Fourth PressSeptember 2014 • Volume 38, Issue No. 6 • www.4thpres.org

The Surviving ChurchRob Norris, Senior Pastor

When Moses saw the burning bush, his attention was captured by the fact that though it burned it was not

consumed. That is a picture of the church. The reason that the church exists, despite the persecution that comes as a result of owning Jesus Christ as Lord and the only means of salvation, is that He who dwelt in the bush dwells in the Church. Even when the church herself faces internal schism, the same Lord is her guardian and defender. In the same way, the believer is the temple of the Holy Spirit. It means that the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, dwells in us as the Apostle Paul made clear when he saw “Christ in us the hope of glory.” Because we are indwelt as Christians by the Holy Spirit, the believer cannot perish.

Just as the church is both very human and at the same time divine because it is the creation of God, so also the Christian is both holy and sinful--a divine creation, yet still earthly and prone to sin. The reason that neither the church nor the Christian can perish is that greater is He that is in the believer than he that is in the world. So while it is true that sin dwells in us, often bringing our soul into bondage and distress, it is also true that grace dwells in us, often giving us the victory and sending us rejoicing on our way.

This is a practical truth. When our faith is tried and we are tempted to disbelieve, finding ourselves burdened and depressed because of our sin and failure, we must also remind ourselves that though we are tried with fire through the ceaseless intercession of Jesus within the veil, that faith has never failed.

We can speak to our souls and tell ourselves not only of the burden that has oppressed, but also of the grace that has sustained; not only of the sorrow that has wounded, but also of the divine sympathy, tenderness, and gentleness that have soothed and comforted, bound up and healed that wound. This is the great privilege of being called a child of God, secure in Christ, and we are to enjoy it.

Presbytery of the East to Meet HereRon Meyer, Pastor of Congregational Care

All in our congregation are invited to attend the 101st Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the East (POTE) meeting on Friday and Saturday, September 26 and 27.

This meeting is unusual in that it begins with an additional workshop prior to the start of the POTE meeting. The workshop, Friday, 9am-noon, will feature a discussion on church vitality and revitalization, led by Dr. Ken Priddy of the Mid-Atlantic Presbytery’s GO Center. Ken is a warm and gentle pastor who cares deeply about the church, strengthening believers and reaching the lost. In addition to serving his presbytery, the GO Center is a resource on church planting and church revitalization for other presbyteries. For the past twelve years, Ken has been assisting pastors and church leaders in evaluating their churches so that they are healthy, growing and impacting individuals and the community with the Gospel.

As is our custom, prior to the Friday POTE meeting there will be a time of prayer in our prayer room at 12:30pm. The POTE meeting convenes at 1pm in the Upper Room. The congregation is invited to attend the meeting as guests or observers. POTE meetings are a great way to meet members of other churches, learn about their ministries, and discern how to pray for them.

Included as part of each POTE meeting is a time of teaching prior to dinner. This will be led by Ken Priddy, 5:30-6:30pm. At 7:30pm we gather to worship in the Sanctuary. Dr. Glen Knecht, a former pastor at Fourth, will bring the message.

On Saturday, the Presbytery resumes at 9am and concludes at 12:30pm.

One need not register to attend the Presbytery meeting. However, if you would like to join other attendees for meals, you must RSVP and pay for meals by Monday, September 15. Breakfast and lunch are offered Friday and Saturday, and the Moderators Dinner is Friday night. To register for meals, and/or for the Friday morning workshop, go to the POTE web site, www.epceast.org, and view information about the 101st Stated Meeting. Meals may be purchased individually or as a package.

2 Fourth Press

Few Christian books have been continuously in print from publication in1678 until the present day; even fewer continue to be a source of instruction and encouragement in the Christian life. One of those very few, and the only contender written in English, is John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. The story of a Christian, this famous allegory opens with a sentence of beautiful simplicity: "As I walk'd through the wilderness of this world, I lighted on a certain place, where was a Denn; And I laid me down in that place to sleep: And as I slept I dreamed a Dream."

A “denn” was a prison, and Bunyan wrote this book from the Bedford jail where he had been imprisoned for his Puritan faith and his bold preaching of the Gospel. Bunyan was himself a “tinker” and had no formal learning,

yet he penned a work that is not only a wonderful and inspirational guide to the Christian life but also a classic of the English language and a book that lays claim to being the very first English novel.

