"His Word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot!" Jeremiah 20:9 May God's Word burn within your heart today.......burning with a desire to know Him more!
This guy was seen recently at a Lakewood UM event wearing .....well, we're not sure what you would call this style??? Frank P. has volunteered to lead our Family Camp this year and he says that this is what he is wearing to the Luau planned for Saturday at Family Camp. We hope that he doesn't plan on winning any contests! It should be a fun time though and we are looking forward to what he has in store!
The Living Stones had some WET and WILD fun on a hot summer day last week. Some of the group gathered at Sandi and Brent E.'s home to relax and enjoy the pool. The group is preparing for their summer trip to Florida and shared in prayer asking God to bless this outreach. After that....snacks, more fun in the pool and sun and lots of laughter filled the night.
It was an active week at Lakewood with VBS in full swing. The theme was PANDAMANIA...where we discovered that "God is WILD about us!" The lessons were great....like the top picture where the children were in the belly of the whale and learning about Jonah! The snacks were great......the games were great....the crafts were great.....God is great! Our prayer is that each child grew closer in His walk with Jesus....keep praying as they keep learning His ways!
The children from last week's Vacation Bible School presented a short program at the Pig Roast Friday night. Each class shared a song, skit or activity reflecting the lessons from VBS. Grace B. and Sara S. helped coordinate the presentation. What a joy to see our children praising the Lord. May He bless each one of them as they grow in His love.
It was a great night for a Pig Roast and approximately 130 gathered for fun, food and fellowship. The event was a fund raiser for the Backyard Project and more than $600.00 was raised toward this. Trees have been planted and monies now raised will go toward a pavilion for future outdoor events like this. Frank P. roasted the pig and it was super good! The Camp Board hosted the evening and looks forward to more outdoor activities. Thank you to all who worked, donated and attended this great time!
Mike K. was busy after the Pig Roast digging a trench to lay water lines for the Backyard Project. Volunteers have been watering the trees with a long hose from the church but soon water will be available nearby. What a blessing to have a church where everyone works together!! Thank you to all who continue to share their gifts and abilities for God's glory!
"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink." Have you noticed all the buckets by the trees in the BACKYARD? The trees are thirsty too......what a blessing that Jesus gives us the water of life.....He quenches our thirst in every way!
Day Camp kicked off the week with 25 eager children! All was ready as the group gathered and started on the week long journey. The first day is always filled with anticipation and it was high as everyone was guessing what would take place this week. Our prayers are that each one discovers something they never anticipated.....a new and deeper walk with Jesus.....now that is awesome!
It was a wonderful day to have a Swim Party at the Eckardts! The youth gathered for swimming, volleyball, games, food and fun. Everyone got a little wet (thanks to Zack E.!) and everyone had a smile on their face. Jake jumped right in and played a mean game of volleyball......not sure the rules weren't bent a little bit...but that made it only more fun! Good times with good Christian friends....Praise the Lord!
A few minutes were taken at the Youth Swim Party to say "Good-Bye" to Wesley P. Wesley has been involved in the youth program and will now be moving to West Virginia. A special cake was shared and Jake offered a prayer for Wesley as he makes this tranisition. May God bless Wesley and his family as they make this move.
Amy, Ryan and Emmi K. are making sure that their registration is in for this year's Family Camp. The dates for Family Camp are July 12-15 and it sounds like it is going to be LOTS of fun. Frank P. is heading up this year's camp and he promises a fun time. The Saturday night "Luau" is sure to draw a crowd and if Frank is going to wear a grass skirt you better bring your cameras! Make sure to be a part of this summer event...even if just for the day!
The youth have joined forces as the Junior High and Senior High classes are meeting together during the summer months. Rudy O. teaches this class as they explore God's Word and His message for us today. It's a great time of sharing and learning so check it out! We did notice that Brooke A. was the only girl in the group this week.....come on girls she needs some help with all these guys!
"THEREFORE GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. AND SURELY I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS TO THE VERY END OF THE AGE." MATTHEW 28:19-20 (It's always interesting the things you can find around the church to take a picture of.....this is on our bulletin board...have you seen it?) There are SO many who need to experience the love of Jesus....may He use each of us to share that love this week!
The weather has been great and school is out! All the kids are excited about vacation and what the summer holds for them. So, when asked what the most exciting thing about summer is......here are their replies!
Logan P. said "Kid's Camp"
Lizzie O. said "Kid's Camp"
Sebastian B. said "Camping"
Chase S. said "Swimming"
Brady E. said "I don't know"
Gavin S. said "Camping"
It sounds like these guys better invite Brady over for some fun! What are you looking forward to this summer? God has LOTS in store for all of us.....look around and see what He has blessed you with today!
The summer has started and so has the Summer Sunday School program. Classes have been restructured and focus on God's Word through activities, crafts, lessons and interaction. The smiles above on Caleb S., Garret and Annabelle S., and Joie and Christian tell a story of happy hearts. Volunteers are needed to help throughout the summer......continue to pray for this and for all the children!
Life at Lakewood includes the observance of Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month. What a blessing to share together in remembering the gift of life through Jesus Christ death and resurrection. This is a time of peace, strength and renewal as we continue to grow in the Grace of our Lord. May our hearts be filled with His love today!
Plans are underway and sign ups have started for this year's Day Camp. Miriam H. is working at the sign up table for donations of food and help. Please be in prayer as 25 children are signed up for this life-changing experience. It is going to be an awesome week and we are expecting God to do great things!
It was a mystery why the lights kept going out in the hallway this past Sunday! They would go out and no one seemed to be around.....until this little guy was "caught!" Hunter C. was having a great time with the lights but his mom seemed to think it was enough! What a blessing the children are at Lakewood UM! Praise God for them and may He bless them as they grow in His love. Go Hunter!
