July 4 Service Notes

Welcome & Announcements

This morning, my family and I are joining you from the unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh.

Take a moment remember on whose land you are this morning.

Likely most of you are tuning in from the unceded territory of the Secwepemc Nation.

I’m so glad we can be together this morning - after what has turned out to be quite a tumultuous week in Kamloops and surrounding communities.

As we begin,I want to thank those of you who helped us open up our church sanctuary as a cooling centre this last week. It happened quickly, and we made some good connections with the city - we will likely have more opportunities to serve our city in the coming days. And, possibly in ways beyond offering a safe place to cool down during heat. We pray that the fire season wouldn’t continue the way it has begun, but we will be ready to open our doors if the need should arise!

I wonder if there are updates from any of our folks who have been evacuated?

Gerry & Linda?

Barb?

Sarah & Nick, Emma & Chase?

Rowells & Sheryl?

And then, I’m delighted to see you, Ruth - home and adjusting to life without a gall bladder.

A few announcements:

Missions Committee needs your input about Impact Ministries - SWCC has a long history. But that means that sometimes we lose track of who has been part of that story, and we also want new folks who have joined us along the way (myself included) to have a chance to learn and join in that story, too. So, whether you know all about Impact, or have just hear them mentioned a few times, please fill out the survey so that the Missions Committee can plan a time this fall for us to recall our involvement and to learn and look ahead!

1 Peter books still available - a great study for you to work through this summer whether you’ll be with us all summer, or to stay “with us” as we study this epistle, even if you’ll be away.

Plans for this summer with restrictions lifted… for right now, we’ll carry on as planned, but we will definitely make the most of the opportunity we have to gather to catch up. With vacation plans in place already, I’m not sure we have the people to make in person gatherings happen right away. But we’ll begin those preparations for September.

So, by all means, make plans - invite people over. Meet in the park. (Just keep in mind that not everyone will be ready to resume all the activities they might have done before… so go gently!)

Deeply thankful that the vaccination rate keeps climbing and the case numbers keep dropping. This is what we’ve been praying for!

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Community Spotlight: BARB

Barb Fuller is asking for prayer for the future of RSVP Ministries, which are downsizing and restructuring in response to an ongoing decline accelerated by the pandemic. Consequently, the ministry will have one focus going forward, the inSPIRE Journey, which is geared to a broader and postmodern audience. Sadly this means there will be no further national ministry structure or staffing for the traditional areas of ministry: Women's Connections and Inlight Bible Studies. This includes Barb's role as Director of Inlight Bible Studies, which will end as of August 23rd. Your prayers for Barb are appreciated as she seeks God's direction for the next season of her journey of adventure with God.