As I write this message the rain is literally pouring down. I am hopeful that the cooling rains will refresh our yard and gardens as they are overdue for a good drink of water! Thanks be to God!

For those who volunteered to provide brownies and/or cupcakes for Ruth Anne’s brother-in-law’s Celebration of Life, please drop them off at the church this morning between 10:30-11:30am. Thank you for your support for the family! It is greatly appreciated.

Tomorrow we will have a Congregational Art Show in the Fellowship Hall following worship. Please bring any artwork or other creations by 9:15am so Kathleen can set everything up before the service. We are all looking forward to hearing the word of God from Kathleen through her sermon on “Perspectives”! You won’t want to miss it!

We will also collect items for the 4C’s tomorrow during the Children’s Moment. Remember that no donation is too small when combined with others!. Items needed are:

• Pop Tarts,
• Crackers,
• Cookies, and
• Pancake Mix
• We will also collect diapers, baby wipes, large black trash bags (30 gal.) and regular size trash bags (15 gal.) for the Free Clothing and Diaper Giveaway

Chi-Rho will meet tomorrow at the home of Chris McCreight for a pool party, gathering, and potluck between 4:30-7:30pm! Family and friends are also invited. Questions? Contact Chris at 330-977-7834.

Please keep these dates on your calendar: 1) Scholarship application deadline is Sunday, August 17th. The application is attached to this email, but there are also a few copies in the front entryway of the church. You can also get a copy from Ruth Anne Ruehr, Jon Secaur, or MaryEllen Hamlin. 2) The Annual Canoe/Kayak Trip is scheduled for Sunday, August 3rd at 12:30pm at Camp Hi. Please contact Steve Hurd (330) 842-0026 if you are planning on going. Pizza and drinks will be provided before we paddle from Camp Hi to Mantua! It is always a fun adventure for all! 3) The next Free Clothing and Diaper Giveaway is Saturday, August 9th from 9am-12pm at the St. Joseph’s school building. Pass the word! This is the last one before school starts!

What’s happening this week?

• Sunday July 27 – Worship at 9:30am
  Art Show in Fellowship Hall at 10:30am
  Sunday classes for “Life 101” and “The Seekers” 11:00am -12:00pm
• Monday July 28 – Hilltop Knitters gathering from 1:30-3:00pm at Hilltop Church. All are invited to attend!
• Tuesday July 29 – N/A
• Wednesday, July 30 – Kids Weekend Meals Filling the Bags 12:00pm
• Thursday, July 31 – Kids Weekend Meals Delivering the Bags
• Friday, August 1 – N/A
• Saturday, August 2 – Mantua Variety Market at the Lutheran Church from 9am – 1pm. Stop by and check it out!
• Sunday, August 3 – Elder’s Meeting 8:30am
  Worship Service 9:30am
  Sunday classes for “Life 101” and “The Seekers” from 10:30 am – 12:00pm
  Canoe/Kayak River Trip from 12:30 at Camp Hi. Food will be provided before the trip.

In Chad’s absence tomorrow, we will have the pleasure of hearing Kathleen Leigh Lewarchick provide our sermon on Perspectives! Nancy Humes will serve as our Worship Leader, Jon Secaur and Sandi Kossick will lead us through Communion, Sarah Park will bless us with her hymns and reflective music, and Jon Secaur will lend his voice by providing our “Special Music” selection! Thanks to all for volunteering your time and talents to make our service special!

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On a side note . . .

I would like to share a reflective writing by Dr. Joe Pettigrew that came into my church email this week and thought it was well worth sharing with you. He states:

“Our days are often filled with relentless schedules, pinging notifications, and an endless list of tasks to complete. Without realizing it, we can move through hours, even entire days, without pausing to acknowledge the One who directs our path. Yet, Psalm 46:10 invites us to “be still” and recognize God’s constant presence in our lives. It’s not merely a suggestion but a gentle reminder that stillness leads to clarity and connection with Him.

Spending time with God is not about finding hours we don’t have; it’s about making intentional choices in small, meaningful moments. Imagine how powerful your day can become when grounded in His Word and presence. When we pause—even briefly—in the chaos, we allow Him to calm our hearts and refocus our minds. It’s in those moments of quiet surrender that God reveals Himself most profoundly.

Maybe you’re thinking, but where will I find the time? Consider this: just as we prioritize calls with loved ones or meetings with colleagues, setting apart even five minutes with God can transform not only our day but also how we approach life. Take a moment during your morning coffee, a quiet pause during your commute, or reflect as you wind down at night. Lay your worries before Him, speak with Him as a friend, and rest in His unchanging faithfulness.

God is not asking for perfection; He desires connection. Even in your busiest hour, His arms remain open, ready to fill you with peace and purpose. The beauty of God’s grace is that He meets us right where we are—in the busyness, the stillness, and everything in between.”

Pause today and all the upcoming tomorrow’s. Be still. Talk to Him. He’s waiting, and the time you spend with Him is never wasted.

Blessings to you all this week, and I look forward to seeing you in church tomorrow!
Sandi