West Main

OUR  OCEAN  OF  AIR

 

In recent months, in these writings we have fixed our attention on the wonders of water that point us to the Giver of this many-splendored gift to man. It has taught us so much about how many purposes can be seen in looking closely at a single part of creation.

 

 

We now turn to another fluid, the ocean of air that envelopes the earth. We will find that it, too, displays countless purposeful designs that make life on earth possible. Since air is transparent, it is easy to unknowingly pass by its many unseen properties that sustain, protect, and nurture us.

 

 

In Genesis, following the lighting of the earth, its atmosphere is described as the “firmament” dividing the waters above the earth from those on the earth. Of all of the functions of the atmosphere that we will try to point out, this role deserves a top billing. The physics of water being hoisted into the air as a vapor, forming clouds, and subsequently being carried by air currents to water the earth, sets our terrestrial home apart from all of the other planets.

 

 

In upcoming issues, we will also give attention to other vital roles played by water vapor in the atmosphere. Among these is temperature regulation of the earth, as well as the suppression of wildfires that can devastate our habitat.

 

 

Beyond its job of hosting water vapor and clouds, the details of the molecular composition of air and how these affect our very lives is startling in its complexity. The oxygen component of air allows for combustion and the recovery of stored sunlight energy in plants and the fossil fuels. It energizes both us and our heat engines. But the dilution of dangerous oxygen by inert nitrogen tells us about farsighted safety concerns on the part of our Creator.

 

 

What happens to the principal atmospheric gases, oxygen and nitrogen, at higher altitudes is still another set of wonders. By regrouping their molecular bonds into configurations such as ozone, we are protected from some of the harsher output from the sun that we could not survive. Cancer-causing ultraviolet rays are held at bay before they reach us.

 

 

Still another aspect of air is that it is compressible. In this it is unlike water, which is incompressible and does not allow for compaction or expansion. This has ushered in the science of aerodynamics and has allowed us to take wing in the air like birds.

 

 

A minor component of air, carbon dioxide, is often depicted as our enemy. We will see that it also has a friendly side and occupies an essential place in a grand design.

 

 

As we now explore the many properties of earth’s atmosphere in upcoming issues, we hope that our exclamation marks in the form of words will highlight and extol our loving Creator’s work on our behalf.

 

– James Gibbs

 

 

 

 

VBS is Here and we are doing great!  We had a great beginning on Tuesday and hope to have even more kids here during the week. Thank you so much for all your help in making VBS a great time for all of our children.

 

 

Ladies Bible Class Annual Summer Barbeque  --  It’s that time of year again...time to kick off the summer season with lots of food, fellowship and fun! Ladies, please come join us at the home of Bill and Barb Viera on Tuesday, June 25, at 11:00 a.m. until whenever. Please bring lawn chairs and comfortable shoes - all the rest will be provided. Please try to car-pool as parking is limited.  See your Wednesday bulletin for directions.

 

 

Car Wash  -- Come help our kids who are going on the Agape Mission trip to raise some money by having your car washed this Saturday, June 22, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the building. We appreciate all the support that you give our youth group!

 

 

Southern Oregon Christian Camp  --  is July 7-13 at the Box R Ranch and is for those who have completed third grade through Seniors graduated in 2013. Registration forms are available at the information center in the courtyard. Camp cost is $165.00 with final registration deadline of June 25.

 

Camp Kitchen Drive – Check the lists at the back of the auditorium for items you can bring to help supply our camp kitchen this year. Then bring the items and place in the boxes provided. Thanks!

 

 

 

Prayer Requests . . . Connie Ivey asks prayers for comfort for the family of one of her cub scouts, Jacob Johnson. Jacob’s mother passed away on Saturday...Kris Williams thanks everyone for their prayers for her husband, Sean. Your prayers helped them and saved them from a huge hospital bill...Mark Moreno’s co-worker, Gage, has been fighting an infection that the doctors can’t figure out...Alix Spodnik asks prayers for all the kids to have a great summer...Georgia Doss asks prayers for her granddaughter, Katy, who has a mass on her pancreas. Please pray that it is not cancer...Peggy Woods asks prayers for Marti, who is undergoing cancer treatments...Nera Westeren as she recovers from oral surgery...For Bob Stapp and his campers at Firpoint Bible Camp this week – that the kids will hear God’s voice...For our President and all of our military men, women and families.

 

 

Birth Announcements  -- Congratulations are in order for Nic and Devon Huttema on the birth of their son, Miles, on Saturday, June 15. Miles weighed in at 7 pounds and 6 ounces. Mom, Dad, and baby are doing great. Proud grandma is Janelle Meinhardt.

 

Congratulations are also in order for Jon and Tena Laws on the birth of their son, Tanner Kaimen, on Sunday, June 16. Tanner weighed in at 7 pounds and 11 ounces and was 22" long. Proud grandparents are Mike and Carlena Eddy.

 

 

Placing Membership  -- We are so glad to have Everett and Sara Cade join our family at West Main. If you have not met them, please introduce yourself this next week.

 

 

Thank You Note . . . Thanks to all the guys who came Wednesday and repaired my fence.  Maggie Cushman

 

 

Calendar of Events 

June 23: Friendship Sunday

June 26: CIA

July 4: Picnic at Don Jones Park in CP

July 7-13: CAMP