Facebook, ask Marie in the church office. Thank you.

Directory Update
Please let Marie in the church office know if any of your contact information has changed since the last directory update in September of 2013. A new directory should be available in the fall.

Do You Make Online Payments to FDP?
If you make payments to FDP through your online banking, please take a moment and adjust the memo line to read either “capital” or “stewardship” for clarification to the church office and Sunday counters. This will also help ensure accurate end-of-year statements for your tax records. Thank you! 

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Around the World...

Flat Jesus Finishes His Travels…
He made appearances all over the world—wasn’t it fun to see where FJ went? It was a reminder to all of us that Jesus is with us everywhere, all the time! If you have any last photos to send with you and Flat Jesus, please send them to Marie soon. We have photos on Facebook, the website, the Gathering Space and the Narthex. Thanks for keeping [Flat] Jesus with you always!

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family and Friends...

Remember that we’ll be at the Old Church this weekend for worship, so please join us and plan accordingly. Worship will include the sacrament of Holy Communion, and we’ll be collecting for Feeding the Flock and the School Supply Drive. 

Rev. Joe Marting will be leading worship – Annie will return next week (if you have an emergency, please contact Marie).  Please remember to bring items for the School Supply Drive and Feeding the Flock and sign up for the float trip (the deadline is MONDAY). Barb Abbett is organizing a church work day and we need lots of helpers ... register for the new PW Bible Study ... "like" and "share" the new FDP Facebook page ... send me your photos of Flat Jesus … and enjoy your weekend together!   ~ Marie

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This Sunday, August 3rd...

School Supply Drive & Tax-Free Weekend – Bring Supplies this Sunday!
​This is a GREAT weekend to buy supplies if you haven’t already, because this weekend (Friday-Sunday, August 1-3) is Missouri Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday, so you won’t be taxed on the school supplies you buy!  Many families with children don’t have resources to purchase needed school supplies, so please help give them a good start to the school year with your donation. Items needed: sturdy backpacks, folders, pencil boxes, washable markers (wide line), pink erasers (Pink Pet), highlighters, Fiskar scissors, dry-erase markers, colored pencils, 3x5 index cards, #2 pencils, 3-ring binders (1”, 1.5” or 2” – please, no used binders or binders with printing), glue sticks, glue bottles, post-it notes, wood rulers, scientific calculators, flash drives, spiral notebooks (wide- and college-ruled), filler paper (wide- and college-ruled), composition notebooks (wide- and college-ruled). 

Register by Monday’s Deadline!
Kathy Sherrick is organizing this fun 6-mile float at Mound Ridge on August 16th. More information and registration is on the website and in the Gathering Space. Sign up today! (The deadline for registration is August 4th, payment is due August 10th.)

Feeding the Flock
​These are the current items needed for Feeding the Flock, though any non-perishable items would be appreciated: Peanut butter, jelly, spaghetti sauce, canned meats (chili, stew, Vienna sausages, etc.), shampoo & conditioner, size 5 & 6 diapers.

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Around Church...

Help Needed Saturday, August 9th!
In order to make our building more “user-friendly” to all of the groups that use it – including ours – we need to rearrange and clean out a few rooms. We’re organizing a work day on Saturday, August 9th, from 9am-1pm, or sooner if we finish early. We will be washing walls and rearranging furniture in our newly-carpeted Adult Conference Room (an outside group is providing the carpeting); consolidating and organizing the toys in the nursery; and moving/organizing the holiday decorations that are upstairs in the balcony area to the other room up there, the bell room. Bring work gloves, perhaps cleaning supplies (disposable wet wipes are ideal), hand truck if you have one, muscles, and a great attitude. Lunch will be provided.  Barb Abbett will be organizing this and will be in touch with everyone that signs up to help. Please let Marie or Barb know if you can help, and there will also be a sign-up sheet in the Gathering Space.  Thank you! 

New PW Bible Study Beginning August 27th
Join us for a new Presbyterian Women’s study based on the book of 2 Corinthians entitled, “Reconciling Paul,” by Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty. Our first meeting will be Wednesday, August 27th at 9:30am, led by Joanna Gerst. We’d love to see you, so register and pick up a book in the Gathering Space. Or let Marie know you’d like to attend.

Share FDP
There’s a LOT going on at Faith Des Peres—let’s share it with everyone! “Like” us on Facebook then SHARE our posts on your wall so others can see what’s happening here. And if you’re courageous, “invite” your friends to like our page also. (If you don’t know how to do this, ask Marie.)

