Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

I am really excited as our Church family heads into the summer. Who can't be excited about Bible School? If you haven't helped to teach or do all the very important albeit background jobs that are needed for a successful program, you have really missed an exciting part of our ministry at St. Jacob's Stone Sunday School.

Of course there are many other exciting events and opportunities to serve during the summer. Two of our youth, Abbey Barnhart and Joel Sterner are heading off to Maine in July on a mission trip with the youth from Emmanuel UCC and Trinity UCC. Jeff Trump will accompany them, so keep them in your prayers. We will commission them during our combined service with the Bible School Closing Program on June 27th.

During July, we have the opportunity to again participate in the Sunday School Picnic. Let it Shine Sunday will be observed on July 11th, so start looking for yellow garments to wear and keep a look out for bargains on youth sun glasses and sun block. In August, we will sponsor a community Yard Sale and have a chicken barbeque before our Blue Grass in the Woods Service, so keep a look out for specific dates.

I recently came across a phrase penned by author Tod Bolsinger: "it takes a church to raise a Christian." As I started thinking about what he wrote, I realized how accurate that statement is.  With all the pressures and demands on our lives today, it is almost impossible for us to do all that is needed if we are to follow in Christ's footsteps. Oh, I realize that to live as Christ we need to walk in his footsteps and it doesn't matter how much we surround ourselves with good Christian friends, it is up to each person to take responsibility and live the life God intended for each of us to have. However, as difficult as it may be, you will find it is so much easier to live that life with the help and support of the loving and caring Christian family you have at St. Jacob's (Stone) UCC.

We need to support each Christian brother and sister and offer help as needed. It isn't UCC helping UCC, it Christian helping all who are in need. By offering support, you are extending the hand of your church family and most importunately the hand of Jesus to the one needing help. So my friends, in the words of that old telephone jingle, "reach out and touch someone." Touch them with the love and support that Jesus demonstrated as he walked the earth.

Have a safe and wonderful June. See you in Church.

In Christian love,

Pastor Leader (PJ)