June 4, 2008

Would you like to spend a whole week this summer at a huge BEACH PARTY complete with surfing lessons, great beach music, beachcombing adventures, and so much more? Join us for

June 9-13, 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Vacation Bible School is being offered jointly with First Congregational United Church of Christ and Christ United Methodist Church and is being sponsored by the First Congregational United Church of Christ Bertsche Memorial Fund so there is no cost to you. It is not too late to register. Bring your children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors! We have close to 30 pre-registrants so far! Maybe you would like to help out with an age group or provide other assistance! Helpers are needed for Science, 1^st-3^rd grade, and 4^th-6^th grade. A family picnic will conclude Vacation Bible School on Friday, June 13^th at 12:00 P.M. Registration forms and a volunteer sign up sheet are located in the narthex. For more information, contact Bonnie Warren at 453-4316 or bonniewarren4@hotmail.com

A NOTE OF THANKS

Thank you to those of you who participated in this year's Bible study of Matthew. It was a great journey, and I learned a lot as well as enjoyed your fellowship. Special thanks for our year end luncheon, which was delicious, as well as your thoughtfulness and generosity in your gifts. I look forward to reconvening in the fall.

Blessings, Rev. Jim Petersen

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS & ROOM PICK UP

Children will begin in worship this Sunday at 9:30 A.M. before being dismissed to room 3 for a CUMC Sunday Special.

Teachers are needed for Sunday Specials on 7/27, 8/17 and 8/24. It's safer and more fun to do it with someone! Nursery care is needed for 7/20, 7/27, 8/17 and 8/24. Please call Bonnie Warren at 453-4316 or Erica LaTray at 452-2153 if you are able to help.

FISH THANK YOU Nick Cetto wishes to thank the following people for helping with FISH the week of May 27-30: Shannon Anderson, Jack & Nancy Armstrong, Jim Balzer, Bill Collins, Christi Hodgson, Stacy Hopkins, Del & Pat Johnson, Carol McAdam, Stan Meyer, Cathleen Morrison, and Dave & Mary Neagle.

FATHER'S DAY CONCERT

On Father's Day, June 15, the HARVARD GLEE CLUB (a 60-voice male acappela choir) will present a free concert at 7P.M. at the Civic Center. The presentation will largely include sacred and classical music. Chase Mohney, a GFHS graduate and son of Ray & Laurie Mohney, arranged for this stop on their national tour.

Though hospitality has been arranged for most of the choir, if you would like to house a student or two, provide meals, and/or transportation, please call Ray Mohney at 727-7162.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with maintaining the grounds this summer. If you are interested in weeding, planting or lawn care (we have a riding mower!), please call the church office.

MONDAY MEETINGS

(June 9)

12:00 P.M. Joint Facilities

6:15 P.M. Boards

7:30 P.M. Council

Any other graduates out there? Call us and let us know so we can celebrate with you.

Please note that camps are one day less this year, concluding on a Friday, with the exception of the 3^rd-4^th grade camp, which ends on Thursday. Counselors are needed to help ensure the success of camp. If you would like to assist Janet Koostra with the 3^rd-4^th graders, or be a part of another age group, please let us know! For more info visit www.campmimanagish.org

JUNE YOUTH AGENDA

Bobby Lauver of Christ UMC will continue to lead our joint Sr/Jr High youth group through the summer. The following activities are planned for all (going into) 6th-12th graders, including our graduates.

Weds. Evening Fellowship will continue at the church, 6:30 PM - 8 PM. Join us for fun & games, reflection & fellowship.

Lock-in, Friday, June 20. At First UMC, 610 2^nd Ave. N., youth will gather at 8 PM. At 11 PM "Chaos Friday" will be the order of the day. Bring sleeping bag and pillow, etc. Concludes at 8 A.M. on Saturday.

Flag Football, June 22. Join coach Bobby for a pick-up game of flag football on Sunday, June 22, at 2 PM, North Kiwanis Park. As in all our activities, friends are welcome!

Lick Creek Caves hike, June 29.

We will leave the church parking lot at 1 PM for this Sunday hike in the Little Belts. Again, friends and parents, or any other adult, is welcome as well. The caves are cool and muddy, so bring warm clothes and a change of shoes, as well as a flashlight.

Summertime - a season of special opportunities. Please join us, even if you have not been active during the school year!