I looked at my calendar today—the paper kind you write on with a pencil. I discovered there were a few upcoming events that seemed questionable.
They were questionable because I couldn’t read my own writing! After comparing my calendar with the church calendar, I think I figured it out. But if I don’t show up for worship, feel free to give me a call!
The month of June was pretty quiet at Asbury. We made doughnuts—lots of doughnuts—early in the month. Jan Akervik and I attended the Annual Conference later in the month.
Sandy and Gary Winklesky hosted a picnic for the Wildfire group again this year. They had plenty of food, and their backyard was full of adults and youth. Sandy said they used more than 180 plates. The Winkleskys worked hard to plan and prepare, and our clean-up crew had a great time laughing and teasing—and occasionally washing some dishes twice!
On July 27, I spent the day at Adventure Day Camp. Dawn Jones and Stan Johnson also helped from Asbury. There was a threat of rain from the time we arrived, and at mid-morning we all ran to the only building on site to take cover. Picture it: Around 70 children, youths and adults all crammed into one space. We made the best of it and actually had a good time. As for upcoming events, we are scheduled to host the counselors’ picnic at the Island Lake Beach and Picnic Area later this month.
Last year we resurrected the National Night Out Picnic and had such a great time that we are doing it again. A huge thank you goes to Judy Pearson and Barbara Little, who are organizing this event. We will have food to eat, games to play—and a few of us will be doing face painting on any brave souls seeking to be transformed.
Our regular meeting schedules begin in August, as we start planning for the new church year. And on Aug. 18, our 80-plus members and friends will gather for lunch and worship to reconnecting with friends and God.
During the summer months, there is an opportunity to experience a different pace in life. It can be a time to be more aware of God’s presence in the beauty of creation and in the relationships that are dear to us. I hope it has been that for you.
One more thing if you haven’t heard: Rev. David Bard, pastor at First United Methodist Church in Duluth, was elected bishop of the Michigan Annual Conference in July. He and his wife, Julie, will be moving to Lansing in August, and we wish them all the best. David is a talented, respected leader. The United Methodist Church is blessed to have him serve in the important role of bishop in Michigan.
If this article seems as if it rambles on and on, you are right! But perhaps that is what summer is about, too!
Peace and joy,
Cindy