JULY 2014 THE PASTOR S PRESS

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1 JULY 2014 THE PASTOR S PRESS This month we will have an all-council picnic, and like last year we will spend time recounting the year. We looked at where we have been and where we have come as a parish and as each congregation. As I look at this past year I see the Spirit at work. We have come together to hear God s word in worship, shared fellowship with one another, cared for our neighbors together and many other opportunities to be church together as the North Mountain Parish. Last summer twelve kids came to our parish Bible School where they learned about God and Standing Strong! In the fall twenty or more dogs came with their owners for the Blessing of the Animals service where we recognized God s presence amidst our care for all of God s creatures. This past winter we joined with other Lutherans from across the state of Virginia for In the Name of Love: Day of Service. We gathered as a parish to put together laundry kits for the homeless in our community. On that day we put together 100 kits to be shared throughout Shenandoah County with the most vulnerable in our communities. God equipped us to do the work we are called to as Christians in the world. These past couple years as the North Mountain Parish have brought new changes and new challenges but God has blessed us our work. The Holy Spirit is alive and well in the North Mountain Parish and I give thanks for all of your hard work and faithfulness to God s church. As we continue forward let us give thanks to God for all God has given us, and celebrate with one another the work of the Spirit. Let us continue to be mindful of one another by seeking ways to support and care for one another in Christian love. +Blessings and Peace, Pastor Jonathan

2 Relay for Life Results This year s Relay for Life was very inspiring! Our team consisted of 12 members, 9 of whom were able to attend Relay. Of the four team members who spent the night, three are cancer survivors. They are tough folks! We also appreciate the several other parish members and Pastor Jonathan, who supported us by joining us for fellowship at our campsite! Thanks to Gary for mowing our campsite so we wouldn t be camping in jungle conditions and to Bob for coming to help set up. Our appreciation also to all those folks who brought delicious snacks. We had quite a feast! Several of our members received survivor medals and walked or rode in the Survivors and Caregivers Laps. The Luminary ceremony was very moving but was also a little disappointing, as luminaria circling the track could not be lit until 1:00 AM, due to high wind conditions. Once they were lit and the track was encircled in light, it finally felt like Relay. It was both uplifting and nostalgic to walk the track and read the names of those dear to us. Many, many thanks to everyone who supported us in this effort. Out total raised this year was $2,317.94, not bad considering we didn t get started until April. Improving treatments for cancer, and eventually finding a cure, are goals that we fervently support. It is exhilarating to know that we are, once again, a part of this process. Relay News! The Relay Team will participate in the Shenandoah County Yard Crawl on August 9. You may start bringing items to St. Peter on July 27, as Bible School will have concluded by then. If you would like to have your own space, we will be renting spots on the perimeter of the parking lot. More information to follow later. Relay Tidbit: Here s another reminder of how your hard work and generous donations help cancer patients in our area. From September 2011 August 2012: 332 patients attended a Look Good Feel Better session. 6 patients and 5 caregivers spent 211 nights in an American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. 67 patients received services from our Dietician on Call. 364 women received a Reach to Recovery visit when diagnosed with breast cancer. Thank you for your efforts and support for our neighbors in need.

3 Weird Animals! North Mountain Parish Vacation Bible School will take place July 21 st -25 th. Mark your calendars to join us for a week of learning how Jesus love is one-of-a-kind. Spread the word to all preschool through middle school youth in our community, and pick up a registration form at church.. Call Andrea ( ) to reserve your spot! All Councils We will have a picnic for all three congregational councils and the parish council on Tuesday, July 8th at 7pm at St. Matthew. Please bring the family and a side dish or dessert to share. We will recap the year and look ahead to the next! Wednesdays on the Green Join us at 6pm on the 2 nd and 4 th Wednesdays of June, July, and August for food, fellowship, gardening, and games at the Community Garden at St. Peter. Bring the family, a friend, and the neighbors of all ages! July 9th 6pm Wednesdays on the Green at St. Peter July 23rd 6pm Wednesdays on the Green at St. Peter St. Peter s Annual Lawn Party Saturday July 12th 5:00 PM until??? Invite family, friends and join us for this annual event. Menu ~ BBQ, Hot dogs, Slaw, Homemade Ice Cream, Cake, Good Music & more.

4 ST. MATTHEW EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH SERVING THIS MONTH Mike Cook/Joyce Hamrick...Organist Susi Blissert...Reader Barbara Conner Susi Blissert......Ushers Joyce Hamrick......Altar Guild JULY S BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES 1 Billy & Pauline Minton 17 Pam Kutsko 19 Bryce Strosnider 20 Stephen Kutsko 22 Peggy Baseler 28 Norma Sheetz 30 Peggy Kibler 31 Jonathan Gochenour

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6 Scholarships Awards St Stephen s Wallen Family Youth Scholarship Fund has awarded $500 college scholarships for the school year to the following recent high school graduates: Madison Doehler who will be attending University of Mary Washington Mary Beth Drummond who will be attending Lord Fairfax Ashley Orndorff who will be attending Lord Fairfax Wyatt Peterson who will be attending UTI Exton, PA Chance Stickley who will be attending George Mason University Congratulations & Best Wishes!! The Brown Family Tiffany, Gabriel, Meleah, Keo, and Archer proudly announce the birth of Theona Quinn Brown on Sunday, June 1st at 3:15 p.m. She weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces. Baby and family doing great!!!! August Newsletter Deadline August Newsletter deadline is July 18th. Please send all articles and information to Connie Baker at bakerconnie05@gmail.com. North Mountain Lutheran Parish