Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, greetings to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Memorial day is passed, so it seems that Summer is officially upon us. As our marvelous Spring season draws to a close, many of us are looking ahead to the height of the vacation season. Vacation for many means travel, and spending time out of doors. Whether at the beach, in the mountains, or somewhere in between, we have before us this Summer, the opportunity to enjoy the majesty and beauty of God’s Creation.

Psalm 24:1 plainly states, “the earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,...” The point should be clear, the earth is a gift to us from God. We are reminded in chapter one of Genesis that what God made is “very good.”

God’s creation is there for us to enjoy. But let us not be confused by the charge to subdue the earth and have dominion over it (Genesis 1:28). This is not a license to abuse and destroy its beauty for the purpose of satisfying our self-styled “needs.” We should understand this to be a charge to understand creation and develop an attitude that is reflective of God’s attitude. God’s power and genius, can be seen in creation. Spending time in it, reflecting on the beauty the natural world God has created, we draw closer to God.

So take some time to really pay attention to the genius of God’s creation, and allow yourself to be amazed and humbled by the way God has entrusted it to us. Take the time to give thanks for all the amazing plants and animals God has created. Marvel at their beauty and their strangeness. Immerse yourself in your senses, see the colors, listen to the sounds, smell the scents, feel the textures, even take the time to taste, and be over-whelmed.

We say that God is everywhere and can be found in all things. Are the rocks and the trees, and the grass or the animals God? Certainly not, but among them God is waiting to be discovered. For there it is often easier to talk with God and ponder his blessings. God didn’t place us in a garden at the beginning for no reason.

Enjoy, the world is yours, and while you are at it, have a conversation with God.

May the peace and blessings of God, the joy of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit be with you all, Mitchell Lee Miller.

To all of those belonging to the Fallston Presbyterian Church,

I would like to thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers. What happened in my beautiful community of Blacksburg, VA is both indescribable and unspeakable. It truly shook me to my core, but what I felt more than the anger, confusion and helplessness was the outreach of so many. I was contacted by my family, friends and kids from high school I haven't spoken to in years. It meant so much to have strangers give me a nice smile or a thoughtful 'I', sorry' as I wear my Virginia Tech hoodie in public with pride. Even these small actions of thought are helping Hokie Nation and me move onward.

So many questions of this event will go unanswered. However, we all need to take comfort in the fact that God is up there, and He is watching over all of us. Even when an act like this makes you question His presence, true strength comes from trusting and believing.

Again, thank you for your thoughts and prayers for me and the entire Virginia Tech community. I can only hope that one again, the first thing people think of when they hear 'Virginia Tech' is our amazing academia, beautiful campus and tight-knit community... oh yeah, and that we do have a pretty sweet football team too.
                                                                   ~George

FINANCE AND STEWARDSHIP

We are in the midst of our every member canvass. If you have not been contacted yet, expect a call from an elder requesting to meet with you to talk about your commitment to Fallston Presbyterian Church. We would like an hour of your time to talk about your time, talents, spiritual gifts and financial support of our church. This will also be an opportunity for you to tell us what you like about our church and how we can improve. Please accept our call and schedule a convenient time to meet. This is important to us and to the growth of our church.
Remember the words of Paul: “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” (1 Tim: 6:18)

EXTENDED SERVICE

The elders and deacons will be providing an extended service on Communion Sundays. This is an opportunity for those who are shut in or recently incapacitated to receive communion and a shortened version of our worship service. If you know someone who could benefit from this service, please call or email the churchoffice@fallstonpc.org no later than the Friday before Communion Sunday (the first Sunday of the month). Jane will put you or a family member on our list for a visit.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
 
I hope that I am now off for the summer from school I will be able to devote my time to getting more prayer shawls made and scarves made for the homeless shelter.  We have gotten several scarves made already.  I am getting together with a few friends this summer to teach them to knit, so they can also help in this project.  I am also going to get them to help with making prayer shawls.  Please keep me in mind of you know of anyone that needs a shawl.  Remember they can also be for happy occasions such as weddings, new babies, etc. ~Wendy Galliher

MAGNOLIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Our school year is drawing to a close and the last day is June 15th. We have many fun activities planned, but, of course, we are still working and learning, too.

Thanks to all of you who have continued to send in the school supplies, especially for the latest request for scissors and pencils. The teachers are so very appreciative. We are thankful for your continued support, even over the summer, of school supplies, including scissors, glue sticks, pencils, crayons, composition books, pencil boxes, dividers. When you are out shopping this summer, and if you happen to see these supplies on sale, please pick up some extra and think of the students at Magnolia Elementary. ~Wendy

THANK YOU

Dear members of Fallston Presbyterian Church; thank you so very much for your thoughts, prayers and extended kindnesses you have given my Mom, Rose. She loved every card and note from each and everyone of you. Sometimes it is difficult to thank everyone for their thoughtfulness but taking the time to send your greetings made a little 94 year old lady very happy. Mom's fractured nose is slowly healing and she is adjusting to her new living arrangements at Brightview in Bel Air. With my love to each and everyone of you, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
                                                      ~Ann

MISSIONS

In April, we collected 75 rolls of paper towels, 11 jars of jelly, and 14 additional items for the Harford County Community Action Agency’s food pantry.

Mission’s Focus Donation for June
canned tuna and canned chicken
for the Harford Community Action Agency’s food pantry

Coming soon…………Church World Service’s “BLANKET SUNDAY”!!!

On two Sundays in June—the 10th and the 17th, FPC will be supporting Church World Service’s Blanket Program. We ask that you will consider making a $5.00 donation in memory of or inhonor of a loved one. Each $5.00 donation will be used to purchase a blanket that will provide a desperately needy family with warmth, shelter, a means of transporting their belongings, and, most importantly, HOPE for a better life.

FCCAU’s 3rd Annual Bowl-a-thon: Saturday, June 9th: noon to 4:00
Make a strike against homelessness and have fun doing it! Join our FPC team!

Harford Habitat for Humanity: Presbyterian Build #3
11 PCUSA churches in Harford County have partnered with Harford Habitat for Humanity in this project which will be built at 418 Washington Street in Aberdeen. Framing of Presbyterian Build #3 is now scheduled to begin during the week of June 25th. The construction schedule calls for completion in September with dedication and settlement in October.

Anyone interested in participating in this project MUST ATTEND a one-hour Construction Safety Training presentation at the Habitat office. The next presentation is Thursday, June 21 at 7:00 PM. The contact person is Michaelann Meehan at 410-638-4434 or on-line at michaelannneehan@covad.org. The Harford Habitat for Humanity website offers on-line information and registration for volunteers: www.harfordhabitat.org.

Next Mission Committee Meeting: Monday, August 6th at 7:00 at Judy’s house