.png)
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:7-8
I served as a Bible Camp director for 8 summers in the “lake country” of Minnesota. It was an exciting place to be and work in the summers. Bible camps offer a unique opportunity for spiritual growth, community building, and personal development, especially for children and teenagers. It is also great for all ages, young and old.
Camps provide a structured environment where faith can be explored and strengthened through Bible study, worship, games, art, music, and other exciting activities. Beyond the spiritual benefits, camps foster help foster relationship building in families or friends, build teamwork and leadership skills in a supportive setting that is different and free from your home church and community setting.
Some of our church youth regularly go to summer camp. We’ve also sponsored kids from Youth For Christ to attend their camps, too. I attended a few camps as a kid – including 4-H camp, Green Lake Bible Camp, and Mount Carmel Family Camp, where I later became the director. It’s a great investment and wonderful opportunity to learn and grow.
We are hosting a Vacation Bible School (VBS) with all the other churches onsite. Nowadays a lot of churches call their VBS program “Day Camp”. Ours will be held on the evenings of June 24, 25, 26 from 6:30-8:15 and will include singing, teaching time, games, and snack time. Our theme is “Run the race. Live the call,” based on Philippians 3:14. We will be helping them connect faith with their love for sports.
We’re excited about doing this again. It has been a long time since we’ve had something like this. It is new to be working with the other churches and Youth For Christ, and wouldn’t be possible without them. Kaitlyn Hallet, our fearless director, has been working for months to get everything organized. We will be sharing some highlights from the week on Sunday, June 29th during worship. You don’t want to miss it!
But wait, there’s more! We are also welcoming a “Summer String Camp” with Grace Notes Music Foundation, for ages 5-18. They will meet in small groups in the mornings with four talented instructors and then as a large group in the afternoons. Our pianist, Sandra Baran, connected us. Our location is a great place for them to have a music camp. The exciting part for us is that they are going to perform some songs in worship on two Sundays, July 6th and 19th. They will also hold a concert here on July 18th at 6:00 pm that you should attend. Much like a Bible camp, a music camp gives them the opportunity for growth, community, and personal development. Let’s welcome them!
For even more fun, we’re putting together a choir in June to sing in worship on June 29th. We’re calling it a “Pop Up Choir”, meaning we will rehearse a few times, and then pop up and sing in worship! We’ll choose songs that are accessible and fun to sing. Consider joining us and bring someone with you. We will rehearse briefly on June 8 and 22 after worship. Let’s make a joyful sound to the Lord.
This weekend, we will remember our military servicemen and women who have given their lives in defense of our nation’s freedoms. May you have a blessed Memorial Day weekend with loved ones.
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
· Are you looking for a church home? Do you KNOW ANYONE that might be interested in joining us? Talk to one of the pastors or call or email the church office.
· We are forming a “PopUp” choir to sing in worship! Sandra Baran is leading our choir with rehearsals on June 8, 22. We will rehearse and sing on June 29th. Talk to Sandra or Pastor Dan if you are interested, or just show up!
· We are having Vacation Bible School on June 24-25-26 from 6:30-8:15 pm. Registration for youth 1st to 5th grade (ages 6-12) is now open online for the churches. Go to: https://forms.gle/ovM3WRbaPMnjZFKz9
· Grace Notes Music Foundation is having two summer string music camps for ages 5-18, June 23-July 6 and July 7-18. Scholarships are available. June 9 deadline is the deadline. Limited scholarships are available. https://www.gracenotesmusicfoundation.org/summer-strings-camp
· The Holy Cross Council Meeting will be on Sunday, June 1st after worship in the Fellowship Hall.
· The Holy Cross Congregational Meeting: Sunday, June 8th immediately after worship in Sanctuary.
· Join us for a delicious lunch following worship on Sunday in the Fellowship Hall.
