Blessed Are Those Who Read These Words ......1Summer Sneak 2017 Report...........................3Community Bookbag Giveaway......................4Bd. of Administration Meeting Highlights ......4Thank You!......................................................6We Are Brethren: A Historic National Conf. .....7Staff Spotlight: Heather Adamson ..................8Meet Our Summer Interns ..............................9What Time Is It .............................................11

Baptisms ......................................................11Library Nook .................................................12Upcoming Events .........................................12Calendar .......................................................14Just for Kids ..................................................16CROSS, Inc. “Walk for Love” ...........................17Once More Ministries Report ........................18Child Dedications .........................................18Women’s Ministries ......................................19

International UB Conference ........................19Giving Joy .... Finding Joy .............................20Bless Week: Living Out the Mission ..............21Bus Tour to the Ark Encounter ......................22PrimeTimers Updates ...................................23Quotes of the Week ......................................24Attention: College Students/H.S. Seniors .....24Holy Communion .........................................24Missions News ..............................................25

JULY 2017Blessed Are Those Who Read These Wordsby Dr. Jody Bowser, Senior Pastor

We Are Brethren: A Historic National Conference P. 7

MESSENGERI’ve been reading and meditating on Revelation chapter 1 lately.The Apostle John writes this from an island in the Aegean Sea

called Patmos, off the coast of what is modern Western Turkey. I just Googled some pictures of the island and it looks stark (largely treeless and volcanic) but scenic. But two thousand years ago in the late first century, Patmos was a place where prisoners were sent (think Alcatraz without the prison). Early Christian historians (Irenaeus, Eusebius, and Jerome) tell us that John was exiled (banished) to Patmos in AD 95 during the reign of Roman Emperor Domitian and released a year later when Emperor Nerva took the throne.

What’s more important, though, is what John writes. The entire book is a prophecy—words and visions revealed by God—that takes the form of a letter. This revelation is uniquely and authoritatively called the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ (v. 2). And we, right here and right now, are considered by God to be “blessed” for “hearing” this prophecy AND FOR TAKING TO HEART WHAT IS WRITTEN IN IT.

Why are we blessed? We’re given the answer in verse 3: “Because the time is near.”

What time is near? The answer to this is in verse 7: Look, He

The Word of God and the Testimony of

Jesus Christ is right. Unmistakably. Unar-guably. Undeniably.

Right. TRUE.

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is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of Him.

My goodness is this packed with important Truth. The passage is clearly talking about Jesus, the One who was crucified (pierced) on the cross, and the One who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood (v. 5). But more, Jesus is unmistakably described here as coming with the clouds in an obvious and global way (every eye will see Him).

So why is it that many people on earth will mourn when this happens?

For starters, I believe it will be because they didn’t “hear” (weren’t made aware of ) this prophecy. And if they did hear it, they didn’t take to heart what they heard. They didn’t believe that Jesus would actually appear in the clouds (who in their right minds would believe that????). They chalked all of this up as a bunch of religious nonsense. Or perhaps they viewed it as a myth, or a fairytale … something only right-wing religious nut-cases believed.

But let me ask again, “Why do these masses of people MOURN?”

I think there are several specific reasons. First, I believe they will mourn out of sheer dread and fear. We so easily, and even casually, think of Jesus as our friend. So many imagine him as the meek and mild long-haired guy in all of the paintings, if they think of Him at all. But that’s not what we’ll see on the day Jesus appears with the clouds. He will return as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He will come with awe-inspiring GLORY. It will be impossible to even stand in His presence (every knee will bow, Philippians 2:10). Let us not forget that it was Jesus who said, “Let there be light” and there was light. All of the nuclear bombs on earth are a simple kilowatt of the power that Jesus possesses. We truly cannot even begin to imagine what that day will be like.

A second reason I believe the masses will mourn will be out of regret. When Jesus appears in the clouds, He will call all true believers to

Himself. We see this in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.

Everyone who is “in Christ” at that moment will be called up into the presence of God, where we will be with the Lord forever. And what of those who aren’t in Christ? As the popular book title simply states, they will be left behind. But not left behind for a day…or until they can catch the next flight out. Left behind for good. Forever. I know there are some who

Blessed are all who hear these things and take them to heart.

think that there will be second chances even then. I hope so. But I don’t know. And nobody in their right mind should bank on it. I can tell you that those who live through that moment aren’t thinking about catching the next flight out tomorrow. They’re mourning. The Truth is hitting them square in the face. The Koran wasn’t right. Buddha wasn’t right. The Book of Mormon wasn’t right. Humanism and godless philosophies weren’t right. Hollywood wasn’t right. That professor in college wasn’t right. My “gut” wasn’t right.

The Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ is right. Unmistakably. Unarguably. Undeniably. Right. TRUE. No more talking heads to argue the point on CNN. Jesus, the One who bore our sins on the cross, is right—and will forevermore be right.

Blessed are all who hear these things and take them to heart. Might this cause us all to seek the Lord while He may still be found. Might it light a fire in us all to share the Gospel with others. Jesus is coming back. The time is near. No kidding.

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KING STREET CHURCH

Mission Statement: Engaging and blessing our community with the Gospel.

We believe that becoming a transformed disciple of Jesus involves three core values:

Spiritually Alive in JesusRelationally Connected by Jesus Missionally Engaged for Jesus

Who are you worshiping? Who is your community? Who are you serving? _______________________________

Ministry StaffKen Adams, Business ManagerDon Baker, Executive PastorPaul Baker, Pastor EmeritusMitch Benedict, Worship Arts AssociateJody Bowser, Senior PastorJay Brown, Pastor of Mission and DiscipleshipRon Cook, Minister of Pastoral CareStephen Flint, Pastor of Worship and CareMatt Gish, Pastor of High School MinistriesBecky Hann, Children’s Ministries DirectorNathan Hann, Pastor of Contemporary WorshipTyler Roberts, Media and Production CoordinatorJohn Shadle, Pastor of Middle School/College Ministries

______________________________

August 2017 Messenger DeadlineArticles and information for the August 2017

issue should be submitted by July 19._____________________________

The Messenger is a monthly publication of King Street United Brethren Church162 East King St., Chambersburg, PA 17201Phone: (717) 264-4651, Fax: (717) 264-9408Internet: www.kingstreetchurch.com

Don Burkholder, editor (donburk@comcast.net)

Summer Sneak 2017 Reportby Matt GishPastor of High School Ministries

Uncomfortable bunk beds, 80° sleeping quar-ters, sunburn, bad cell service, bugs, late nights and minimal sleep! What would possess 15 adults to willingly give up the comforts of home and spend five days in these conditions with 26 stu-

dents? Answer: A commitment to our mission of Engaging and Blessing our community (of students) with the Gospel.

Summer Sneak 2017 was the perfect oppor-tunity for students to get away from the dis-tractions of everyday life and to hear from God. Through worship, challenging messages, small group conversations and personal devotion time, students were able to interact with the Gospel and what it means for their life.

