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Dear Friends

Compliments are always welcomed.

In case you haven't driven by the manse or church lately you might want to do just that. Of course if you happen by on a Sunday morning around ten o'clock, which is the best time to see it, you can stop in and worship, and afterward stand outside and admire what paint, hard work, and money can do to brighten things up.

The transformation in the manse is much more noticeable than the work done on the church. That’s because of the change of color and the shutters and the gingerbread that have been added. The paint on the aluminum siding of the church was badly faded and chalky. The power washing and the paint has brought a lot of comments like, "Boy, it really looks nice!"

This sprucing up of church properties is part of the 150th Anniversary celebration. There is some other work that was done that isn't quite as noticeable and wasn't part of the original plan. If you noticed it, then you are among the hundreds of people over the years who walked into the sanctuary and said, "Hey Rev....did you know that the balcony sags?"

Well a sagging balcony, like a sagging midrift isn't a major problem unless you ask a professional, "Is it safe?"

That question was asked because the balcony is being used more frequently these days. It was necessary to ensure its safety, (for those above and below) but the work that was accomplished, i.e., putting in steel girders and steel columns isn't nearly as noticeable as is a new coat of paint.

Like so many things in life, though, it may not be obvious, it is, nevetheless, essential.

In case you were wondering, the cost of power washing church and manse and then painting and caulking outside of church and manse and then painting inside of the church will be around $32,390. The balcony work just to ensure the safety will be around $15,000. Then there will be added costs of a new railing around the ledge, and carpet.

Payment for these endeavors will be partially paid from our 150^th Capital Funds Campaign. So… if you haven’t contributed yet, this would be a great time to do so, the bills are rolling in. The rest of the monies will be coming from the Maintenance and Memorial Fund.

We’re pleased that your faithfulness in giving over the years has enabled these tasks to be accomplished. What we have accomplished so far, is a good beginning towards all of the work that needs to be accomplished.

Grace and Peace,

From the Kitchen Window

These days we see something very interesting from our window: a "Genie Boom". This is a tall hydraulic lift used by workers (such as painters) instead of the old extension ladder. The significance of the Genie Boom over the last month is that it indicates change. Now change is something we tend to avoid, because we get so comfortable with the status quo. Change can feel threatening, and we have to feel ready for change. Sometimes changes such as the ones that we’re experiencing here with the painting of the church and manse are so obviously good that it doesn’t take long to adjust. At other times, changes can cause anxious- moving away from friends, separation, a new job, etc- or us to feel insecure. The older we get, it seems, the harder it is for us to actually enjoy changes. Not so with our children, who adjust and readjust so rapidly, they make us feel slightly ashamed from holding back!

Something tells me that if we want to be open to God’s planning in our lives, then we need to be "ready" for any changes His plans might call for, and just trust God to work out the details. Look forward in great anticipation to His plan for any change in your life, knowing that He loves you and only wants the best life has to offer for His own children. Be flexible and prepared for some interesting "detours"…you never know where they will lead you.

Linda Roan

The following young people from the Confirmation Class of 2000 were received into the fellowship of the Stewartsville Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 14, 2000:

Received into the membership of the Stewartsville Presbyterian Church on Sunday, July 9 were Charles Shauger and Helen Frey.

Derek James Stecker, son of Dawyne Marie and Roger Stecker received the Sacrament of Infant Baptism on Sunday, July 9, 2000. He was born on October 2, 1999.

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Also baptized on Sunday July 9, 2000 was Matthew Joseph Van Decker. He is the son of Shari and John Van Decker. Matthew was born on April 5, 2000.

On Friday night August 18^th we will again be having our outdoor movie night. Church family and community are invited. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair and bring a friend.

The movies will begin as soon as it is dark enough to be able to show them.

Thank you to Sue and Bill Schisler and her family who have helped with this event over the years.

In case of rain the movies will be shown inside.

If you would like the congregation to be in prayer for someone, and that person agrees to have their name placed on our prayer list, please call the church office at 859-1399