Hello all:

I’m writing this on my way out of town for a few weeks. My family and I will be driving up to Montreal for the annual summer conference of the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America—AKA “Peace Camp”. We’ll join a few hundred other Baptist Peacemakers from across the continent and even around the world. I always look forward to these events. Like so many others, our children have grown up having this annual tradition. We will all be renewing friendships. We will also be inspired by the stories of peacemakers and justice-seekers from across the world. I always come back with lots of ideas and energized by the possibilities of building a culture of peace in and amongst my communities. If you want to follow what’s happening at the conference or who some of the speakers are, you can find the information you need at www.bpfna.org. On our way back, we’ll swing down to Cleveland, Ohio to visit our family. I’ll be back in time to preach on July 27th .

While I’m out of town, Eric Nelson will be on call for pastoral emergencies from July 10-15. You can reach Eric at 612-741-5124. Diane Ehr will be on call from July 16-26. You can reach Diane at 952-894-4731.

Deidre Druk will be participating in the Red Ribbon Ride in a week or so to raise money for AIDS research and programs. She asked that I send the following along to you:

Hi All!
I hope you don't mind this "group email" and if you've already made a donation, I THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!! and you can never mind this email! I am writing to ask if you will you support me for $10.00 on the Red Ribbon Ride. If you are willing, you can pull up the website: http://www.redribbonride.org fill in my first and last name, click on my name above the thermometer to enter! It is for such a good cause. I would like to know that you are working with me to bring about an end to HIV/AIDS! You don't even have to bike 300 miles or sleep in a tent!!!! ;-)
Thank you so much!!
Deidre

Remember the worship schedule for the remainder of the month of July is as follows:

   July 13th @ UBC, Eric Nelson preaching, Scripture: Genesis
   25:19-34, Sermon Title: “Red-Blooded”;
   July 20th @ FCC, Jennie Ott preaching, Scripture: Psalm 139, Sermon
   Title: “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”;
   July 27th @ FCC, Doug Donley preaching, Scripture: Matthew
   13:24-43, Sermon Title: “Grain Parables”.

Our Music Director Terrance Olson invites folks from both churches to join in a “pick-up-choir” again this Sunday. Simply come to UBC at 9  am on Sunday and Terrance will introduce you to the anthem for the day. All are welcome.

I hope you all have a wonderful couple of weeks. I look forward to seeing you upon my return.

Remember in Prayer:
Vivian Hotchkiss who had successful surgery on Tuesday;
Char Follett;
Dan Murphy;
The Englund family;
The people of the Missisippi River basin who have been victims of rising water and flooding;
Our sister church in Leon, Nicaragua;
The people of Burma as they recover and seek of just distribution of aid;
The people of China devastated by the earthquake;
All people in harm’s way because of the unnatural disaster of war;
Those traveling;
Those dealing with depression;
Those facing health challenges and their loved ones.

Grace and Peace,

Doug Donley