The womens bible study group will begin a four part series on the Book of Ruth, beginning June 6. Please read Chapter 1 of Ruth to prepare for the first session of this study. The womens group meets in building B at 1230 PM first and third Sundays.

Fathers Day will be celebrated June 20. There will be a gift for each father present and refreshments will be served after church. Rumor has it that means "pizza", a favorite food of many fathers! Do join us in this time of food and fellowship!

Please return your baby bottles filled with coins, bills, or checks to Irene Wright on June 20 (Fathers Day). Our donation benefits the Womens Pregnancy Center and directly saves lives as mothers see their babies on ultrasound and receive counselling. If you haven't yet picked up a baby bottle, it's not too late. There are still a few available on the entry table.

Hello from Community Christian Fellowship, As Christians, we talk a lot about the tests, trials and struggles that we can have in life. Debra, my wife, sent me this the other day on a morning that she knew had been particularly challenging for me. It puts things in perspective; and helped me understand why the apostle Paul would say if you look closely at creation you will see God (not that Paul spent time in New Guinea and Australia). I hope you enjoy it as much as I did:

Don't worry if you have problems! Which is easy to say until you are in the midst of a really big one, I know. But the only people I am aware of who don't have troubles are gathered in little neighborhoods. Most communities have at least one. We call them cemeteries.

If you're breathing, you have difficulties. It's the way of life. And believe it or not, most of your problems may actually be good for you! Let me explain.

Maybe you have seen the Great Barrier Reef, stretching some 1,800 miles from New Guinea to Australia. Tour guides regularly take visitors to view the reef. On one tour, the guide was asked an interesting question. "I notice that the lagoon side of the reef looks pale and lifeless, while the ocean side is vibrant and colorful," a traveler observed. "Why is this?"

The guide gave an interesting answer: "The coral around the lagoon side is in still water, with no challenge for its survival. It dies early. The coral on the ocean side is constantly being tested by wind, waves, and storms - surges of power. It has to fight for survival every day of its life. As it is challenged and tested it changes and adapts. It grows healthy. It grows strong. And it reproduces." Then he added this telling note: "That's the way it is with every living organism."

That's how it is with people. Challenged and tested, we come alive! Like coral pounded by the sea, we grow. Physical demands can cause us to grow stronger. Mental and emotional stress can produce tough-mindedness and resiliency. Spiritual testing can produce strength of character and faithfulness.

So, you have problems - no problem! Just tell yourself, "There I grow again!" Author Unknown Until next time, Pastor Mark