Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It has been an incredible month with the installation of Pastor Eric Nelson, traveling to the Ark Encounter, wrapping up our Midweek programs, and the continued planning for the Alaskan Mission Trip. Things are moving! Confirmation Sunday (5/5), Graduation Sunday (6/16), VBS (7/21), the Junior High Youth Gathering (7/26), and Alaska (8/1) are all just around the corner!

It’s exciting to share this year’s theme for VBS: “Way, Truth, Life”. The verse we are looking at is John 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth, the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Things are coming together for VBS. Please take some time and pray about joining us for this incredible week of serving kids and families. VBS takes many hands go smoothly, but with willing hands, it is truly a blessing to both serve and be served throughout the week.

Some things to note for your calendar for the month of May. I want to highlight that there is a National Youth Gathering meeting on May 19th at 10:00 am. This will be an important meeting to attend for all those who are interested in attending. The National Youth Gathering does take quite a bit to prepare. It is at this time that we begin discussing travel, registration deadlines, deposits, and fundraisers. Please make it a priority to attend this meeting.

Continue to keep all of us here at St. James in your prayers. Pray for rest, good health, and the endurance to keep going. We are all called to run the race with endurance. For the higher calling that Christ has set before us. Pray that the Gospel may be shared and that people will hear.

In Christ,
  Russell Baumann ~ Family Life Director
  John 3:30