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Newsletter of the First Presbyterian Church 510 W. Ottawa St., Lansing, MI 48933 (517) 482-0668 Office hours: 8:00 a.m.-Noon, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LansingFirstPresbyterian Our website: http://lansingfirstpres.com

Cooking with Kids Camp

NorthWest Initiative and First Presbyterian are collaborating on another summer day camp experience for kids. The Cooking with Kids Camp will be held August 13-16 at the church. The kids will learn how to make foods themselves, that they can then make at home (maybe after school) all by themselves, or at least with little supervision. They will learn about basic nutrition, kitchen safety, what to do in an emergency, how to properly clean up, and important food storage facts. This camp is designed for children age 9-16 and

will run from 9am-3pm with a “cook-off” on the last day.

Family Fun Festival at Ferris A super-fun family event is being planned in Ferris Park on Saturday, August 18 by Northwest Initiative, Cherry Hill Neighborhood Association and First Pres. There will be lots of food, games, entertainment, and hopefully, the police dog McGruff will be there showing off a police car and other emergency vehicles. Please come downtown and enjoy a fun afternoon in the park with our neighbors and friends in the City.

DONATIONS NEEDED!

The Lansing Children’s Choir is seeking donations of trial size shampoo, deodorant, hand sanitizer, small hotel size soap, trial size shave cream, razors and lotion. We need at least 50 of each item. The children will be making up personal needs bags as their service project and donating them to Loaves and Fishes Ministries.

We need these items by the end of August. A collection box will be in the Meeting Room. Thanks so much for your help!

The First Epistle Worship, Serve, Grow

August 2018

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In the Pulpit:

August 5 Rev. Stanley Jenkins

August 12 Rev. Barbara Edema

August 19 Rev. Barbara Edema

August 26 Rev. Jenn Tafel

September 2 Rev. Charles Herrick

GREETERS ARE NEEDED EACH SUNDAY

Starting late August into September, you can pick a Sunday or two to help with greeting.

You will be able to sign up at church or online.

Watch for more details soon.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Birthdays 11 Book Group 6 Boomers & Beyond 8 Building & Grounds Update 9 Celebration Club 8 Church Calendar 14-15 First Epistle deadline 13 Flower Calendar 11 Food Pantry Update 10 Kitchen/Social Hall Shower 5 LINK groups 7 Music Notes 3 Nominating Comm.News 4 Our Church Family 12-13 Session Highlight 10-11 Staff 13 TLC 8 Worship Schedule 12

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

SAVE THE DATE - SEPTEMBER 28

Parents, plan your date night.

Kids, plan on fun at the church.

Everyone else plan to help!!

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MUSIC NOTES

The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of

God and the refreshment of the soul. - Johann Sebastian Bach

I love the spontaneity of live music making. I love crunchy chords and when music slowly resolves into either a full, lush chord or into a single, sustaining unison note. I love when voices of differing ability work together to create a unified work of art. I love the process of rehearsal, the discovery of deeper meaning to lyrics, and the love that develops over time to a piece of music. I also love the meditative singing of music that is part of my actual being, the service music of my childhood and the hymns that I have sung so many times that I no longer need to look at the hymnal. I love that I know when a certain hymn or anthem is sung in service that specific people are going to be touched in very specific ways (“Deep Waters” = Alyse ; “Precious Lord” = Sergei; “Here I Am Lord” = Christine). I love that certain hymns or anthems remind me of people who, in my opinion, offered up lives of service and gratitude (“The King of Love My Shepherd Is” = Wanda; “Balm in Gilead” = my grandmother, Helen; “He Never Failed Me Yet” = Walter). As the summer has continued on, I find that music continually gives me avenues to express myself. Whether it’s at MADD Camp with a gaggle of children and youth; in my car as I sing as loud as I can with the soundtrack from “Hamilton”; as a companion on road trips and camping trips; or as I read/watch the news. Music as the ability, for me at least, to “soothe my sin-sick soul”. Leonard Bernstein said, “This will be our reply to violence: to make music more intensely, more beautifully, move devotedly than ever before.” So, in the remaining weeks of summer, let’s do just that! Sing those hymns with all your voice! Put on your favorite tunes in the car and sing along with reckless abandon! Use your voice, in song, to praise God, soothe your soul and find strength to fight the good fight. When in our music God is glorified, and adoration leaves no room for pride, it is as though the whole creation cried: Alleluia! How often, making music, we have found a new dimension in the world of sound, as worship moved us to a more profound Alleluia!

