T h e T r u m p e t A publication of Great Falls United Methodist Church , Great Falls, Virginia 22066

“Make two silver trumpets... and you shall use them for summoning the congregation.” ~Numbers 10:2,10

July-August 2019

Shift +, Helping Congregations Get Back into the game of Effective Ministry, is a training and Coaching program based on the teachings of Phil Maynard, minister, coach, consultant, author and trainer. He works primarily in the area of congregational development.

GFUMC was selected as one of several churches in the Arlington District to participate in the eleven month long training. The Shift team is Pastor Dore, Karen Kelly, Kara Neal and Sandi Green, who will attend all of the sessions. Other church members who have participated in sessions on their area of ministry are: Jesslyn Lumb, Carol Wright and Carol Haver. The invitation is open to any church member to join the Shift team in one of the remaining Saturday trainings - July 20th - Shifting from Membership to Discipleship, September 28th - Shifting from Serve Us to Service and November 2nd - Shifting from Survival Mentality to Generosity. In addition, the Shift team meets every other month with mentor Jason Duley of Galilee UMC, who provides guidance and feedback on our Shift plans.

The Shift team has completed the first three training sessions which have changed our conversation about church. Intentional hospitality and connection are two important emphases in Dr. Maynard’s training. Most of us at GFUMC would say we are a welcoming and friendly church. But are we? Are we making a true connection with people who are our guests? How do we welcome them? How many different things do we ask them to fill out? (pew pad, visitor card, prayer card) What does our welcome letter look like? Does it show that we are an active church? Do we have a concise explanation of who we are as a church? There are numerous ideas to be considered but the team felt these following four shifts would be most easily implemented and would give immediate results:

Change the wording in our morning greeting from “visitors” to “guests”.

Newly worded and visually updated welcome letter for first time guests, shown here.

A Welcome Card for church members and guests - a single card with multiple purposes. (will replace the pew pad, visitor card and prayer request card)

Heart Promise - an addition.

Continued on page 2.

Our Mission: We are the people of God called to reflect Jesus Christ and to make a difference in people’s lives by:

Bringing People to God, Praising God in Worship, Learning the Word of God, Serving Others Near and Far,

Caring for Our Congregation and Community Church Office: 703-759-3705 Fax: 703-759-0466 Preschool: 703-759-2432

Pastor: Rev. Livingstone S. Dore ~ livingstonedore@vaumc.org Editor: Nancy Craner ~ greatfallsumc@verizon.net Website: greatfallsumc.org

Office Hours: Monday-Wednesday & Friday: 9 am to 4 pm ~ Thursdays: 9 am to 2 pm

P a g e 2 T h e T r u m p e t J u l y - A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

Continued from page 1.

On June 30th, Shift members were introduced and our Shift hospitality items were explained in detail. There will be an easel in the narthex displaying paper copies of each of these items. Beginning on Sunday, July 7th, the pew pads will no longer be in the pews. The Welcome Card will be our new sign-in procedure and you will find it placed inside your morning bulletin. These welcome cards will be filled out by guests and members alike and placed in the offering plate.

We look forward to these new shifts of intentional hospitality and connection.

Livingstone Dore, Karen Kelly,

Kara Neal, Sandi Green, Jesslyn Lumb,

Carol Wright and Carol Haver.

J u l y - A u g u s t 2 0 1 9 T h e T r u m p e t P a g e 3

July 7 ~ Altar Guild

July 14 ~ Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee

July 21 ~ Faith & Fellowship and Missions

July 28 ~ UMMen

Aug 4 ~ Agape & Evangelism

Aug 11 ~ Choir

Aug 18 ~ Education

Aug 25 ~ Admin Council

Sept 1 ~ BClarke/FWinston Circle

HOSTS

WORDS TO DIGEST

“Being defeated is often a temporary condition.

Giving up is what makes it permanent.”

-Marilyn Vos Savant Thank you for the contributions to Kits for

Conference! $1,124 was donated by the congregation

and $550 by the UMWomen, for a total of $1,674.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN FAITH ● HOPE ● LOVE IN ACTION

We wanted to thank our many Thomas Pandolfi Concert helpers -

the ushers, the check-in helpers, the food preparation and service helpers, CD sales helpers and in particular Mitch Mitchell for his help in setting up the sanctuary and Nancy Craner for her help and support in creating the concert program and tending to numerous details. Thank you also to Livingstone Dore and Carol Wright for their introductory comments. The concert was a success and all who attended appreciated Thomas Pandolfi’s piano program.

