Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Special Activities and Pastor's Message
For July and August, 2010

MILO'S MESSAGE

To have a chronic health condition is no picnic, but that isn't news to anyone who has such a condition. It can be anything from arthritis to lung disease to various forms of cancer. All of these can be life-threatening if left untreated, so we do all that we can do to alleviate the symptoms and get better. At the same time we also know that we'll likely face years of it alternating from a chronic to an acute stage. In the chronic stage, it'll behave itself for awhile then become acute so that it'll require some sort of appropriate therapy or treatment.
We pray for a cure, but more than likely, a chronic condition will not go away. If we're lucky, it may not get any worse. Yet, we know full well that we have it and we'll just have to live with it.
Accepting and living with such a condition is one of life's more difficult challenges.
I think of Paul when he talks about his own "thorn in the flesh." We don't know what the "thorn" was, but we do know that it sounds like a chronic condition. Despite the inconvenience, and possible pain, that it caused him, he considered it a blessing. It was a constant reminder that God had given to him to keep him focused and on the right track with the calling that God had given to him. Also despite the apparent discomfort, Paul carried on with tremendous strength and determination.
I call it faith. Deep within him, he knew that life's discomforts and inconveniences are minor, compared to the glory that God promises to his servants who remain faithful.
That's about the best reason I can think of to not give up and give in to whatever chronic ailments we have.
Plus, the lectionary text for June 20 (Luke 8:26-39) presented a new slant to the man who was possessed of demons before Jesus exorcised him. He would have probably been content and grateful to remain sitting at Jesus' feet after he was healed. However, Jesus had something else for him to do. He sent him back to his hometown to witness and proclaim what God had done for him.
This man was fortunate because what had seemed to be a chronic condition was actually cured…
…So what about those whose conditions may not go away? Does still having the condition mean that they are less fortunate or less favored by God? Hardly! Having a condition enables us the opportunity to witness from our own experience, which is the best type of witnessing.
Witnessing from experience means that we know what we're talking about. Our words of comfort and support gain new meaning because "we've been there."
It's not always easy. We often don't have the physical strength to provide encouragement to others who are experiencing what we have experienced. Yet, God gives us the calling as he gave the calling to the healed man…"Go and tell people what God has done for you."
So, when we are able, that's what we'll do.

NO SUNDAY SCHOOL IN JULY OR AUGUST
In order to give our Sunday School teachers and students a break, Springfield will not be conducting Sunday School during the months of July or August. Worship Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. The Children's Worship and Wonder will continue through the summer months during the worship service. Be sure to pass this word to friends of the church.

SUMMER CAMPS AT CRAIG SPRINGS
It's time to make plans to attend this summer's camps at Craig Springs. In order to ease the financial burden of campers, the church offers scholarships up to half the cost of one week's camp per attendee. This year's schedule is:

July 4-9 Special Camp
July 11-16 Nature Camp
July 18-23 Crossroads
July 25-30 Chi Rho Conference
Outdoor Adventure
August 1-6 New Covenant
August 6-9 Family Retreat

Persons who have attended the previous year should be receiving registration information soon or can go to www.craigsprings.com. We're proud to announce that Brooke Seay will lead the dancing part of AMPDD Camp and that Katie Hall will be a counselor at Nature Camp.

CHURCH CABINET MEETING
The Church Cabinet will meet on Sunday, July 11th following the worship service. The purpose of the meeting is to begin the process of developing a church facilities use policy. A light lunch will be provided.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be held July 18th - 23rd from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. The theme this year will be the Rainforest. Join us for a fun-filled week of Bible Stories, crafts, skits, games, songs and snacks!

Friday night we will once again have our pot luck dinner. The church will supply hot dogs and drinks, and each family is asked to bring a favorite dish to share.

A VBS planning meeting will be held June 27th following morning worship. Volunteers are asked to sign-up on the poster in the vestibule!