Let every instrument be tuned for praise! Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise! And may God give us faith to sing always: Alleluia!

Some of our hymns in the month of August will include:

Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken (PH 446); Gather Us In (STF 2236); Make Me A Channel of Your Peace (STF 2171); Be Thou My Vision (PH 339); Christ Be Beside Me (STF 2166)

The music staff at First Presbyterian prays that your worship experience is filled is memories, encouragement and strength as we continue on our journey and quest, bringing Christ to those around us. ~ Megan Higle PS: The Chancel Choir will begin rehearsals on Thursday, September 6 from 7 – 9 p.m. We always welcome new singers and those interested in finding out more about our music ministry. You can email Megan at megan.higle@gmail.com or give her a call at 248-320-4578.

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NOMINATING COMMITTEE

NEWS

We have begun meeting to develop a nominating slate of officers for the coming years. The slate must be approved at the congregational meeting this fall. We would greatly appreciate your suggestions!! Also, if you are a member of this church, please consider serving yourself as an

Elder or Deacon for the next 3 years or for one year on the Nominating Committee or Audit Committee. You don't have to wait to be asked! Remember: for all the benefits we have of excellent Worship and purposeful serving, it does take "a village" of workers to help in determining the direction of service opportunities and good congregational decision-making. Thank you for getting the ball rolling!

Please print this sheet and fill it out or simply email Bill Collins or Linda Diepenhorst (co-chairs) with questions or suggestions. bill@pipercollins.com or dldiepenhorst@comcast.net .

___________________________________________________________________________NOMINATING COMMITTEE 2019 ELECTION FORM

Nominating Committee is in the process of identifying nominees for:

The Audit Review Committee 1 year term

The Board of Elders 3 year term

The Board of Deacons 3 year term

The Nominating Committee 1 year term

If you are interested in being considered for one of these elected positions or want to suggest

names, please complete the form below. Place the completed form in Bill Collin's box in the

mail room, or drop in the offering plate. Thank you for your input.

NOMINATIONS: ___________________________________

Audit Review Committee

___________________________________

Elder

___________________________________

Deacon

___________________________________

Nominating Committee

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Kitchen/Social Hall Shower September 16

11:00 a.m. during Social Hour

Everyone is invited to participate in the First Presbyterian Kitchen/Social Hall Shower,

complete with nuts and mints 😊

Here are some suggestions for needed items. We will also have a box for monetary donations. No need to wrap items – just put them on the front table for all to see. If you know of additional items needed please email or call the following: Jean Jones, Jeanjones152@yahoo.com, 517-339-7292 or Kathe Smith, lawnart@acd.net, 517-332-0029 Needed items:

o Permanent Markers

o Freezer tape (to mark items in the refrigerators/freezers

o Post It Notes – all sizes

o Drawer Organizer (2) (The 2 drawers by the phone in the kitchen need to be

organized: the pens, notes, luncheon cards etc. Please take a look at the drawers if

this is something you are thinking about)

o Dish towels/ Dish cloths

o Spatulas (both small and large – short and long handled)

o Ceramic Knives

o Peelers

o High Chair

o Wooden high chair like they have in restaurants that you can put up to the table

(not the kind that fasten to a chair)

o Pots and Pans (all sizes)

o Large Crock Pots (2)

o Multi-Purpose Food Service Towels (these are disposable and are used to clean

tables/counters)

o 12 cup coffee maker

Thank you so much for participating 😊

STAY TUNED FOR THE DATE!!

Kitchen Deep Cleaning in September!!

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If you like to read and discuss good books, consider meeting with us in the church parlor.