Amy Miller Sandi Green

The UMWomen will meet Sunday, August 4 at 11:15 am in the Parlor.

Help Wanted!

Our UMWomen look forward to hosting the Great Falls Senior Center at their gatherings on Tuesday, July 16

th and August 20

th

in the Fellowship Hall. Extra hands are needed to help prepare and serve lunch.

If you have questions or can help, please contact: Carol Wright 703-582-1640 (July 16) Dorothy Harsher at 703-378-1337 (August 20)

Holy Communion is available at home for those unable to

attend worship.

Please call the church office at

703-759-3705.

P a g e 4 T h e T r u m p e t J u l y - A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

"I will sing a new song unto thee O God; upon a psaltry and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee" (Psalm 144:9) Friends,

I don't know about ten stringed instruments, but while the choirs take their summer break we will have a Harpist, an Oboist, and some solo vocalists in the next few Sundays. I've got some other surprises that I hope come to fruition, but I'm still waiting for them to firm up before I announce.

Planning ahead, I'm looking for new Ringers in the Bell Choir and new Singers in the Chancel Choir to replace those that have left!!! Any age/ability are welcome. We'll be starting rehearsals again in September, Wednesday rehearsals, Bells 6:30 -7:15 Singers 7:30-8:30 Please prayerfully consider adding your talents to these extraordinary folks that help bring the music to life.

Soli Deo Gloria...

Mitch

Prayer Requests

Homebound

LuCee Canelias Marion Custer Sylvia Phillips Ellen Sanders Elleke Beza Jean Miller Eric Wyant

Other Needs

Those Grieving

Missionaries

ASP Mission Team JP Mission Team Lisa Nichols, Virginia

Leslie Melson Annaleigh Fontenot Neil Hubbard White Mike White Katie Smith Herb Griffin Lloyd Aguero Jane Ferrigno Bob Oliver Monica Giove Steve Allard Sarah McLaughlin Isabelle Piatt Jim Shanahan Jim Melson Angie Asante Don McGuiney Evan Audrey Hutchison Garnett Weiland Barbara Wente Sean Murphy Rory Murphy Brian Murphy Jack White Deb Witt Penny Claudia Ellen & Gene Cole Jan Lansford Bishop Sharma Lewis Dorothy Harsher Steve Cronmiller Eric Wyant Idrise Clinton

Health Concerns Tori Kalinksy Melodee Boos Bob Copeland Gordon Treco Jean Gagnon Frank Marutollo Sharon Baum Spike Simpkins Summer Miller Danny Bassette Jane Piper

Christian Sympathies are extended to:

The family of Ellen Sanders, long-time member and the previous GFUM church secretary who died June 20th. Her funeral will be held at the church on Friday, June 28 with visitation at 10 am, service at 11 am followed by graveside service and a reception in the fellowship hall. Cards may be mailed to her children: Lisa Anderson, 1205 South Keswick Drive, Troy, VA 22974 and/or Karl Sanders, 16019 Tiffany Lane, Haymarket, VA 20169.

The family of Suzanne Schlegel who died on June 12th.

Glenn and Dottie Terrell’s family on the passing of Glenn’s mother June 7th. Cards may be mailed to the Terrell family at 11403 Jordan Lane, Great Falls VA 22066.

J u l y - A u g u s t 2 0 1 9 T h e T r u m p e t P a g e 5

Eagle Court of Honor Boy Scout Troop 673, sponsored by the Great Falls United Methodist Church’s Men’s Club, celebrated the promotion of four new Eagle Scouts, Alexsandar Marjanovich, Zane Givans, Sawyer Blazar and Maximilian Dallas on May 4, 2019. Members of Troop 673, friends and family of Alex, Zane, Sawyer and Max attended. Mr. Greg Stephens and Jim Sayers were the guest speakers who regaled the audience on the scouting exploits of the four Scouts. Mr. Jon Porter, Scoutmaster of Troop 673, officiated and conferred the Eagle ranks on the four Eagle Scouts. A reception was held in the fellowship hall after the ceremony to celebrate the Scouts’ accomplishments. Of further interest, Troop 673 has just conferred the rank of Eagle on the 150th candidate in our Troop's history. The first Scout awarded the rank of Eagle in our Troop was in 1969 (50 years ago).