Directory Update
Please let Marie in the church office know if any of your contact information has changed since the last directory update in September of 2013. A new directory should be distributed in the fall. 

Do You Make Online Payments to FDP?
​If you make payments to FDP through your online banking, please take a moment and adjust the memo line to read either “capital” or “stewardship” for clarification to the church office and Sunday counters. This will also help ensure accurate end-of-year statements for your tax records. Thank you!

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Around Town…

Bone Marrow Drive 
The Frontenac Fire Department is organizing a bone marrow drive for the Murry’s, a Frontenac family with four boys, all of whom have a rare disease and will need bone marrow transplants. The drive will be held at the Frontenac Fire House at 10555 Clayton Road on Saturday, August 2nd, 9am-3pm. It takes about 7 minutes and a cheek swab. More information is available here. 

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FDP Happenings Around Church…

Hello Faith Des Peres Family and Friends,

Rev. Joe Marting will be leading worship again this weekend and next while Annie is out of the office (if you have an emergency, please contact Marie).  Remember to bring items for the School Supply Drive ... sign up for the float trip ... register for the new PW Bible Study ... "like" and "share" the new FDP Facebook page ... and try to enjoy these "lazy" days of summer ... or at least the days of summer, whether they're "lazy" or not!  

PS: The church office will be closed this coming Monday, July 28th. I will check messages in the morning and afternoon, so please leave a phone number if there's an emergency. Thank you!

~Marie

The Deadline is Approaching…
Kathy Sherrick is organizing this fun 6-mile float at Mound Ridge on August 16th. More information and registration is on the website and in the Gathering Space. Sign up today! (The deadline for registration is August 4th, payment is due August 10th.)

Remember Next Weekend, August 3rd:
We’ll be at the Old Church for worship next weekend, and we’ll still be collecting for Feeding the Flock and the School Supply Drive. These are the items needed: Peanut butter, jelly, tomato products (canned tomatoes, tomato paste or sauce), canned pasta, canned fruit, shampoo & conditioner, sturdy backpacks, folders, pencil boxes, washable markers (wide line), pink erasers (Pink Pet), highlighters, Fiskar scissors, dry-erase markers, colored pencils, 3x5 index cards, #2 pencils, 3-ring binders (1”, 1.5” or 2” – please, no used binders or binders with printing), glue sticks, glue bottles, post-it notes, wood rulers, scientific calculators, flash drives, spiral notebooks (wide- and college-ruled), filler paper (wide- and college-ruled), composition notebooks (wide- and college-ruled). 

PW Bible Study 2014_blog.jpg

New PW Bible Study Beginning August 27th
​Join us for a new Presbyterian Women’s study based on the book of 2 Corinthians entitled, “Reconciling Paul,” by Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty. Our first meeting will be Wednesday, August 27th at 9:30am, led by Joanna Gerst. We’d love to see you, so register and pick up a book in the Gathering Space. Or let Marie know you’d like to attend.

Screenshot_FB cover for blog.JPG

Share FDP
There’s a LOT going on at Faith Des Peres—let’s share it with everyone! “Like” us on Facebook then SHARE our posts on your wall so others can see what’s happening here. And if you’re courageous, “invite” your friends to like our page also. (If you don’t know how to do this, ask Marie.)

Do You Make Online Payments to FDP?
If you make payments to FDP through your online banking, please take a moment and adjust the memo line to read either “capital” or “stewardship” for clarification to the church office and Sunday counters. This will also help ensure accurate end-of-year statements for your tax records. Thank you! 

Directory Update
Please let Marie in the church office know if any of your contact information has changed since the last directory update in September of 2013. A new directory should be distributed in the fall. Thank you!

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Around Town…

Bone Marrow Drive 
The Frontenac Fire Department is organizing a bone marrow drive for the Murry’s, a Frontenac family with four boys, all of whom have a rare disease and will need bone marrow transplants. The drive will be held at the Frontenac Fire House at 10555 Clayton Road on Saturday, August 2nd, 9am-3pm. It takes about 7 minutes and a cheek swab. More information is available here.

Memorial Service
As a reminder, the “Celebration of Life & Sharing of Memories” service for Helen Brandenburg Barks will be this Saturday, July 26th, at the St. Paul U.C.C. in Hermann, Missouri at 10:30am. Helen was a secretary here at the church for 35 years. You can find more information here. 

