In This Edition:

• Joint Worship with South Walpole UMC

• Summer CIA

• Upcoming Staff Vacations

• Church Campout

• Sermon Snippet

• Holding in Prayer

Joint Worship with South Walpole UMC

We’re blessed by the ties that bind us to our siblings in Christ at South Walpole UMC! Despite not sharing a joint mission trip this summer, we still will have a chance to worship together, and to meet SWUMC’s new pastor, Rev. Ken Mantler. On Sunday, August 17, we will welcome SWUMC to our Outdoor/Chapel worship at Union (depending on weather). On Sunday August 24, we will gather down Washington Street in South Walpole’s sanctuary (1886 Washington Street). *Note that SWUMC begins worship at 10:00 AM. Both services will be live-streamed on Facebook.

Summer CIA

Upcoming Staff Vacations

Office manager Beverly Sellers will be away on vacation next two weeks (August 11-26). Pastor Shepherd will be in the office Tuesday-Thursday from 10-12. Pastor Shepherd will be away from August 19-September 8; for pastoral care during that time, contact your deacon, or the chair of Diaconate, Judy Rummell.

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Church Campout

Want to spend some quality time with your church family out in the beauty of God’s creation? Then come camping with us August 15-17 at Massasoit State Park! You can reserve a campsite by clicking here (the Shepherd family will be in site D74). Located just 30 minutes down the road, Massasoit State Park offers opp and hiking trails, or simply relaxing by the campfire! For more information or to let us know you’re coming, contact Pastor Shepherd.

Sermon Snippet

This Sunday’s sermon is inspired by the only question submitted to the survey on behalf of a child: “Do bees have fingernails?”

Join us in worship to hear the answer—and to hear how the wonder we feel at God’s creation is critical for faith, peace, and joy.

Holding in Prayer

This week, as a community of faith we pray:

• for Kerry’s friend Diane, who is beginning a difficult course of treatment for cancer

• with joy, for Jim and Justin’s safe travels, and for the people of Japan

• for the Pan-Mass Challenge Riders, and the cause for which they ride

• with joy for Pam, and the healing of a broken relationship

• with joy, for Shirley’s wonderful trip to Europe, and reconnecting with family history

• with joy, for Barbara’s wonderful time with family in Maine

• for Nelson’s son Greg, who is facing health challenges

• for Nelson’s friend and cribbage competitor Francine, for healing

• for Virine Morris, who passed away, and all who mourn her (especially members of the Hyde Park Presbyterian Church)

• for Margie’s sister Holly, who has passed away, and for all who mourn

• for Noah, for healing after crashing his new E-Bike (!) and for continued safety

• for Mary’s brother Lance, as he continues to heal from an infection

• for Padgraig, who is receiving treatment at the hospital, and for his caregivers

• with sorrow, for those who mourn the death of Sue, a classmate of Nancy, Judy, and Shirley’s.

• for Shirley’s niece Karen, who is receiving palliative care, and for the comforting times with family.

• for Pam’s friend Cookie, as she battles cancer.

• for Lew’s friend Dan, as he faces kidney disease