Our speaker, Pastor Justin Jones, led us through a series called “Engage: How To Know God,” which is based on a book he recently published. As a result of hearing Truth from God’s word, we saw transformation happen in the lives of many students. Saturday evening around the campfire was a special time of stu-dents confessing their struggles, praying for boldness to share the Gospel with friends and family, and hearing how God revealed himself in a new way during the course of our five days together. Twenty students indicated that they had made significant decisions concerning their relationship with Christ and others during the Sneak. Of those twenty, one student indicated that they want to get baptized and two shared that they felt God may be calling them to pursue full-time ministry.

On top of all the amazing decisions that were made, we had a blast hanging out together on

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Board of Administration Meeting Highlights

The Board of Administration met on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, in the Administra-tive Office Conference Room. Chairman Steve Shadle called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Scott Bert opened the meeting with devotions and prayer. Following are highlights from this meeting:

Senior Pastor’s Report:Pastor Jody shared his excitement about how

many people are responding to the theme of Transformation. Pastor Jody expressed much gratitude to Tom Knepper, Chairman of the Local Outreach Co-mission, for his service in making Bless Week happen. He thanks all that participated to bless those in our community. The staff is always working on new, creative ideas to communicate to the community what King Street Church is all about. The Peacemak-er’s event will be on August 25–27. Christmas Eve this year is on Sunday. There will be two services in the morning and six services in the evening at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Executive Pastor’s Report:Pastor Don Baker shared the recent updates

on staff and upcoming events. Heidi Roseman has started in the position of Children’s Minis-try Administrative Assistant. We are currently

Community Bookbag Giveawayby Jeanie HelmanChildren’s Ministry Outreach Coordinator

It’s time again to think of going back to school and there are 504 book bags waiting to be filled! Last year you filled almost that many and they were all given away. Here is a list of what will be needed:

• 320 pencil boxes• 1280 glue sticks• 640 pocket folders• 3000 pencils• 320 pens• 1000 erasers• 320 packs of markers• 680 highlighters• 320 spiral bound notebooks• 540 1” binder or 180 3” binders• 540 packs of notebook paperPlease prayerfully consider using this oppor-

tunity to engage and bless our community. Cards will be on display July 9–30. You will have two options, choose a card for an age group to fill a whole bag (list of supplies are on the back of the card) or pull card(s) to buy

the beach, playing group games and making new friends. This is why 15 adults chose to serve, they chose to give of their time for something that matters for all of eternity. Thank you to all of our amazing leaders and to the parents who sent their students with us. I can’t wait to see what God is going to do at Summer Sneak 2018!

specific supplies. Have fun and be sure to pray for those who will receive a bag! Other ways to help are organizing the supplies, unpacking the bags and stuffing them on August 2 or helping with distribution on August 3. Last year over 480 children in 150 families were blessed by the generosity and hard work of many people in our church. Any leftover school supplies were donated to Ben Chambers Elementary, Stevens Elementary and CAMS. Thank you in advance for loving on our neighborhood children!

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accepting applicants for the custodial position. Tara Moran will be leaving the position of Nursery Coordinator to use her talents in the teaching profession. The process has begun to hire her replacement. On June 18 there will be 13 child dedications and on June 25 there will be five baptisms. There will be an All Church Picnic on August 20 at 4 p.m. at Norlo Park with baptisms as part of the activities.

Elders’ Report: Adam Keath presented the King Street

Church Vision Frame which outlines our church’s mission, values, strategy and mis-sional life marks. There will soon be scripture connected with all aspects of the Vision Frame. The goal is that sharing these will aid in focusing others on Christ. This will be helpful in Sunday school classes and partnership classes.

Co-mission Reports: • Adult Ministries – Andrea Adams disclosed

that the co-mission is involved in exploring whether church classes are more relational/community focused or educationally focused. They are focused on keeping class descriptions updated and easily accessible to the congrega-tion. The ConnectAbility group is working on planning for Night to Shine 2018. The Women’s Ministry has several events during the month of June, including Creative Oasis and Women of Worth having an indoor picnic and game night. A preliminary list of Wednesday night classes and teachers has been developed for the fall.

• Children’s Ministry – Sue Washabaugh reported that while many are busy planning for VBS, the co-mission did not meet this month, but will meet in July.

• Finance – In Ray Cullen’s absence Ken Adams reported for the co-mission and reviewed the Financial Summary for the month of May. The church has supported 96 Rhodes Grove campers thus far. The Bequest/Estates funds received were distributed to the Endowment

Fund, Local Outreach and General Missions.• Local Outreach – Tom Knepper stated that

as the co-mission focused on Bless Week, they did not meet in June, but will meet in July.

• Missions – Scott Bert noted that non-com-missioned trip requests were approved for Kenton Caudill, going to Brazil and Adam Tardosky, going to Ocean City with Cru. The Haiti team is interested in making an additional teacher training trip to Arcahaie to take place before school begins in the fall. Conducting the sessions during summer will allow for more time for intense training. The Missions Co-mission is supportive of this idea. The team also requested permission to begin exploring a potential partnership with another church in Haiti. Pastor Jay has been communicating with JP Wentz about Japan as potentially a new area for a Barnabas Team. There are very interesting opportunities that include ministries and church building renovations and building. The co-mission will continue to discuss and pray about this opportunity. The co-mission is contacting the Weists and the Leblancs to check on opportunities for partnership in [their Middle East country].

• Personnel Relations – Eric Oyer announced the co-mission’s plan to show appreciation to the staff as they plan a picnic on July 26 and a Christmas Party in December. Rodney Mose will serve as the Vice Chairman for the Person-nel Relation Co-mission. A motion to approve Kim Shatzer as co-mission chairperson for a three year term beginning in January 2018 passed. A revised job description for a Finance Assistant was approved.

• Property – Alex Rohrbaugh reported on the progress of building projects and plans for upcoming improvements. Upgrades in the Children’s Ministry offices and Growing Tree Preschool rooms will begin after VBS. The changes to the sanctuary stage railings will begin soon. Bike racks are installed in the Baker

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lot and at the ministry center. Replacement of the King Street Ministry Center roof and the new rear door will be completed soon. New lighting in the rooms of the King Street Ministry Center will be installed. Alex announced to the board that he would be moving to Lancaster. Jim Goetz was approved as the interim chair-man of the Property Co-mission beginning on July 17. The Board of Administration would like to thank Jim Howard for donating time and material to freshen up many painted areas on the exterior of the church building.

• Student Ministry – Penny Poorman noted that the end of Wednesday evening activities has prompted the co-mission to come up with ideas to connect with students over the summer. There are two interns working with the staff on summer events. Students were busy during Bless Week working at Camp Joy-El.

• Worship Arts – Nate Hann presented the proposal agreed upon by the Worship Arts Co-mission for upgrades to the Baker Center, including changes to the stage, projection and lighting. Nate’s presentation included current limitations, details of the upgrades and why they are needed. Nate shared that the co-mission’s goal is to enhance the message and engage all in worship. There were many questions answered about the need, goals and the cost. A motion to approve the proposal to install upgrades to the Baker Center passed. The upgrades should be completed by late summer or early fall.

