Dear SUMC family,

As we drift toward fall, I have so many reasons to lift prayers of thanksgiving for a glorious summer. Here are a few of them:

• I thank God for everyone who contributed toward Operation Christmas Child on our “Christmas in July” morning. Your sharing will allow us to fill 100 shoeboxes again this year. I am also thankful for those who have been contributing throughout the year.

• I thank God for the Trustees and everyone involved in the flooring projects, especially those who moved boxes and tables and chairs, in the basement classrooms. We hosted VBS and will launch Children’s Church this month without interruption or interference. Nice work. The rooms are restored and ready for children again.

• I thank God for Lauren and her sound engineering skills, and everyone who listened, shared, promoted, and contributed to the children’s podcasts we launched in July.

• I thank God for everyone who contributed to our VBS mission projects. It provided a hands-on opportunity for our VBS kids to serve, and our Missions Committee reports that the donations were delivered to the children at The Bridge in Northview Heights and the homeless at The Daily Bread ministry in Pittsburgh at a time when both initiatives needed a boost.

• I thank God for the children who planted, and people who contributed, flowers that are blooming around the church

• I thank God for the rainbow that appeared on the second night of VBS as we were struggling with COVID concerns and weather issues.

• I thank God for the serving team that allowed us to host a food truck event in the Simpson Room on the first day of VBS. I am thankful for everyone who joined us after our shared worship service with St. Paul’s Lutheran and St. Matthews AME Zion.

• I thank God for everyone who contributed to repairing, painting, and providing new ceiling fans and chairs in the Simpson Room.

• I thank God for the decorating team that gathered throughout July to prepare for VBS. On one night, we had 13 people from three churches contributing. I am also thankful for everyone who contributed cardboard and props (picnic tables, patio sets…).

• I thank God for the trip to the Creation music festival, and for the singalong at the campfire on the last night.

• I thank God for the little girl (Lucy S.!) who responded confidently to my “What did we learn today?” question at the end of the day. “We learned that God wants us to be strong and healthy,” she said. And for that response, for giving children an opportunity to see God so clearly, I am thankful for everyone who contributed to our VBS experience.

I look forward to sharing fall with all of you and joining you in more opportunities to serve and love and grow.

Sincerely,
Bill Utterback
Education Committee