Show above left to right: Sawyer Blazar, Maximilian Dallas, Alexsandar Marjanovich

and Zane Givans.

Greetings All!

First and foremost I want to acknowledge and thank each and every one of you for the outpouring of love and monetary gifts that was contributed for my mission trip to Jamaica. Without those gifts and support the team and I would not be able to do the work that we did while we were there. We had a great time in Jamaica and were able to help many people.

Again thank you for all of your contributions and heartfelt support and prayers. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful church family and look forward to sharing with you!

Blessings, Kara Neal

Welcome to our new members!

Michael “Mick” Fox, 3/24/19

Julian “Jack” Bowles, 6/9/19

Chandler Jin-Ho Bowles, 6/9/19* Julian Jin-Hee Bowles, 6/9/19* Beckett Tate Brown, 6/9/19*

Andrew Patrick Callahan, 6/9/19* Patrick Daniel Lacy, 6/9/19*

Charles Christian Musser, 6/9/19* Theodore Haver Musser, 6/9/19*

Christopher Daniel Stamatelatos, 6/9/19* Jerry Emerson Stamatelatos, 6/9/19*

Stephen and Ruth Smyers, 6/16/19

*Confirmation Class, shown above.

P a g e 6 T h e T r u m p e t J u l y - A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

The second trip will be to Jeremiah Project in Winchester, VA July 21-27. The team has thirteen middle schoolers: Caroline Bell, Chandler Bowles, Julian Bowles, Anna Hartzell, Teddy Musser, Keenan Pierce, Delaney Ross, Hailey Smith, Krysti Stephens, Lauren Stygar, Sara Walker, Ilana Watson, and Marlee Watson and two additional adult chaperones: Sandra Musser and Dale Hausman. Our team leaves July 21st after being commissioned during the worship service. We will spend the week helping to change lives by working on wheelchair ramps, painting and connecting with the families we serve.

We will have an opportunity to spend the week with the team from Grace UMC, who we became friends with two years ago and have spent time with throughout the year. Wednesday is our free day to have a little fun! We return July 27th after a fulfilling week in Winchester.

JP offers an opportunity for families and the congregation to write letters or send care packages to our youth! This is such a treat for the kids while they are away. We would love for you to do so and to make their week even more enjoyable. If you feel called to, please send all mail/care packages no later than Tuesday, July 24th to ensure delivery by Friday to our camp location. All mail should be labeled as such:

Macedonia UMC -Name of Participant -Great Falls UMC c/o The Jeremiah Project 1941 Macedonia Church Rd White Post, VA 22663

I am so excited about the coming months and all that it has in store for our youth. It will not only be a blast but a transformative time for them and for the adults involved. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we do God’s work this summer.

Blessings,

Kara Neal Family Ministries youth@greatfallsumc.org 703-759-3137

Youth Group News

Please support our Mission Trip Fundraiser…

Our Youth Group receives 10% from Valvoline. Just give them Great Falls UMC Youth Group. You get 10% and

Greetings All!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer so far and enjoying some of this beautiful weather! It’s been a great start to our annual mission trips and all of that will continue into the months of July and August.

I wanted to let you all know that I would like for the youth to get together for a couple of fun activities this summer like a pool party and some other things. So please let me know when the kids will be available so we can get those on our schedule.

As summer is arriving our months are filled with lots of fun such as camping, beach days, vacations, and lots of family time but for me it’s one of my busiest seasons. Although those are all great things the summer months are also filled with wonderful mission opportunities for our youth. I’m so excited to share with all of you that this summer our youth and I will be going on two different mission trips.

The first trip will be with the Appalachia Service Project from July 13-20 with high schoolers and adults from five other churches from around the area. The trip is led by Arlington Temple UMC. Gabe & Nora Hausman and I will join them on July 13th and drive to our destination in Summers County, WV We will spend the week volunteering in West Virginia working on low income housing and developing relationships with those families. I look forward to bonding with the youth and the families that we serve and I’m also so excited to give back to the mountains that I call home. We will return July 20sh after an eventful week of helping to make things as ASP says, “Warmer, Safer, and Drier” for Appalachia!

J u l y - A u g u s t 2 0 1 9 T h e T r u m p e t P a g e 7

Members present: Livingstone Dore, Karen Kelly, Jesslyn Lumb, Rich Hozik, Anne Montgomery, Kara Neal, Steve Pretanik, Nick Brienza, Sandi Green, Carrie Madren.

