Dear Friends,

As I write this, the rain is falling gently, it's a bit gray and generally a good day to read a book, I think.  If that is what you like to do on rainy days, I hope you have the chance today.  Thank you to Cathy McDowell for the beautiful sunflowers that graced our worship space yesterday.  Thanks also to the Study team and a few youth for the second Children's Sunday School via zoom.  We learned about compassion with songs, some yoga moves, and an illustrated prayer to remind us through the week.  It is amazing really, what we can do virtually! The next children's Sunday School will be on August 23.   

Upcoming study opportunities for adults:  our Brown Bag Supper and Study will resume on Wed, September 2 at 6:30pm.  We will begin a new study on Encounters with Jesus in the Gospel of John.  Watch for zoom links as we get closer.  On Monday, September 14 at 6:30pm we will continue our conversations around race and racial justice as we discuss the book The Cross and the Lynching Tree by James Cone.  Zoom links will be sent closer to time.  Feel free to join the conversation and invite friends and family too, everyone is welcome. And of course the weekly Wednesday devotional at noon each Wednesday on Facebook live.  

Local mission updates:  RCCM has a new address and they are looking for some carpentry work to make the space user friendly, particularly in these days of COVID 19. If you are able to offer skills, please contact Susan in the church office and she will give you contact information.  Family Promise of Roane County has been assisting families in need this summer with food, hygiene items and social support and hopes to resume hosting families in November.   

The Presbytery of East Tennessee will have its first ever zoom meeting this Saturday, August 15.  I will attend that meeting and present several candidates for examination, meaning there are a number of pastors beginning to serve churches in the midst of a pandemic and no in person activities.  Pray for them and the congregations they serve as they imagine meaningful relationship and ministry in new ways.  Since I will be at Presbyter on Saturday, I will not be able to visit on the porch during the market.  I will miss seeing you all and look forward to visiting on August 22.  

Continue to hold Jon Hettrick, Katie Gurtis, Moira Koppelberger and Ron Fowler in your prayers.  Please add prayers for comforting mercies for Adam and Rachel Gallagher as they grieve the death of Adam's brother as well as Bryson Turnbill and his family as they grieve the death of Bryson's great grandmother.   Many concerns were shared during worship on Sunday for friends and family who are ill and undergoing treatments as well as those who have lost loved ones.  Hold all of those concerns in your prayers too. 

Grace and peace,

Wendy