Administrative Report:Ken Adams reported that the downtown

parking planning group will engage a consul-tant to suggest options to improve congested parking issues. New carpet will be installed in the Growing Tree classrooms and the walls will be painted. Ken described the details for Sunday morning security. A security person will serve for five hours, 7:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. and be identifiable but not in uniform each Sunday. The security person will assist in establishing

guidelines and protocol which will be shared with the ushers.

There will be no meeting of the Board of Administration in July.

(These highlights are taken from minutes written by Karen Byers, Recording Secretary for the Board of Administration. Board meetings are open to members of King Street Church. Unabridged copies of the minutes from the June meeting will be available at the church office after they are approved at the next meeting.)

Just a note of thanks for all who came to the Spaghetti Dinner to support my work with YWAM in New Zealand and Vanuatu! I am always so encouraged by the number of people who attend and the kind words that are spoken! A special thanks to all who donated supplies, time, and energy to making it a great afternoon. Your generous support helps me to con-tinue doing what I feel God has called me to. If you were unable to attend and would like more information about what I’ve been doing, or what I will be doing in the near future, don’t hesitate to email me at emily.schoenleber15@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you. Thanks again and blessings to you all!

Emily Schoenleber

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We Are Brethren: A Historic National Conferenceby Susanna AllenCommunications Assistant

In 1767, Isaac Long, a resident of Lancaster, PA, hosted a revival meeting at his barn. That night a Mennonite preacher named Martin Boehm shared his story of faith in Christ. William Otterbein, a German Reformed pastor, was so moved that he left his seat, embraced Boehm, and said loud enough for everyone to hear, “We are brethren!” Out of this revival movement a new denomination was formed: Church of the United Brethren in Christ. Martin Boehm and William Otterbein were the first bishops. The movement spread and on May 5, 1868 King Street United Brethren in Christ Church opened its doors.

In just a few weeks, pastors and delegates from UB churches all across the nation and from 16 countries will meet in Lancaster, PA, to celebrate this familiar story and the 250th anniversary of our denomination. This his-toric National Conference will convene at the Lancaster Conference Center from Wednes-day-Saturday, July 12–15.

Our own Senior Pastor Jody Bowser is a key speaker of the opening night, sharing “Spiri-tually Alive in Christ.” This is not only a core value for us here at King Street Church—the UB uses this wording to describe the enduring commitment that accompanies our UB core value of “Gospel.”

King Street Church has been able to provide leadership in a variety of ways. Nathan Hann, Pastor of Contemporary Worship, and Steve Flint, Pastor of Worship and Care, have been planning music. The KSC Worship Team will lead worship throughout the event, and the KSC Choir is traveling up to perform during the Friday evening session. Media Coordinator Tyler Roberts and our media team will run tech

for the main sessions. Becky Hann, Director of Children’s Ministries, is organizing child-care and leading children’s activities. During Saturday morning’s special ceremonies, John Shadle, Pastor of Middle School and College Ministries, will be ordained as a UB pastor.

KSC has a team of 15 delegates who will be attending the conference to represent KSC, but anyone is welcome to come. There is a charge of $75 per person for the whole conference or $125 per family. The cost of a single day is $40. You can pre-register online: www.ub.org/events/nc.

For those who may wish to attend the full conference, they offer workshops during the day on a wide variety of topics such as: Reig-niting Passion for Prayer, Creating a Culture of Financial Health and Generosity in Your Home and Church, Human Sexuality Task Force: The Talk, Introducing People to Christ Using Nothing More Than a Bible, Daring to Lead as Discipleship, No Other Doctrine: Teaching and Applying the Word of God Clearly, Instilling Mission Into Your Community.

There are also specially designed tracks for women and youth. See a full schedule on the web page above. On Thursday and Friday afternoons, the conference staff is offering excursion shuttles to historic United Brethren sites including the barn that belonged to Isaac Long in 1767; sign up when you get there.

For more information about the UB denom-ination, see the booklet in the lobby, “Getting Acquainted with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.”

SUPPORT THE CONFERENCE WITH CHILDCARE!

We still have many openings for this service opportunity. Volunteers would help in the mornings and evenings. There will be a few hours free every afternoon for volunteers to explore the Lancaster area (go shopping or see a local landmark). If you could help, please contact Becky at bhann@kschurch.org.

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Staff Spotlight: Heather Adamsonby Rose ZookPersonnel Relation Co-mission Member

Heather and her husband, Dan, have attended King Street since 2012. She accepted the position of Worship Arts Administrative Assistant on March 28, 2017. Heather was born and raised south of Pittsburgh in Waynesburg and grew up attending a Baptist church. She committed to Christ during an autumn youth

Heather Adamsonretreat when she was a junior in high school and was baptized in the ocean the next summer.

Her position as Worship Arts Adminis-tration Assistant keeps her busy preparing and printing music for King Street’s multiple worship teams for weekend services, including both the Baker and sanctuary praise teams and choir. Heather sets up our presentation/communication software by inputting worship song lyrics, Scripture and responsive read-ings so that during our worship services, we see the correct information on the screens in the sanctuary and the Baker Center. She also does clerical work for Worship Arts events,

and helps Steve and Nathan coordinate the teams’ volunteer schedules. She likes being in the background and being an integral part of planning service and events, making sure that all aspects are taken care of.

I asked Heather “If King Street had an infinite amount of money and volunteer resources, where would you like to see your area of respon-sibility in five years?” Her response: “I would like to see the church grow to maximum capacity, to the point that we outgrow this facility and need a satellite campus. Also, that we have so many volunteers that we are never having open spots in the worship team.”

Heather and Dan were married in 2008 and lived in Clarkston, MI prior to moving here in 2012. While in Clarkston, they attended Clarkston Community Church, where Heather led the children’s choir and they both contrib-uted their talents to the worship team. Heather and Dan have continued their worship team participation here at King Street—Heather is a vocalist and Dan plays drums. She is also involved in some of our video productions, including filming and editing baptism videos.

Heather and Dan have three children – six year-old Brayden; three year-old London; and one year-old Beau. Now that Heather is working part-time outside of her home, she shared that one of her challenges is bringing up her chil-dren to be God loving/fearing people who are respectful, hard-working and well behaved. When she has free time, Heather loves to bake and make memories with her family. She and Dan love to travel and visit new places. They have fun spending time outdoors with their children and love checking out new restau-rants. Heather is appreciative of her position at King Street as it allows her to utilize her gifts of music and organization, yet provides a wonderful opportunity to continue being a devoted Christian mother. If you see Heather in the hallway, be sure to introduce yourself and say “Hi!”

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Meet Our Summer InternsEvan Jones

Evan Jones is serving a second internship in Youth Ministry at King Street. “I have a ton of connections here with students and staff that I just wanted to be able to expand on and grow

in. I felt that God opened a door for me to be able to continue what I started from my previous internship, and I thought it would help me gain more experience for

my future.” His internship started May 28 and will end August 6.