Sandi Green called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Livingstone led the council in a devotional reading taken from A Tale of Two Cultures by Leonard Sweet.

Committee Reports:

Staff/Pastor/Parish Committee - Karen Kelly says there is nothing new to report. There will be no more meetings until September 2019.

Finance - Rich reported that the total income January to May 2019 is $6,718.94, the net income is $3,765.75. The restricted funds are at $24,163.93. See separate report for details.

Trustees - Steve Pretanik reports that the parsonage work is completed with $2,700 being paid for the painting. He reports that there are 3 large trees, 2 near the parsonage and one on the corner of the upper parking lot that need to come down. The trustees received the lowest quote from Rivera’s Landscaping for $4,700. There are additional landscaping/planting needs for the columbarium area.

Education - Carrie Madren reports that the adult teacher/helper rotation schedule is currently working.

SHIFT 2.0 - no update at this time.

Old Business:

Alternatives for gas and grocery gift card distribution - determining the need for a gift card seems to be the biggest issue. If we direct people to Cornerstone to vet the need for assistance, Livingstone’s concern was the possibility of relinquishing local control. He feels there should still be a way to help people, we at GFUMC know who have a valid, documented need. Livingstone will continue to work on this issue and contact Cornerstone for more details about their program.

New Business:

Volunteer help for Youth Group activities - GFUMC has an insurance policy that states the need for 2 adults to be present for each group of children in an activity. The Council felt that this policy needs to be disseminated to the congregation so they understand our need for volunteers. There was a discussion about the need for both congregational support and parental support at youth activities. Kara suggested for example a 14 person rotation list. That would tend to spread the commitment over time. Sandi agreed to work on this with Kara for the beginning of youth activities in the fall.

The next Administrative Council meeting will be August 5, 2019 at 7:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Sandi Green

Great Falls UMC Administrative Council Minutes ~ June 3, 2019

Langley High School

Duncan Brown Centre College of Kentucky Gabe Hausman University of Buffalo for Architecture Nora Hausman University of Rochester for Psychology Jackson Sayers University of Kentucky for Mechanical Engineering Matthew Stephens Purdue University for Engineering

College- Undergrad Ryan Shaw Summa Cum Laude from Wake Forest University Bachelor of Science from School of Business in Business Management & Enterprise Management Minor in Politics and International Affairs Will work for Sterling Associates a financial research

and consulting firm in Cleveland, Ohio College-Graduate

Ryan Anger Graduated with a Masters of Management in Energy

from Tulane University Will work for Aegis Energy Risk in Houston, Texas

Celebrating our Graduates

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” ~Proverbs 16:3

P a g e 8 T h e T r u m p e t J u l y - A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

DID YOU KNOW?

You can make your donation to our church online through Vanco. You can choose a one-time gift, or set up a weekly donation. This will be one less thing to worry about during your summer vacation! Simply visit: http://greatfallsumc.org/giving.html.

Summer Nursery Helpers As we take a break from Sunday School classes for the summer, please sign-up for one or two Sundays to help Riffat care for little ones in the nursery at the following link: signupgenius.com/go/10c0949a9a82aa7f94-summer2!

*Please arrive 5 minutes early to greet families and make sure any new parents leave their cell phone numbers on the attendance sheet..

Thank you to all of our Sunday School teachers and everyone who served in the Nursery this year. Your dedication and care help our church kids grow their faith, have fun at church, and learn about God! We had a great year of Bible lessons and look forward to kicking off Sunday School again in September.

If you have a heart for kids and are interested in volunteering in our Sunday School ministry, please contact Carrie Madren at carrie.madren@gmail.com or 301-655-4926.

You are invited to join us as we march in the Great Falls

4th of July Parade.

Please wear your GFUMC T-Shirts and show the community that GFUMC is the church with a

heart in the heart of Great Falls.

We will meet at the Wells Fargo parking lot, off Walker Road by

10 AM. If you are unable to march, please cheer for our

church as we pass.

Questions? Contact Nick

Brienza (703-759-2904)

Seeking Acolytes

We are requesting an acolyte or two on the first Sundays of July, August, and September in support of Communion. For our youth seeking service hours, we are pleased to announce that this volunteer opportunity can add one hour of credit.

If you are available to serve in the services on July 7, August 4, or September 1 please go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4cafaf2fa3f94-spring or contact Tania O’Neil at tocsun@gmail.com or call 703-402-3282.

Thank you for considering!

