Campmeeting 2012!

Better late than never.  :-)  I didn't take too many pics at camp this year.  It seems like each day went by soooo quickly and we had a few unanticipated responsibilities that took quite a bit of attention.  For once, the weather cooperated!  We didn't have even one tornado warning!  During youth camp, I wore a sweatshirt a couple of the mornings, and the afternoons and evenings were beautiful.  Family camp was a bit warmer, but no complaints here...we were just happy not to have to wade through mud puddles (which significantly lightened the laundry loads!).  Our workers this year were Darrell Stetler, Paul Pierpoint, and Derek and Alanna McIntyre.  Lorna Rundell (awesome!) was the children's worker, and Steve Gibson was the youth worker, in coordination with our youth camp president, John Zeigler.  The atmosphere was encouraging and uplifting.  It was a wonderful 10 days!

Main Sanctuary - courtesy of Midwest PHC

Teen service - courtesy of Midwest PHC

Children's service

Greg and I ended up helping with the McIntyre's two older boys
during most of the services. We know we're too old to go back
to the days of 2 and 4 year old boys.  :-)

Father's Day 2012...Brad Petty is one of the boys' best friends,
andthey stayed in the tent most nights. 

Alli with one of her new McIntyre friends

The first Sunday, one of the ladies of our church brought
her mini van full of Jr. Church kids.  It was a three hour trip
each way, so quite a sacrifice for her to do in one morning/
afternoon.  The kids loved being at camp!

Another new McIntyre friend...what a doll this one is!

On the last Friday night, a donor had promised to give $100 for every
teen aged 11-20 who sat in the youth section.  The kids always get excited
about this, and this year gave an added perspective.  Jordan Franklin had planned
to be in that service, but was tragically killed the week before.  The kids took
the first chair on the first row, named it Jordan's Chair, and gave an offering
of their own in his memory.  It was special to say the least. 

When they do the teen offering, the kids stand and count off, so that everyone
can hear exactly how many are there.  I think there were 115 this year, so that
resulted in a donation of $11,500.  Last year, I believe there were 85 or 87.

The kids love to hang out with "Aunt Sherry." 



It was busy...Greg was the delegate to conference from our church which took up two afternoons, I spoke in one of the ladies' meetings, which took up another afternoon, our church did all the drinks for five of the ten days, we spent lots of energy taking care of the children that were entrusted to us in the services, I was the pianist for the kid's program, and Greg transported Bro. Pierpoint because of his knee injury.  Whew.  :-)

Even with all of that, we were refreshed by being able to spend time with the people from our own church, as well as conference friends that we don't see so much.  We were able to get away for ice cream one evening with John and Tracy Petty and their family, and take a Friday night double date (sans our combined 11 kids) with Tim and Kim Forsee.  So good to be a part of a larger family of believers that shares our goals and values, and we are excited about the future!

Library Dedication...

Awhile back, a precious couple in our church was taken to Heaven after a serious car accident. Dr. Ralph and Mrs. Erma Woodworth have been so missed over the last year! Not only were they intelligent, they were wise. And they were selfless. Although they had education and experience that gave them an edge over many, Christian humility was clearly visible. They weren't above any task, and they were the first to offer their home and their hearts to anyone in need. Upon their death, the remainder of their library was donated to our church. Several volunteers put in time sorting and cataloguing books and making furniture. On the second Sunday of June, the library was dedicated.  One of the Woodworth's two sons was able to be with us for that occasion.
The room isn't quite finished, but the remaining decor has been purchased. It will be a serene oasis to meditate, study, and read quality Christian books. We are excited about the future of the Woodworth Memorial Library!

Rev. & Mrs. Don Nichols, Dr. and Mrs. Steve Woodworth

Dr. Steve Woodworth speaking words of rememberance

Mrs. Janet Sawmiller (close friend to Ralph and Erma)
reading their biographical sketches

Introducing the family to the new library

Dr. Steve and Leah Woodworth with five of their seven children

Sawmillers and Woodworths

The dedication was followed by a fellowship meal in the Commons

God has blessed our congregation with lots of kiddos!

"And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;"

Exodus 35:31