He was born in Allentown and now lives in Chambersburg. His parents are Mark and Val. He has three brothers, Zach, Luke and Jesse. Evan dedicated his life to Christ in 2004 and later rededicated his life when he was in eighth grade.

Evan is currently a freshman at College of the Ozarks in Missouri where he is majoring in Biblical and Theological Studies. He plans to graduate in December 2020. Evan is studying to eventually become a youth pastor and would love to travel the world and the seven seas. “I also hope to strive, to one day become a master pastor. I just want to serve and follow God wherever that takes me.”

He states that the biggest highlight of his internship to date was the entire Summer Sneak trip the student ministry went on. “It was such a great time to grow relationships with the students and grow in my relationship with God. Playing ping pong was great as well!”

Some little known facts about Evan include: His dream is to own an Alaskan malamute

named Gunner. His favorite animal is the majestic killer whale. He can eat a whole box of Honey Buns in less than two minutes. He once did a front flip in a bus seat. He owns over 70 pairs of socks and lots of people think that Matt Gish and he are brothers.

Bryce MentzerBryce Mentzer is serving as an intern in the

Video Production Department and is hoping to gain real world knowledge and experience in church and min-istry video pro-duction. He is also hoping to gain a closer relation-ship with Christ and strengthen His relationship with him through

meeting new people and having new experi-ences. Bryce’s internship started in June and will end in August. “I’ve only been an intern at King Street for a few weeks but so far it has already been what I was looking for and more. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the internship brings.”

He was born in South Korea, was adopted at a very early age and has been living in Cham-bersburg for 17 years. His parents are Stacy and Scott and his brother is Scott.

Bryce accepted Christ into his heart when he was around six years old. Even at that age he knew that he wanted to follow Christ and live to serve him. He will be a senior at the Career Magnet School in Chambersburg this fall and is also enrolled at Shippensburg University to get a head start at college while finishing his high school requirements. He plans to attend college to major in marketing and then pursue a career in film making.

He pursued an internship at King Street because he thinks it is a very unique atmo-

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sphere. Being a Christian, Bryce feels that serving with fellow believers will help him grow intellectually as well as spiritually.

Bryce states that the major highlight of his internship so far was Bless Week which was held during his first week. “There was no ease into it. I was making multiple videos a day and traveling to different job sites to inter-view and film different people. It was just a very awesome experience. I love meeting new people and telling people’s stories. It was great to see the members of our church helping out in our community.” Another highlight of his internship has been meeting all of the staff and getting to know them. “The staff at King Street is absolutely incredible. They all are unique and just fun people to work with.”

Jacob RussoJacob Russo is serving as an intern in Student

Ministries. He lives in Chambersburg and his parents are Mike and Marie. His internship began in May and will end in August. From

this experience Jake is hoping to learn how to effectively orga-nize and plan all of the events that the student minis-try regularly does as well as how to lead these events. In addition he is “hoping to gain wisdom from all of the great

people that are on staff here.”Jake currently attends Cedarville Univer-

sity in Cedarville, Ohio, where he is a Biblical Studies major. He plans to graduate in Decem-ber 2019 and then go into full time ministry.

Jacob pursued an internship at King Street because the youth group here is where he came to know and grow in a relationship with Christ.

“I want to pour into the lives of students so that they can come to know Christ and have a relationship with Him.” Highlights of his expe-rience here have been seeing how God worked in students’ lives during Summer Sneak, Bless Week/Bless Fest and getting to know the staff better.

Maddie SollenbergerMaddie Sollenberger is serving as an intern

in Children’s Ministry. During her internship she is hoping to learn how to share the gospel with children better. She hopes to see new

aspects of chil-dren’s ministry and learn practical ways to show kids how much God loves them. Her internship started the last week of May and will end August 11.

She is from Chambersburg

and lives with her mom, dad and little brother, Dallas. Maddie became a Christian when she was only five years old. She is working towards a major in Children’s Ministry and a minor in Women’s Ministry at Cedarville University. After graduation she hopes to work in a church as Director of Children’s Ministry as well as do some counseling of women and girls.

Maddie grew up at King Street and desired to serve an internship at King Street because she knew that this church was healthy and that God was moving in great ways. “I wanted to be a part of God’s movement here. I was also excited about learning under the leaders of this church, knowing they could show me how to serve and love better!”

The highlight of her experience to date has been “getting to know the ladies that I work with, as well as seeing and helping with the behind the scenes stuff for VBS.”

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What Time Is It?by Nancy FritzPrayer Ministry

Alvin VanderGriend wrote a book entitled “Love To Pray.” It’s a 40 day devotional designed to fan the flame of intercessory prayer in the hearts of every reader. Then he reveals a per-sonal experience.

“Years ago I made a determined effort to become a better intercessor, to give it more time and pray with greater intensity. For a while things went well. Soon, however, I found myself skipping these extended prayer times when it wasn’t convenient. But it bothered me that I could skip prayer so easily. When I asked the Lord for insight on this, He helped me see that my problem was that I didn’t really believe intercessory prayer changed anything!” I wonder how many of us have voiced or thought this same thing.

Another factor that may deter intercessory prayer is the time-bound environment in which we live. We fill our calendars with appoint-ments and often miss a meal in order to stay on schedule. We stop at fast food places and take dinner home in a bag, because we don’t have time to cook. Instant entrees and desserts are one of the hottest items on grocery shelves. We run frantically to catch the bus, train or plane, and we’re ready to trash last year’s computer because someone’s come up with one that’s faster!

II Peter 3:8 gives us GOD’S perspective on time: “With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” (Talk about slowing down!!) You may need time to digest this statement. My husband and I learned a lesson about God and time when we began to pray for our daughter-in-law. Little did we think it would take 27 years for the answer to come! But praise God, the answer came, in HIS time, not ours!

God seeks intercessors, not because HE

lacks the wisdom or power to govern the world without them; but because, in His sovereign good pleasure, HE has chosen to govern the world through the prayers of his people! Inter-cessory prayer is not optional. It is a necessary and vital part of God’s way of working. Those who practice intercessory prayer regularly find their personal relationship with Him is enhanced and strengthened; and it becomes more precious each time we humbly intercede for others.

The New Testament tells us about God sending His Son, Jesus, to be our INTERCES-SOR, to stand in the gap for us. Hebrews 7:25: “Because Jesus lives forever, He is our High Priest who always lives to intercede for us.”

INTERCESSORY PRAYER is a humbling, powerful and precious privilege in which we join with Jesus, our Savior and High Priest and intercede in prayer for others! Is there any calling higher than this?

After reading VanderGriend’s book, I asked myself, “What would happen to our churches, our families, our community and our future, if God was depending ONLY ON MY PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION?” I didn’t like the answer I received.

The following individuals were baptized during services on June 25, 2017:

9:45 SanctuaryAriana Hummer Victoria Lehtimaki

9:45 Baker CenterRianon McKee Maria Banks

11:15 SanctuaryA.J. Brandt

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UB National Conference Wednesday, July 12–Saturday, July 15

Lancaster Conference CenterCelebration of the 250th anniversary of our

denomination. (See page 7 for more information.)