Tuesday September 4 7:00 p.m. My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor. The first Hispanic appointed to the United States Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor has become an instant American icon. With candor and intimacy, she recounts her life from a Bronx housing project to the federal bench, a journey that offers an inspiring testament to her own extraordinary determination and the power of believing in oneself. Here is the story of a precarious childhood, with an alcoholic father and a devoted but overburdened mother, and of the refuge a little girl took from the turmoil at home with her passionately spirited paternal grandmother. This title is the East Lansing One Book, One Community selection. Justice Sotomayor will be at E Lansing HS on Sunday, August 26, 6:00, and also Monday, August 27, 9:00 am at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Discussion led by Linda Diepenhorst.

Tuesday October 2 7:00 p.m.

Waking up White by Debby Irving, a Presbytery Book Selection. For twenty-five years, Debby Irving sensed inexplicable racial tensions in her personal and professional relationships. As a colleague and neighbor, she worried about offending people she dearly wanted to befriend. As an arts administrator, she didn't understand why her diversity efforts lacked traction. As a teacher, she found her best efforts to reach out to students and families of color left her wondering what she was missing. Then, in 2009, one "aha!" moment launched an adventure of discovery and insight that drastically shifted her worldview and upended her life plan. In Waking Up

White, Irving tells her often cringe-worthy story with such openness that readers will turn every page rooting for her - and ultimately for all of us. Carol Wallace will facilitate.

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LinK NEWS

Eastside LINK group will try again to have a picnic for our August outing (since the June event was

cancelled). It will be held Saturday, August 18 at Albert White Park on Lake Lansing Road (it is the park

at the curve near the Quality Dairy, before you get to Abbot Road) in East Lansing at 11:30 a.m. We will

provide plates, plastic-ware and tablecloths. Please bring a dish to pass. R.S.V.P. to the email that Karen

will send around before this date so that we can get the number of people and maybe even give us an

idea of what you will bring. We hope you can make it!

NE Lansing LINK group’s August get-together is a visit to the Salim and Cheryl Makhoul’s

cottage on Lake Odessa at 1:00 p.m. on August 18. This is a potluck, so bring something

yummy. We had a great time there last year. You won't want to miss it, so do plan to come!

GRAND LEDGE/WEST LANSING LINK group will be having a picnic at Judy and Harv Whitman’s sometime in August. More information will be available soon.

SOUTH DELTA LINK will not have coffee in August, but will get together on Thursday, August

23 for a picnic at Delta Mills Park off Old River Trail from 5:00 - ??. Watch your email and

Sunday bulletins for details.

North Delta/ North Lansing LINK will not meet in August. Stay tuned for upcoming fall activities!

HOME LINK: Saturday, August 11 we'll get together and enjoy a Potluck

Brunch (10:00 a.m.) at Carol Wallace's home, 539 E. South St, Mason. Details to follow.

2018 MADD CAMP!!

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TLC

Thursday, August 9, 2018 - 1:00 PM

TLC will meet on Thursday, August 9 at 1:00 p.m.

We are going to Cheddars. It is located at 5719 W. Saginaw (across the street from the

Macy’s end of the Lansing Mall). Please call Sue Reames (381-1952) for reservations or

information. TLC is a group of women friends from the church who meet for lunch on the

second Thursday of each month. We would love to have you join us for this time of

fellowship.

THE CELEBRATION CLUB OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

The Birthday and Anniversary Club is a way of celebrating any special event or time in your

life that you would like to remember by making a contribution to the Celebration Club. The

donation you give will be used to help build up our Endowment Fund.

Donors in 2018: Carole Orth, Todd Hendy, Erika Hendy, Abigail Hendy, Madison Hendy,

Jean Dietrich

Total received in 2018: $279.00

Total received 2007 – 3/31/187: $30,639.71

The Beyond Boomers (now Boomers and Beyond!) luncheon will be held on Wednesday, August 1 in the church parlor at 12:00 Noon.

