Happy July,

                  July is a time of celebrations and in the UMC a time of transitions. As we celebrate our nations 250th birthday this July, there are extra community events and opportunities to spend time with family and friends. Please enjoy this time of celebration and pause to honor those who dedicate their lives to keeping us free.

                  At Lamar UMC we are going through an appointment change. While this change allows me to remain your pastor (yay!) it does mean we are going to be changing our main worship service time. Sunday worship will now be at 9:00 am. In this new appointment we are partnered with La Junta and both churches shifted their worship time so that I am able to preach in both places.

                  We are also part of a new circuit. This means that Pastor Travis is also your pastor and we get to work with Two Buttes and Wiley. Pastor Travis will preach in Lamar whenever there is a fifth Sunday. We have also collaborated and our order of worship will match across the circuit. So starting July 12th our worship order will be different. Please give me feedback on what is important as we move forward working together as a circuit.

                  July is also time for Vacation Bible School. VBS is a time for children to be introduced to God’s word and take time to learn that the church is a safe place to learn and grow. If you have family, friends, or neighbors who are aged 3 (potty trained please) through entering fifth grade please invite them, encourage them to come, or even offer a ride. We also still have room for more helpers. If you are in middle school or older and are available July 13th-16th 8:30-11:30 am We would love to have you. If decorating is more your thing, I would love to see you July 11th to decorate the church for our Surprise Party VBS.

                  While some things are on break for the summer, we are still having 1st and 3rd Sunday game nights. The exception is July 19th. As a welcome to working together Wiley UMC has invited us to their summer picnic potluck and swim party. 6:00pm July 19th at the shelter closest to the pool will be the potluck. And from 7:00-9:00pm will be time at the pool. This will be substituted for game night. I hope you are able to attend these social events this summer as we grow in faith together.

Many Blessings,

Pastor Kristina