Rock the House Basketball Camp

Monday, July 17 through Thursday, July 20Rock the House Basketball Camp desires to

provide young athletes from all backgrounds with an opportunity to improve their offensive skills while also learning about the life of Christ. Students aged 13-18 are invited to register. The camp runs, from 5:30–9 p.m. The cost is $35 (scholarships are available if needed). Registration forms are available on the Information Walls and in the Student Ministry Center.

by Jeanne AmickAdministrative Assistant

Hello to all book lovers! As I write this, it’s the first day of summer and there were lots of lightning bugs out on the summer solstice last night—their appearance was a little later this year but when you see them, you know for sure, it’s summer! Some of you will be able to enjoy some beautiful summer afternoons or evenings enjoying a good book. Others of us snatch a few minutes whenever we can, but it’s always a joy!

Summer is often associated with love and romance and I have two books to recommend that fall into the love relationship category. The first one is by Gary Chapman, entitled The 5 Love Languages. Most of you are familiar with the title as there has been much discussion and many small group studies about love lan-guages—what they are, how you can identify them for the loved ones in your life and then put that knowledge to work for you. But I encourage you to dig deeper to learn more – just like with the weekly sermon notes. There’s good reason it is rated five stars! We have a couple of copies.

Upon completing the book and understand-ing and identifying both your and your spouse’s love language, you can move on to the second recommended book by Gary Smalley, Making Love Last Forever. Gary passed on to glory in March 2016 but he has helped many people enrich relationships and deepen their bonds of love and companionship. In this remarkable book he shows you how to stay in love through all the stages of life. From first attraction to lifelong commitment, Gary’s proven techniques and practical advice show you how to pursue and keep the love you want and how to energize your relationship with enduring, passion-filled

love. We actually have 127 books in our library under the tag: Marriage.

As summer is often a time for engagement and weddings, you ladies may want to explore all the books tagged as romance (278), historical romance (69) or romance – Amish (65). Check out our entire listing of 3682 books by going to: www.librarything.com with user name: kingstreetchurch. The password is: k1ngstr33t – both all lower case. Until next time—Happy Reading!!

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Baptism Classes Sunday, July 30 and Sunday, August 6Since the plan is to have the August baptisms

done at the church-wide picnic at Norlo Park on August 20, the dates for classes have been changed.

Community Bookbag Giveaway

Wednesday, August 2 (set-up)Thursday. August 3 (distribution),

Baker CenterIt is our dream to fill over 500 book bags

this year for children in our neighborhood! Cards will be on dispplay in the lobbies on July 9. (See page 4 for more information.)

Transformation Art ExhibitArtwork Drop-Off Days: August 6 and 13Exhibition Premiere: Friday, September 1

Everyone is invited to participate in our church art show—you don’t have to be a professional artist and we welcome all styles/mediums. Be inspired by the theme of trans-formation. This is a unique chance to express your creative side as an act of worship!

End-of-Summer Church PicnicSunday, August 20

Norlo Park (Pavilion 2), 4-7 p.m. This summer we will celebrate the end of

the season with a church-wide picnic. Hot dogs and paper products will be provided. Bring a dish or dessert to share, drinks for yourself and lawn chairs. We are planning to take the portable baptistry to the park for a special outdoor baptismal service and time of worship. This is a great way to practice being “relationally connected!” Sign up in the lobbies starting in late July.

Peacemaker Conference Friday, August 25, 7–9 p.m.:

General SessionSaturday, August 26, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.:

Conflict Resolution Workshop Sunday, August 27:

Sunday Morning Service The purpose of this interactive seminar is to

equip you to have the healthiest relationships possible, even during a conflict and in spite of how others might respond. We will learn an effective, biblical approach to reconciling relationships and repairing trust, from minor disputes to the most painful estrangements. The lessons will include how to restore relationships and help them flourish. Come for any portion of the weekend. There is no charge for any session, but Saturday’s workbook costs $25. Watch for more details coming soon.

Vision Night for Volunteers Wednesday, August 30

7 p.m. Baker Center If you are a volunteer here at KSC in any

facet of ministry, we invite you to come hear Pastor Jody share his vision for the upcom-ing year. We hope that this night of worship, prayer and fellowship will be an uplifting time together.

Compassion Experience:September 8-11

Ministry Center Parking LotStep into homes in Uganda, visit markets in

India and see schools in Bolivia — the powerful stories of real children will be brought to life inside of trailers and tents right here on our church property. This immersive event from Compassion International ultimately illustrates the hope of Christ.

MONDAY TUESDAYSUNDAY

JULY 2017JUNE 2017

S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

AUGUST 2017 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

2 3 4

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30 31

5:30 p.m. Start of the Rock the House Basketball Camp

Deadline for submitting Student Grant Applications

8:15, 9:45, Worship Services and Intercessor Meetingsand 11 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Open House for KSC Office until 12:30 p.m.9:45 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. Preschool and Kids Worship, Adult and Youth Sunday School

8:15, 9:45, Worship Services and Intercessor Meetingsand 11 a.m. 9:45 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. Preschool and Kids Worship Adult and Youth Sunday School

8:15, 9:45, Worship Services and Intercessor Meetingsand 11 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Blood Pressure Check, Parish Nurse Room (M117)9:45 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. Preschool and Kids Worship, Adult and Youth Sunday School

8:15, 9:45, Worship Services and Intercessor Meetingsand 11 a.m. 9:45 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. Preschool and Kids Worship Adult and Youth Sunday School

8:15, 9:45, Worship Services and Intercessor Meetingsand 11 a.m. 9:45 a.m. Sunday School11 a.m. Preschool and Kids Worship Adult and Youth Sunday School

Communion

Independence Day

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY1

5 6 7 8

12 13 14 15

19 20 21 22

26 27 28 29

7:00 p.m. Summer Street Meeting

Start of the United Brethren in ChristUS National Conference

12:00 p.m. PrimeTimer Picnic Baker Center

7:00 p.m. Summer Street Meeting

Start of the United Brethren in Christ International Conference

9:30 a.m. CROSS, Inc. “Walk for Love” The Meeting House

US National ConferenceLancasterJuly 12–15, 2017

Monday, July 17– Thursday, July 20, 5:30-9 p.m., KSC Gym

JUST FOR KIDS

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CROSS, Inc. “Walk for Love” Saturday, July 15, 2017 • 9:30 a.m.

Dear Church Friend,

CROSS Residents, Families and Friends of CROSS… present a “Walk for Love”

On Saturday, July 15, 2017, at 9:30 a.m., CROSS, Inc. will be holding its annual “Walk for Love.” This is your opportunity to support CROSS (Christian Residential Opportunities and Social Services) so that we will be able to continue to provide quality care for our adult residents with developmental disabilities at Grace Home, Griffith House and Cumberland Vista.