Are you out running errands, have an appointment in the morning or late afternoon, plan on shopping that day or just want to go out for lunch? Whatever your plans are for that day, why not stop by the church for lunch? Better yet, make your plans around this lunch date! There is always room for YOU (and a friend or spouse).

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UPDATE ON BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

Over the next few months you will see fresh paint both inside and outside the church. There was some water damage done last winter that requires repair and painting. Insurance funds, money in the Building and Grounds budget and funds from restricted grants within the Endowment Fund designated for church maintenance and repairs are paying for this work. Outside trim painting around the entire exterior of the church building will begin soon to beat the winter weather that we all know will arrive too soon. The painting will be paid by a combination of sources of funds including some donations from church members who want to support the upkeep of our beautiful building. The front columns are not included in this trim painting project because lead paint abatement is required that would cost approximately $30,000. We have learned that fiberglass columns can be purchased and installed for an amount in the $35,000 range. This would solve the problem of abating the lead paint and painting the columns every 10 years. Contractors are preparing estimates and we will know soon the cost of this potential project. If the estimates are in the $35,000 range, we will be seeking funds from members to help because there are no Capital Campaign funds remaining. There will be landscaping work completed within the next few weeks in and around the Memorial Garden to trim bushes, flowers and various plantings. The hot, dry summer has taken a toll on this area of the church grounds because of its location on the southeast side of the building. The Memorial Garden Fund will cover this project. Over the past 3 years, there have been general repairs around the church and we all can be thankful that the building has been improved with a new roof, new heating system and repaired windows. The Capital Campaign and some additional personal contributions paid for this important work that protects our beautiful building and saves energy. There are always repairs and maintenance work needed for an older building such as ours but a lot of progress has been made. Thank you for your support.

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It is a busy summer in the food pantry as the need for food continues no matter what season. Thanks goes out to the subs who are helping out as the “regulars” take time for vacations. Help is always needed so let any of the volunteers know if you are interested. Last month a representative of USDA met with some of the pantry board members to inspect the pantry and inform them

of compliance with the Federal policies and procedures for serving eligible clients with food that is supplied or subsidized by this agency. The good news is the pantry passed the inspection and was complimented on its organization of food and volunteers, amount of food offered, cleanliness and amount of space in the pantry room, hours open for service to our clients and record keeping for compliance purposes. The City of Lansing also met with some board members and Sallie Campbell to review the pantry’s compliance and performance required in the grant agreement between the church and City to receive an annual $5,000 grant to buy fresh food for the clients. Because the pantry serves a population in a “food desert” area of the city, the grant allows the purchase of fresh vegetables, eggs, and bread for the clients. The Greater Lansing Food Bank does not offer these items so the pantry purchases these fresh items every Monday for distribution each week. The pantry passed this review and inspection so the City of Lansing has renewed its grant of $5,000 for another year! The City’s grant does not cover the entire cost of the purchase of fresh food which runs $150 to $200 per week. Therefore, the pantry needs additional funds from generous members of the congregation. If you are interested, please write a check to the church with the words Pantry Fund on the memo line. Other donations of food and personal health items are always

appreciated. Thank you for your support of this important ministry.

These are the highlights from June's Session meeting

1) Heard that the financial status of the church at the end of

May is right where it should be for this time of the year.

2) Received a report from Finance Committee about how three

priority maintenance projects might be funded in order to be

completed. Those projects are repairs to the parking lot,

painting of church exterior facia and trim, and lead- based paint removal and painting of the

front columns.

3) Approved to accept the transfer of David and Karen Viele from Holt Presbyterian

Church. They will be formally received into the congregation in the fall.

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Session Notes continued…

4) Approved the deletion of seven members from the membership rolls who have not

attended or contributed for three or more years and who did not respond to efforts to contact

them.

5) Approved the request of Darin and Rachel Showalter to have their son, Hamilton,

dedicated on Sunday, July 1, 2018.

6) Approved not having Session meetings in July or August 2018, but will have two meetings

in September on the 5 and 19.

7) Determined the Session Focus Topic on September 19 will be a discussion on the all-

church read, Waking Up White.

