Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The summer is not yet over, but the crush of summer activity is winding down. The last few months have been full: we’ve participated in three camps, two community picnics (with the final one days away), five days of Come on Over art classes, Vacation Bible School, the Appalachian Association in Lost Creek, and a week of General Conference meetings in Buckhannon, WV. Beyond those things we’ve done together, we’ve also had surgeries, recovery, hospitalization, family vacations, day trips, and packing old church news in archival sleeves. We have new signs for the church building and fellowship house, plans for a new roof on the church building, and plans to upgrade flooring and window dressing in portions of the fellowship house.

Our heavenly Father helped us through. Let us pray that the activity has not been just noise and rush — but that He causes it to be a faithful expression of our love for Him and our love for the neighbors He has given us.

As the summer crush gives way to a new rhythm, I’m looking forward to resuming our Bible Study in person and by Zoom on Wednesdays. I’m anticipating the shared prayer that starts those sessions. It is delightful to gather for prayer with brothers and sisters in the presence of our Lord.

I’m also looking forward to renewing our pursuit of church health. We’ve already identified some things we want to lean into (such as prayer) and agreed to have someone from the General Conference help us walk through a process designed to help us be faithful to God’s calling on our church.

We plan — God causes. Let us keep on asking the Father to be our help, our refuge, our strength.

I will raise my eyes to the mountains;
From where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
— Psalm 121:1-2

God is our refuge and strength,
A very ready help in trouble.
— Psalm 46:1

One season comes to a close. Another begins. And through it all, our God reigns supreme.

Grace to you and peace in Christ,

Andrew