This book is must reading for every Christian. There is no one who will not gain a greater understanding of the Gospel of grace or a clearer pattern of the Christian life. Children have enjoyed the adventurous nature of the pilgrimage; all have found the reality of the temptations that beset the believer as we journey to our appointed destiny.

This is a classic that rewards every reader and deserves to be on the shelf of every Christian.

Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan, is available in the Media Center for checkout and will be the topic of conversations in Women of Fourth Circles over the next year. Learn more by going to www.4thpres.org/grow/adults/women/wo-learning/circles/.

About Fourth PressFOURTH PRESS is published eight to nine times a year through the Communications and Media Services Ministry,

Fourth Presbyterian Church, Bethesda, MD. Current and archived copies may be read on our website, www.4thpres.org. Hard copies of current issues are available in the Media Center and throughout the church.

Materials to be included in the next (October/November) issue should be sent

to jweaver@4thpres.org by 5pm on September 17.

Renewal LineNeed to renew your books, movies, CDs, or DVDs?

Email renewmedia@4thpres.org or call 301-320-3434, x465 and leave a message.

We’ll take care of it for you.

From the Pastor's Study

MANAGING EDITOR Jeri Weaver PRINT LAYOUT & DESIGN Natasha GilliamPROOFREADERS Esther Steele Joe Ann Stenstrom

Fourth Press

September—Reviewed bookPilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

September 2014 3

September 19

Ladies Night Out (LNO) - Game Night Edition7-9pm in the Upper RoomJoin us for food, fellowship and our fall kickoff. Name That Tune, Family Feud, Pictionary and more—there will be something for everyone! Sign up in Halverson Hall September 7 or 14, or online at www.4thpres.org/resources/registration.

We hope to see you there!

Ladies, Don't miss this opportunity to read Pilgrim's Progress!

To join a circle, go online to www.4thpres.org/grow/adults/women/wo-learning/circles/ and find one in your neighborhood.

Don't forget... ...to pick up your copy of the Women's Ministry brochure available in literature racks located throughout the church, take a close look, and mark your calendars now!!

Which Women's Bible Study Will You Choose This Fall? The Ten Commandments on Wednesday mornings or Wednesday nights (at the church with childcare)? Deuteronomy on Wednesday nights (at the church with childcare)? James on Thursday mornings (in a home)?

Fall 2014 - Spring 2015

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Want to get hooked on crocheting? Or needled into knitting? Have fun and fellowship while serving others? If so, the Women of Fourth Crafts Ministry wants you!

This dedicated group of knitters and crocheters makes lovely, useful items for various ministries. God has given us many ways to serve while we exercise our God-given creativity. Here are some examples.

For the Appalachian Children’s Christmas Project last year, we created sweaters, scarves, hats, and matching scarf and hat sets. These became part of the Christmas boxes assembled by the Tender Loving Care ministry, shepherded by Carol Franceski. We will participate with them again this year.

Through Janet Garrison and Nancy Greenwold, we have a strong relationship with the Rockville Pregnancy Center. We crochet blankets to be given to the young women who decide to keep their babies, encouraging the girls and showing that someone cares.

Women of Fourth Crafts MinistryCarol Bontempo, Craft Ministry

We coordinate with Faith in Action, headed by Pamela Roylance, providing hats, scarves, Christmas potholders and more. We’ve also given handmade items to various needy families and to people with long-term health issues.

Our current project is an exciting link with the Board of Deacons, for whom we’re making about 75 dishcloths; this is our third year of adding a more personal touch to their Thanksgiving bags. Getting an early start this year, we’ve had fun experimenting with various designs and colors.

It’s exciting to see how much comfort, love, and joy can be spread by a small group of truly committed crafters—and we would be delighted to have you be one of us! Please join us in the River House Conference Room, 10am-noon on the first Saturday of each month (new date and time). Even if you’ve never held a needle or a hook, you can get all the materials and instructions you need. If you have questions, or to sign up, call Carol Bontempo anytime at 301-946-2286.

FOURTH’S WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP TEAM

The Women’s Council 2014-2015

Melissa Voorhees

Morgan Wilson

Nancy Greenwold

Teresa Lee

Amie Biegler

Caroline Perrin

Val Petitte

Allison HarrisonPresident

Kato GilbertPresident Elect

Marj KoutsandreasSecretary

Betsy WestAdvisor

Jean BronsonFourth’s Staff

Approved by Fourth's Session, the Women's Council represents the various demographics of the Women of Fourth: singles, married w/no children, moms of young children, moms of school age children, empty nesters, and grandmas. Many thanks to this year's Council for working hard to offer a year filled with opportunities for us to grow in our relationships to the Lord and each other.