2018 FLOWER CALENDAR

Signing up to provide the flowers for worship on any given Sunday is a wonderful way to enhance our worship service, and to remember/ celebrate/ honor special events and the people we love. It’s easy! Just put your name on the date of your choice on the Flower Calendar located in the hallway next to the parlor door, and send/ give a check to the church office for the $50 cost. (Please put “flowers” on the memo line of your check.)

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

8/02 Wyatt LeTourneau 8/23 Steve Fitton 8/07 Megan Heck 8/24 Liz Hughes 8/09 Harold Seelye 8/24 Zach Hodgman 8/10 Evgeny Epshtein 8/26 Gary Murray 8/13 Rian Smith 8/26 Nat Fellows 8/15 Steve Warnaar 8/28 Kurt Civilette 8/15 Megan Higle 8/30 Sue Reames 8/19 Kim Ringlever 8/30 Dan Diepenhorst 8/19 Jacob Fisher 8/30 Marjorie Holmgren 8/19 Buni Bailey

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AUGUST WORSHIP SCHEDULE

OUR CHURCH FAMILY

THESYMPATHY OF THE CONGREGATION is extended to Elaine Scovill and family upon the death of Russ on June 19. The funeral service was held on June 25.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Jim and JoAnn Hengstebeck on their 54th wedding

anniversary on August 1, to Pat and Paul Eenigenburg on their 52nd anniversary on August 13, and to Chuck and Mary Lou Gebhardt on their 59th anniversary on August 22. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO Marjorie Holmgren, who turns 95 on August 30! THANK YOU ALL for your prayers, care and support through my unexpected health event. God has blessed me mightily with this fabulous church family. God is so good! ~ Kathy Banghart

The Building and Grounds Committee extends a heartfelt thanks and congratulations to John Fellows for his Eagle Scout Project. Take a moment to admire the fenced playground area. You will notice the new timber border, enhanced wood mulch and a picnic table. Job well done Mr. Fellows!

August 5 August 12 August 19 August 26

Liturgists Nan Carter Geoff Blair Brian Koon Sherri DeMarco

Greeters - Chapel Carol Squires

and Sue

Reames

David and

Gartha Angus

Del and Dianne

Rector

Brian Koon

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Our Church Family continued…

MISSING I am missing my 2 scrap books/photo albums of my first backpacking trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. I neglected to jot down who I loaned them to. I do remember talking with someone during coffee hour about hiking and backpacking and I am always thrilled to hear of someone who is interested in the Grand Canyon. Do you have the 2 books? Do you remember maybe someone talking about backpacking or hiking? It has been awhile but I just recently began to get my photo albums in order and realized they were missing. I would really appreciate any help or clues. I am obviously heartbroken that they are missing but I know it is my fault for not keeping track of who borrowed them. Thank you, Jean Jones

The September newsletter deadline is August 15. Please send your

articles to Kathy Banghart, kbanghart@lansingfirstpres.org. Thank you!

Please note: The church has an anti-spam program that occasionally diverts

email into the internet abyss! If you do not receive an acknowledgement

from Kathy of your submitted article, please follow up. It may not have been

received!

2018 MADD CAMP

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Pastor: Rev. Stanley Jenkins Church Administrator: Tracy Weldon Parish Associate: Rev. Charles Herrick Custodian: Steve Taylor Pastoral Care Assistant: Director of Music: Megan Higle

Christine DeYonke Organist: Sergei Kvitko Director of Congregational Life & Director of Bell Choir: Shelia Conrad Community Outreach: Sallie Campbell Sunday Morning Host: David Jackson Director of Christian Education: Child Care Staff: Abigail Grill and

Kathleen Banghart Heather Pollok

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Wednesday, August 1 10:30 a. M. Lectionary Bible Study – Library Noon Beyond Boomers luncheon 5pm Global Institute of Lansing Board Mtg. 5:30 p.m.-7 Berghuis Psychological Services- back of Chapel 6:00 p.m. Mid-Mich. Photo Club Mtg – Litten Hall 6:00 p.m. Yoga 6:30 p.m. Mission Committee – Library Thursday, August 2 6:00 a.m. Yoga 8:30 a.m-3 NorthWest Initiative Food Distribution-

