The kids of MCCC will be collecting items for the 4C’s THIS SUNDAY (Peanut Butter, Mac & Cheese cups, Sloppy Joe Sauce, and Canned Pasta), and diapers, baby wipes or regular 13-15 gal. kitchen bags. Please know that NO donation is too small when combined with others!

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

Nominations for the Regional Church Council are now being accepted. If you are interested in serving the wider church in this way, please let Board Chair Steve Hurd (shurd1@aol.com) or Rev. Cynthia (revckdoc91@gmail.com) know this week. The Council meets three times a year via Zoom and once per year in person at Camp Christian. Council members are asked to serve a two-year term. Thank you for considering this important work in the life of the Regional Church.

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? (RED = Church Events, BLUE = Community Events)

• Friday July 24 –  Farmers & Makers Market 4-7pm the Mantua Granary on Prospect St. 
• 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”  11am – 12pm
• Monday July 27 –  N/A
• Tuesday July 28 –  KWM Bread Deliveries are Due
• Wednesday July 29 –  KWM Packing Bags 12pm  /  
  “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 30 – KWM Delivering Bags  /  
  Loaves & Fishes Community Dinner 5-7pm in the Fellowship Hall at MCCC. Come join us for a surprise mystery meal and bring your friends & family!  ALL are welcome! This is a free dinner open to anyone (donations are gratefully accepted.) 
• Friday July 31 – N/A
• Saturday Aug 1  –  N/A
• Sunday Aug. 2 –  Worship with Rev. Cynthia 9:30am & 4C’s food collection / 
  Sunday Classes for the “Seekers” and “Life 101”  / 
  Celebration of Life for Vernon Herron 2pm in Ravenna

On a side note . . . 

I have been thinking this week about all the people I know who are going through difficult times right now.  Some are dealing with health issues, some with financial issues, and others with issues of faith.  It made me think about Rev. Cynthia’s recent sermon where she stated that life is really all about choices.  Subconsciously we make choices every day without even thinking about them.  For instance; What road will I take to get to my destination today?  What groceries will I purchase today?  Will I watch the end of the series on Paramont+ or will I go to bed and get some much needed rest?  (Don’t ask me my answer to that last one!)  

Those dealing with health, financial, or spiritual issues or even family issues, must make much harder decisions than which road to take today.  It can sometimes feel overwhelming, and you might feel alone in the process.  That is when you should reach out in prayer and ask for some much needed assistance from God.  He is always present even though we don’t see Him, and he feels what’s in your heart.  We need to remember to keep God at the forefront in all aspects.  He may not answer us in what we feel is a “timely” manner, but He has our story all planned out, and we need to trust His plan.  As you journey through this week, remember to focus on thanking God for all His blessings and asking Him to help you through your hard situations.  If you know someone who is going through a rough time right now, spend a few quality moments with them and just let them talk.  You are making that first “choice” to engage, and it might just be what they needed . . . a listening ear, a friendly smile, someone who genuinely cares about them.  May it be so. Amen!

Wishing you all a week filled with many blessings!  Hope to see you Sunday!

Sandi