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
A congregational meeting will be held at the conclusion of the worship service on Sunday, July 25th. The purpose of the meeting will be to consider proposed changes to the Church's Constitution. Prior to the 25th, text of proposed changes will be sent via email to those with email addresses on file. Others will be able to get a copy of the proposed changes at worship services at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

THE NEXT NEWSLETTER
Since the current newsletter is for July and August, the deadline for September newsletter articles will be August 15th. Contributors are asked to plan ahead so it can be run according to schedule.

TREXLER EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT UPDATE
In May, Cole Trexler and his team of volunteers completed the wall and paver portion of the new meditation area along the woods at the cemetery. A total of 72 engraved pavers were laid. All that remains to complete the project is the placement of the two benches. One is backordered but should arrive in July.

WHEAT REQUESTS
We recently received word from WHEAT that its food pantry is getting low. For the past several months, WHEAT has provided many bags of food to families in need in western Hanover. Specific items needed are: peanut butter, jelly, pasta and pasta mixes, one dish meals (boxed or canned), personal care items, paper products, baked beans, canned meats, dry milk, and soups. To receive donations, a box labeled "WHEAT" has been placed in the narthex and will remain there for the next couple of weeks. Donations then will be delivered to the WHEAT food pantry located at Mt. Olivet Church. Please help if you can. WHEAT is now recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible. Monetary donations may be mailed directly to WHEAT at P. O. Box 55, Beaverdam, VA 23015.

ACOLYTES AND JUNIOR USHERS
We will soon be preparing a service schedule for acolytes and junior ushers for the period July through the end of 2010. If there are any children who will be in grades one through five who are not acolytes and want to be, or if there are any young people in sixth grade or above who want to be junior ushers, please see or call Louise Gordon at 749-3503. If there is anyone who feels that he/she can no longer continue to serve, also let Mrs. Gordon know.

START SPREADING THE NEWS
"MUSIC, MINISTRY, AND MAYHEM"
Mark your calendars now for September 24th, 25th, and 26th, the dates of our third dinner show. A seated dinner will precede the show on Friday and Saturday evenings, the 24th and 25th. On Sunday, September 26th, there will be a matinee without a meal.

The show will begin in the fellowship hall and then move to the sanctuary after intermission so that we can spotlight our new organ. There will be a variety of music, from show tunes to country, both secular and religious.

As in the past, the dinner show is an effort of the entire church family. This time we are working to restore the funds the church advanced to purchase the new organ. There is something for everyone to do, so please stop by the sign-up sheets in the narthex and add your name to one of the volunteer lists. In addition to signing up for a committee, everyone should be thinking about businesses with which you are familiar that might want to purchase an ad for the program.

Tickets are not yet being reserved as details are still being worked out, but you will hear more about this at a later date.

Start spreading the news. We're planning today. We want everyone to be a part of it -------"Music, Ministry, and Mayhem!"

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE SCHOOL KITS
School kits give children in impoverished schools, refugee camps, or other difficult settings some of the basic tools for learning. If you would like to help, please place items in the box in the Narthex. Kits will be assembled in late August for delivery to our pick up depot. Listed below are supplies needed for each kit:

· One pair of blunt scissors (round tip)
· Three 70-count spiral or tape-bound pads of 8'x10 ½" ruled paper or pads with 200-210 sheets of ruled paper. (no loose leaf or filler paper please)
· One 30 centimeter ruler (12")
· One hand-held pencil sharpener
· One large eraser
· Six new pencils with erasers
· One box of 24 crayons (only 24)

SCHOOL TOTE BAGS NEEDED
The Missions Committee will once again sponsor the collection of school supplies this summer. Tote bags are needed for the supplies. If you like to sew, this is a fun project. Bags should be at least 16" deep, 14" wide, and have some type of closure (button, Velcro, or loop). Contact Carolyn Seay if you have any questions.

SOUTH ANNA KINDERGARTEN
Do you have a child going to Kindergarten next year? South Anna Elementary School parents, we need you! NOW is the time to register your child for kindergarten. Please do not wait until the summer. We need to know you are coming NOW. You do not have to have everything to register. You can bring any missing items later. Come by the school Monday through Friday between 7:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to register. Check the school's website http://hanover.k12.va.us/saes/index.htm for a complete list of needed documents.