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Around the World…

Flat Jesus in the Spotlight
He’s made recent appearances in New England, Kansas City, and the neighborhood pool. Photos are on the website and the Facebook page, in the Gathering Space and the Narthex.  Send your photos to Marie in the office.  Where will he show up next?

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Faith Des Peres is BUSY ...

There's a lot happening at Faith Des Peres!  Rev. Joe Marting will be leading worship this weekend while Annie is out of the office (if you have an emergency, please contact Marie). Remember to bring items for the School Supply Drive ... sign up for the float trip ... register for the new PW Bible Study ...  "like" the new FDP Facebook page ... and make the most of this beautiful spring-like summer that God has given us!  ~Marie

Are You Ready for a Float Trip?
Kathy Sherrick is organizing this fun 6-mile float at Mound Ridge on August 16th. More information and registration is on the website and in the Gathering Space. Sign up today! (The deadline for registration is August 4th, payment is due August 10th.)

Faith Des Peres is a “Social” Place!
That’s right, we’re on Facebook. The address is www.facebook.com/faithdesperes. Your Flat Jesus photos are on there, as are Community Garden photos and information. Important announcements and events are being posted (float trip information, etc.). Please let Marie in the office know if you do NOT want any photos of you or your family posted on Facebook. “Like” us ... then SHARE our posts on your wall so others can see what’s happening at Faith Des Peres. And if you’re courageous, “invite” your friends to like our page also.  (If you don't know how to "share" or "invite", call Marie in the office.) There’s a LOT going on at Faith Des Peres—let’s share it with everyone!

Please Remember Your Items for the School Supply Drive 
Mission and Ministry is sponsoring a school supply drive this summer in coordination with the Circle of Concern, running from June 29th – August 3rd.  Please help give children a good start to the school year with your donation of school supplies. If you cannot bring items on a Sunday, please drop them off when the church is open. Click here for a list of needed items.   A big, bright box is in the Gathering Space for school items.

New PW Bible Study Beginning August 27th
Join us for a new Presbyterian Women’s study based on the book of 2 Corinthians entitled, “Reconciling Paul,” by Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty. Our first meeting will be Wednesday, August 27th at 9:30am, led by Joanna Gerst. We’d love to see you, so register and pick up a book in the Gathering Space. Or let Marie know you’d like to attend.

Do You Make Online Payments to FDP?
​If you make your stewardship and/or capital campaign payments through your online banking, please take a moment and adjust the memo line to read either “capital” or “stewardship” for clarification to the church office and Sunday counters. Thank you!

Don’t Take a Break from Making a Difference!
Summer is break time, but not for contributions...  Use your Schnucks e-scrip card (or pick up one in the Gathering Space). It costs you nothing, but Schnucks contributes a percentage of your purchase to Faith Des Peres every time you swipe it at the checkout. The contributions you generate simply by shopping at Schnucks (which you do anyway) helps build a stronger church and allows us to do more for others. Enjoy your summer and be sure to keep up the good work – use your red Schnucks Community or Customer Card every time you shop. Need more information? Contact the church office or visit Schnucks online. The FDP Group ID # is 164503349. 

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Dear Faith Des Peres Family & Friends:

This Sunday, July 13, I’ll continue my sermon series on “Practicing Our Faith”.  This week we’ll look at the practice of forgiveness.  As you prepare for Sunday worship, I encourage you to think about someone you are struggling to forgive, or someone whose forgiveness you seek.  Name the wrong that has been done, why it still hurts, and why it is difficult to forgive or seek forgiveness.  Then, imagine lifting up this difficulty and giving it to God. 

If you are traveling this weekend, I pray your travels are safe.  (Don’t forget to take Flat Jesus with you!)  If you are in town, we would love to see you in worship!

Blessings,
Annie

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Around Church and Around Town…

Are you ready for a float trip?
Kathy Sherrick is organizing this fun 6-mile float at Mound Ridge on August 16th. More information and registration is on the website and in the Gathering Space.

Faith Des Peres is Going Social
That’s right, we’re on Facebook. The address is www.facebook.com/faithdesperes. Our main objective at this time will be to post events and important announcements and hopefully some of our Flat Jesus adventures, etc. Please let Marie in the office know if you do NOT want any photos of you or your family posted on Facebook. (Even when using photos on the website, no last names - especially of children - are ever used.)  “Like” us . . . let’s be “friends!”