September 2014 5

The covenant of marriage was established by God, but that covenant is often broken in our sinful world. For anyone experiencing the painful process of separation and divorce, help can be found in our Divorce Care Program. This Bible-centered series offers a caring, supportive, non-judgmental place to meet with others who are going through the same struggles, and to learn helpful, positive ways to meet all the challenges involved.

The video-based program includes thirteen 40-50 minute segments, including such topics as: understanding the grief process; anger and forgiveness; handling depression and loneliness; biblical teachings on divorce and remarriage; issues around children, finances, and dating; and moving closer to God through the process. Presented by people who have gone through separation and divorce, including advice

Wednesday Support GroupsGrief CareEmmaus House | 7:15-8:15pmSeptember 10 - November 12

Care for the CaregiverEmmaus House | 6 - 7pm – Dinner providedSeptember 10, October 1, and November 5

Hope and Help in Mental IllnessEmmaus House | 6:30-8:00pm – Dinner providedNovember 12

Divorce Care Begins Fall Session on ThursdaysCarol Bontempo

from Christian counselors, pastors, and other experts, it will help you deal with emotional, practical, and spiritual needs. Each meeting includes prayer, personal updates, a video, and a totally confidential discussion. The leaders have successfully emerged from similar trials themselves, with God’s help.

The fall 2014 session of Divorce Care runs for 13 weeks, September 11-December 11, with a break for Thanksgiving. We meet on Thursdays, 7-9pm, in the Emmaus House Sunroom; there is no charge for the program. Pastors and professional counselors can also be called upon when needed. If you or anyone you know could benefit from this program, please call the Congregational Care Office, 301-320-3434, x216, to learn more, or to register.

For more information about our Counseling Ministry here at Fourth go online to: www.emmaushousecounseling.com

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SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES—Fall/Winter 2014September 7 - December 14

Complete class descriptions are in the Adult Ed and Fourth Night brochures, located in the Church Office, Media Center and brochure racks. Or check the website at www.4thpres.org/grow/adults/ae-sunday/aeclass-details/.

9:30am ClassesPastor’s Class—Jeremiah: Theology of the HeartScott Redd, Philip Fanara, Rob Norris, Dave Shoultz, Rob YanceyUpper Room A

Confessing Christ: The Belgic ConfessionDirk Rankin, Terry Eastland, Paul Kiingi, John Ritterpusch, Bob WhiteRoom 130

Couples in Christ—1 Peter:The Church and the WorldSteve Liston, Ron Meyer, Carl Wylie Upper Room B

Foundations of the Christian FaithTerence Little, Andrew Menkis, Newlin Morgan(September 7 – November 16)Room 131 Understanding ForgivenessKevin and Jessica Schick(November 23 - December 14)Room 131

11:00am ClassesPastor’s Class: 1 JohnTodd Smedley, Corey Gray, Rob Norris, Terence Little, Rob YanceyUpper Room A

Young Marrieds Fellowship (YMF): 1 CorinthiansRob YanceyRoom 130

College and Young Career Fellowship:The Ten Commandments in the Christian LifeDave O’ConnellRoom 131

Walking with God: Seeking Spiritual Maturity Tommy Myrick, Steve Furgeson, Warren Rosborough(September 7 – November 16)Room 132

Biblical Freedom from Shame and GuiltKatie Chamberlain(November 23 - December 14)Room 132

Spiritual Foundations of MarriageRon Meyer, Katie Chamberlin, Michael Klitsch(September 7 – November 2)Chapel

September 2014 7

Fall 2014September 10 - November 12, 7-8pm

Fourth Night is our Wednesday night program that brings the whole church body together to deepen our fellowship and grow in our faith. The evening begins with a meal, followed by prayer and a choice of classes, activities and volunteer opportunities for all ages. All classes meet 7-8pm, unless otherwise noted.

