Good Friday High Places!
As we swelter under the 90 degree temps today and enter Day 13 without rain, we give thanks to God who causes the rain to fall on the just and unjust alike, as Jesus reminds us. It's an odd start to May for certain, but we recognize He's in charge and we trust Him! Stay hydrated, keep your veggies watered, and keep praying for some sweet May showers to fall.
I want to give us an update on things happening here in the near (or even very-near!) future so you can mark your calendars as needed...
#1 This Monday, May 23rd our High Places ladies are gathering for "Aubrey's and Axes," which just sounds really awesome to me no matter how you chop it (pun intended!). Ladies will meet at Aubrey's at 6:00 PM and if things work out they'll move over to Atomic Axe Throwing after dinner. (Wow, this paragraph just gets more awesome as it goes along). The purpose of Monday night's get-together is some 'get-to-know-you' time, as well as meeting together to map out a summer series bible study. Anna Childs is leading this push forward, so if you have interest you can reach out to her at -- annabethchilds@yahoo.com, or by phone -- 865.898.4499
#2 Wednesday, May 25th at the Grove, 7:00 PM -- Leadership Meeting. Leaders and interested others please plan to attend as we map out our summer schedule for touching, teaching, training ministries. This planning meeting is designed to carry us through summer and into early fall, and additionally we will be reviewing our basic T/T/T principles and taking a look at Edwin Friedman's "Failure of Nerve." It's alot for one hour, but I am confident we can do it!
#3 Saturday, June 11th -- Our annual High Places Mountain Movers "School's Out" party for kids will be held at the Grove. We love our kid events and the past few have been spectacular. Thank you Kady Marcotte! More details are coming on this event in the next few weeks.
#4 Tuesday, June 21st -- We will be hosting a community-wide remembrance dinner at the Grove for families who lost loved ones during covid (not necessarily from covid) and were unable to do a proper burial or memorial service. We will share a meal and share stories of those we lost, then light candles in the large auditorium in remembrance. If you would like to volunteer to cook, or otherwise help serve, in this event please let me know at the leadership meeting on May 25th. More details coming soon.
#5 Summer Camp is back, July 11-16 at Big Ridge State Park for our "Off the Wall" student ministries. If your teen wants to attend, please let Chad know and he can get you the registration forms. Summer camp is always "church concentrate" as Martin calls it, and while it is primarily for teenagers, we have numerous adults impacted every year. Additionally, baptisms will be scheduled for Thursday July 14th unless someone is eager and wants one right away, in which case -- we will oblige!
#6 Dave Ramsey Financial Peace begins on Thursday, August 4th at the Grove. With inflation at record highs, the stock market uncertain, and household debt skyrocketing all across the land, this class could not come at a better time. Thank you Matt Shifra for arranging this and volunteering to lead. If you have never done a Dave Ramsey class, it can be life-changing and will help you apply biblical principals to your home budgeting and retirement planning. I personally believe everyone, whether newlywed, single, or nearing retirement, has much to gain from these classes. We will have formal enrollment coming soon, along with more information.
#7 Summer Farmer's Market Gleaning, 4th Saturday every month this summer. I could use help gleaning the market and delivering food to needy families, so if you are inclinded to lend a hand, please let me know. I also need help with weekly rounds of food delivery to a few of our High Places shut-ins and other areas of need in Oak Ridge. Since I know where I go, but don't know all the addresses, shadowing me a time or two might be the best way to learn the route. If you can help me in this, please let me know.
Finally, because I heard that our last News and Notes actually went to a few spam folders because it contained a link to our giving page, just a reminder that you can always give online on our website. We appreciate all your support.
Much love and many blessings. Save this email in a folder so you have the dates, and thank you!!
David