Good morning on this Saturday, June 28th. The month of June is nearly gone and it is hard to believe that we are one-third of the way through the summer calendar. Because of the many schools that have gone to a year-around schedule, summer vacations from school now only run from mid or late June to early August, approximately six weeks in length. That necessitates families taking their vacations in late June or during the month of July because the kids will be back in school immediately thereafter. It also necessitates that the children's and youth summer activities of the church such as camps, trips and seminars take place primarily in July. This year AWANA Scholarship Camp is finishing today, Junior High Camp will be July 7-12 and Senior High Camp will be July 14-18. I am focusing on these camp dates because of their tremendous importance. Did you know that more young people testify to an experience at camp as a turning point in their lives than any other single event? Whether it is committing their lives to Christ, rededicating their lives to Him, making a life-changing decision of some kind or surrendering to a call for full-time Christian service, as many as three quarters of all youth and young adults have had one of these things happen as a result of going to camp. There are a number of reasons why so many are so influenced during a time at camp. These include: (1) a total immersion in a spiritual environment while away from the cares and routines of their every-day lives; (2) An exposure to the preaching and teaching of the Word on a daily basis; (3) An often close association with a spiritual counselor or leader who influences them in personal and practical ways; (4) The opportunity to fellowship with and be influenced by their peers who have had or are having life-changing experiences for Christ. If you are a parent, please make it a priority to send your children to camp this year and if you are a young person, please make it your priority to go to camp this year. The difference it can make is eternal! An added bonus is that our new youth leaders, the Stevensons, will be there.
Tomorrow the John Markums will be with us to candidate for the Single's Pastor position. You'll have the opportunity to meet them tomorrow morning and hear him preach in the evening service. Additionally they will be spending time with the singles, staff and Board of Deacons during the next several days. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome.
Tomorrow's sermon is the fifth in this year's Prophecy Update Series. I hope you will be able to be there.
Mel Brown