We KNOW most of you don't cook all that much - but we also KNOW that some of you make great cakes, some of you specialize in all vegetarian dishes and some of you are Crock Pot Queens!  Please submit your favorite recipe, of any food category, by July 15. Send your recipe to Debbie Davis, [email protected] ,  Judi Lord, [email protected] or Linda Carver, 2547A Stockbridge Drive, Charlotte NC 28210.

BUILDING & GROUNDS TEAM IS A BUSY CREW

The community garden continues to ramp up its production. So far, over 88 lbs. of produce has been contributed to Friendship Trays, whose mission is to deliver daily, in a caring and friendly manner, balanced meals to individuals in the community who are unable to obtain or prepare their own meals because of age or infirmity. Thanks to Ann Watkins and Joe McLelland for leading this important community ministry!  Youth from a neighboring summer camp program will be creating a scare crow, and helping to harvest the bounty on Friday, followed by a guided tour of the trails by John Rapp. Bill Hildebrand keeps the Memorial Garden looking tip top. Electricians are busy connecting power to the garden this week.  Way to go team!

SOJOURNERS CLASS

The Sojourners welcomed a new young lady from New Hampshire to our class last Sunday. Sarah is planning to attend UNCC for graduate school and has been writing elementary textbooks and lesson plans for schools in Kenya. Her fascinating story fit right in with our discussion of the book, Toxic Charity:  How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help. We only discussed up to page 34, and then we stopped to join Rev. Pat Conover in the Gathering Room, so, if you missed last Sunday, the class will pick up again on page 34. We hope you can join the Sojourners on July 10th to continue the journey. Come as you are-no preparation necessary!

On July 31, 2016, we will receive the UCC Christmas Fund offering to show appreciation for the many pastors who have helped carry our burdens. Many of these aging and retired pastors have served small churches in rural areas that simply do not have the means to financially support them once they retire. These dedicated men and women served selflessly, and we have a chance to give them the thanks they deserve.  This is the one time we are asked to match our appreciation with our resources for those who have retired from faithful service to the church. Please memo your offering "UCC Christmas Fund".