June 2022 Newsletter
Greetings friends!
At the end of May, Valerie and I had the chance to host many of the Flathead Valley United Methodist clergy and their families at our home for dinner and yard game fun! We took the opportunity to invite the new co-directors of Flathead Lake United Methodist Camp – Brandon and Carole Scheer – and their three kids. Brandon and Carole moved from Ocean Park Camp and Retreat Center in Ocean Park, WA. They started their new positions on April 1. They bring great energy, experience, and warmth to the camp – I hope you get a chance to meet them sometime soon!
As our group chatted, made connections, and shared a meal, I realized how much I have missed these casual and quirky moments. The pandemic made it so difficult to build community, especially community over a shared meal – something Methodists are known for!
That’s why I am excited about our plans this summer at church. We have some great opportunities to come together and build relationships over conversations and meals in the weeks and months ahead. Church is all about relationships! When we strengthen our connections with one another in Christian community, we strengthen the web of love, compassion, and care that supports us and nurtures us in every season of life. That’s why it’s so special to be part of the Body of Christ.
June 5 will be our Potluck and Town Hall meeting after worship. Rhubarb Fest on June 12 will be a delicious time to raise funds for missions. And in July and August, Care Team is planning to host a couple mid-week ice cream and game nights outside. Vacation Bible School – which we are calling Kid’s Camp this year – will be during the evenings July 18-21 for 1st through 6th graders. This is a little change that will hopefully help us connect with more children and families. Each night will begin with a meal for kids and their families, counselors, and volunteers.
I look forward to spending time with all of you this summer!
Blessings,
Pastor Jared