Fourth Night

Knowing GodRob Norris, Todd Smedley | Sanctuary

DeuteronomyTerence Little, Parker Griffin | Choir Room (Room 144)

Martin Luther on the Christian Life Tommy Myrick, Wen-tsing Choi | Room 131(September 10 – October 8)

Christian Encounter with Islam Michael Demsmoor | Room 131(October 15 – November 12)

Fourth Night Women’s Studies

More Love—More Grace: Living in Covenant with God A study from the Book of DeuteronomyLeesa Donner | Room 132

For Single MomsRoom 145 (Women’s Robing Room)

G2G—Evening EditionNancy Greenwold and Liz Yancey | Room 130

Full Semester Classes

Other Classes

Support Groups

New Members ClassPastors and Elders | Chapel(September 10 – October 29)

Special Blessings Praise Music and Movement ProgramSusan Zinger | Room 123For teens and adults with special needs

Grief CareEmmaus House | 7:15-8:15pmSeptember 10 - November 12

Care for the CaregiverEmmaus House | 6 - 7pm – Dinner providedSeptember 10, October 1, and November 5

Hope and Help in Mental IllnessEmmaus House | 6:30-8:00pm – Dinner providedNovember 12

ESOLA new year is about to begin for ESOL—on a new day, in a new place.

Beginning September 10, ESOL will meet on Wednesday nights as part of Fourth Night. Our students will be invited to dinner and then English classes in the Upper Room. Please pray that our students will feel welcomed as they participate in our Wednesday night activities. Consider how you might be able to express hospitality to those new to our church. Also, invite new students who might be in need of help with language skills. If you have questions or need promotional materials please contact Bill Bronson at esol@4thpres.org.

8 Fourth Press

Thanksgiving Already?Carol Bontempo, Deacon Thanksgiving Chair

It seems like the summer has flown by, but the busy fall is upon us. Though it’s probably not at the front of your mind, the holiday season will be here before you know it. One of the blessings of this special time of year is the Deacons’ Thanksgiving bags (usually about 90 of them), distributed at the beginning of November to needy families, local missionaries, and others.

That’s where you come in. We need your suggestions of possible recipients. We get suggestions from our pastors, church staff, and the deacons themselves, but we definitely want your input, as there are needs that we don’t know about. Nomination sheets will be available on September 7 in the Main Office, the Media Center, and in next month’s Fourth Press. Please pick one up, fill it out, and return it to the Main Office as soon as you can. We’ll take care of the rest.

Thanks so much for your support of this vital ministry. If you have any questions, call the Congregational Care Office, 301-320-3600, x216.

Church Directories Are Here! Linda Rhodes, Directory Coordinator, Church and Family Life Committee

After many delays during the past three years, the church directory is now available – in hard copy and/or as a CD.

The cost for the hard copy (notebook) version is $15. For a CD containing the same files that are in the hard copy, the price is $5.

To order a directory mailed to you, contact Linda Rhodes, 301-607-4270 or lawrhodes@aol.com. In addition to the $15 for the hard copy, there is a $5 postage charge.

I have enjoyed being involved in this process along with many from the church staff and volunteers who have helped with the proofing, production and distribution. We hope you will use this “church family album” to continue the ministry to God’s family and to glorify Him.

Holding Forth the Word of Life

Fourth Presbyterian Church

Directory

5500 River Road

Bethesda, MD 20816

(301) 320-3434 | (301) 320-3600

www.4thpres.org

September 2014 9

Information reported to these sources will automatically be included in this monthly listing unless you request otherwise. Births and Adoptions: Amanda Westly, x219, awestly@4thpres.org; Marriages: Jean Erskine, x205; jerskine@4thpres.org;

Anniversaries: Jeri Weaver, x206; jweaver@4thpres.org; Deaths: Chelsea Custer, x216; ccuster@4thpres.orgWe welcome your pictures! Email photos to accompany your announcements to jweaver@4thpres.org.

Or bring them to the Media Center. Please do not send photos through the mail.

Fourth Family Milestones

Births

Wyatt Aaron Bronson | Born on April 18, 2014 in Bangkok, Thailand

Parents: Rev. Andrew and and Becky BronsonGrandparents: Bill and Jean Bronson

Miranda Jane Eliot Goodyear | Born on May 20, 2014Parents: Trevor and Alia Goodyear