School’s Out… 
Mission and Ministry is sponsoring a school supply drive this summer in coordination with the Circle of Concern, running from June 29th – August 3rd.  Please help give children a good start to the school year with your donation of school supplies. If you cannot bring items on a Sunday, please drop them off when the church is open. Click here for a list of needed items.  A big, bright box is in the Gathering Space for school items.

Condolences
Helen Brandenburg Barks, long-time secretary here at FDP (34 years!), passed away on Friday, June 27th.  A "Celebration of Life & Sharing of Memories" is planned for July 26th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul U.C.C. For more information or to learn more about the life of Helen, visit www.toedtmanngrosse.com. She will be missed!

Congratulations, Cathy & Patrick!
lease extend your congratulations to Cat Trotter and Pat Harper as they were joined in marriage on June 29th. We thank the Lord for their love and we pray for peace, contentment and joy as they begin their lives together as husband and wife.

Do You Make Online Payments to FDP?
f you make your stewardship and/or capital campaign payments through your online banking, please take a moment and adjust the memo line to read either “capital” or “stewardship” for clarification to the church office and Sunday counters. Thank you!

Don’t Take a Break from Making a Difference!
Summer is break time, but not for contributions...  Use your Schnucks e-scrip card (or pick up one in the Gathering Space). It costs you nothing, but Schnucks contributes a percentage of your purchase to Faith Des Peres every time you swipe it at the checkout. The contributions you generate simply by shopping at Schnucks (which you do anyway) helps build a stronger church and allows us to do more for others. Enjoy your summer and be sure to keep up the good work – use your red Schnucks Community or Customer Card every time you shop. Need more information? Contact the church office or visit www.schnucks.com. The FDP Group ID # is 164503349. 

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Around the Country and Around the World…

I see London, I see France…
Dianne & Phil recently took Flat Jesus on a cruise with them to Spain and France, then took him on a tour of London. See photos here. Where will we see Flat Jesus next? Look at photos in the Gathering Space and find the new ones!

General Assembly News from June 14-21, 2014
View a complete reporting of the 221st General Assembly here.

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Dear Faith Des Peres Community:

This Sunday, July 6, we’ll worship at the Old Church at 10:30.  Join us for this casual service. We’ll sing patriotic hymns and I’ll continue my sermon series on “Practicing Our Faith”.  This week we’ll look at the practice of observing Sabbath time.  As you prepare for Sunday worship, I encourage you to think about what you have to say “no” to in order to say “yes” to Sabbath.  Is there some beginning step that lies within your reach?

If you are travelling this weekend, I pray your travels are safe.  (Don’t forget to take Flat Jesus with you!)  If you are in town, we would love to see you in worship.  Make the time; observe Sabbath. 

Blessings,
Annie

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Around Church...

Condolences
Helen Brandenburg Barks, long-time secretary here at FDP (34 years!), passed away on Friday, June 27th.  A "Celebration of Life & Sharing of Memories" is planned for July 26th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul U.C.C. For more information or to learn more about the life of Helen, visit www.toedtmanngrosse.com. She will be missed!

Congratulations, Cathy & Patrick!
Please extend your congratulations to Cat Trotter and Pat Harper as they were joined in marriage on June 29th. We thank the Lord for their love and we pray for peace, contentment and joy as they begin their lives together as husband and wife. See more photos of Flat Jesus with Cat & Pat on their wedding day! 

 

First "selfie" as Mr. & Mrs. Harper

 

Feeding the Flock at the Old Church this Sunday
Feeding the Flock will be collecting school and food items for Circle of Concern. Please bring items with you on July 6th. If you won’t be at the Old Church, please drop off items any time the church is open (Clayton Road). Current needed food items for Circle of Concern: dry dinners, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned pasta, toilet paper.

Parent’s Night Out July 12th
The second Parent’s Night Out of the summer is Saturday, July 12, 5pm-9pm.  Drop off your child(ren) at the church and enjoy a night out!  Cost is only $10/child.  If you bring dinner and/or a snack, please keep in mind there are peanut, tree nut and egg allergies amongst our kids.  To keep everyone safe, please pack dinner/snacks accordingly.  RSVP to Beth Willock by July 9.  Questions? E-mail Beth Willock at Beth.A.Willock@efleets.com. 

Are you ready for a Float Trip?
Kathy Sherrick is organizing this fun 6-mile float at Mound Ridge on August 16th. More information and registration is on the website and in the Gathering Space.

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