Each month on the first Sunday you’re encouraged to take home a re-usable yellow grocery bag, put some non-perishable items in it, and bring it back the next week, or soon thereafter. This month our contributions will go to the Mt Vernon Presbyterian Food Pantry. All non-perishables are welcome, but consider bringing canned meats or other proteins.
Grab your lawn chairs and pool towels, and join us at the College Hill Pool. We’ll gather from 6-8 pm on Sunday July 26 for a cookout and pool party. The church will bring the grill and provide the meat. You’ll bring a side to share, a chair for sitting, and pool gear if you want to swim. Swimming is free. Bring your friends and family!
Last week (June 15-19), I had the opportunity to participate in a Pipe Organ Encounter (POE) for young people, ages 13-18, sponsored by the American Guild of Organists (AGO). I was one of 10 faculty who worked with 23 students. Many students were local, but some also came from Florida, North Carolina, Kansas City, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. Faculty taught private lessons and classes and gave recitals. They came from KU, including my two former teachers, WSU, William Jewell College in Liberty, MO, Bethany College in Lindsborg, and Yale University Institute of Sacred Music. I presented a recital and organ demonstration at Bethel College in North Newton, where I teach.
All of these students were so excited about learning more about the organ and getting to play various organs in the area! They heard recitals, and then had the opportunity to play organs at WSU, East Heights, Eastminster, and Church of the Resurrection in Wichita, as well as several organs outside Wichita. I had the privilege to teach two students each morning and help them prepare for a student recital in Wiedemann Hall on Friday. My students and I met at First Presbyterian Church.
It was truly a joy to get to be a part of this POE and to work with these students. They were so eager to experience the organs and learn. One of my students is starting to play in her church, and she is so excited about that! My hope is that she and others continue to learn and develop skills to help God’s people worship together. The Wichita Chapter of the AGO organized a wonderful week for these young people!
May all be to the glory of God.
Donna Hetrick
Mission has been a focus for our youth this summer. The INSPIRE Middle High youth spent a morning at Botanica helping with weeding and mulching and making one of the garden areas look incredible! After our project was done, we all spent some time in the gardens, had lunch and then went to the movies to make a full day of work and play.
We are only a couple of weeks away before our IGNITE Mission Trip team leaves for Cherokee Nation, NC for a week of service and worship with our friends from TeamEffort and other churches. We spend the week helping with home repairs, working with youth and spending worship time with God. This is an incredible experience for all, and one that bring us closer to God and each other.
To say we would not be able to do this without your support is an understatement. Because of you, we are able to make these experiences affordable for all youth and their families. Money should never be an obstacle for anyone to participate in God’s work, and because of your support we are able to open mission opportunities to anyone who wishes to join us.
I would ask one more sacrifice of you though, one that is much more important than the money: our youth need your prayers. Not just for the mission trips but for their everyday lives. There are many obstacles that can side track our youth, and only through prayer are we able to overcome and conquer. You are a great support for our youth, thank you.
Kirk Anderson
All are invited to come sing in the choir on July 5. We’ll rehearse easy music at 9 am in the sanctuary and sing for the ONE Worship 10 am service. If you have questions, email Donna Hetrick at donna@mygpc.org.
