I hope you have all been taking precautions due to the smoky air that has drifted down from the fires in Canada! Certainly those who have respiratory issues need to be careful, but even those who do not normally have breathing issues are being affected by the current air quality. It is just another reminder that WE are not in control, God is – through Mother Nature!

Our July Board Meeting will be THIS Sunday, July 19th at 12pm.  

Among other topics there will be a discussion regarding the current state of our finances. If you have any additions for the agenda, please contact our Board Chair, Steve Hurd, by Friday, July 17th so it can be added.  (330-842-0026 or shurd1@aol.com) Remember, ALL are welcome to attend the Board Meetings and learn, first hand, about what is going on at MCCC!

Please note that the funeral for Vernon Herron (Tim Herron’s dad) will be held on Sunday, August 2nd at 2:00pm at the Tower Lodge at Ravenna, Ohio, City Park, with a meal following. The following link is the obituary: https://obituaries.nationalcremation.com/obituaries/port-charlotte-fl/vernon-herron-11548054

Mark your calendars for our Annual Canoe Trip, which will be held on Sunday, August 9th at 12:30pm.  We will enjoy Pizza and drinks at Camp Hi, and then depart following lunch.  Pricing and further details will follow shortly.  Gather your family and friends together to share in this wonderful experience down the Cuyahoga River!

What’s happening this week? (BLUE = Community Events)

• Friday July 17 – St. Joseph’s Ox Roast Fair July 17, 18, 19!
• Saturday July 18 – N/A
• Sunday July 19 – Worship Service with Rev. Cynthia 9:30am
  Sunday Classes for “The Seekers” and “Life 101” from 10:30-12:00
  Board Meeting at 12:00pm
• Monday July 20 – N/A
• Tuesday July 21 – N/A
• Wednesday July 22 – “Dwelling in the Word” with Diane Johnson facilitating 1:15-2:30pm
  Life Study is cancelled for the Summer.  It will return in the fall.
• Thursday July 23 – N/A
• Friday July 24 – N/A
• Saturday July 25 – N/A
• Sunday July 26 – Worship with Rev. Cynthia 9:30am &
  4C’s food collection
  Sunday Classes for the “Seekers” and “Life 101”  

On a side note . . . 

In the past couple of days, I found myself reflecting on the gray, hazy air we are currently experiencing.  As noted by the author Dr. Joe Pettigrew, “gloomy weather in general can tend to make us feel sluggish, unmotivated, and even a little sad. On the other hand, a bright, sunny morning can instantly lift our spirits, filling us with energy and optimism!”  Our joy is not meant to be a fragile thing, dependent on sunny skies or problem-free days.  Even the Apostle Paul, writing from a prison cell, urged us to “Rejoice in the Lord always.”  He, of all people, had no comfortable situation in his cell.  Yet, he had joy for the Lord –  joy that was rooted in his unwavering relationship with God – no matter what kind of horrible weather was going on outside!  So, perhaps the next time you wake up to a dreary day (or a SMOKY day!) and your mood sours, try making a conscious decision to turn your focus to God.  List His blessings and thank Him for them.  Remember that the true source of your joy is not found in the day’s conditions, but in the unchanging character of your Creator.

As you journey through life this week, remember to focus on thanking God for all His blessings – no matter the weather.  By practicing gratitude we can learn to carry our own sunshine, bringing the light of Christ into any environment.  Let your presence be the reason someone smiles and feels your spirit this week.  Amen!

Hope to see you Sunday!

Sandi

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Upcoming Dates:

• “Cans for Kids” supports Kids Weekend Meals. Our next collection date is August 9th.
  Items needed are: Canned Pasta or Pasta Cups, Spaghetti or Alfredo Sauce, and Baked Beans. We collect regularly on the 2nd Sunday of each month, but you may also bring your items any time and place them in the designated bins at the back of the church!
• The next Kids Weekend Meals workdays are: by Tues. July 14th all bread deliveries must be in, July 15th for packing bags, and July 16th for delivering bags. Thanks to all the many volunteers who help make this mission possible! You are a blessing!
• Every Wednesday we still have Dwelling in the Word from 1:15-2:30pm with Diane Johnson as the facilitator. Hope you can join in some interesting conversation! Life Study on Wednesday evenings has stopped for the summer but will resume in the fall.
• “4th for the 4C’s” (Crestwood Coalition for Community Care) will collect needed items on July 26th. Items needed for July are: Peanut Butter, Mac & Cheese Cups, Sloppy Joe Sauce, & Canned Pasta. We also collect for the Free Clothing and Diaper Giveaway that day. Items needed are: Diapers sizes, 2, 4, 5, & 6, Baby Wipes, and ONLY 15 gallon trash Bags. (No more Black bags are needed!) Thanks for your support. We now have bins at the back of the church to collect items at any time so feel free to bring them in at your convenience!!
• Attention Hilltop Knitters! Our next meetings at Hilltop Church will be on Monday, the 20th. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, from 1:30-3pm. All are welcome to come and work on their projects while sharing in fellowship!!
• Loaves & Fishes free community dinner will be July 30th from 5-6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Bring your friends for an evening out and see what our menu will be! This is a free dinner, but donations are gratefully appreciated.
• Save your can tabs (from soup, pop, pet food, etc). The collection jar is located on the lower-level entrance window. The proceeds will benefit research for NFS (Neurofibromatosis) – a genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Thanks to Mike & Pat Hoskin for raising awareness!
• Mark your calendars for our Annual Canoe Trip on Sunday, August 9th at 12:00pm. We will have pizza first at Camp Hi in Hiram, then depart for a ride down the Cuyahoga River. More details will be coming soon.
• Don’t forget to mark your 2027 Calendars for our Bicentennial celebrations! Sunday, Jan. 24, 2027 – we will have a potluck and program. Then, Sun. June 6, 2027 we will host a larger celebration including some VIP’S and former pastors! Plan to celebrate our 200 year anniversary!