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Many thanks go out to the adults who gave of their time and talents to make the Summer Sunday School program a success! The Summer Theme of WAYZ 2 PRAYZ took the children on several different paths to explore ways people pray to, and praise God. Praying and Praising through service, students made cards for residents of an area nursing home and baked cookies for those in our community who are homeless. Children learned about pilgrimages and journeys to find God by walking the Labyrinth. Using drums, students experienced 'making a joyful noise' as part of an ensemble or community. Offering praise was also shared through movement and dance. The Summer program wrapped up with the children experiencing the mysteries of the call of God, through an art project that took an unexpected turn.

Jeff Rabe is updating...

Last weekend Team Comma was on the road again, raising funds for AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW). This year Team Comma consisted of Sue Jones, Kristin Kanitz, Paul Karch, and Jeanne Marshall. The ride kicked off on Friday morning and returned at the end of three days and 250 miles for a celebration at the closing ceremonies sunday afternoon. The ride is critical in raising funds to support people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

If there is anyone who is still wondering if the church made the right decision about renovating the Chapel space, let me review what has happened in the space over the last month.

On Saturday, June 30th, I spoke at a Press Conference focused on the topic of families being separated at the border. Below is the text of my remarks. Today it would be possible for me to add to the lists of 'truths' I listed. But I know that everyone who reads this article will have the ability to add to the lists of truths, and could also start a list of 'untruths.' Our commitment as Christians is to speak the truth, and to call out the untruths. Today, I pray that we will all be able to find the strength to speak truth and call out the untruths.

We are so fortunate to belong to a church that has embraced being "Open and Affirming" for 26 years! "Open and Affirming" (ONA) is the official status in the United Church of Christ for congregations declaring themselves welcoming of LGBTQ+ persons. For those of us at First Cong, we can't imagine how a church could exclude or judge beloved children of God based on sexual orientation or gender expression. As individuals and a congregation, it is easy to take this welcome for granted. However, there are people coming to our church regularly who are newly coming out to themselves, family, and the world. There are people coming to our church who are struggling with discrimination and hatred. There are people coming to our church who are afraid to be their full and whole selves at work or in other public places. And, there are even MORE people NOT YET coming to our church who need our extravagant welcome!