Below is the Weekly (more like “Monthly!”) Calendar of Events!  We have so many things going on lately. I hope I have remembered to include everything!

I have a couple of events I want you to especially keep in mind this week:

1)  This Thursday, August 11th, is the Akron Rubber Ducks Game organized by Rick Painley.  Wishing everyone a great ball game!

2)  This Saturday, August 13th, Jennifer Gilliam Burnett is hosting a fundraiser event for her 16 year old niece Ava, who has been diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma.  This event will be held at Mantua’s Buchert Park from 1pm – Dark.  There will be raffle baskets, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and plenty of food!  Hope you can stop down on Saturday to support this cause!  Donations are also gratefully received.

3)  Attention all Elders!  Don’t forget your meeting this Sunday at 8:30am!

On an exciting note I want to give everyone a “heads-up” that the MCCC Choir will soon be returning!!  A sign-up sheet should be available by this Sunday in the entryway of the church.  I hope that all you singers will be sure to sign up so Sarah can get in touch with you soon.  She is hoping to have the

 Choir’s singing debut on September 11th.  Get your voices ready!

I neglected to include the “4C’s” in my last calendar but it IS included this week.  Items needed for August are: Instant Coffee, Toothpaste & Crackers.  Please bring your items to church on August 28th as we will return to collecting these items during the Children’s Moment!  

On a side note . . . 

As I look at the growing list of prayer chain requests, it reminds me of how fragile life really is.  At a moment’s notice – in the blink of an eye – things can drastically change.  In my personal life, I was reminded of this fact just yesterday when I received the news that a close friend who I have known for 56 years has cancer.  She was to arrive at my house this Thursday and spend 2 weeks with me (it’s a yearly thing!) However, upon her doctor’s suggestion, she cancelled her trip and will begin further testing and start a course of treatment.  I know many of you have gone through similar situations and though “shock” may be our first emotion . . . sometimes it evolves into questions, grief, fear, and even anger. I am currently in ALL these stages.  So, in my situation, I am trying to hold on to God’s purpose and my faith in Him. And so, I am leaving you with this thought by Germany Kent to ponder:

“Let your life reflect the FAITH you have in God.  
Fear nothing and PRAY about everything.  
Be strong, TRUST God’s word, 
 . . .  and trust the process.”

by Germany Kent

In all situations, may we all dig deeply in our faith and trust in God’s process,
Sandi