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Summer Worship Service Unlike past years, our summer worship will continue with two services at the normal times: 9:00 and 10:15 a.m.. Though Sunday School is out for the summer, we have a nursery staffed by volunteers and available during the 10:15 worship service. We will continue having coffee hour following the worship services	*St. Andrew’s Bible Study* There are plenty of Bible Study/Discussion Group opportunities at St. Andrew’s: Women: Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. & Thursdays, 3:00 p.m. Men & Women: Wednesday evenings, 6:30 p.m. Men: Tuesday evenings, 7:00 p.m. If your schedule does not allow you to participate in one of these current groups, and you would like to attend a study group, please let us know. Perhaps there are others who would like to start another group at a more convenient time. Those of you who have been attending a study group can attest to the fact that this time spent in the study of the Word, fellowship and mutual support, has enriched not only our spiritual lives, but our friendships here at St. Andrew’s. We invite you to join us.
Notes from Christian Education We would like to announce that Juliet Summers has accepted the position of Director of Youth. She will formally begin her ministry in mid August. We look forward to a renewed and active youth ministry here at St. Andrew’s. Welcome aboard Julie! Thank you to those who signed up for summer nursery duty. We appreciate your commitment to this important part of our ministry. Bible studies and discussion groups will continue as usual over the summer: Wednesdays 1:00 p.m. Women’s Bible Studies Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. Men and Women’s Bible Study Thursdays 3:00 p.m. Women’s Bible Study/discussion group
	Vacation Bible School 2008 We had a wonderful turnout on Tuesday evening, June 24^th, at the Spring Valley Trout farm. There was an array of delicious food to eat; the story of Jonah and the big fish was enjoyed by all; the highlight of the evening was a trip into the “belly of the fish” for the children; there were crafts and music and plenty of sunshine! However, on Thursday, June 26^th, stormy weather forced us to cancel the evening, which we did with reluctance. We would like to thank all of you who came this year. We believe a good time was had by all.
A Reflection As I lie here at Hudson Mills in the warmth of the sun, I stare up at a beautiful blue sky and watch as a cloud slowly approaches. From a distance it looks pristine, fluffy and dense. As it nears, I can begin to see that the edges are wispy. The closer it gets I begin to see that there are “holes” in the cloud – places that interrupt the continuity of the whiteness. It’s a little surprising because, from a distance, these flaws were hidden. How applicable to life. From a distance things are often seen as less flawed than when we get close. Lesson: enjoy the beauty from afar – and when you get closer, beware of flaws – and don’t be disappointed when you find them. What was once thought to be beautiful must have that essence hidden somewhere. We just have to find it. For who/what is perfect? If we are not willing to accept imperfection, then we had better not get too close – and what an empty life that would be... Joanne Arft
Welcome To Our Church Family! On June 29, 2008, St. Andrew’s U.C.C. welcomed the Griffith family into our church. Brian, Anna, Thomas, and Nora have been attending worship services for some time and have been active participants in many church activities, including both the senior and children’s choirs.
Thanks to All of You! The 125th Anniversary Committee wants to thank all who participated in the Father’s Day Chili Dog buffet after the church services. Thanks to all the members of the congregation and our committee who brought the great food and helped serve and clean-up, to Dr. Bob and Julie for the unique “table presentation” and TV sports and to Betty Lesser for decorations and organizing the kitchen. What an enjoyable time!	Special Offerings The Outreach Committee will be having two special offering Sundays for the Ronald McDonald House. The designated Sundays are: August 17 and 24th. Your donation will help a mother and/or father staying at Ronald McDonald House. $100.00 donation - four nights lodging $75.00 donation - three nights lodging $50.00 donation - two nights lodging $25.00 donation - one night lodging Any amount will be greatly appreciated. Please make checks payable to: Ronald McDonald House. All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for your support!
To My Wonderful Church family Words can’t express the gratitude I feel for all of the prayers, cards, calls and the delicious food that was brought to me during my recent recovery. They say that you never know who your true friends are until you need them the most, and my St. Andrew’s family was there when I needed them most. Thank you all for your kindness and for the love you have shown me and my family. Ginny Weber
