Happy Tuesday, Maranatha friends-
The Rev. Dr. Gary Peluso Vendend will teach us the next two Sundays. His topic is, “What is the role of religion in public life in the U.S.?” Gary is now on sabbatical from Phillips Theological Seminary for a year, then will be creating a new Center for Community Theology in Tulsa. He is always so thoughtful and well-informed – it should be a most interesting lesson.
We all enjoyed Rev. Warren Danskin’s lesson on Boston Avenue’s oral histories last Sunday. If you missed it, you can hear it at http://www.bostonavenue.org/maranatha.html . Thanks, Warren.
CLASS ANNOUNCEMENTS
We welcomed a new member, Clifford Webster, last Sunday! Be sure to greet him and introduce yourself!
We also welcomed a visitor, Ann Howard. Ann worked with Pam and Karey Low as a dental hygienist.
Happy birthday to David Carpenter on the 29th and to Shannon Latchem on August 2. We have no anniversaries to celebrate again this week.
Thanks to Sharon Chucoski for leading us in prayer Sunday, and to Frieda and Rob Reck and Charlotte and Roger Rowe for hosting. Angie Dale and Jim McCann (guilty/setup) and Suzy Morgan (healthy/cleanup) will be our hosts this week.
MISSION NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES:
Family Promise, our church’s newest mission involvement to help homeless families, is hosting our first family this week at Boston Avenue. Please keep the program and the family in your prayers, and contact Sarah Pugh Montgomery if you are interested in helping. There are still a few openings.
Our class will serve dinner at the Day Center for the Homeless on Friday, August 10. We will begin loading food at the church at 4:30 that afternoon, then arrive at the Day Center by 5:00 to set up and serve. All volunteers should be finished by 5:30-5:45. Sign up Sunday if you’re interested.
(All other upcoming mission opportunities are listed at the bottom of this email.)
JOYS AND CONCERNS:
Jimmy Berg wanted everyone to know how much he has appreciated the cards and prayers. He is slowly improving, and he hopes to be back in class in a few weeks.
Pam Sherman is excited to meet four biological siblings she recently found. She will meet them in Las Vegas this week.
Albert Klein was discovered to have a heart valve defect this week. He was meetin with a surgeon today to determine the best way to treat it. He will also need hernia surgery, once the heart issue is resolved.
Please continue to remember our friend and classmate, Jennifer Hall, in your prayers as she battles cancer.
SOCIAL EVENTS:
The potluck picnic and Bluegrass Concert at Keystone State Park will take place on August 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please bring a side dish to share; chicken will be provided for $5 per couple. Plan now to come and enjoy Dave Shepherd’s Bluegrass band, yard games, great food and fellowship, and even karaoke for those who are waiting to be discovered.
OTHER
All are invited to participate in Restore Hope Ministries’ Annual Golf Tournament on September 10.
The Wesley Foundation at OSU will host an Open House of its new facility on September 8.
UPCOMING CLASS MISSIONS:
August 26 – Boston Avenue BASE Camp: Rise Against Hunger
August 26-September 1 – Family Promise
October 4 – Project School Bell – help fit uniforms, shoes, et. for Burroughs students
October 11 & 25 – Maranatha helps with Compassion Dinners on these Thursday evenings.
November 25 – serve dinner at St. Luke’s Redemption Center
December (tentative) Neighbor for Neighbor Christmas event
Hope your week is going well. Thanks for all you mean to our class! We’ll see you Sunday –
Shari
Maranatha Class Website 