Friends -
If you are anything like us, summer comes and we are create two long lists:  all we want to do; all we need to do.  Both are extensive, and time- especially this summer- is short.  How to decide?  How to prioritize?

In a general way, all of life is like that- how do we determine where our time and energy goes?  What is the overall vision for our lives that helps us decide?

As followers of Jesus, it would seem logical- at least to me- that whatever guides our decisions should be in line with the overall plan that Jesus operated in and operates by.  And what is that?

Jesus taught many things, both verbally and by example. But at one point, when questioned by the religious authorities, he stated clearly what was the foundation of his life.  Essentially it was this:  love God; love others.  And if we are going to follow him, that becomes the foundation for our lives as well.  And the source of that love?  God himself!

So what am I/are we planning this summer?  Work or play, if it isn't birthed in love, if it doesn't result in love, we need to make new plans.

"Live a life of Love!"  Ephesians 5:2

Have a great month!
Gary

Calendar
Sundays - Every Sunday - Worship Service - 10:30 am
                  7/7 - Communion Sunday 
                  7/28 - Fire Station Annual Chicken Barbeque
Wednesdays - Every Wednesday - Bible Study - 7 PM - Fellowship Room - Open to all. 
Thursdays - 7/11 - Church Board - 7 PM - Fellowship Room
                     7/25 - Community Dinner - 5:30 PM - Poplar Grove Church - Eat and/or serve.

Other News - 
Prayers - Please continue to pray for Dylan and Angela.  He continues to be in the hospital and needs the healing power of the Lord. Pray for the rest of the family as well back here in Caledonia. 

Bulletin - Sue Pfaffinger has stepped down from making our Sunday bulletins. We are grateful for her many years of designing and printing our bulletin!  We are glad to say that Angela Green has taken on the bulletin duties. Thank you, Sue and Angela!

Towel Collection - Sisters in Spirit and Service would like everyone to be a part of our bath towel collection for the Rockford Rescue Mission.  We will be collecting gently used or new bath towels until Sunday, August 4th. You can start bringing them immediately and put them in the bin that will be in the fellowship room.  Oral and Diane Staman are volunteers there and know that the mission is always in need of towels.  The towels will be used for the overnight guests at the mission and also for those who are in their programs. 

Refreshments - Fellowship time is a great way to get to know one another.  Talking around food is always fun!  Please take a turn, and bring something to share some time this month.  No sign-up sheet, just potluck each week.  Cold drinks are welcome as well.

New Songbooks - We are happy to say that the new songbooks have been printed and are in the pews! There will be new songs in addition to ones from the previous songbook.  Thanks to Angela and Terry for their work on getting this done. 

Steak Fry for Men -  Gary is speaking in Rockford on Tuesday, July 23 at a Men's Steak Fry sponsored by First Covenant Church.  He would like to invite any men from Caledonia to come.  It will be held at 6 PM at Alpine Park, shelter 1.  Cost is $14. Talk to Gary if you are interested. 

Looking Ahead -
Holocaust Museum - Still time to join a group of us that are planning on attending the Holocaust Museum in Skokie sometime in the near future.  Sara Akerlund will be our tour guide.