Hello once again from your pastor.
Through the exemplary work of our Children’s Coordinator Kim Gist, we have navigated another glorious VBS. With pre-registration of 74 kids, our numbers fluctuated between 55 and over 70. We also had a great set of support people to keep everything moving smoothly. Positive stories have come to me during and after this event that reflects God’s work in our midst. Throughout this great week, and leading up to the week, Kim organized a robust prayer ministry to undergird and solicit God’s presence and help. Many helpers related to me that they felt God’s presence during the entire week. At the invitation of the Bliss family, we concluded this wonderful week with a gathering at the Fayette County Airport following Sunday church. Several new families that were participants in the VBS along with many members of SFUMC enjoyed hot dogs, baked beans, chips, and many deserts. I know that Kim will share the activities that went on during the week of VBS elsewhere in this Vision.
Although we are taking a break from our Wednesday Night activities, we continue to plan for our returning in September. If there is a Bible study or other meaningful study that you are aware of and would like to recommend, please do not hesitate to let me know your thoughts.
As we continue to look toward the fall, be aware of the need for conversation related to the 8:30 worship service. If you would be interested in participating in the early service and have suggestions related to that, please, let’s talk. Conversation as to where we hold the service and the style of worship desired are all helpful topics for discussion.
The “Coffee Shop” in the CAC is now open for business. The intention is that the room will be open during the Sunday School hour each Sunday morning (9:30 to 10:45 am) to be used by anyone that needs a place to gather quietly. Please feel free to use this space. And further if you have ideas to better use this room, again, let me know.
Our Church participated in the inaugural 2022-23 Annual Conference of the now Tennessee/Western Kentucky Conference. At that conference the Bishop and Cabinet have seen fit to re-assign me to the Somerville First UMC as your pastor. The preachers and the Lay members that were present at the conference (both live and on Zoom) were prayed over in hopes that we will experience a Spirit Filled and productive year. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve God and the wonderful people of this great church. We have had a good year thus far in 2022 and I ask that God make the balance of our time together fruitful for both God and for our community.
Blessings and peace
Bro. Don VanVoorhis