Would you be willing to support our ministry with a generous gift to CROSS?

Our 22 adult residents with developmental disabilities will be walking around the gym at The Meeting House, 1155 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle, Pa. as many times as possible during a one-hour period. We are asking sponsors to contribute a tax deductible gift based on their participation. If you would like to join us, the “Walk for Love” will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

ALL GIFTS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. THANK YOU!

SPONSOR’S REPLY

Sponsor’s Name ______________________________________________________________

Street Address ________________________________________________________________

City _____________________________________ State _________ Zip Code _________

I am enclosing a flat donation of:_______$5.00 _______$10.00 _______$15.00 _______$20.00 _______$25.00 _______Other

(Please make your check payable to CROSS, Inc. and return it with this form. Thank you.)

☐ If you would like a receipt for your donation, please check the box. If not, your cancelled check will be the record of your gift to CROSS, Inc. Thank you.

CROSS, Inc. is a ministry supported by King Street Church

CROSS, Inc. • 712 Pinola Road Shippensburg, PA 17257

(717) 530-1788 • www.crossinc.com

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Once More Ministries Report

Once More Ministries distribution day was held June 10, 2017, the final day of Bless Week 2017. This was an awesome

way for many volunteers to culminate the end of a truly blessed week. To see the joy on the recipients’ faces and the smiles on the

volunteers’ faces was to truly see the Holy Spirit at work.

As we bless the community with this outreach, we find that it is also a wonder-ful blessing for those volunteers who are serving in this ministry. To be able to reach out in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is a wonderfully exciting event. Thank you to everyone for your continued support and prayers for our volunteers and for those whose lives we touch.

At this distribution the doors were open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and during these three hours OMM served 153 families, which was a combined total of 579 people who were blessed. There were also 97 prayer requests which is evidence of ever increas-ing trust within the community—to be able to share with our volunteers. God is truly at work in all of us.

Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Thanks be to God, praise Him always,—OMM Volunteers

The following children were dedicated during services on Sunday, June 18:

9:45 SanctuaryBeau James Adamson, son of Dan and

Heather AdamsonRandy Karl Ardiel, son of Taylor and Kelsi

ArdielBryce Alan Oliver, son of Daniel and

Shannon OliverReuben Francisco Sollenberger, son of

Justin and Jennifer Sollenberger9:45 Baker Center

Layla Rae Adams, daughter of Becky Jo Adams

Canaan John Franklin Coldsmith, son of Glen and Tonia Coldsmith

Isaac Drew Crider, son of Andrew and Jenna Crider

Jason Thomas Miles, grandson of Mike and Denise Cline

Adalyn Nicole Rotz, daughter of Nathan and Julie Rotz

11:15 SanctuaryCharles Robert Barnhart, son of Brenton

and Jennifer BarnhartJeremy Joseph Bell, son of Andrew and Erin

BellLincoln Allen Flasher, son of Matthew and

Hannah FlasherMataius David Rice, son of David and Eloisa

Rice

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SATURDAY SANCTUARY will not meet again until October.

u u u u u u u

BETH MOORE LIVING PROOF LIVE SIMULCAST

September 16, 2017 KSC Baker Center Gym Doors open at 8 a.m.

Event starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 4:15 p.m.

You’re invited to be part of this global, one-day simulcast that will encourage you to dive deeper into the Word of God. Beth has chosen a theme for this year’s event which will tie in with her new Bible study: Captivated: The Wonder of Christ on The Winding Road. Registration fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch and the event. There

will be gluten-free and vegetarian options for lunch.

Registration forms are in the church foyers.

Registration fee: To July 18 – $20; July 19 to August 30 – $25;

August 31 to September 12 – $30. Registration ends September 12.

Sign up is available online at king-streetchurch.com/women.

Questions?: Contact Brenda Bernecker at 717-262-8424 or send them to womensministry@kschurch.org.

Look What God Has Doneby Sue WagnerOn behalf of the deacons

King Street Church does not have to look far to see God at work. In fact, He has been at work consistently in our own church family. God has blessed King Street Church with gen-erous and compassionate people who want to show Jesus’ love to others through both large and small acts of caring. Since the deacon ministry began in late 2004 up to the present, slightly over one million dollars has been used to financially assist folks. Families, individuals and the Salvation Army have benefited from your generosity, and not just in the community but also within our own church family.

We stand ready to financially assist partner ministries such as the Agape English Program, the After-School Program, Once More Min-istries, Women of Worth and Men to Mend. The deacons celebrate God’s goodness. Part of His goodness is your heart for giving. We are thankful for your part in our ministry.

International UB ConferenceThis year King Street Church is hosting

the pastors and delegates who come from around the world for the International UB Conference. These meetings will begin directly following the National Confer-ence from Saturday to Tuesday, July 15-18. Representatives from 16 countries will be transported from Lancaster to Chambers-burg, where they will stay with host families. Their sessions begin on Sunday afternoon here at KSC, with a full day planned on Monday. The delegates will head home on Tuesday morning. We are looking for host families to provide housing for those attending. If you can help, contact Jeanne Amick at jamick@kschurch.org.

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Giving Joy…..Receiving Joyby Dr. Kim ShatzerJoy Class Member

The “Joy Sunday School Class” is in the 20’s. In the 1980s, this number reflected not attendance but the general age of the members. Time has passed and now the ages are 40s, 50s, and even some 60s. In the last few years the average age of the class increased when Miss

June Brown joined the class. June came to visit one Sunday and just kept coming back. She has become a beloved part of the class.

June served God for decades as a United Brethren missionary in Sierra Leone where she taught math and was an administrator at the school in Bumpe. Born in Franklin County, June is a faithful member of King Street Church, a military veteran, a graduate of Huntington University and an icon in the history of the United Brethren denomination. When she had to evacuate Sierra Leone because of a military coup, she decided to retire from the mission field back to Chambersburg and King Street Church. June is an amazing woman of faith who is armed with powerful stories of how God has led and blessed her in a life that could easily be made into an adventure movie.

The Joy Class believes that June came to the class as an answer to prayer. While the class has always been active in supporting worthy causes financially, a few years ago the class began to seek ministries in which it could invest beyond financial support. Many worthy causes were

considered, but nothing quickly emerged that caught the passion of the whole class. It was decided that the best approach was to pray in earnest and seek God’s will. This was at the same time King Street was months into the search for a senior pastor that ended in bringing Pastor Jody. The class turned to prayer with a consistent monthly prayer meeting where joys and requests at individual, church and national levels are brought to Jesus.

Not only did the discipline of prayer bring many answers on all these levels, answers to the prayer for clarity of mission for the class began to come. The Lord began to bring individuals in whom the class could invest. One of them was June Brown. The Joy Class wants to ensure that June is served in her golden years with the same passion that she served so many for so many years.

Recently the class gathered at June’s house on a Thursday evening to do some maintenance and celebrate her 87th birthday. The event was a joy for all! June sat outside and oversaw the work while the group enjoyed fellowship and shared work. When the work was done, pizza and

birthday cake topped off the evening.

