Friends

Happy Friday to each of you. I trust that everyone had a good week! My week was ok. I went back to work after being on vacation last week. It's always hard to go back when you've had time off. I am thankful that I have a job to go back to! The week was eventful so say the least. My second day back at work, I slipped down the ramp at my Mom's house (what fun!) and apparently felt the need to spill my drink twice in one day! Then I dropped the beeper that we have at work in water the night I was on call with one of the doctors. I am happy to say that it finally dried out enough to work again! Those are just some highlights of the fun week I have had. Could have been worse though!

In keeping with the happenings around our church, I am sad to say that this Sunday will be our beloved pastor's last Sunday with us. He and his wife will be greatly missed by everyone. They have come to mean so much to each of us. I know that God will continue to bless them in their journey and I trust that each of us will continue to remember them in thought and prayer. I noticed that the title of this Sunday evening's service is "Friends are Friends Forever" and it made me remember this song.

"Friends" - Michael W Smith
Packing up the dreams God planted
In the fertile soil of you
Can't believe the hopes He's granted
Means a chapter in your life is through

But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

And friends are friends forever
If the Lord's the Lord of them
And a friend will not say "never"
'Cause the welcome will not end
Though it's hard to let you go
In the Father's hands we know
That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends

With the faith and love God's given
Springing from the hope we know
We will pray the joy you'll live in
Is the strength that now you show

But we'll keep you close as always
It won't even seem you've gone
'Cause our hearts in big and small ways
Will keep the love that keeps us strong

This song has many meanings for me. It is a treasured one for me and many of my close, personal friends and I feel it appropriate to share at this chapter of life as well.

I encourage and remind the men of the church to be in attendance this Sunday for Men's breakfast. I am sure it will be one that won't quickly be forgotten. Breakfast is served at 8am. Please make plans to be in attendance!

The deadline for next month's newsletter is Tuesday, July 18th at 9am. If you have any items you wish to have included, please remember to have them at the church office in time!

Secret Power Seminar for youth girls will be held July 24-26. For more information regarding this event, please see our youth and children's leader!

That about covers all I have for this time. I would like to say a special thank you to the pastor and his family for a terrific job over the years and many thanks for everything you have done! You will not be forgotten! And truly, a friend's a friend forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them! Amen!!

Love in Christ,

Tina :-)