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In the Soup

10/18/2018

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I'm a big fan of the old sitcom, "Leave It To Beaver" (I own the DVD set). One of the classic episodes has Beaver and his pal, Whitey, wondering about a billboard in their town. The ad for "Zesto Soup" has a 3-D bowl that's steaming. As they debate whether or not there's actual steaming soup in the bowl, Beaver decides to climb up and see for himself. Unfortunately, Beaver falls into the bowl (empty) and cannot climb out of it. Eventually a fire truck rescues him.

I'm fairly confident that you've never found yourself stuck in a giant bowl of soup, but we've all experienced being "in the soup" (an old idiom for being in trouble). We often need the help of someone else - especially the help of God.

This week we've been reading though the first half of the book of Exodus in our Immerse: Beginnings bible reading experience (we still have a few more copies available or you can download a Kindle version from Amazon). The Israelites have been enslaved in Egypt for hundreds of years and are definitely in need of a rescuer. This Sunday, October 21st, we'll be taking a look at how God made a way for their rescue and began the process of giving them a future as His chosen people. I hope you'll be able to join us.



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You've probably noticed that our church family photo board is empty. It was getting kind of messy and, more importantly, some of those pictures were pretty out of date! When your child is in high school, but the photo depicts an elementary version, it's time for an update!

We're blessed to have Anne Young as a part of our church family on a semi-regular basis. Anne's husband, Nathan, is co-owner of the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, and Anne is a professional photographer (check out her beautiful work at www.youngreflectionsphotography.com) She's graciously volunteered to set up a portable studio and take individual and family photographs for FREE!

On this Sunday, October 21st, you can get your picture taken before the worship service (9:30-10:00) or immediately following it (11:30-12:30). Go to my office (just down the hall from the kitchen) and be a part of our church family photo board! There will also be a make-up day available in December (TBD). 

If, by chance, you would prefer to submit a photo, we won't turn you down. Just make sure that it's a fairly recent one. (Maybe someday we'll create a photo board with all of our high school graduation photos!).

Thanks, Anne!

CANDY CANDY CANDY CANDY CANDY CANDY CANDY CANDY CANDY

We're seeking to collect 100+ lbs of candy for our Trunk or Treat event on October 31st.

Each year 200+ children and their parents come to our church parking lot and trick or treat from one car trunk to the next. We set up a fire barrel, the White's offer hot apple cider, and Gene Westlund provides rides in his John Deere tractor train. It's a wonderful time to share the love of Jesus and build relationships with our valley neighbors.

You can drop off bags of candy at the church on Sunday. I'd also like to encourage you to participate in the event by decorating your vehicle's trunk and handing out the treats. It's a lot of fun! And you should consider attending the event (Wednesday, Oct. 31st, 5-6:30 pm) and being a friendly greeter for those who attend.

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On Monday evening, November 5th, all women are invited to gather for our Annual Women's Soup Supper event. (6-8:30 pm)

The evening will feature good food, a beautiful atmosphere, soul-nourishing music, inspiring speakers, and warm fellowship.

Sign up in the Fellowship Hall


What to do about the river bank erosion...

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The above photos were taken over a period of a week this past Spring. The actual loss of land this year was close to 35 feet and has been about 100 feet since 2009. Obviously something needs to be done to address this issue.

A number of people on our Church Council have been investing time and energy to seek out expert input toward stopping this continuing erosion. On Sunday, November 4th, immediately following the worship service, we will hold a congregational meeting to vote on whether to hire an engineering design firm to provide us with a plan. All members are encouraged to attend this important meeting.

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Why?!

10/11/2018

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One of the most common questions a toddler asks is, "Why?" I'm sure it has to do with child development and trying to find some understanding and control of their world. I'd need to break out some of my old psychology text books for a more thorough answer.

However, we never really grow out of asking "Why?" - especially when things don't go the way we think they should. I've had seasons in my life in which I seriously questioned why God was allowing certain things to happen to me and why He didn't intervene to make things right (including zapping the people I had identified as needing a good celestial zap!)

As we've been reading through the book of Genesis this week as a part of our Immerse Beginnings bible reading experience, the story has focused on Joseph. Talk about plenty of reasons to ask, "WHY?!!"

This Sunday, October 14th, we'll talk about how to handle being "in the pits". It's never pleasant, but the good news is that we're never alone! I hope you'll be able to join us. 