Tania

If you have a July birthday and do

NOT see your name on the list above,

please contact the Church Office to

add your special day to our database.

Thanks!

July Birthdays

Van Leigh Sr. ........................ 7/1 Dick Keller ............................ 7/2 Zoe Keller ............................. 7/2 Andrew Dailey ...................... 7/3 Emily Piatt ............................ 7/3 Paul Reneau ......................... 7/3 Larissa Deaton ..................... 7/4 Matt Bynum .......................... 7/7 Chad Lucien ......................... 7/7 Roweena Mitchell ................. 7/8 Thomas Woolston ................ 7/9 Gregory Bentz .................... 7/10 Maxwell Brown ................... 7/10 Sheri Economou ................. 7/11 Beth Richardson ................. 7/12

Karlyn Pallotta ...................... 7/13 Adina Ritchey ....................... 7/13 Rich Hetherington ................. 7/14 James Board ........................ 7/15 Jerry Stamatelatos ................ 7/15 Ken Vogel ............................. 7/15 Christina Amano-Dolan ........ 7/16 Andrew Brown ...................... 7/16 Catherine Murphy ................. 7/16 Helen Royer .......................... 7/18 Kevin Shuey Jr. .................... 7/18 Duncan Brown II ................... 7/20 Jackson McKay .................... 7/21 Joan Smith ............................ 7/21 Jean Lee ............................... 7/22 Chandler Bowles .................. 7/23 Terry Murphy ........................ 7/25

Julian Bowles ........................ 7/26 Kelsey Campbell .................. 7/26 Roy Harsher ......................... 7/26 Vivian Young ........................ 7/26 Ryan Shaw ........................... 7/27 Peter Edwardsson ................ 7/28 Brittany Geserick-Beschen ... 7/28 Dianne Pretanik .................... 7/28 Connor Graham .................... 7/29 Scott DiGiammarino ............. 7/30

July 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 7p Eagle BOR

2 7p Women’s AA 8:30p AA

3 4 Fourth of July Church Office

Closed 10a Parade 7:30p AA

5 Church Office

Closed

8:30p AA (FH)

6

7 ASP Commissioning 10:00 Worship &

Childcare

8 9 7p Women’s AA 8:30p AA

10

11 7:30p AA

12 8:30p AA

13

ASP Leaves

14 10:00 Worship &

Childcare 11:30 S/PPRC Mtg

15 16 10-1 GFSC Program

& Lunch 7p Women’s AA 8:30p AA

17 18 7:30p AA

19 8:30p AA

20 9a-3p

Shift Plus @ Floris UMC

ASP Returns

21 Outdoor Worship JP Commissioning

10:00 Worship &

Childcare

22 23 7p Women’s AA 8:30p AA

24 25 7:30p AA

26 8:30p AA

27

28 10:00 Worship &

Childcare 11:30 VBS Set-up

29

30 7p Women’s AA 8:30p AA

31

Roar Vacation Bible School ~ 9am to Noon

If you have an August birthday and your

name is not on the above list, please

contact the Church Office to add your

special day to our database… Thanks!

August Birthdays

Loreen Mnyulwa .................. 8/1 Teddy Asante ...................... 8/2 Wiley Sayers ........................ 8/3 Katelyn Graham .................. 8/5 Nicolette Dibble ................... 8/6 Jennifer Warren ................... 8/8 Will Gentry ........................... 8/9 Brent Murphy ....................... 8/9 Kristen White Hartman ......... 8/9 Kevin Coombe ................... 8/10 Grace Hetherington ........... 8/10 Jack Hetherington ............. 8/10 Christina Treacy ................ 8/11 Mark Boos ......................... 8/12

Abby See ........................... 8/13 Daniel Hozik ...................... 8/14 Evelyn Young .................... 8/14 Sara Walker ....................... 8/15 Thomas Dailey ................... 8/16 Courtney Lloyd .................. 8/18 Sophia Nickles ................... 8/18 Emily Moritsugu ................. 8/19 Julia Steffy ......................... 8/19 Sean Sullivan ..................... 8/19 Nicholas Tucker ................. 8/19 Lisa Kory ............................ 8/20 Sandra Green .................... 8/21 Emilie Royal ....................... 8/21 Campbell McKay ............... 8/23 Natalie Reneau .................. 8/23

