Amazing gift given to us this morning! Thank you Erin, Gloria, and Kari! Beautiful word of God sung and shared!

The ordination of Pastor Chris Thomas with Bishop Dunlop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod inPA and Bishop Clements of the Northern Illinois Synod. Great day of celebration! Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, your wife, your new congregation and the people of your community Chris! God goes with and before you!

Chris Thomas will be ordained tomorrow, Saturday July 8th at Grace Church, Loves Park at 1:00 p.m. Don't miss this celebration! You are invited!

In this new day of communication on social media, a smart phone is an important way of networking and relating with people. This qualifies as the third rung which is love and belonging. This implies connecting and relating with people which is the very thing smart phones do quickly and quite well. Texting, tweeting and Facetime will never replace face-to-face communication, yet it serves a good purpose. Perhaps after all, on some level, smart phones are a basic human need.

Looking for something to do with the kids. We have a fine arts camp coming up. Children 3 to going into 5th grade are welcome. Older then that volunteer. We need more help. The dates are July 17th to 21st 9-noon. Come join the fun! any questions call the church office. https://goo.gl/forms/eXYcukOAO9GQpOsL2

Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” We are a church where all are imperfect and incomplete, yet we each belong in – and have an important place in – God’s masterpiece. Our youth need to try and grasp the fierce love that God has for them, just as they are, and that by grace, through faith, they have been saved. When young people (or really any age person!) truly claim this reality, it indeed changes everything. This week long service learning trip is for high school youth who will be entering 9th grade through graduating 12th grade for the 2018-2019 school year. A $150 non-refundable, per person deposit is due to hold your spot for registration and must be turned in to Grace by Sept. 5th. Financial assistance is available, but will go quickly so please see Pastor JoAnna asap if you are interested. The NYG only happens every 3 years and is usually attended by about 30,000 other HS youth from across the country. This is a can't miss opportunity! Sign up today! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUQuw3mWDeQ&feature=youtu.be&list=PLD2BE6D47D7169CB5

Come on out and join a family event for our middle and high school youth! We are going to the Daft's house for a backyard bonfire! We will grill dogs, pies and smores over the fire. Families are invited to bring chips or pop to share!

Thank you, Petunia and Whitney for sharing the National Anthem with us on Sunday.

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while."

We will meet at the outdoor store, which is the main concession for Rock Cut. Stop in to the outdoor store to rent canoes, Stand up Boards, kayaks, row boats, or paddle boats. Boats are $13.00/hour. The outdoor store is located at the south end of Pierce lake. To get to the store follow the concessions/boat launch signs. Call 815-885-4740 for more information from Rock Cut. Contact the church office with any other questions. This event is open to youth 7th - 12th grade and their families!

Are you kidding me; air conditioning in the kitchen? Brrrrr!

Extra, extra: Get your July-Sept. devotionals!