For six weeks from October 1 through November 5, 2009  members and friends had the opportunity to participate in a growth and study group, "Discovering Your Gifts, Vision, and Call," at 6:30 p.m. each Thursday evening.  The series was led by a lay-clergy team including Betty Opelt, Jenny Romens Erickson, and Pastor Jim Mohr.

The sessions were especially designed for those who are concerned abou the pain and despair in the world and who yearn to help implement God's vision for creation.  It offers a process for discerning your vocation and a model for working with others who share your calling.

Here is a list of the sessions:

• What Are My Unique Gifts?
• How Can I Call Forth Another's Gifts?
• Which Vision is Mine to Carry?
• What is God calling Me to Do?
• How Can I Work Together with Those Who Share My Call?
• How Can the Larger Community Support the Callings of Its Members?

In the fall of 2010 we plan to offer a similar group.  Details will be available in the summer.

Children from our church and Calvary Lutheran enjoyed a week of Vacation Bible School focused on the theme “Keepers of the Earth.”  Each day the VBSers learned a new Bible story about caring for God’s creation and connected it with Ephesians 2:10:

“For we are what God has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.”

                      The week was guided by counselors from Luther Park Bible Camp near Chetek and included singing, Bible study, skits, games, crafts, and……treats.  A celebration takes place today for parents at 4:30 p.m.

                      In the collage you see singing, story telling, and the lineup for treats.  McKenzie Keller models the official t shirt for the week.

• DATES:  June 21 to June 25
• WHERE:  Calvary Lutheran and United Church of Christ
  • Sessions will take place in each church on alternate days.
  • Details will be available in June
• TIME:  1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• COST:  No cost to participants

Come join us as we explore what it means to be KEEPERS OF THE EARTH!

VBS will include games, crafts, songs, skits, snacks and Bible Study with counselors from Luther Park Bible Camp in Chetek, WI.

Registration and health forms are available in the church hallway.