Smart Thoughts

       The youth of Early FUMC are on their way to Palmer for their mission trip. We had 19 youth participating in this years mission work along with 5 adults (6 if Roy is able to make it). They will be working hard for a couple of days showing others the love of Christ. It is exciting to see such a good group choosing to make a difference for others.

       The week this group traveled to Palmer on Thursday, we took 12 youth to a Junior High camp at Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center on Monday. Two in that group will join the Palmer group on Friday. We were not able to send adult volunteers to help at this particular camp. We were asked several times since we had so many attending. We tend to forget that summer camp at Glen Lake cannot happen without adult volunteers. There must be an adult in each cabin and those adults work in pairs to help with small group activities. Twelve youth! That would be about one cabin full. There are several more camps this summer that are desperate for volunteers. Prayerfully consider making the camping opportunity a reality for the young people in our annual conference.

       Those who were in worship on June 22 at both the Zephyr and Early churches were able to share the excitement that Samantha Sutherland experienced in her mission trip to Uganda. Samantha told of the great need among the people she visited. She shared the joy they experience in worship. The Christians in Uganda are filled with the Holy Spirit, and it overflows in their lives and their worship. Samantha was blessed to have that opportunity and to have the financial support of some of you. We were blessed to hear some of the story and will continue to be blessed as I’m sure she will continue to share by word and deed.

Christianity is not a spectator sport. Christianity is not a concert or theater performance that we sit back and enjoy.

I am thankful for our youth that are learning through experience what it means to “Love our neighbor.” I am thankful for those who teach in our Sunday School and youth program. I am thankful for those who help to make Angel Food ministries a meaningful ministry to the people of Brown county. I am thankful for those who volunteer at Good Samaritans and Meals on Wheels. I am thankful for those who will volunteer to help with Vacation Bible School. I am thankful for all those volunteers that help keep our facilities operating and looking nice. I am thankful for those who take care of the financial responsibilities of our churches. I am thankful for those who faithfully come together in worship, especially during this summer. I am thankful for those to take the time and effort to care for one another. I am thankful for all those who are faithful, committed leaders in our congregations. I am thankful to be a part of these loving congregations for another year.

See you Sunday!