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First Congregational

United Church of Christ

... exploring the frontiers of faith in Jesus

Guest Column: David Walters

David
In 563 AD, Columba and 12 companions landed on an island beach of Scotland. Today, rolling stones in the bay echo a sad lament with the perpetual flow of ocean waters.

Bay of St Columba

In the Bay of St Columba on the Isle of Iona,
The stones remember Columba and the monks,
Who followed him in trust to work and pray.
With the constant arrival and exit of cold salty
   waves,
Which daily invade the beach and flee back out
   to sea,
Smoothed rocks covering the sand sing and
   chant,
  "Where have you gone, dear friend?
  Long ago you came in prayer
  And left without return.
  Won't you come back, O Columba?
  Visit again our stony home!
  Return to us and teach the sacred stories,
  Of Christ's love from death to life eternal."

Bay

The stones repeat day and night the endless cry,
With the coming and going of each tide,
Longing for their lost friendship
With the saint and his blest companions,
Who by simple faith in God
Left everything,
Home, family, possessions and security,
To serve the Lord of every dance.
The seas who have long visited the coast,
Comfort the mournful rocks still waiting,
  "Old friends! remember, Columba, like all flesh,
  Long ago passed into peace and glory,
  After faithfully following his holy call,
  At the last fulfilled a chosen destiny,
  Our brother can't return to your shores again,
  Until the promised Second Coming
  When he walks at our Savior's side."

Yet, by sun or moon, restless pebbles in the
   sacred bay,
Rolling with ceaseless currents on the
   weathered isle,
Sadly continue singing their love song,
  "Where have you gone, dear friend?
  So long ago you came in prayer
  And left without return.
  Won't you come back, O Columba?
  Visit again our stony home!
  Return to us and teach the sacred stories,
  Of Christ's love from death to life eternal."

david walters

Vacation Bible School!

Jungle Safari

Come join us July 31st through August 4th from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

Children Pre-K to 5th grade will enjoy a fun-filled week of skits, games, crafts, snacks, music, science and a nightly Free Meal!!

For a registration form or if you have questions, please contact Paul or Hannah Prescott.

paul@firstcongucc.org
hannah@firstcongucc.org

Thanks From the
Appalachian South Folklife Center

ASFC

Many of you contributed to the ASFC, which was our Sunday School mission project this past year. We received the following letter from Meno Griffith at the center:

"Our most sincere thanks to the young (and old) people of 1st Congregational Church who contributed to our fire safety appeal!

Over the years that Pastor Tim and his communion classes have come to ASFC, they have impressed us with their hard work and sincere connection to the people they have served. Their work in West Virginia has embodied Christ's commandment to "Do Unto Others" in such a loving and honest way. We treasure that spirit and look forward to hosting young people from your congregation again in the future.

Your response to our need for funds to fulfill the requirements of the fire marshall's safety report was overwhelming. The improvements to the Connie West Dorm are now complete. Not only do we have a state of the art fire alarm system in the dorm; it now features a new larger, handicap accessible bathroom with 2 showers and 2 commodes. Your donation helped us accomplish that!

Again our most heartfelt thanks."