Church News Update as of 12 July 2009

In Loril's sermon today, which was titled "Traveling Tips," she urged the congregation to strive to live by faith in what is not seen (Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16) and venture out into the unknown when called by God to do so (Psalm 106:1-27). I was especially moved when she pointed out that an impala, which can jump 10 ft high and 30 ft in distance, can be contained by only a 3 ft fence at the zoo if it cannot see the ground where it would land if it tried to escape.

Music: Justin Ryan introduced a new song for worship preparation called "Be Still and Know that I Am God." Holly Sorensen and Atikah Ismail Mazurczyk led the congregation through it the first time. Later in the service, Holly and Atikah offered "O Sing" as special music. Justin is looking for additional vocalists and musicians to offer special music in future summer services. "We have plenty of openings for offertories, preludes, and postludes." You can write him at rogermimi@aol.com. Today's hymns included "Shout to the Lord", "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms", and "Come Sing, O Church, in Joy".

Youth Ministry: Near the end of the service, Loril commissioned a youth group and their leaders, who are heading out on the senior high mission trip to upstate New York next Saturday 18 July. Don Day, who has coordinated this event through the Grace Bible Fellowship church near his home in the Adirondacks, says the trip will include worship, music, a picnic, and work on some local homes in that community. The trip runs through 22 July. I'm hoping to get some reporting as events unfold.

Announcements:

• Vacation Bible School begins tomorrow and runs all week. I understand that Corky Farry is running this summer program and Loril is the music leader. I'm hoping for some updates on VBS for the blog.
  
• Four of our choir members will be participating in the 55th Annual Ocean Grove Choir Festival, which will be held this evening at the Ocean Grove Auditorium beginning at 7:30 pm. Here's a recent Asbury Park Press article about the event.
• Diane Farry and Randy Kovac are to be wed in our sanctuary on Saturday 25 July 2009 at 2:30 pm. The congregation is cordially invited to attend. (Diane is going to the Adirondacks next weekend as a youth group leader, so she'll no doubt be singing that My Fair Lady song,"Get Me to the Church On Time!"
  
• Speaking of time, be sure to set aside some time between 19-22 August 2009 to get your family portrait taken for the church's pictorial directory. Watch for further announcements.
• Thanks to those in the church who donated eyeglasses to the Lions Clubs International. A total of eighty pair were collected!
• Chancel flowers: The church has openings for gifts of chancel flowers for 2 August and 29 November. Please sign the chart in the Narthex or contact the church office if interested.
  

Next week's service will be Sunday 19 July 2009 at 9:30 am. Check out the July/August 2009 Lantern for more information about the church's summer program.