West Main

WHY  CAMP?

We do so many things at this church.  And we do so many of these things well.  One ministry in which I truly believe we excel is SUMMER CAMP!  Every year the staff and campers come back with phrases like, "best year ever," "camp was incredible!" and "I can't wait for next year."  Every year lives come back changed with new Christians being born, and lives being rededicated!

It is truly a blessed and special week.  What is it about the week of camp that seems to set hearts on fire?  It could be the fact that outside distractions are put away, and for HOURS of EVERY day we have focused and intentional study of God's word amongst our peers where we can talk freely.  Maybe it is the intense worship and freedom of expression campers feel in that setting.  It could be that we are surrounded by God's incredible nature that constantly reminds us of His power.  Maybe it is the strong sense of community that forms as we travel the week together in everything we do.  Whatever combination it is, there is no denying that this week changes lives and hearts and souls!

I challenge you to find a camper at church this week and ask them a few questions.  Ask them why camp is so special.  You may hear come great things!  Ask them their favorite memory and watch as they struggle to pick one!  Camp truly is magical!

This year we embark on a new adventure.  It is a new place, a new schedule, a new week, and a new theme.  So...we are excited!  We were incredibly blessed with your generosity and God's provision to help ease the financial worries and now we are in the process of finalizing the plans for the week!

I want to encourage you to send your kids to camp!  Invite your friends!  Bring your grandkids!  It is a special week.  They will experience friendship, love and God in a very special way!

As such, GET YOUR REGISTRATIONS TURNED IN!  So far, registration is slow.  If you need to turn it in before the payment, that is fine, but turn it in!  We need numbers to make plans for games, activities, etc.

We hope you'll be joining us!  We cannot wait!

-- Pannell

“HOW SHALL THE YOUNG SECURE THEIR HEARTS?”

Our title is from an old song about our youth and how their lives can be secure in Christ. The answer in the song is about taking care of their conscience and keeping it clean. The music is Beethoven’s and the words came from Isaac Watts. This truth set to music is worth dusting off and echoing in song for a new generation.

There have been many other voices offering prescriptions for this tender time of life. As an old man who still has memories of the perils of youth, I would like to submit some advice that is much older than I am. It is the kind of help I still need too.

As a preface to this cure-all counsel, a story from yesterday might help. It is about a ship at sea and crew that was about to perish for lack of fresh water. When possible rescue appeared in the form of another passing ship, in the days before radio, the distressed crew signaled their request for water with semaphore flags. They were overjoyed with an immediate reply, but could not understand the message.

“Drop your bucket where you are” had been the signal that came back. That did not make sense. Drinking salt water will gradually kill a man. Thinking that their call for help had been misunderstood, they once more asked for help...but with the same reply!

The thirsty men did not realize that they were in a river of fresh water flowing out sea...the Saint Lawrence River’s extension out into the ocean. Fresh water had been beneath them for some time. The spiritual health prescription we now offer has also been under our very noses in God’s Word for a very long time.

“Thirst” is an analogy Jesus used (in John 4) to describe our need to know him and his gospel. The Samaritan woman, with whom he was talking, was told that her need would be satisfied forever by this kind of living water. This is also true of us and our young.

In our many efforts to help our young secure their hearts, let’s move away from the perimeters of faith to its heart – faith in a sacrificial Savior we need to imitate. When we act like our young need to be entertained more than they need to be challenged, we underestimate their potential.

Knowing Jesus will not happen by accident. Our classes, our pulpits and our homes must have this goal. And knowing the good news of the gospel he brought will also be a part of knowing him. He cannot be separated from his message.

Beyond words and teaching there is still another essential that can strengthen the faith of our young in Christ and stir them to offer living water to their friends. They need first of all to see this emphasis in the lives of older Christians. We must lead the way in holding up Christ and the gospel if we expect them to get excited and follow.

– James Gibbs

Prime Timers Picnic  --  All West Main Prime Timers and their guests are invited to celebrate the coming of summer with a potluck picnic on Thursday, June 5, from noon - 2:00 p.m. at Holmes Park on South Modoc Avenue in Medford.  More details will be coming or you may contact Joan Tisdel for more information.

Campers  --  Remember to turn in your registration form ASAP.  They are located on the information center in the courtyard.  Registration Deadline is June 15!!!

The Ladies Class Tea Party  will be Thursday, June 19. Please meet in the church parking lot at 10:30 a.m. - we will car-pool to The Painted Lady Tea House in Myrtle Creek for lunch and a fun afternoon. The address is 231 NW 3^rd Ave., Myrtle Creek, OR;   541-733-7646.