	*Springfield Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)*
Home About Us Contact Us Calendar Special Events	Special Activities and Pastor's Message For July and August, 2010 MILO'S MESSAGE To have a chronic health condition is no picnic, but that isn't news to anyone who has such a condition. It can be anything from arthritis to lung disease to various forms of cancer. All of these can be life-threatening if left untreated, so we do all that we can do to alleviate the symptoms and get better. At the same time we also know that we'll likely face years of it alternating from a chronic to an acute stage. In the chronic stage, it'll behave itself for awhile then become acute so that it'll require some sort of appropriate therapy or treatment. We pray for a cure, but more than likely, a chronic condition will not go away. If we're lucky, it may not get any worse. Yet, we know full well that we have it and we'll just have to live with it. Accepting and living with such a condition is one of life's more difficult challenges. I think of Paul when he talks about his own "thorn in the flesh." We don't know what the "thorn" was, but we do know that it sounds like a chronic condition. Despite the inconvenience, and possible pain, that it caused him, he considered it a blessing. It was a constant reminder that God had given to him to keep him focused and on the right track with the calling that God had given to him. Also despite the apparent discomfort, Paul carried on with tremendous strength and determination. I call it faith. Deep within him, he knew that life's discomforts and inconveniences are minor, compared to the glory that God promises to his servants who remain faithful. That's about the best reason I can think of to not give up and give in to whatever chronic ailments we have. Plus, the lectionary text for June 20 (Luke 8:26-39) presented a new slant to the man who was possessed of demons before Jesus exorcised him. He would have probably been content and grateful to remain sitting at Jesus' feet after he was healed. However, Jesus had something else for him to do. He sent him back to his hometown to witness and proclaim what God had done for him. This man was fortunate because what had seemed to be a chronic condition was actually cured… …So what about those whose conditions may not go away? Does still having the condition mean that they are less fortunate or less favored by God? Hardly! Having a condition enables us the opportunity to witness from our own experience, which is the best type of witnessing. Witnessing from experience means that we know what we're talking about. Our words of comfort and support gain new meaning because "we've been there." It's not always easy. We often don't have the physical strength to provide encouragement to others who are experiencing what we have experienced. Yet, God gives us the calling as he gave the calling to the healed man…"Go and tell people what God has done for you." So, when we are able, that's what we'll do. NO SUNDAY SCHOOL IN JULY OR AUGUST In order to give our Sunday School teachers and students a break, Springfield will not be conducting Sunday School during the months of July or August. Worship Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. The Children's Worship and Wonder will continue through the summer months during the worship service. Be sure to pass this word to friends of the church. SUMMER CAMPS AT CRAIG SPRINGS It's time to make plans to attend this summer's camps at Craig Springs. In order to ease the financial burden of campers, the church offers scholarships up to half the cost of one week's camp per attendee. This year's schedule is: July 4-9 Special Camp July 11-16 Nature Camp July 18-23 Crossroads July 25-30 Chi Rho Conference Outdoor Adventure August 1-6 New Covenant August 6-9 Family Retreat Persons who have attended the previous year should be receiving registration information soon or can go to www.craigsprings.com. We're proud to announce that Brooke Seay will lead the dancing part of AMPDD Camp and that Katie Hall will be a counselor at Nature Camp. CHURCH CABINET MEETING The Church Cabinet will meet on Sunday, July 11th following the worship service. The purpose of the meeting is to begin the process of developing a church facilities use policy. A light lunch will be provided. