Dear Church,
The last two weeks have been full of much comfort AND much concern. As I indicated in my most recent blog post, returning from sabbatical has been a joy; reuniting, as you may have heard (from R and B duo Peaches and Cream), “…feels so good.”

But there have been many in our community who have also been added to our prayer list during this time. Surgeries. Hospital visits. Weariness. Disappointment. Stress has had a word t say as well.

Through it all though I have been reminded (often by folks I am praying or visiting with) that even in such times that God’s Spirit is still with us and holding us fast. One particular example came last Sunday when a member dropped off a hymn to add to our “This Is Our Story” selections for July and early August.

The hymn, entitled “The Great Physician” sums up well how Jesus’ presence and spirit of love and compassion bears our infirmities and helps us to be hopeful in every time and circumstance. Give it a listen by clicking the link below. The singer is Melissa Oretade.

May the good news that we are not alone in any moment rest upon you this day and in the days ahead.

The Lord Bless and Keep You,
Rev. Ben

Announcements

• REMINDER…FPCoG our 5th Saturday commitment for H.O.P.E is Saturday, June 29. A sign-up sheet is on the table near the hallway in the Narthex. Please consider donating / signing up to provide food, help prepare, set-up, serve, clean-up, or come and converse with the guests at H.O.P.E. The guests have been steadily increasing and we are serving at least 70+ each week and they are hungry!!! Help provide a day of dignity and help nourish the bodies and souls of the homeless in our community! If you have any questions, please contact Julie Tedder.
• This is Our Story: You still have time to share the hymns and scriptures that comfort and challenge you! Selections of those submissions will be used in worship in July. The goal always for these selections is to find our common strength through song and scripture that touch our lives in memorable ways. Submissions can be made in person to Rev Acton, by email or text, or by using the form in the narthex and returning to the church office. Please have your ideas in by June 30.
• Care Packages: Do you have a student or immediate family member in the military who would appreciate a little boost? FPCoG would like to offer your family member(s) a little “treat bag” (chips, candy, etc.) so they know that FPCoG is thinking of them and praying for them. Request forms can be found in the narthex or church office and MUST be returned to Stephanie or Melissa Miley by July 21st to be fulfilled and ready for you to pick up. Your student or military person’s gift bag will be available to pick up at the church by August 4th.
• Walk to Paris: Our walk to Paris has begun!! Please log your steps and send them to FPCOGwellness@gmail.com. You may send them daily or weekly, whatever is easiest for you. Martha Long will keep a spreadsheet of the steps and report each week on how close we are to Paris. Be sure to check out the Olympic torch on the wall in the breezeway, as it will change each week with the total steps we walk. After we enjoy the Olympics, we will have a covered dish luncheon and our own medal ceremony in August. Everyone who turns in steps will get a medal. Let’s walk to Paris and take steps to be more active and improve our health!!