June has brought joy to the Joy class. “Our desire is to bless her and give her joy, yet she returns those blessings and joy in ways we couldn’t have imagined.” The class has become deeply relationally connected

to this former missionary. She often tells the class members to be ready to serve, whether it is in their families, the church, or in the mission field; we just must be obedient to God’s calling.

The Joy Class is on a journey, learning together, praying together, and serving together. God has answered the prayer for opportunities to be engaged in a mission as a class.

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Bless Week: Living Out the Mission

This year King Street Church took on an endeavor that was brand new—to ask our church family to live out the concepts of Trans-formation in a vibrant, active way by serving with our partner ministries. We had no idea what to expect, but over 200 people stepped up, filling more than 350 different service opportu-nities and ultimately serving 1,400 hours. The block party that we hosted on Saturday was also a success—we hosted upwards of 600 people, many from our downtown neighborhoods.

Again, many KSC families came out to serve. When we asked Pastor Jody how he thought Bless Week went, he said:

“I was thrilled and delighted by the way our King Street family responded to the call to serve. Hundreds of our people rising up and saying yes to God. If it’s true that great moves of God are usually preceded by simple acts of obedience—and I believe it is!—then we are in store for a great move of God here in Chambersburg.

When we were talking through the idea of having Bless Week, our Local Outreach Co-Mission had the idea of coming along-side our partner ministries. This was exactly what God had in mind for us. In addition to

supporting and encouraging these excellent Kingdom-building ministries, relationships were established. Long term relationships. I’ve heard from numerous people who have told me that after volunteering in Bless Week, they have committed to serving in that particular ministry in an on-going basis. I love hearing

that! This will bear great fruit not only one day, or one week, but for months and years to come!

The best word I can think of to describe our Bless Fest block party is the word JOY! The entire event was filled with joy. It was a joy to serve side-by-side with other King Streeters. It was a joy to interact with hundreds of people from our community who attended. It was a joy to give, and serve, and bless. And for me personally, it was even a joy to don a chicken suit to lead the chicken dance—and to get dunked dozens of times in the dunk tank! I’m smiling just thinking of it.

I suppose that for many churches, events like Bless Week and Bless Fest might seem overly daunting and perhaps not a natural part of their church’s DNA. Not so for King Street. Bless Week fit us like a hand in a glove. It was truly an expression of who we are as a church. Instead of forcing us to serve—it gave us an opportunity to serve in a more unified and cooperative way. I love being a part of a church family that is living out our mission to engage and bless our community with the Gospel in such a genuine and sacrificial way.”

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New Life S.S. Class is planning a bus tour to the

in beautiful Williamstown, Kentucky. We will depart on Thursday, September 14, and return home on Sunday,

September 17. The Ark Encounter features a full size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, 95 feet wide, and

51 feet high, this modern engineering marvel amazes those that visit. The Ark has three floors of displays along with life like replicas of the animals that were sheltered by Noah.

Also on the trip we will be staying in Amish Country where we will spend time at Lehman’s Hardware and enjoy our evening meal in an Amish Home. In addition we are visiting J.M. Smuckers

Co. Store and Café, touring the Kentucky Horse Farm and touring the National Museum of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

We invite you to join the class and friends. The cost pays for all sites we visit, breakfast and evening meals. Cost $550.00 per person.

You may register by calling Clair or Diane Hostetter (717) 267-0332.

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JulyPrimeTimer Picnic •Wednesday,July12 •EatatnoonintheBakerCenter •CateringbySunnyway •Cost:$11 •Duedateforsignupandpayment:June30

AugustBanquetontheField(Lancaster) •Thursday,August10 •Minibustrip+van(Limit:36) •DepartKSCat2:30p.m. •Cost:$45 •July13 – duedateforsignupandpayment

SeptemberBollmanBusTriptoDC •Wednesday,September13 •AbrahamLincolnTheme–VisittheLincoln’sCottage,Ford’sTheatreandthePetersonHouse

•Lunchisonyourown.Suggestionswillbeprovided.

•TraveltoFrederickfordinneratthehistoricEvangelicalLutheranChurchwithchurchhistoryfollowingthemealbythechurchhistorian.

•Cost:$85includesadmissiontoDClocations,dinnerandchurchhistoryinFrederick,transportationandgratuities

•August13–duedateforsignupandpayment

PRIMETIMERSUPDATES

•MakecheckspayabletoKSCPrimeTimers.Pleasenoteoneachcheckhowthepaymentistobeused(whichevents).

•CallFrancesHumelsine,(717)263-8633,formoreinformationortosignupforanevent.

•SenddepositsorpaymentstoFrances Humelsine,408BenjaminDrive, Chambersburg,PA17201.•Daytripdepositis$10attimeofsignup.

OctoberBollmanBusTriptoBaltimore •Thursday,October12 •Two-hourlunchcruiseontheSpiritofBaltimore

•FreetimetoexploretheInnerHarbor •Cost:$90includescruise,lunch,transportationandgratuities

•September12—duedateforsignupandpayment

NovemberBollmanBusTriptoAmericanMusicTheaterinLancaster •Wednesday,November15 •“HomefortheHolidays”ChristmasShow •VisittheNationalChristmasCenter •Cost:$107includestheshow,admissiontotheChristmasCenter,abuffetmealatBird-in-HandRestaurant,transportationandgratuities

•DepartKSCat7:30a.m. •October16–duedateforsignupandpayment •Flyeravailable

DecemberPrimeTimerChristmasLunch •Wednesday,December13 •NoonintheBakerCenter •Moredetailslater

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Quotes of the Week

July 9, 2017

College Students and High School

SeniorsKing Street’s Student Grant Program is

now accepting applications for grants to be distributed to college students for the 2017-2018 school year. Each year the program distributes income to qualified students for both the fall and spring semesters.

Student Grant Applications can be found in the foyers outside the Sanctuary and the Baker Center. Applications are also available in the SMC or by visiting the church office. The deadline for submitting an appli-cation is Monday, July 24, 2017.

Please note that whether you are sub-mitting an application for the first time or resubmitting an application after receiving a grant in a prior school year, you will need to provide a copy of your grades from your most recent school year.

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MISSIONS NEWS

EXCERPTS FROM RECENT COMMUNICATIONS

Update from K and RWMay 29, 2017(Serving in the Middle East)

Prayer Needs for this SummerThere is now a great sense of community

among the believers. Pray that this summer each one will make the effort to stay close to God. Students return to their homes, and many adults leave the city for vacation and family visits; so church attendance tends to be small. Our BIG requests: that God will double the number of believers in this fellowship and that He will raise up godly capable leaders.

May Activities We traveled to the fourth largest city in our

country, where K gave a seminar on disciple-ship. Ironically about eight non-church people happened to attend and heard the gospel!

R was able to go on a retreat with some women she used to lead in Bible study, most of whom are middle-aged and single, somewhat displaced by society. She was so thrilled to see how God is bringing hope and joy to the hearts of this handful of women.