Grandparents: Robert and Ruth Williams

Eloise Shirley Dunn | Born on June 12, 2014in Manhattan, KS

Parents: Corey and Alexandra DunnGrandparents: Bob and Patricia Windsor

Peter Nathaniel Carabello | Born on June 30, 2014in Mechanicsburg, PA

Parents: Steve and Elizabeth CarabelloGrandparents: Bob and Patricia Windsor

10 Fourth Press

Gilbert Ross Early Beglin | Born on June 30, 2014Parents: Ted and Megan Beglin

Siblings: Elsie, Benton & Dexter Grandparents: Greg & Janis Glenn

Donna Louise Redd | Born on July 28, 2014Parents: Scott and Jennifer Redd

Siblings: Naomi, Mary Catherine, Charlotte

Madeline Elise Myers | Born on August 2, 2014Parents: Andrew and Karen Myers

Grandparents: Carey and Marilyn Hoobler

September 2014 11

Tess Camille Bronson | Born on August 18, 2014Parents: Aaron and Erin Bronson

Grandparents: Bill and Jean Bronson

Lucia Mardell (Gabel) Bodoh | Born on August 22, 2014Parents: Dominic and Jessica Bodoh

Sibling: James

Upcoming Young at Heart EventDecember 10:

Christmas Luncheon11:30 in the Upper Room

Want some faith, fitness and fun right here at Fourth?

The fall session of Body & Soul classes has already begun, but it’s not too late to drop in and try out a free session to see if you might like to join us.

We have classes at Fourth four days a week. Monday and Friday mornings at 9:30 we offer a 75-minute cardio/strength workout. Wednesdays at 9:30am is a Dance Blast workout, incorporating various dance styles and music by some favorite contemporary Christian artists. On Thursdays we offer a lunch-hour (12:15-1:15) strength and flexibility class.

The musical theme for this fall is “What’s Your Story?” We hope to be part of your faith and fitness story this fall. For more information, contact Heather Johnson atjhwhdjohnson@verizon.net or 301-871-3420.

Young at Heart presents...    

Hobby  &  Craft  Luncheon  

 

Friday, September 12, 2014 11:30am $5.00

         Please  join  us  for  lunch  in  th

e  Upper  Room.        

   Please  bring  your  crafts  and  h

obbies  to  display.    

           RSVP  by  September  5

th  to  Hannah  Lyons  at    

   301-­‐320-­‐3434  Ext  216    or    hly

ons@4thpres.org  

 

                   

       

             Young at Heart presents...

   Hobby  &  Craft  

Luncheon       Friday, September 12, 2014 11:30am $5.00

         Please  join  us  for  lunch  in  the

 Upper  Room.        

   Please  bring  your  crafts  and  h

obbies  to  display.    

             RSVP  by  September  5th  to  Han

nah  Lyons  at    

   301-­‐320-­‐3434  Ext  216    or    hly

ons@4thpres.org

Save the Dates

12 Fourth Press

Marriages

Heather Williams to Levon MoosakhanianJune 7, 2014

Emily Gochnour to Michael MenschJuly 19, 2014

In West Chester, PA

Catrin Davies to Robert JenkinsJuly 11, 2014

Photo Courtsey of Katarina Price Photography

September 2014 13

DeathsAdelaide Jones | July 30, 2014

Mother of Alvin Jones and Sharon (James) CallaghanGrandmother of one

Jeanne C. Malcolm | August 4, 2014Mother of Richard (Donna) Malcolm; Tim Malcolm and Mary Malcolm

Grandmother of two

Mildred Crawford | August 12, 2014Mother of Milly Crawford Stanges

Grandmother of four

Anniversaries

Bunny and Bob Eisemann 50th Anniversary

Married on September 12, 1964in Philadelphia, PA

Shelley Vaughan and James Hospedales35th Anniversary

Married on August 18, 1979 In Port of Spain, Trinidad

14 Fourth Press

If you were in the church this summer, did you smell popcorn and wonder where it was coming from? If you followed your nose to the Children’s Library, you saw enthusiastic children with armloads of books, red and white book bags, handfuls of prizes and maybe even bags of popcorn. You saw signs of the Children’s Library Summer Reading Club, “Pop Open a Good Book.”

