Lake Palestine U.M.C.
by Barbara Cade

We were pleased to see that Rev. Richard made it back from last week's camp at Lakeview in good shape. He said everything went well although he is probably very tired.

On Sunday we were happy to see several visitors in the congregation. Also, the service was enhanced with the beautiful flute music performed by Jan Decker.

Speaking of the Deckers, Jan and Milton reported that Shawn has safely made it to Kuwait. They said he and the rest of the troops were exhausted when they got there but were very happy to see a McDonald's restaurant. They also say that Shawn is grateful for the prayers of the congregation.

Lynn Davis and Bobbie Mathus noted that their care package for the troops is overflowing. In fact, there were so many items in it on Sunday, they decided to pack everything up and ship this box immediately, but they will have another box out for those who still want to keep sending needed items to the troops overseas. If you don't know what should go in the box there is a list in the back of the church.

Angela Martin is still asking for volunteers to help the Boy Scouts get their merit badges. Anyone wanting to help with this should contact her at the church.

Dale and Mary Ann Whisenhunt had a hectic Saturday when they attempted to distribute over 60 Angel Food boxes. A problem arose when the truck bringing the food was late getting in from Louisiana. That meant everyone, our church and others in East Texas, had to wait a very long time. It all worked out and the food went to the right people though. Dale and Mary Ann are very appreciative for all the volunteers who came out to help that day.

Lynn Davis has given the final warning to get in recipes for the cookbook. The deadline was last Sunday, but since she will be working on compiling the recipes throughout this week, she has said she will still accept recipes up until next Sunday, but that is the final, final day.

Several members of the congregation attended the Transforming Church conference at Pollard on Tuesday. There will be another meeting dealing with this at Chandler First UMC tonight (Thursday). If enough people decide to go, we will take a bus up there.

Rebecca Prather is busy getting the church newsletter together. Anyone with any news should get it to her as soon as possible. The deadline is about now.

Vera Rhodes called back here from West Texas. Her father has taken a turn for the worse. He has come down with pneumonia. Gordon has gone out there to be with Vera and her family. Our prayers are with them.

Marguerita Barker was in church Sunday even though she reports that she is still in some pain. Her main struggle now will be how to deal with that pain.

Kaethe Griffin was not feeling well last Sunday.

Congratulations to Fred and Trudy Riddle. They look really good in their brand new Ford F-150.

Bob Hitt announced that he and June will be leaving town at the end of this week and won't be back for about a month. That means he wants everyone to know that while he is gone, John Morris will be picking up the doughnuts for Sunday services, and everyone needs to remind him.

The youth have changed the date of their next movie night to August 11th at 6:30 p.m. The title of the movie is Extreme Days. Everyone in the community is invited to attend this free presentation.