The workbook for children’s camp is done! The children will study the courage of the dis-ciples to spread the gospel.

Thirty adults attended a church family picnic. We are thrilled to see young brothers and sisters stepping up to take leadership and responsibil-ity for church activities and ministries!

Election and PermitsYou may know by now that the recent elec-

tion resulted in a victory for the president. This will probably lead to greater influence of the main religion in our country. Pray that we will have freedom to proclaim the Gospel and that workers will be given permission to live here. We applied for a two year residence permit. Pray that it is granted.

Our SummerWe will head for the USA on July 20. After

several weeks of visiting family we hope to see many of you. Lord willing we return to our mission field on November 1.

Update from the GerlachsJune 13, 2017(Bryan and Emily are presently in the area and plan to return to Thailand this summer.)

We are excited to be getting closer and closer to our return to Thailand and a new chapter in our lives and work. We can’t wait to get back to our home, friends and passion. Let us share with you some exciting developments in our ministry.

A lot of prayer and hard work have gone into developing a new ministry plan for our second term and we are really excited about it! Our platform for ministry will be the Family Connection Foundation (FCF), a Christian NGO [non-governmental organization] in Chiang Mai that will provide us with visas and a structure for ministry in addition to the mentorship that TEAM provides. We have worked with FCF projects before, and we really love this team of people! We will also be able to continue in partnership with our local Thai

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church and support them in their ministries.Bryan will work on the FCF Administrative

Team, connecting the various projects with the technical and data support that they need to be most effective in their ministries. He will also partner with our local pastor to support his ministry, specifically in the areas of music and men’s ministries.

Emily will work with FCF in areas of edu-cation, advocacy and mentoring with at-risk youth. She also hopes to continue using art as a form of therapy for victims of exploitation. Emily will also assist with women’s and chil-dren’s ministries at our local church.

Almost There!It’s finally time to apply for visas and start

packing! After a year in the U.S., we can’t wait to get back to Chiang Mai. It will be a busy summer as we prepare for our end of July departure.

Please pray: • For our visas to come through.• For our travels this summer, visiting

churches and saying farewell to family and to friends.

• For the last 1% of our funding to come in soon.

• For all of the little things that need to be taken care of in the next month so we can be ready to go.

Emily’s YWAM UpdateJune 15, 2017(Emily Schoenleber is serving in New Zealand with Youth With a Mission. She is presently in the U.S. visiting family and friends and plans to travel to YWAM Kona in Hawaii in mid-July.)

Our team’s time in Vanuatu was filled with laughter, tears, good health, sick days, relax-ation, times of stress, familiar food, unfamiliar food, sketchy truck rides and small planes, a category five hurricane, bright sunny days, kids

ministry and building a water tank. But it was nothing short of amazing and fulfilling. We began outreach as a group of ten friends who sort of knew each other, but by the time we were on that plane flying back to New Zealand we had become a family.

Here are some of the highlights of outreach in Vanuatu:

• Ministry at the markets in the capital city, Port Vila. We were able to really invest into the lives of the various women who work here. We spent the first two weeks of outreach in Port Vila and made it a point to build relationship with certain ones!

• Hanging out at the Salvation Army orphanage—one of my personal favorites! Almost eversy Sunday afternoon we would head across town to spend time with Mamma Lily and the children who live and hang out at the orphanage. These afternoons were spent playing volleyball, painting nails and having our hair braided by the little girls.

• Joining with staff from V2 Life, the YWAM base in Vanuatu, to build a cement rain water tank for a community outside the capitol city.This was a practical, lasting way to show the love of God to the people in that community!

• Two weeks spent in Kerembei Village on Maewo island. This is the same village I led a team to a year ago. I was able to return with this team and further establish relationships within the community. Again we helped with the Sunday school program and ran a con-ference of sorts for the teachers from a few villages. We also had the privilege of staying in families’ homes.

• Nights of worship, prayer and leading worship at church. Twice on outreach two of my students and I had the opportunity to lead worship on a Sunday morning. We also had the opportunity to gather together at least four YWAM teams, people from the church and even Mamma Lily and others from the orphan-age for a night of worship and prayer together

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for the nation of Vanuatu. Such powerful times coming together in worship and joyful times of prayer on behalf of Vanuatu together!

Here are the exciting next steps! • In mid July I’ll head to YWAM Kona in

Hawaii to take part in a three week leadership training with the Circuit Riders. I’ll learn so many things in terms of sharing the gospel, pioneering, communicating, learning to walk in personal devotion and discipline, all the while growing in a deeper relationship with the Lord.

• Return to Tauranga, New Zealand at the end of July to join up with an internship through the Tauranga House of Prayer (THOP). I’ll be taking part in the worship track which means I’ll be able to learn more about leading worship and further develop skills with guitar and piano.

I’m heading into a season of training and equipping. There will be a lot of moving around in the weeks and months to come, but I am so expectant for what God’s already doing. I know this season is preparing in ways I don’t even realize. I’m still praying about the exact timing but I will be heading over to Vanuatu, most likely toward the end of this year or the beginning of next. It already feels like home there and I’m filled with joy that soon I’ll be calling it that.

Support Me in Prayer • Pray that this time at home will be restful

and a solid time with family and friends. • Pray for clarity as I continue to seek God’s

heart and vision during the coming months.• Pray that I will be walking in humility and

teachability as I transition from being a leader to a student/intern.

• Pray that our school in Kona would be knitted together in love and unity from day one and that we would corporately press into the heart of God and step out in radical obe-dience.

• Pray that I will fit right into the internship

even though I arrive three weeks late.• Pray for the nation of Vanuatu that the

people would continue to encounter Jesus, hear His voice and live righteously.

The Pierces’ Postal NewsletterJune 18, 2017(Bernie and Sherry serve in Lincoln, Nebraska with Christar.)

Praise the Lord! Our debt to Christar has been paid! THANK YOU for praying and giving!!! We marvel at His provisions! (Thank you for now praying that God will provide for a huge personal need. God knows.)

PLEASE PRAY for Vacation Bible School for the refugee children June 26-30. Pray for the team that will be coming to run it; for safety in travel each evening in shuttling the children; for a sense of His peace to reign; and for hearts to be touched by the message of the good news of Christ!

Last weekend Bernie attended the dedica-tion ceremony for a piece of land dedicated to be a Yazidi cemetery in Malcolm, NE. This is a big deal for the Yazidi community. May more of our Yazidi friends find Christ before they face death.

This week we got to attend the naturalization ceremony of a Sabean friend from church at the Homesteaders National Monument in Beatrice, Nebraska. It was an inspiring ceremony and sobering as we saw thirty-four people from at least eleven countries take their oath and become U.S. citizens.

It was exciting, although it would be even more exciting to see people birthed into the kingdom! Please pray for “Russ and Sarah” and their family as they still follow the teachings of John the Baptist but don’t yet know of new life in Christ.

Missions news submitted by Sharon Smith

KING

STREET CHURCH

United Brethren in C

hrist162 East K

ing StreetC

hambersburg, PA

17201