Beginning with the kickoff event on June 19, for six weeks children eagerly popped open and read hundreds of pages

This Year’s Special Prize Winners

CUP OF POPCORN(those who earned 5-9 prize tokens)

Jonah Bettridge, Lydia Bettridge, Christopher Beukema,

Linnea Beukema, Nathan Beukema, Jack DiPompeo, Madeleine Ewing,

Esther Lee, Eli Mascott, Luke Nicholson, Andrew

O’Connell, Caden O’Connell, Nate Riker, Jelsa Robinson,

Douglas Smith

BAG OF POPCORN(those who earned 10-14 prize tokens)

Benton Beglin, Elsie Beglin, Everett Mascott, Brandyn Moore, Lucy Moore, Maxwell Nichols, Adalia Palma, Felix Pomponi,

Nathaniel Smith

BUCKET OF POPCORN(those who earned

15 or more prize tokens)

Jonathan Dennis, Luke Dennis, Katie Klemm, Avery Mascott,

Colin Mizushima, Katie Mizushima, Howard Nichols,

Braden Nicholson, Auberon Palma, Josiah Palma, Grace Treseler

of Christian books, memorized Scripture verses, and read entire books of the Bible, participating in this year’s reading club. During the program the children checked out more than 1,800 books—more than double the number checked out by our adult readers during that time!

Upon finishing the book or reciting the Scripture, readers recorded the number of pages read (points) in their reading logs, then turned them in for prize tokens and stickers. Based on their ages, reading club participants had different goals to meet

in order to receive prizes. Children then carefully shopped through three tables loaded with prizes, spending their tokens.

At the Thursday Morning Story Hour, children gathered to hear new Christian books. Readers were Mark Gochnour, Allison Harrison, Laura Mollard, Barbara Murray, John Murray, Carin Robinson, Blair Smith, Lisa Smith, Joe Ann Stenstrom, and Amanda Westly. Each week everyone left with a bag of freshly popped popcorn and an armload of books.

Summer Reading Club 2014Holly Gochnour, Children's Librarian/ Media Assistant

September 2014 15

On His Path, by Annette Hartley is a book written by a vivacious and charming widow in Savannah, GA. With no warning, Annette experienced the tragic death of her husband at the age of 52. Loved, protected, and provided for as she had been in this marriage, she now wondered—could she balance a checkbook, cope with a teenage daughter, endure a loneliness that came in waves at times.

God had been her rock in the past, and this is her story of trusting Him in “all things” for the future. In the midst of tragedy and changing circumstances, surprise and delight now blessed her life. God again came alongside her and marvelously guided her steps on His path.

Annette Hartley is the mother of Emily Johnson, wife of Dr. Terry Johnson, pastor of Independent Presbyterian Church, Savannah, GA. Her story is one that will inspire others who have faced loneliness and grief.

This book is on the “Beyond Summerˮ shelf in the Media Center.

FIRST IN A SERIES

“I donated this book to the Media Center because...”Editor’s Note: This month we introduce a new column, giving YOU a chance to write about a book or movie that you have donated to us. We continue to welcome your suggestions, recommendations, and donations.

Is There an Author in the House?Joe Ann Stenstrom, Special Features Writer

The Washington Metropolitan area abounds with authors, and many of them are members and friends of Fourth. They are poets, journalists, psychologists, professors, pastors, politicians—and more!

If you are looking for some interesting reading, try our Authors Among Us shelves. This extensive collection has 152 items—all donated by the author (or a relative or friend of the author).

On the Authors Among Us shelf you’ll find fiction, history, children’s books (budding authors and illustrators are here), Christian living and Bible study guides (teachers and leaders in these areas grace our church), textbooks, dissertations and biographies. Take time to browse these shelves and learn more about those with whom you worship. Chances are you’ll find an author sitting in the pew with you some Sunday!

And, if you are an author whose work is not in the Media Center, why not give us a copy to share with the congregation? We would like to include it in our collection.

Priscilla Dewey, Special Features Writer

All Books in the Authors Among Us section are written by members and friends of Fourth, and are

available for review and checkout.

Jesus’ love is one-of-a-kind!Carol Van Duzer, Director of Children's Ministries

Even if you feel left out, don’t understand, do wrong, are afraid, or feel different—Jesus loves you!

This was the theme of Vacation Bible School this summer. In July, over 200 children (40% from outside our church) and nearly 100 volunteers experienced Bible lessons and enjoyed activities that made this profound truth come alive. The Upper Room was transformed into a special habitat to accommodate our “weird animal” mascots—each uniquely designed by our Creator, just like us!

Lively songs of praise, delicious snacks, science experiments, games, and our missions project (supporting the drilling of a well for the children of South Sudan) reinforced the Bible lessons. The children felt so welcomed by their crew leaders and activity leaders—and couldn’t believe this special camp, where the love of Jesus was so apparent, lasted only one week!

Photos Courtsey of Jen Smedley