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You've probably noticed that our church family photo board is empty. It was getting kind of messy and, more importantly, some of those pictures were pretty out of date! When your child is in high school, but the photo depicts an elementary version, it's time for an update!

We're blessed to have Anne Young as a part of our church family on a semi-regular basis. Anne's husband, Nathan, is co-owner of the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, and Anne is a professional photographer (check out her beautiful work at www.youngreflectionsphotography.com) She's graciously volunteered to set up a portable studio and take individual and family photographs for FREE!

On this Sunday, October 14th, and next Sunday, October 21st, you can get your picture taken before the worship service (9:30-10:00) or immediately following it (11:30-12:30). Go to my office (just down the hall from the kitchen) and be a part of our church family photo board! There will also be a make-up day available in November (TBD).

If, by chance, you would prefer to submit a photo, we won't turn you down. Just make sure that it's a fairly recent one. (Maybe someday we'll create a photo board with all of our high school graduation photos!).

Thanks, Anne!


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WE NEED CANDY!

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No, not for me to snack on while I write my sermon (although, that sounds like a good idea, too). We're seeking to collect 100+ lbs of candy for our Trunk or Treat event on October 31st.

Each year 200+ children and their parents come to our church parking lot and trick or treat from one car trunk to the next. We set up a fire barrel, the White's offer hot apple cider, and Gene Westlund provides rides in his John Deere tractor train. It's a wonderful time to share the love of Jesus and build relationships with our valley neighbors.

You can drop off bags of candy at the church on Sunday. I'd also like to encourage you to participate in the event by decorating your vehicle's trunk and handing out the treats. It's a lot of fun! And you should consider attending the event (Wednesday, Oct. 31st, 5-6:30 pm) and being a friendly greeter for those who attend.

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Say What?

9/22/2018

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There's a funny scene in the very silly movie "Airplane" in which some black men attempt to communicate with the flight attendant, but she is unable to understand what they're saying. Up comes an older woman (played by Barbra Billingsley, the mother from "Leave It to Beaver") who offers to help by saying, "Oh stewardess. I speak Jive".

Have you been in a situation in which you couldn't understand what was being said? Have you ever felt that way about the Bible? While there are portions of scripture in which we may need the help of commentaries and theologians to fully comprehend, the good news of the message of the gospel is very clear. That's why we celebrate that one of the attributes of God's Word is its Clarity - that it is understandable.

This Sunday, September 23rd, we will look at how "God's Word Is... Understandable". This will be an important topic as we prepare for our "Immerse: Beginnings" reading experience through the first 5 books of the Bible - which includes some of the great stories of our faith along with some very difficult passages. I hope you'll be able to join us!

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This Sunday, September 23rd, we will be putting our faith into practice as we go out to serve our community. Following our worship celebration, we will enjoy a BBQ lunch (NOT a potluck - just come and enjoy the meal) along with folks from 3 other congregations (Cascade Bible Church, the United Methodist Church, and the Friendship Church). Then we'll divide into work teams and serve others for a couple hours.

Here's a list of the types of projects:
* Yard clean up * painting * cutting and stacking firewood * writing encouraging notes * picking up trash 
You should plan on wearing appropriate work clothes to church (you have my permission) or bring a change of clothing. It might also be good to bring some work gloves or other yard tools in case you need them.

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Are you interested in the history of our church? Would you like to understand what makes a Covenant Church different from any other Protestant church? Have you considered becoming a church member?

You're invited to attend the Exploring Church Membership class on Sunday afternoon, September 30th, at the home of Pastor Jeff and Tami. Following our Worship Celebration, we'll have a light lunch and go through a fast-paced and informal time of answering these and other questions as well as sharing our own faith journey. Attending the class does not mean you must become a member, but it is a prerequisite to membership.

Let Pastor Jeff know of your interest (jeff.palmberg@outlook.com)

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Join us this October and November as we read through the first 5 books of the Bible using the volume Immerse: Beginnings. Over the course of 8 weeks we will be reading approximately ten pages each day, five days a week. Each Sunday the message will be taken from a part of the previous week's readings.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of this unique volume of scripture at the church ($10 suggested donation) or purchase a Kindle version for your e-reader. You can also subscribe to the free podcast "Immerse Beginnings" to listen to a daily audio version of the readings. You're also encouraged to join one of the small groups which will be meeting during this 8-week time period. They will function similar to a book club in which participants will share what they discovered from the readings as well as what challenged them.

