Bible 101 and friends and family visited the National Zoo on Monday, June 30. The MacKinnons, Seidels, Comers, and friends made a day of it, arriving by car and Metro train. The elephants, tigers and ape house were active for viewing. The reptile house was either “creepy” or “awesome” depending on who you asked. But, it was unanimous, a day of fun with friends and family was had by all!
Summer is here and we all want to be especially safe when it comes to the water. The following article comes from “The Deacon’s Bench” – a publication from Brotherhood Mutual and is reprinted with permission.
How to choose the right personal flotation device
Consider these suggestions for choosing a life jacket:
* Use a flotation device that’s approved by the U.S. Coast Guardd. Water toys like inner tubes and foam noodles may float, but they shouldn’t be relied on for safety.
* Check the manufacturer’s label to ensure that life jackets proprely fit each swimmer’s height and weight. Test the fit by having swimmers wear a life jacket and hold their arms straight up. Gently pull up on the tops of the arm openings. If there’s excess room above the openings, or if the jacket rides up over a swimmer’s face or chin, choose a smaller jacket.
* Try life jackets in shallow water under careful supervision. If a life jacket doesn’t properly keep the swimmer afloat, opt for a different one that provides better support.
Life jackets are designed to help keep swimmers and boaters safe, but they do not guarantee safety. Always follow all swim and boating safety laws and regulations.
This annual worship service will be held in the restored Dunker Church at the Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, MD, on Sunday, September 14, at 3:00 p.m. Pastors Tim and Audrey Hollenberg-Duffey of the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren will be the preachers. This will be a remembrance service reflecting on what the Dunker Church symbolizes for 1862 and 2014. This service is sponsored by area Churches of the Brethren and is open to the public. For more info, please call Eddie Edmonds, 304-267-4135; Tom Fralin, 301-432-2653; or Ed Poling, 301-766-9005.
Shepherd’s Spring has asked the Oakton and Midland congregations to serve as ice cream dippers again at the Celebrate Summer Event on Saturday, August 16, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. This fun and free event was very well attended last year and proved to be lots of fun. If you would like to help hand out smiles at the ice cream booth, please let Jerry Anne Kines know. .
Who? – Senior high youth, classes 2014 (this year’s grads) thru 2018 (incoming freshmen) and their advisors;
Cost – $50 by August 1; $55 by Aug 15; $60 by Sept 1. You arrange your own transportation (preferably as a church group);
Please let Missy know if you are attending to arrange transportation.
Accommodations – barracks style housing, with 15 beds per room. Each person should bring their own linens or sleeping bag, as well as beach “things” (modesty, please);
Arrival – Friday evening after 8 pm or Saturday morning by 9 am – the price would remain the same. Check-out time from the housing area is 11 am on Sunday, but you are free to stay in the park;
Program – We’ll have a worship service, as well as vespers/devotion times each day. There will be plenty of free time to enjoy the ocean, beach, trails, and other recreation possibilities within the park – without leaving it for the duration of the retreat.
More details will be on MAD Youth Facebook page as they become available – or you can contact the church office for a registration form.