2008 Scholarship Award Congratulations to Ashley Clark, who is the recipient of the 2008 St. Andrew’s Scholarship award. A $300 check was presented to Ashley at the 10:15 a.m. worship service on June 8. Ashley will be studying Nursing at Eastern Michigan University starting in the fall. Best of luck, Ashley!	Coming This Fall It has been said that we are part of a more “active aging generation.” With this in mind, St. Andrew’s will host a presentation by two specialized fitness training experts. Their focus will be on presenting simple exercise concepts that allow anyone to get in better shape and enjoy life with less aches and pains. Brad Skinner, a physical therapist, and Jeff Skrzypek, a fitness trainer, will present information for those of you who may be challenged by arthritis, back, neck or shoulder pain, or any condition that limits the things you love to do. There will be something for everyone, whether your goal is to run a marathon or to garden for an extra hour a week. Stay tuned for this event’s date and time!
Bradley Ryan Schmoekel was born on June 3, 2008. He is the son of Ryan and Angela Schmoekel, and the grandson of Dave and Pat Schmoekel. Congratulations to the entire family
Thank You All! A heartfelt and big thank you to every one who helped with the annual Rummage Sale. Close to forty people helped in one way or another. It is so energizing to work hard for a common goal especially when it involves so much fun, fellowship and ‘shopping’! While our attendance was up it appears the economy and gas prices affected the sale as they have affected many other things. We were disappointed with our numbers being so different from last year. Yet there is an intangible value on the fellowship and interaction with the community. Again thank you all for you time, talent and stuff!! Barb Affholter Julie Summers
	Ice Cream Social It’s time for our annual Ice Cream Social! Place: St. Andrew’s United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall Date: Saturday, August 8, 2008 Time: Noon to 4:00 p.m. Menu: Sloppy joes, hot dogs, knockwurst and kraut,American and German potato salad, baked beans, fruit cups, beverages, cake, and of course................ plenty of ice cream and toppings! The ice cream social will take place during Dexter Daze this year. We’re hoping for a big crowd! Your help is needed for this fun event. You will see sign-up sheets in the church. Don’t wait to be asked. Call us before we call you!
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Time and Talent Responses Needed We are currently in the process of updating the Time and Talent responses so that they can be given to the Consistory Committee. The sheets were sent in the April Chronicle. If you have misplaced yours or need one to fill out, please contact the church office so that one can be sent to you. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this important information.	Your Assistance is Needed St. Andrew’s is in great need of volunteers to staff our nursery over the summer months. Please sign up in the fellowship hall if you can help out.
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2008 St. Andrew’s Consistory *Rev. Dr. Robert Summers Pastor* *William S. Marshall President - Deacon* *Steve Lynch Vice President - Elder* *Cheryl Olberhoster Secretary - Deacon* *Laura Keefer Treasurer - Deacon* *Barb Affholter Deacon* *Betty Davenport Deacon* *Erica Nester Deacon* **Jim Kaercher Deacon Ray Lowery Deacon Rudy Gustafson Deacon Elaine Owsley Deacon Gerri VanDoren Elder Ginny Weber Elder**
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IRA Donations Help Yourself, Help Your Church If you’re over the age of 70 1/2, you’re eligible for a special IRA donation that can help you and St. Andrew’s U.C.C. For this tax year, you can roll over up to $100,000 from your IRA to charity. These gifts can be made tax-free and may help you meet your required IRA distribution levels. And as always, a gift to your church will go far in helping us continue to spread the Gospel in the Dexter area. Simply direct your custodian to transfer a portion of your required minimum distribution on or before December 31, 2007, directly to St. Andrew’s U.C.C.
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Chronicle Staff and Contributors

Editor:

Ray Lowery

Contributors:

Barb Affholter Joanne Arft

Betty Davenport Dr. Bob Summers

Julie Summers Ginny Weber

Pati Wheeler

Text Box: Chronicle Staff and Contributors
Editor:
Ray Lowery
Contributors:
Barb Affholter                            Joanne Arft
Betty Davenport                        Dr. Bob Summers
Julie Summers                           Ginny Weber
Pati Wheeler