Learn more by going to the Immerse: Beginnings website at immerse.covchurch.org/beginnings
You can also find resources such as weekly video introductions and a family version you can use with your children.
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Celestial GPS

9/14/2018

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One of the most common desires that Christians express is that God would give them clear guidance about His will for their lives. Whether it's a big question (Who should I marry? What career should I pursue?) or the daily, small ones (How should I use my free time this weekend?), we long for clear direction and the confidence that we're following the mysterious "will of God".

The thing is: while we most likely will not receive audible directions from the Lord, God has already given us everything we need to know how to get in a right relationship with Him and how to live a life in the center of His will. The Bible is the Word of God and, as the catechism states, it is "the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct". We need to put our trust in scripture and understand its necessity, sufficiency, clarity, and authority.

Our current sermon series, "God's Word Is..." will be continuing this Sunday, September 16th, on the topic of how the Bible is enough and all we need to know how to experience salvation and to know how to live life as a Jesus-follower. Do you believe the Bible is enough or are you relying on a bible teacher or other literature? I hope you'll be able to join us.


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Sunday, September 23rd, following our worship celebration, we will put our faith into action by spending a couple of hours serving our community along with a few other congregations.

We'll enjoy a BBQ lunch here at the church and then divide into work teams to take on a number of projects such as picking up trash, helping the elderly, and writing encouraging notes to people.

You have my permission to come to church on the 23rd dressed for work. We'll finish up by around 3:00. Let's unite with our brothers and sisters from other churches in the valley and love our community in word and action.

Let's Start at the Very Beginning...

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it's a very good place to start (as you "Sound of Music" fans well know). And that's exactly what we'll be doing this October and November as we read together through the first 5 books of the Bible using the "Immerse: Beginnings" volume. Over the course of 8 weeks, we'll read about 10 pages a day, 5 days a week, and experience scripture in a new way.

You can pick up a copy of "Beginnings" at church for $10 or, if you prefer, you can purchase a Kindle version from Amazon. There is also an audio podcast you can subscribe to so you can listen to it as you read or exercise or drive. We're encouraging everyone to join an Immerse Small Group during this time which will function like a book club: no "teacher", but just fellow readers sharing what they discovered, were challenged by, and what God is revealing to them through His Word.

You can learn more by going to the website www.immerse.covchurch.org/beginnings


Valuing Our Children

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Children have always been an important part of our church family. Many of us have seen our children grow from being in the church nursery, through elementary years, and on through junior high and high school. Some of those former children of our church are now active as adults within our congregation raising children of their own among us.

But a larger portion of each generation is walking away from church and faith. Our legacy of faith is in danger unless we are intentional about how we care for our children and nurture them in their faith.

Thankfully, we are not alone in trying to address these issues. Our Denomination has developed a strategic approach to enable us to re-imagine our children’s place of priority within our church and God’s Kingdom. Legacy is a four-dimensional framework which will help us to reach, equip, and empower our children towards becoming the church of today and the future.

On Saturday, October 6th, Steve Burger, the Director of Children, Family, and Inter-generational Ministry for the Evangelical Covenant Church, will be meeting with our church leaders and those involved with our Children’s Ministry.

During a half-day experience, we will
· Assess and celebrate our current ministry
· Identify which area to focus on
· Dream of possibilities
· Turn the dream into a reality
· Develop a plan
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Please join us in prayer for our time with Steve and consider joining us as we make strategic plans for a strong children’s ministry here at CCC. For more information, contact Naomi Murray at MountainFlowerFitness@gmail.com or 509-668-7517


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Good Cans and Bad Cans

8/23/2018

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Back in 2011, I took my church middle school students on a mission trip in the Yakima area. One afternoon we volunteered at the Northwest Harvest warehouse packing and sorting various produce and cans goods. Will was assigned the job of going through a huge collection of cans to weed out the ones that were damaged. He really got into the work and relished passing judgement on the cans: welcoming and celebrating the good ones and condemning the bad ones. Here's a caricature I drew of him in action.

Jesus didn't shy away from discussing the fact that one day we will all stand before the Lord to face judgement. This Sunday, August 26th, we'll consider his parable of the net found in Matthew 13. What are we supposed to do about this impending judgment? Well, I believe we've got a job to do! I hope you'll be able to join us.

