Highlights
July 22 — Sanctuary closed for repainting; worship in Lounge or outside until Sept. 9
July 25 — Vespers services, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through August 15
August 12 — Blessing of the Animals service
August 19 — Blessing of the Backpacks
August 26 — Bluegrass service
Evotional
"I really believe that when I allow myself to be open to God, God finds a way to tell me what to do. No burning bush, voices, or special dreams! When I have been most in need of direction, I believe that God has helped me to find my way through the people in my life."
—Joanne Despotes
Calendar
Aug. 9-13 — Family Camp
Aug. 18 — Prime Time Picnic, 5-8 p.m.
Aug. 19 — Outing to Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever, departure at 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 5 — Dinner and a movie, 6 p.m.
Sept. 9 — FUSH, FUJI Back-to-school barbecue, 6 p.m.
What’s Happening
As part of our Centennial Celebration, you are invited to write a poem that captures your reflection on First United — past, present, future, or church in general. We hope to receive poetry by people of all ages. While poems shouldn't be too long, your poetry can be in any form: free verse, haiku, sonnet, limerick, doggerel, or your own invention. Drop your poem in the folder on the Elder Desk or email it to Marcia Ashton (marciaashton@msn.com). Questions? Contact Marcia or Lydia Mulkey (lmulkey@firstunitedoakpark.com). But don't delay: The deadline is Wednesday, July 25.
FUSH Work Camp: We came, we saw, we rebuilt
First United Senior Highs spent a week hard at work in Washington state: tearing down and rebuilding ramps, emptying out and filling in pools, ripping out rotted boards and refinishing decks, moving piles of boulders, pulling weeds, and cleaning gutters. They cleared brush and learned how to use power tools. FUSH worked with a group called Rebuilding Together, whose mission is to repair homes, revitalize communities, and rebuild lives. But they saved some time for water fun and even brought along a #FlatJesus.
