Can you believe that we\u2019re halfway through the year already? Corinne and I have already started thinking about Advent — it\u2019ll be here before you know it. For now, let\u2019s enjoy some fun in the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first Sunday of the month brings us a special occasion, July 5<\/strong> and America\u2019s 250th<\/sup> birthday. While we often separate church and state, this special occasion gives us the opportunity to think about who we are as both Christians and Americans. We will also welcome folks to join the choir for this Sunday only. Rehearsal will be at 9:30 AM in the sanctuary for all those who want to join in the celebration. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n On Saturday, July 11<\/strong>, I will be hosting my first ever Garden(ing) Party<\/strong>. We\u2019ll gather in the Prayer Garden at 9:00 AM and work to weed the church\u2019s expansive gardens. After an hour, we\u2019ll take a break and enjoy some fellowship and snacks. Everyone is invited to help tidy up the church grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunday, July 12<\/strong> brings us a new sermon series titled Broken \u2013 Good News for Tough Times. <\/em>The Rev. Dr. Jacqueline J. Lewis developed this series to offer hope and encouragement through Paul\u2019s letter to the Romans. Throughout the series, we will learn how God sustains us through hard times and in brokenness. We will kick off the study by looking at Romans 8:1-11<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the third Sunday of the month (July 19<\/strong>), we will continue with Romans 8:12-25<\/a>. In this passage, we see that, even when we are in pain and struggling, God will bring restoration to us. God will indeed bring beauty out of ashes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n