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Have you wondered about the history of our church? Are you curious about what makes a Covenant Church different from other denominations? Would you like to know what becoming a member of our church would mean for you?

That's what our "Exploring Church Membership" class is all about. In a concise and informal 3-hour format, we'll address these questions and more. Attending the class will not require you to become a member of the church, but it is a prerequisite to joining.

A class will be offered in September. Talk with Pastor Jeff to let him know of your interest.

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It's almost time for our annual afternoon of service to our community. On September 23rd, following worship, we'll enjoy a BBQ lunch along with a number of other congregations from the Valley and then go out in teams for a couple hours of service. More information will be coming soon. Mark your calendar and plan on living out our identity as Christ's Body: the Church.
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Treasure Hunt

8/16/2018

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The other night, my son, Joey, and I broke out an old favorite DVD: "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl". It's a fun film with lots of action, humor, and some creepiness in the mix. For those like me who grew up with a fondness for the Disneyland Pirates of the Caribbean ride, there are even some fun references to the attraction.

​One of the appeals of pirate stories is the dream of discovering a buried treasure. Who doesn't get a thrill from imagining the surprise and life change that would come from sudden riches?

Jesus told a couple of short parables focused on how the Kingdom of God is as valuable as a treasure. This Sunday, August 19, we'll continue our "Once Upon A Time" series through Jesus' parables found in Matthew 13. I hope you'll be able to join us.

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Have you wondered about the history of our church? Are you curious about what makes a Covenant Church different from other denominations? Would you like to know what becoming a member of our church would mean for you?

That's what our "Exploring Church Membership" class is all about. In a concise and informal 3-hour format, we'll address these questions and more. Attending the class will not require you to become a member of the church, but it is a prerequisite to joining.

A class will be offered in September. Talk with Pastor Jeff to let him know of your interest.


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It's almost time for our annual afternoon of service to our community. On September 23rd, following worship, we'll enjoy a BBQ lunch along with a number of other congregations from the Valley and then go out in teams for a couple hours of service. More information will be coming soon. Mark your calendar and plan on living out our identity as Christ's Body: the Church.
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Off to CHIC!

7/12/2018

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CHIC (Covenant High In Christ) is a triennial gathering of high school students from Covenant Churches across North America (and beyond) taking place at the University of TN in Knoxville, July 14-20.

Pastor Jeff Palmberg and Lisa Wallis are there along with our group of high school students: Brian Beste, Lillian Cooley, Spencer Hoffner, Amelia Oborne, Stephanie Strong, Zach Strong, Lukas Whatley, and Shelby White.
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If you are interested, you can watch the mainstage sessions streamed live by going to chicconference.org.  Recorded videos of these sessions and more will also be available on the site.
Thank you for your prayers on behalf of our teens and the other 5000 attending this amazing event!

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And thanks to John Fleming who will be preaching for me during the next two Sundays!
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How's Your Reception?

6/21/2018

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When I was growing up, we had rabbit ear antennas that were further enhanced by a wad of aluminum foil. (and a pair of pliers to change channels) If everything was in the right position, I could watch all five TV stations that were available to me. We eventually got a hand-me-down console television that we hooked up to a roof-top antenna which strengthened the reception.

The key to living a life of freedom in Christ is a vital union with him. If I'm going to follow Jesus and act as he directs me, I need to be noticing and following wherever he leads and clearly hear his instructions to me. The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Bible and is now active in the believer's understanding and application of scripture, so I had better be giving him say in my life. When it comes to living a vibrant Christian life, reception is everything!

This Sunday, June 24th, we'll be looking at Galatians 5:1-14. I hope you'll be able to join us.

Vacation Bible School - June 24-29

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This coming Monday over 100 children will be shipwrecked at Community Covenant  Church! Each evening from 4-7 pm they will be singing songs, playing games, and learning how Jesus is ready to rescue them.

If you have elementary aged kids in your life, be sure to bring them to this Valley-wide VBS program. Please be in prayer for the many adult leaders coming together from different congregations in order to make the week a success. And pray that the children in attendance will clearly hear the gospel message and choose to receive Jesus as their Savior!


