Although we have had some beautiful days this summer, our summer has been a soggy one with plenty of rain. In fact, according to the weather keeper, we set records for July and August. During the summer church life seems to slow down as attendance drops as our regular members take off on their vacations for a time of renewal and rest … but the doors of the church must stay open as we need to continue to proclaim the love of Christ year around!

Despite the steady rain, our Vacation Bible School was one of the best since I have arrived here in 2005. There were 59 children enrolled and to see the smiles on their faces was well worth the hard work by all. One of the highlights for me was the joy that was evident by the residents at Parkway Pavilion Healthcare as the mission group children played sit down volleyball with them. Our own UMCE member resident, Mary Bassett, taught the children how to use your head to win at volleyball.

Our early morning worship attendance has averaged 12 and attendance at our 10 a.m. worship service has held up very nicely… thanks to all who have made the extra effort to keep our worship experiences vital by being PRESENT! As we prepare to start our fall schedule, don’t forget that we are in need of scripture readers, ushers, acolytes, counters, and coffee fellowship hosts! Please call the church office to sign up or use the signup sheets on the bulletin board in the entry way of the church!

On September 13 I would like to personally invite you to our potluck dinner at 6 p.m. followed by a cabaret as we prepare for the startup of our fall schedule the next day with Sunday School, choir, and a time to gather back from our summer vacations and leisure to worship as the family of God. Please consider sharing some of your talents at the cabaret for us to enjoy. In many ways, not only our children, but all of us are going back to school.

And speaking of going back to school, I remember when I was growing up going back to school in the fall and my teacher asking me to write an essay…“What I did during my summer vacation.” As I write this, summer isn’t quite over yet… so if there are things you had hoped to accomplish, you still have an opportunity, and remember; perhaps you may be asked how you shared your faith with someone this summer. Being a Christian doesn’t stop when the sun comes out… (or when it doesn't.)

Finally, I would like to invite those who are heading back to school whether you are a student, teacher, administrator, tutor, school nurse, bus driver, or crossing guard, if you are part of the educating of children to come to our worship service on September 14, at 10:00 am, and receive a "Back to School Blessing." Children may bring their school back packs to be blessed. Welcome back from vacation! You were missed.