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be held July 18th - 23rd from 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. The theme this year will be the Rainforest. Join us for a fun-filled week of Bible Stories, crafts, skits, games, songs and snacks! Friday night we will once again have our pot luck dinner. The church will supply hot dogs and drinks, and each family is asked to bring a favorite dish to share. A VBS planning meeting will be held June 27th following morning worship. Volunteers are asked to sign-up on the poster in the vestibule! CONGREGATIONAL MEETING A congregational meeting will be held at the conclusion of the worship service on Sunday, July 25th. The purpose of the meeting will be to consider proposed changes to the Church's Constitution. Prior to the 25th, text of proposed changes will be sent via email to those with email addresses on file. Others will be able to get a copy of the proposed changes at worship services at least two weeks prior to the meeting. THE NEXT NEWSLETTER Since the current newsletter is for July and August, the deadline for September newsletter articles will be August 15th. Contributors are asked to plan ahead so it can be run according to schedule. TREXLER EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT UPDATE In May, Cole Trexler and his team of volunteers completed the wall and paver portion of the new meditation area along the woods at the cemetery. A total of 72 engraved pavers were laid. All that remains to complete the project is the placement of the two benches. One is backordered but should arrive in July. WHEAT REQUESTS We recently received word from WHEAT that its food pantry is getting low. For the past several months, WHEAT has provided many bags of food to families in need in western Hanover. Specific items needed are: peanut butter, jelly, pasta and pasta mixes, one dish meals (boxed or canned), personal care items, paper products, baked beans, canned meats, dry milk, and soups. To receive donations, a box labeled "WHEAT" has been placed in the narthex and will remain there for the next couple of weeks. Donations then will be delivered to the WHEAT food pantry located at Mt. Olivet Church. Please help if you can. WHEAT is now recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions are tax deductible. Monetary donations may be mailed directly to WHEAT at P. O. Box 55, Beaverdam, VA 23015. ACOLYTES AND JUNIOR USHERS We will soon be preparing a service schedule for acolytes and junior ushers for the period July through the end of 2010. If there are any children who will be in grades one through five who are not acolytes and want to be, or if there are any young people in sixth grade or above who want to be junior ushers, please see or call Louise Gordon at 749-3503. If there is anyone who feels that he/she can no longer continue to serve, also let Mrs. Gordon know. START SPREADING THE NEWS "MUSIC, MINISTRY, AND MAYHEM" Mark your calendars now for September 24th, 25th, and 26th, the dates of our third dinner show. A seated dinner will precede the show on Friday and Saturday evenings, the 24th and 25th. On Sunday, September 26th, there will be a matinee without a meal. The show will begin in the fellowship hall and then move to the sanctuary after intermission so that we can spotlight our new organ. There will be a variety of music, from show tunes to country, both secular and religious. As in the past, the dinner show is an effort of the entire church family. This time we are working to restore the funds the church advanced to purchase the new organ. There is something for everyone to do, so please stop by the sign-up sheets in the narthex and add your name to one of the volunteer lists. In addition to signing up for a committee, everyone should be thinking about businesses with which you are familiar that might want to purchase an ad for the program. Tickets are not yet being reserved as details are still being worked out, but you will hear more about this at a later date. Start spreading the news. We're planning today. We want everyone to be a part of it -------"Music, Ministry, and Mayhem!" CHURCH WORLD SERVICE SCHOOL KITS School kits give children in impoverished schools, refugee camps, or other difficult settings some of the basic tools for learning. If you would like to help, please place items in the box in the Narthex. Kits will be assembled in late August for delivery to our pick up depot. Listed below are supplies needed for each kit: · One pair of blunt scissors (round tip) · Three 70-count spiral or tape-bound pads of 8'x10 ½" ruled paper or pads with 200-210 sheets of ruled paper. (no loose leaf or filler paper please) · One 30 centimeter ruler (12") · One hand-held pencil sharpener · One large eraser · Six new pencils with erasers · One box of 24 crayons (only 24) SCHOOL TOTE BAGS NEEDED The Missions Committee will once again sponsor the collection of school supplies this summer. Tote bags are needed for the supplies. If you like to sew, this is a fun project. Bags should be at least 16" deep, 14" wide, and have some type of closure (button, Velcro, or loop). Contact Carolyn Seay if you have any questions. SOUTH ANNA KINDERGARTEN Do you have a child going to Kindergarten next year? South Anna Elementary School parents, we need you! NOW is the time to register your child for kindergarten. Please do not wait until the summer. We need to know you are coming NOW. You do not have to have everything to register. You can bring any missing items later. Come by the school Monday through Friday between 7:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to register. Check the school's website http://hanover.k12.va.us/saes/index.htm for a complete list of needed documents.