Right now, I am writing this as we are in the midst of an exciting Church week - specifically it is Vacation Bible School week.  This year we are once again involved in an ecumenical endeavor with the Congregational United Church of Christ in Pierre and they are gladly hosting all the fun that is being had by a good number of children and youth.

            And as I am reflecting on the Vacation Bible School and all that we are doing it brings to mind yet again what a vibrant ministry it is working with children and youth in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and the salvation that He alone brings to this world.

            Jesus Christ’s central Message to all of us endures still today, and for all time. As we are involved with Vacation Bible School, and this year’s themed “Galactic Blast”, we find ourselves directly in the midst of some of the most important work that Jesus did.   How do I know this?

            Quite simply because Jesus Himself said as it is recorded in Mark 10:14-16 (Message Translation - cf. Matthew 18:3-5; Luke 18:16 &17), "Don't push these children away. Don't ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God's kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you'll never get in." Then, gathering the children up in his arms, He laid His hands of blessing on them. The context for Jesus saying this was because the Disciples were carrying on about themselves - worried about their own matters, and probably thinking the children were a distraction; but Jesus’ reminder to His disciples, and still to all of us today, is the importance of our covenant with God being for everyone, young or old.

            Small children belong; and most importantly children and youth have a place in the Kingdom of God every bit as much as the brightest and most accomplished adult.       Small and very young children, I believe, typically know that they have nothing to bring before their elders; so they do everything to try and learn and grow. And I think this was exactly Jesus’ point as He would have each of us reflect, and model, as true believers in Him: we are called to exercise a personal faith knowing that we cannot bring anything to God but God wants us to freely receive. We receive God’s gift of grace and love.

            And at Vacation Bible School we do a lot of that!

            Receiving and sharing God’s grace and love.

            Please join us this summer, as you are able, for various activities and worship to the glory of our God.

Sincerely, in our Master, Jesus Christ’s service,
Rev. Johnny Rhoad

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	IMAGINE A WORLD WITH MORE BIRTHDAYS	I can  ~  YOU can  ~  WE can  MAKE A DIFFERENCE RELAY FOR LIFE Steamboat Park July 16th-July 17th
Luminary order deadline – July 4th Luminary decorating–July 8th, 5:30-8:30 @ OPC Donation deadline – July 11th

METAL ROOFS INSTALLED AT CAMP RIMROCK

Members of OPC and Onida churches spent Sunday through Tuesday at Camp Rimrock adding metal roofs to the new shower house and an older abandoned bath house but not restored as a canteen.

Duane and Mary Jenner, Lyman Chase, Larry and Meleta DeJong from OPC and Rolly Kemink and Curt Matzen from Onida Presbyterian provided the labor. 

Work projects also included adding rock pathways from the cabins to the lodge, painting the fence surrounding the well, paperwork for the camp director, removing the pine limbs from where the trees were cut down and moving them to a slash pile to be burned this coming winter, and repairing leaks in the water lines.  The lodge ceiling fans and lights were also cleaned in preparation for the presbytery meeting.

Counselors Stacy, Hannah, Royce and Randy and maintenance man, Tim, also helped with the work projects.

Duane, Larry and Lyman	Rolly working on the leak	Larry and Rolly still working on the leak
Stacy, Hannah and Mary J after path is completed.	Royce and Randy preparing to clean the lights	Hannah and Rolly moving the limbs from the lodge and cabin area.

SUMMER WORSHIP AT OAHE
July 4 – Please wear red, white, and blue to the communion service	August 1 – Ardeth Kocourek will preach
July 11 – Regular worship service	August 8 – Pastor John will lead the communion service
July 18 – Hymn sing for the worship service
July 25 – Ken Hunt will preach

RELAY FOR LIFE

What comes to mind when you think of this event?  Walking laps with friends?  Lighting of the luminaries at dusk? Raising funds for cancer research? A tentful of OPCers sharing stories?

I participated in this event for many years because my life had been 'touched' by cancer.  Friends had been diagnosed.  I had helped friends undergoing treatments.  I had given friends the shots they needed as part of their care regimen. I had lost friends and given a eulogy at a funeral.

But it wasn’t until my life was consumed with spending time and caring for my mother after her cancer diagnosis that I came to truly appreciate the benefits of the funds raised by Relay events across the county.  My family was fortunate - in a bittersweet way.  Mom didn't need to endure any chemotherapy or radiation treatments, but we precious little time with her before the aggressive, end-stage cancer took her life in less than three months. 

Relay for Life has new meaning for me.  Does it for you?  Join our team.  Walk with us.  Talk with us.  Raise money for cancer research if you are able by selling/buying luminaries.

Luminary decorating on the nights of July 7 and 8^th.

The Relay is set for July 16 and 17 at Steamboat Park.  Talk to either Candy Sowers or me about how you can participate.

--Ruth Smith

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL PICTURES Photos donated by Pastor Johnny Rhoad