Hey Kids! Are you ready for this year's VBS? We are going to blast off inside a space probe and launch into an exciting adventure where we will encounter the Creator God of the Universe.

We will have bible lessons, recreation, bible memory, and a team contest! This program is for those between age 3 and entering into 7th grade.  Please invite your friends and neighbors.  Everyone is welcome.

We will meet each day, July 12-16, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 12 noon, with an evening program for parents to experience the fun of VBS on Friday evening, 7:00 PM.

To receive more information about VBS this year, please contact Weisan Hui.

To sign up for VBS please fill out and return the completed registration form to Sarah Wood in person or by mail no later than Monday, July 5th, Monday.

Rachel Bozarth, Jack Boeve, Matt Grove, Joanie Harris, Rhonda Hoard, Barb Hoover, Lisa Hoover, Dan Hayes, Richard Hiers, Jennifer Horne, Skip Jaeggi, Debbie Keane, Mike Koller, Nathan Koller, Rachel LeCroy, Cassie Linton, David Linton, Jenny Linton, Christina McDonnell, Stephen McEwan, Becky Meyers, Amy Pratt, Hannah Shields, Amy Sterner, Tim Werkema, and Tim Weston. 

A special thanks to our faithful and indispensable choir accompanist Joanie Harris.  Thanks also to instrumentalists Barb Hoover, Tim Weston, and Bob Wooldridge, to soloists Samantha Rammaha and Lori Shaffer, to Pastor Meyers and Melanie Carter for placing the anthem texts and music announcements in the bulletins, to Jennifer Horne for handling the music department invoices, and to the Deacons and Pastor LeCroy for their help in setting up for special choral functions.

I would also like to recognize the Youth Choir and accompanist Doria Dawson for their contribution to the music ministry and their excellent performance during Lessons and Carols. 

Finally, a special thanks to Tim Werkema for his many instrumental accompaniments and arrangements, and his leadership of the preschool children’s choir.

Our church is blessed because you all share your talents in the service of Christ’s body.  Thank you for lovingly and faithfully doing so!

Bill Hoover

Last Year's PiggyImmediately following we will move to the parking lot for a Pig Pickin' to celebrate the Christian Feast of Pentecost.  The church is providing the pig along with the means to cook it.  

That means that all who attend will be responsible for making up the remaining items for the feast.  Every individual or family will be asked to bring either a side dish (Last names A-L) or a desert (M-Z).  Please bring enough for two families to eat.  

Also, every family or individual is responsible for bringing their own drinks, whatever they may be, and buns, if you would like to use a bun, just like an evening cookout.  The church will not be providing lemonade, water, or any other common drinks.  Lastly, bring lawn chairs, lawn games, and wear something red so that we can corporately reflect the fiery color of the Pentecostal season.

I hope everyone can make it and enjoy the fellowship!

You can read the full story and see the pictures from the ordination service here.

Our annual Christmas Lessons and Carols Service will be Sunday, December 20 at 6:00 PM. (Children’s Prelude starts at 5:40.) This is a festive carol and anthem celebration involving special music from four choirs (Adult, Youth, Elementary, and Preschool). Please note the following: 

1. Reception Help - Please sign up to bring cookies or finger food on a serving platter for the reception which will follow the service. Helpers are also needed to setup, cleanup, and serve refreshments. The signup sheet is on the WIC table in the narthex. See Ami Anderson for more information. 

2. Sunday School Rehearsals - Preschool and Elementary rehearsals begin at 10:50, Youth Choir at 11:30-12:00. Teachers, please attend with your classes. 

NOTE: On Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, Grades 1-6, the Youth Choir, and the Adult Choir will rehearse in the Sanctuary for the entire Sunday School hour, to run through the entire program. (The Preschoolers will join for a few minutes.) Teachers, please attend with your classes.

3. Youth Choir Dress Code (grades 7-12) - Ladies: white (or closest light colored) blouse or sweater, and black (or closest dark) skirt and hose. Gentlemen: white (or closest light colored) dress shirt, necktie, black (or closest dark) slacks, nice shoes, no jacket. Long sleeves are preferred. Use closest match available; no clothing purchases are expected.

4. Children’s Prelude - If your child is taking music lessons and would like to play a short Christmas carol (approx. one minute) as part of the Children’s Prelude, please notify Barb or Bill Hoover.

5. Schedule for Dec. 20 PM (Program Night):

4:00-4:45 PM Adult Choir rehearsal**

4:45-5:30 PM Youth Choir rehearsal**

5:30 PM Children’s Prelude participants report to choir loft

5:40 PM Children’s Prelude begins

5:45 PM Age 2 thru Grade 6 report to classrooms to line up

6:00 PM Lessons & Carols Service begins

** Sandwiches will be available beginning at 4:15 for singers and family members required to come at 4:45 PM or earlier.

You can see more pictures in our photo gallery.

This past Sunday evening (October 11) we were privileged to have 65 talented musicians from Missouri Baptist University (including our very own Rachel Keane and Lisa Hoover) to fill our sanctuary with song -- the MBU Chorale, MBU Chamber Singers, and MBU [Bell] Ringers.