Of all the months this year, June was cetainly ONE of them. A look back shows a lot of things having taken place such as Annual Conference, the Hog Roast & Auction, a Girls' Chrysalis, a week at Jensen Woods Camp as chaplain and here comes JULY

Our Annual Conference was able to get a lot done partly because all resolutions dealing with homosexuality were tabled almost the first thing. Our lay delegate for Hooppole/Hillsdale Charge, Gene Turner, will report on July 18th, don't miss church that Sunday. Thanks to Cyndi & Paul Muller who convered the pulpit, really well, June 13th for us. Paul gave a great laity talk based on Revelation and how Jesus plans to deal with churches which are neither "hot nore cold."

The Zion Hog Roast & Benefit Auction was a resounding success raising over $2,000. Thanks to everybody who helped out there in any way. Laura Oldenburg attended the spiritual renewal weekend known as Chrysalis last month. There will be another one in the fall, one each for boys and girls

Jenson Woods Camp chaplaincy was an exhausting experience in a refreshing sort of way. JW has activities such as archery, hiking, horseback and bicycle riding, PLUS two daily worship services, a devotion with the chaplain and at least one with the counselor around the camp fire. Campers are exercised physically and spiritually and they love it.

Sammi Walker, Jill Meier & Brett Meier of Zion are going to camp up in Dixon this month, which is good, but we need to send more kids to camp!! The lives I've seen changed at Jensen Woods the last two years is staggering. Seeds planted in a good Christian Camping experience will grow toward maturity the rest of the camper's life, reaching kids for Christ that we might never get into church. LET'S DO IT!!!

Well, July is off and running, have a great month. See you at Church.

Shalom,
Chuck

Chuckin' Along for the Lord
September 2004

“GONE FISHIN’” is what the shingle at the parsonage should read right about now. This is being written right after the Zion Board Meeting and the HUMC Corn Boil, and right before our 30th wedding anniversary renewal of vows August 22nd.

WE WERE GETTING READY to “get out of town,” for a couple of weeks. As you read this (Good Lord Willing) Linda & I will be in the North Woods, where we hope it isn’t snowing. I’ve NEVER wanted to ice fish. It is a much-needed time for RR&R.

REST, RELAXATION & reflection. Even before we go, I’m sure of one thing we will be reflecting upon is all of the “THANK YOUS” that we owe.

NOT JUST FOR EVERYONE who was at our anniversary, although I’m sure that was an afternoon we won’t forget for another 30 years, but for the fresh vegetable care packages which have appeared at the parsonage door this summer, or the nice notes & cards, calls, meals we have received at key moments. And for the prayers, thank you for the prayers.

WE ARE SO BLESSED TO BE in God’s service and I know I am way behind on my expressions of gratitude. It has been a busy summer which I can’t believe is already gone, but If one is too busy to say “thank you” then one is just too busy. So I guess that is why we are on vacation.

PLEASE BE SURE THAT THE smallest kindness that you have shown us has been noticed and appreciated. While we will never be able to repay you, we will try, with God’s help. Take a deep breath now, Fall is full of Fall festivals, Pork Chop Suppers, Football games, World Series, elections, and church services.

IF ONE IS TOO BUSY TO go to church, one is just too busy. But that sounds like a sermon, and I’m supposed to be on vacation.

Shalom,
Chuck

• Welcome & Announcements
• Recognition of Visitors
• Musical Call to Worship
• Opening Prayer
• Responsive Call to Worship: Psalms
• Gloria Patri
• Opening Congregational Hymn
• Offering
• Doxology
• Children's Time
• Prayer Time: Sharing of concerns, joys, thanksgivings & blessings.
• Scripture Reading
• Sermon
• Closing Hymn
• Closing Prayer
• Musical Benediction