What a summer this has been.  Each year I go into the summer with great anticipation of all the good ministries that will take place.  I'm excited about what we will be doing.  Yet, if I am truthful, I always begin the summer with a healthy amount of apprehension…sort of that feeling you get before you leave home for the initial drive/flight on vacation.  I know I want to do it; I know I want to go, but I'm still jittery about things for some weird reason.  The summer always begins like that for me.  Then I get going and get into that comfortable groove and things go well.  Like a really excellent vacation, this summer went that way with our ministries at Tomahawk. 

Ø  Our new Youth Mission Camp in Roanoke in conjunction with the HopeTree Family Services was a very successful and exciting venture for us.  Through this camp we have established a very vital link with one of our Virginia mission partners which should continue to bear fruit for many years to come.  Just as crucial, our youth and their leaders loved the new camp experience!

Ø  Our fifth annual mission trip to the Matthew House in Ft. Erie, Ontario, reached and exceeded all of our expectations.  We had another excellent sports camp with the refugee children, helped out with some much needed home repair and built wonderful relationships for Christ through the baking class and other times of fellowship

Ø  Our "Power Lab" Vacation Bible School was one of our best ever.  We had the largest enrollment of children in the new millennium.  Teachers and youth helpers were well prepared and did a great job.  Donna Chance, Sue Stout and Kim Parker were great leaders, well prepared and well organized.  It was a special treat to have Dr. Von Schtinkleschtine and Ugor as our guests for the week.  Our children brought in 10 large grocery bags full of school supplies and gave over $1,280 to help buy computers for the Matthew House.

Ø  Our summer children's and pre-school ministries have been very successful.  We had 3 Terrific Tuesdays and a 3-day Pre-Kamp (mostly in August).  Attendance was good and the children are growing in their enjoyment of being a part of our church as they grow in the light of the LORD.  

Now the fall begins.  My excitement and apprehension antennae are all up and working.  I'm ready for the journey.  I hope you will join me for a great ride as we all grow together as God's people throughout 2008-09.