It’s great to be back. I’ve only been away for a week, but it feels much longer! Continuing Education in Austin was wonderful; I was able to spend time with other clergy women, learning and networking, and ended the trip with some great cultural experiences in Oklahoma, including the honor of attending the Potawatomi Tribe’s annual powwow – a highly exclusive event that not many outside the tribe are able to witness. And now, I’m back in the office and Bob is off on a much needed vacation for two weeks.

Tonight there is nothing going on, and it’s a slower weekend. We have our Beans & Rice ministry on Saturday, and Sunday we’ll be honoring our country in the spirit of the Fourth of July with some patriotic hymns and prayers, as well as a baptism at the 10:30 service. Fred will be in the Gathering, and I’ll be preaching at 8:00, 9:15, and 10:30.

I want to be sure to draw your attention to Tuesday, July 4th. Marta Cohen will have just begun working as our new Youth Minister, and she and her husband, Drew, are hosting an EYC Pancake Brunch from 10:00am – noon. They want to meet the youth, and get some feedback and brainstorming on what our youth program will look like this year. Please, don’t let your youth miss this event! It won’t take you away from any afternoon 4th of July celebrations, and will be well worth your while! We are incredibly lucky to have Marta joining our team, and I know you’ll all feel the same way once you meet her.

Finally, we are still in need of some volunteers to help set out dinner after our Sundays@5 service. This is a low-impact job! You can man the grill, set out sandwich fixings (food will be provided), or bring something from home if you’d like. There are usually only about 10 of us who stay for dinner, but it’s a great time of fellowship, and we want to keep it going! If you can help, please send me an email or sign up at the Parish Life board beside the women’s restroom.

I’ll be seeing you around!