Amherst Community Church

Summer is finally here and I am ready for the hazy, lazy days of summer! Oh, I do have a checklist of goals that I would like to accomplish this summer, but one of my goals is to kick back, relax and enjoy the good weather and sunshine with friends and family! I have two months off from nagging a certain someone to do her homework. (I think I need summer vacation more than she does).

Things at church are slowing down a bit, too. The Council is on hiatus until the end of August, as is our Chancel Choir until Welcome Back Sunday on Sept. 12. There are fewer children attending our Child Care Center at this time of year and attendance at our Sunday worship service is lower at this time also. It is that time of year when we can take a breather and refresh ourselves with family trips, picnics, summer cottages, gardening, golfing and all the outdoor things we can’t do during the school year.

As I am thinking about all the fun plans I have for this summer, I have been looking back at all the things that we have accomplished at church since last summer. I am grateful for the continued success of the “Blinds Up” campaign as I notice more of the windows that have been replaced. It’s amazing how the building can look so much better with new windows, not to mention the energy savings we receive from more efficient windows. 

Even in this tough economy, our church has been able to remain financially healthy. Thanks to John and Norma Stading and the Stewardship Committee for our successful stewardship campaign, our very competent treasurer, Bill Elliott, and our Finance and Endowment committees.   

Scott prepares inspirational worship services for us each Sunday. Diane leads and prepares our wonderful choir.  The Inreach Board has spruced up the narthex with new chairs and refinished tables. We have wrestled with keeping our Disciples affiliation. We have members knitting for peace. We hosted the CROP Walk and sponsored members to walk. A group went on a mission trip to Biloxi, Miss., to help that community rebuild. We collected 320 pairs of shoes for the citizens of Haiti. The choir and Opera-Lytes performed at our Comfort & Joy and Valentine’s Day concerts to raise money for the church. Sunday school classes met every Sunday. People gathered for SNAC and Second Sunday Lunches. People met for Bible studies. The Men’s Breakfast Group meets once a month.  The gift shop is always well-stocked. The Child Care Center is doing well under the direction of Andrea O’Hern, our new director. Whew, a lot of good fellowship and ministry takes place at our church – and I’m sure I’m missing a few things!

Yup, after looking back at all that goes on and what we have accomplished at church this past year, we really do deserve some time relaxing and soaking up the sun. Enjoy your summer, and please remember that we always have wonderful worship service on Sunday! 

Stacy Nichols, Council president