Brett Burnette ..................... 8/26 Colin Lloyd ......................... 8/26 Shari Murphy ...................... 8/26 Luke Royal ......................... 8/27 Dennis Coombe ................. 8/28 Brian Hajost ....................... 8/28 Deborah Miller .................... 8/28 Nancy Pentimonti ............... 8/28 Shannon Economou .......... 8/29 Chris Leone ........................ 8/30

August 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 7:30p AA

2 8:30p AA (FH)

3

4 10:00 Worship &

Childcare

5 7p Admin Council

6 7p Women’s AA 8:30p AA

7 8 7:30p AA

9 8:30p AA

10

11 10:00 Worship &

Childcare

12 13 7p Women’s AA 8:30p AA

14

15 7:30p AA

16 8:30p AA

17

18 10:00 Worship &

Childcare

19 20 10-1 GFSC Program

& Lunch 7p Women’s AA 8:30p AA

21 22 7:30p AA

23 8:30p AA

24

25 10:00 Worship &

Childcare 11:20 Sunday

School Mtg

26 27 7p Women’s AA 8:30p AA

28 29 7:30p AA

30 8:30p AA

31

Roar Vacation Bible School ~ 9am to Noon

J u l y - A u g u s t 2 0 1 9 T h e T r u m p e t P a g e 1 1

THE SOURCE OF LIFE Summer Worship Series

Summer is here! Many of you will be enjoying time away from Great Falls. Wherever you go, and whatever you do, know that your church family will be thinking of you and praying for you. And of course, you can keep up with what’s happening here by reading your weekly Mail Chimp. You can also listen to sermons at http://greatfallsumc.org/the-pastors-corner.html Starting on Sunday, July 7th through August 4th, I will be sharing a Summer Worship Series: The Source of Life. This is a five-part series based on the gospel of John, chapter 6. In this series, we’ll try to discover the differences between “foods” that often taste good, but are not really good for us, and the food that God offers us and promises never to leave us hungry. As you get ready to fire-up the grill and enjoy the outdoors this Fourth of July, I want you to think about this: We’re living in a world that’s hungry for new things to feast on – things that are more fulfilling and rewarding. Come to worship this summer, and let’s discover anew, “The Source of Life” for healthy spiritual and physical living.

lstone.d

Summer in the Falls Series:

July 7: The Source of Life: “What Are You Hungry For?” John 6: 1 – 21

July 14: The Source of Life: “Popcorn or Nuts?” John 6: 24 – 35

July 21: The Source of Life: “Our Daily Minimum Requirements” (DMR) John 6: 35, 41 – 51

July 28: The Source of Life: “The Meal of a Lifetime” John 6: 51 – 58

August 4: The Source of Life: “Still Hungry?” John 6: 56 - 69

P a g e 1 2 T h e T r u m p e t J u l y - A u g u s t 2 0 1 9

Church S t a f f Rev. Livingstone S. Dore, Pastor Kara Neal, Youth & Family Ministries Director Nancy Craner, Admin. Assistant Robert Mitchell, Music Director Carolyn See, Preschool Director Thomas Pandolfi, Accompanist Riffat Hassan, Nursery Attendant Bellarmino Bonilla, Custodian

The last word...

“Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer.” -Proverbs 30: 25

By the time you read this newsletter, the 237th Session of the Virginia Annual Conference will be behind us. Thanks to Hubert and Karen Deaton for their faithful commitment to attend another Annual Conference as our delegates. Now, it’s time for us to look forward to what God has planned for us in the months ahead. The Summer season has started. It officially began on June 21st. but we didn’t have to wait for that date to know that summer has been around for some weeks now. These nice warm days put us in our best mood, and that’s a great way to enjoy the season. I believe that there are three things that are absolutely essential to enjoying the summer: First of all, you need a Grill – a good grill. What is the summer season without some serious summer afternoons grilling? The idea of standing in front of a grill on a warm summer afternoon and absorbing all that heat, and savory smell from the grill, while having a cold glass of lemonade at the same time…can you picture it? Grilling tends to (in an odd way), help with the stress levels. Of course, that’s not a scientific statement. Second, you need some Rest and Relaxation (R&R) time. A pool or the beach will certainly help. And don’t forget a book to read for pure mental development and enjoyment! Third, you need to be in church for worship, fellowship and community. It’s important for your own spiritual and social well-being. We are created to be in community. So, attend church this summer. Let us have fellowship together and offer praise to God for all our blessings. I believe your summer will be a lot better if you do.

A pleasant Summer experience to all of you!

Livingstone Dore

Pastor