Litten Hall Friday, August 3 6:00 p.m. Yoga Saturday, August 4 Sunday, August 5 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship/Communion/Deacon

offering received 11:00 a.m. Fellowship Hour – Litten Hall Monday, August 6 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting – Library 5:00 p.m. Membership Committee - Library Tuesday, August 7 6:00 a.m.-9p State Primary Polling place- Chapel 12:10 p.m. Yoga 5:30 p.m. Adult Education Committee – Library 6:00 p.m.-9 Global Institute of Lansing class 6:30 p.m. Bagpipers rehearsal – Litten Hall 7:00 p.m. Book Group – Parlor Wednesday, August 8 Noon Beyond Boomers luncheon 5:30 p.m.-7 Berghuis Psychological Services – back

of Chapel 6:00 p.m. Yoga 6:30 p.m.-7:30 MI Pride Meeting - Library 7:00 p.m. Deacons Meeting Thursday, August 9 6:00 a.m. Yoga 10:00 a.m.-2 NWI Bread Distribution- Litten Hall 1:00 p.m. Tender Loving Care Luncheon Group Friday, August 10 6:00 p.m. Yoga Saturday, August 11 Sunday, August 12 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship 11:00 a.m. Fellowship Hour – Litten Hall 11:30 p.m. Finance Committee - Library

Monday, August 13 9:00 a.m-3pm NWI Kids Cooking Camp- Kitchen and Litten Hall 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting – Library 3:30 p.m. Personnel Committee Meeting Tuesday, August 14 9:00 a.m-3pm NWI Camp- Kitchen and Litten Hall 12:10 p.m. Yoga 5:30 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting 6:00 p.m.-9 Global Institute of Lansing class 6:30 p.m. Bagpipers – Litten Hall Wednesday, August 15 9:00 a.m-3pm NWI Camp- Kitchen and Litten Hall 5:30 p.m.-7 Berghuis Psychological Services - back of Chapel 6:00 p.m. Yoga Thursday, August 16 6:00 a.m. Yoga 8:30 a.m-3 NWI Food Distribution - Upstairs 9:00 a.m-3pm NWI Camp- Kitchen and Litten Hall Friday, August 17 6:00 p.m. Yoga Saturday, August 18 Family Fun Fest @Ferris Park Sunday, August 19 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship 11:00 a.m. Fellowship Hour – Litten Hall Monday, August 20 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting – Library Tuesday, August 21 12:10 p.m. Yoga 6:00 p.m. Mid-Mich. Photo Club Officers Mtg- Library 6:15 p.m. LanSingOut Rehearsal – Chapel 6:30 p.m. Bagpipers rehearsal – Litten Hall Wednesday, August 22 5:30 p.m.-7 Berghuis Psychological Services - back of Chapel 6:00 p.m. Lansing Area Human Rights Board Meeting - Library 6:00 p.m. Yoga Thursday, August 23 6:00 a.m. Yoga 10:00 a.m.-2 NWI Bread Distribution- Litten Hall Friday, August 24 6:00 p.m. Yoga Saturday, August 25 Sunday, August 26 10:00 a.m. Morning Worship/ 2 Cents a meal

offering received 11:00 a.m. Fellowship Hour – Litten Hall

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Monday, August 27 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting – Library 5:00 p.m. NWI Cooking Class Tuesday, August 28 12:10 p.m. Yoga 6:15 p.m. LanSingOut Rehearsal – Chapel 6:30 p.m. Bagpipers rehearsal – Litten Hall Wednesday, August 29 5:30 p.m.-7 Berghuis Psychological Services - back of Chapel 6:00 p.m. Yoga Thursday, August 30 6:00 a.m. Yoga 9:00 a.m.-2 NWI Bread Distribution- Litten Hall Friday, August 31 6:00 p.m. Yoga

2018 MADD CAMP Like us on Facebook!