Lake Palestine UMC

This has been a fun and busy time at the church as so many members are enjoying the more relaxed days of summer. Or maybe not; Summer seems to be just as busy as any other time of year.

Last Sunday, we had a singing service for both morning worships. Rev. Prather and Rebecca had to be in Houston for a friend's wedding. Of course, after the big storm from the night before, lots of people were a little tired and damp, but it was fun anyway.

Congratulations to Cooper Price. His adoption was official last week. We know Matthew is being a great big brother.

Two weekends ago, the church had a Wii Festival and movie night (Alvin and the Chipmunks). Several young people and adults turned out for the event. As a matter of fact, Joyce Martin enjoyed it so much, she is now the proud owner of a new Wii game, herself.

We have had several people sick or in the hospital the past few weeks. We are happy to hear that Bob Arthur is now home recuperating from his heart surgery. Also, Jane Kuykendall is doing better after her bout with pneumonia.

Crystal Simon reported that her sister, Sherry Dickens, was in the hospital in Dallas with gall bladder problems. She is now home trying to feel better.

Bob Fisher made a trip to the hospital but is home now.

Dorothy Botts had eye surgery last week and is doing well. You can recognize her by the dark glasses she wears everywhere.

Lee Ann Boggs was back in church for the first time two Sundays ago, but didn't make it this past week. Her husband, Jack tried to come this week, but he wasn't feeling well either.

Bobbie Mathus was also back in church two Sundays ago. We were all glad to see her as she has had a very trying time with her back.

We hear that in the past month, Charlie Varnell has been ill. He is better now, but our prayers are with him as he continues to recover.

Dale and Mary Ann Whisenhunt brought the sad news that their granddaughter Macy's, father was killed in a motorcycle accident in Dallas. Our prayers are with that family.

Two weeks ago, Rev. Richard and Rebecca took a short trip to Marble Falls where they helped celebrate Richard's mother's 85th birthday.

We are very happy to report that Kaethe Griffin and her granddaughter from Oklahoma made it safe and sound to Germany where Kaethe is visiting her sons and their families. She will also be traveling to Holland to stay at one of her son's vacation homes for a few weeks. The only glitch we've heard about so far in the trip is that Kaethe's luggage didn't get there when she did.

Also, this week, John and Debbie Morris took a little trip down to Puerto Rico where they are visiting John's nephew and his family.

Word has it that Bernard and Linda Massey will be back from South Carolina sometime this week. They were visiting their son and his wife.

Roland and Gail Massey took their granddaughter, Marissa, back to Austin this weekend. Marissa plans to be back later for Vacation Bible School.

Speaking of that, Angela Martin has announced that she still needs volunteers to help with that event. Anyone interested in that should contact her immediately.

Saturday night, about twenty members of the church attended luau night at The Shed in Edom.

Barb Cade has returned home from a trip to Iowa a couple of weeks ago. She was accompanied by her mother.

Now for the really big news. Tomorrow night, July 4th, at dark, the church and the Westside Volunteer Fire Department have teamed up to present to the community a fireworks display at the amphitheater on the lake. It should be a really nice one lasting about thirty minutes. The fireworks are free, but there will be a $2.00 charge per car to help defray the cost of the fireworks. Also, the fire department will be selling snacks. At 7:30 PM, Gail Johnston and Susan Romo will be putting on a little pre-concert for the early arrivers. It should be great fun for the entire family.