In This Edition:

• Celebrate Communion this Sunday

• In Christian Sympathy

• Church Campout

• Sermon Snippet

• Holding in Prayer

Celebrate Communion this Sunday

Join us for worship in the park this Sunday (the weather forecast looks fantastic!) as we celebrate the sacrament of communion together.

In Christian Sympathy

With sorrow and hope, we share the news that Holly Sue Gay, Margie’s sister, for whom we as a church have been praying for years as she battled cancer, has died. You can read her obituary here: https://www.pulafuneralhome.com/obituary/Holly-Gay

Please keep the Shiroskys and all who mourn in prayer.

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 opportunities for swimming, canoing/kayaking, 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

For the last many Sundays, questions have been thought through thoroughly, and positive answers proposed. But what if those answers don’t satisfy the questioners? What if there are some things said or taught at church that you just don’t or can’t believe?

This Sunday’s sermon will tackle the difficult question, “Can we fully participate in a church if our faith doesn’t accept all its doctrines?” by looking to the letter to the Colossians, and what it has to say about the purpose and effect of “full participation” in the body of Christ.

Holding in Prayer

This week, as a community of faith we pray:

• with joy and gratitude, for Mary’s music and presence in worship

• for Mary’s friend Peter, who underwent surgery this week.

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

• for Noah, for newfound independence and for safety on his new E-Bike

• 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 Laurie’s sister-in-law Jan, who is recovering from surgery.

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

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

• for Jim and Justin as they return from their travels