​Agros Fundraiser & Pig Roast BBQ Potluck​

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Save the date for Saturday, July 7th as Bill & Suellen White are hosting their annual Pig Roast to raise money for AGROS. Why not invite some of your "pre-Christian" friends to come up to the White's ranch (about 1/4 mile up Lookout Mountain Rd in Twisp) at 5:00 for live music, plenty of great food, and the chance to contribute to this wonderful ministry. 

AGROS is a wonderful organization which is literally changing the lives of people in Central America. Thanks to financial contributions, the poorest of the poor are farming their own land and moving into a hopeful future. Financial gifts will be collected at the event, but come and enjoy the food and fellowship even if you can't contribute.

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Like Father, Like Son

6/14/2018

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Father's Day is this weekend and it's a natural time to reflect with gratitude on our dads. While none of our fathers were perfect, most of us are able to recall fond memories and love our dads very much. For those of us who are fathers ourselves, we realize the joys and challenges involved with raising children. I pray that all of us will be able to celebrate our fathers this weekend whether or not we are able to be with them.

For those of us who had loving Christian fathers, we can see many examples in which they let Jesus show through their words and actions. The ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to transform us more and more into the image of Jesus. The big theological word for that is sanctification and the process continues for the entirety of our lives.

This Sunday, June 17th, we'll continue our series through the book of Galatians as we look at Galatians 4:8-31. I hope you'll be able to join us.


Church Campout - June 15-17

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Plan on joining us for our annual campout at Bridgeport State Park. We've reserved a group camping area in which you can pitch a tent or bring your trailer. You can even choose to come down for the day if you're not able to camp.

For those staying all weekend, you'll get a preview sermon from Pastor Jeff on Saturday evening. For those who will be at church on Sunday the 17th, our Worship Celebration will take place as usual.

Vacation Bible School - June 24-29

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Now is the time to register your children, grandchildren, and any other children you know for our VBS.

Now is also the time to sign up to volunteer in one of the many ways you can help out to make this wonderful program happen. We're still in need of a few more helpers! Decorating will begin this coming week and you can help! Contact Naomi Murray at 509-668-7517.

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Adoption Rocks!

6/7/2018

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My daughter, Ellie, got married a year ago last April. She and Erik live in Gresham, OR, where Erik works at Starbucks while finishing up his business degree and Ellie is a nanny for two families. In addition to her work as a nanny, Ellie decided to become a volunteer at the local animal shelter. When I heard that, I knew it was only a matter of time before they brought home a dog. So, although we don't expect a grandbaby anytime soon, we do have a granddog named Milo.

Adopting an animal is a wonderful experience, but adopting a child is even more amazing. The lives of both the child and the parents (and family) are forever altered as a family is formed and someone who was all alone now is in a place of belonging. I've known a number of people who've adopted children and some who have been adopted themselves.

While adoption is a wonderful thing, it's not without challenges. There are rough times and plenty of tears and pain as everyone learns to adapt to a new family dynamic.

In Galatians 4:5 we're reminded of the wonderful truth that God has adopted us into his family!


God sent (Jesus) to buy freedom for us who were slave to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.
This Sunday, June 10th, we will look at this wonderful news and consider what it means for us. I hope you'll be able to join us!

Congregational Business Meeting & All-Church BBQ Potluck

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This Sunday, June 10th, we will have a brief congregational meeting immediately following worship. We will be voting to approve Al Bisnett as the church Treasurer to fulfill the remainder of the term as Clint Estes has had to resign due to work demands. We will also be voting on a Nominating Committee who will identify candidates for positions on the 2019 Church Council.

After this short meeting we will gather outside for a BBQ Potluck. Meat, fixings and drinks will be provided. Please plan on bringing side dishes and dessert.

Church Campout - June 15-17

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Plan on joining us for our annual campout at Bridgeport State Park. We've reserved a group camping area in which you can pitch a tent or bring your trailer. You can even choose to come down for the day if you're not able to camp.

For those staying all weekend, you'll get a preview sermon from Pastor Jeff on Saturday evening. For those who will be at church on Sunday the 17th, our Worship Celebration will take place as usual.
See Scott Larson for more info

Vacation Bible School - June 24-29

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Now is the time to register your children, grandchildren, and any other children you know for our VBS.

Now is also the time to sign up to volunteer in one of the many ways you can help out to make this wonderful program happen. We're still in need of a few more helpers! Look for the table display at church or contact Naomi Murray at 509-668-7517.

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