A prayer for an

Independence Day celebration

Lord God Almighty, in whose name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant, we beseech thee, that we and all the people of this land may have the grace to maintain these liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. —An Episcopal Church prayer book

Pastoral Notes

The following faithful Immanuel members were selected by the church council to form our pastoral search committee. Keep them in your prayers to support their journey ahead. Next steps for them include meeting with Rev. Carol Barth of the Indiana-Kentucky Conference (United Church of Christ) staff; assigning various committee-member tasks; assembling the congregational profile; and becoming a listing in “employment opportunities.”

Barb Haizlip	Cindy Wilkie	Mike Roy
Marge Bluhm	Diane Scherer	Beth Roche
Jack Michaels, Sr.	Harriet Smith	Monique Stevens
Cheryl Austin	Ray Behling	Jeanne Kapciak

                                      

Other July highlights include a Mission Trip and the return of Rev. Paige Cantwell to our pulpit. On Sunday, July 6, we will share Holy Communion and commission our Mission Trippers: Alyson Austin, Ben, Dylan and Linda Chandler, Brittany and Kurt Pfister, Lisa Rodriguez and Pastor John Helt. Sunday, July 13, this group will leave the church parking lot at 7 a.m. to begin the long drive to Alderson, West Virginia. Later that morning, Pastor Paige will lead worship here. Mission Trippers return on Saturday evening, July 19.

 The Appalachian Mission Trip experience, F.A.S.T. (FaithfulAdvocates Serving Together), is co-sponsored by the UCC Office of Volunteer Ministries, the Office of Disciples (of Christ)Volunteering, and the Alderson Ministerial Association. Our group will work alongside others to help rehabilitate homes, worship together and explore issues of social and economic justice in the region and here at home. See you in church!