Celebrate Dad With Us!

Sunday, 10:15-10:45 am
Don't miss Fellowship Time this week as we celebrate all our fathers and father figures! Our Hospitality Team will provide special refreshments for everyone to enjoy. Come inside for food and conversation before heading out front for Outdoor Worship.

Wednesday Morning Prayer Group ~ 10am
At the Jackson's and on Zoom
Personal Meeting ID: 6936117456
Password: prayer

8 Reasons Why You Should Volunteer for Vacation Bible School

VBS is a great way to minister to families in our community by ministering to their kids. What makes a VBS successful, however, is a team of great volunteers. Churches often have a difficult time recruiting volunteers. This may be because people don’t understand all the blessings and benefits they will receive from volunteering. So to help, here are 8 reasons you should volunteer for VBS:

1) Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these….you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40). So when you are doing crafts and acting out the Bible story with 3rd graders at VBS, you are doing it for and with Jesus.

2) VBS is an excellent review for when you play Bible trivia. Most likely, you have forgotten some of the details of “Jonah and the Whale” or “Daniel and the Lion’s Den.” VBS is a great way to review foundational Bible stories.

3) At VBS, you will meet other volunteers and make connections with new people. Serving together is a great way to start new friendships with people already in your church. When we attend the same service each Sunday and sit in the same place, we limit opportunities to meet new people. This shakes things up a bit!

4) At VBS, you are guaranteed to get some good exercise! Between doing the movements to the VBS songs and participating in the daily games, you are sure to get your steps in!

5) VBS allows you to be a part of sharing the Gospel with children and, in turn, impacting their families. We are called to share the hope we have, and by helping make VBS happen, you are doing just that.

6) VBS snacks are usually great! Whether you are volunteering in the kitchen or not, there is always enough for the volunteers to have a hot dog, popsicle, ice cream sandwich, or some goldfish!

7) At VBS, you will learn something new and be reminded of important truths too. When we serve others, we are obedient, and the Lord will often use that window of obedience to teach us and reveal Himself to us in new ways. So when you are serving, keep your spiritual eyes and ears open for what He wants to say.

8) If you have kids participating in VBS, this is a great way to connect with them. Even if you aren’t working with their age group, you’ll have plenty to share and laugh about together. It may even inspire some activities at your home with other family members.

by Drake Hoffman, April 28, 2021

Please prayerfully consider being a VBS volunteer.
Volunteer forms available on the VBS table in the Great Room.

Encouragement

Thank you to Marcia Kreps for sharing and Darla Smith for writing these weekly bits of encouragement.

"I pray you are doing well. Did anyone say heatwave? Looks like most of the country is hot right now. That sometimes sparks major thunderstorms, which we had last night in northeast Ohio. I pray you are all safe and were protected from any harm. I did not have to water the last two nights, which was nice. We have a water barrel, so the thunderstorms have been keeping it supplied. Everything works together. Isn’t God absolutely amazing! Not a day goes by that I notice something God made – just to bless us. Amazing love is what that is!"

"My Word for this week is “whisper.” The Holy Spirit wants us to get quiet so we can hear the “whisper” He has for us. We need to trust in that “whisper.” Let Him transform you to only hear what He wants you to hear. He is our understanding. He knows us, if we choose to have a relationship with Him. So many times, the distractions of this life take us to that chaos that I spoke about last week. Get quiet and listen for the “whisper” of Holy Spirit to guide your steps, your thoughts, your witness, your testimony – in ALL THINGS. He is our comforter. Do not let the enemy steal your joy, peace, and comfort. Bask in the “whisper,” listen, and know His voice. He will never let you down. EVER. Praying we all experience the “whisper” this week."

But you don’t believe, because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice;
I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never die,
and no one can steal them out of my hand. ~ John 10:26-28 (NCV)

VBS Volunteer Meeting

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, June 29 at 6pm!
We are asking all VBS volunteers (and anyone thinking about volunteering) to join us for an important meeting. We'll go over the different volunteer roles, get a preview of what each day will look like, and discuss other VBS specifics. Don't miss this opportunity to learn all about our Monumental journey!

News of the Week

We had an amazing day last Saturday, met tons of people, and sold lots of jam. Come see us this Saturday in Columbiana at Harbel's Market. So many great vendors to check out as well as plenty of fascinating local history.

This week we have been busy harvesting strawberries, planting marigolds to (hopefully) keep the critters away while awaiting the new fence, weeding, and running irrigation lines. Running a small farm keeps everyone busy with the huge variety of tasks that must be done.

Wednesday's heat advisory had us being extra careful to stay safe. Everyone enjoyed a treat of homemade strawberry shortcake (Made by Cam & Caleb with our own berries!) as a special cool down treat. Our crew still managed to weed...lots of weeds...so many weeds...as they get the front shipshape for the church for Sunday. The afternoon saw everyone staying inside to make jam, plant microgreens and dill, and clean.

Today we are working on adding gravel around the raised beds out front and, of course, weeding. Some of our crew is also focused on doing some more cleaning. While it is still hot, we are very glad it isn't quite as hot as yesterday! We want to remind you all to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and don't forget to take a break in the shade sometimes!

Rock Kidz Uganda, Inc.

To Advocate, Advise, Advance the ministries
of Divine Soccer in Masaka, Uganda for the benefit
of the children of the community.

Sponsorships and donations can be made to:
Rock Kidz Uganda, Inc.
1814 E. 3rd St., Salem, OH 44460
or via Pay Pal at rockkidzuganda@gmail.com.

Learn more at: Rock Kidz Uganda and on: www.rockkidzuganda.org.

Visit the Rock Kidz table in the Great Room!
Sponsors needed for new students in Masaka! Meet our children HERE.

Live Onstage in Columbiana

Playing at Columbiana Cultural Collective (formerly Main Street Theater).
The Squeaky Wheel Theater Company presents their first live stage production - Newsies Junior.
The performance is a culmination of three weeks of hard work by the actors ages 6-18, actors of special needs of all ages, and amazing staff.

Come see this truly inclusive, amazing Broadway musical brought to life:
Friday, June 17 at 7:00pm
Saturday, June 18 at 2:00pm
* Sunday, June 19 at 2:00pm
Tickets available online.

Rally In the Valley

Saturday, doors open at 7am
More info on their website.