BIBLE ‘N’ BUSTERS… Join us outdoors at Bruster’s Ice Cream, 9101 W. Staples Mill Road, Tuesday night, July 16, at 7:00 pm for some summer fun. We’ll play games, sing camp songs, meet new friends and share an engaging Bible devotion – just like camp… all in 45 minutes! The fun is free; for the ice cream, you need to negotiate with Mr. Bruster! Laurel Presbyterian Church, 804-672-6810.

LIVING UP TO OUR NAME! As Presbyterians, we’re a church governed by elders – ruling elders (lay) and teaching elders (clergy). The denominational moniker is derived from Greek for “elder.” Today in worship we installed six (and additionally ordained one) ruling elders elected by the congregation and, we believe, called by God to lead Laurel Church during the next two years. They had little time to rest on their laurels, however, as they began their service at the Session meeting the followed the worship service. All acquitted themselves with spiritual and ecclesiastical aplomb. They are in the photo below from left to right: Marshall Chamberlayne, Nana Sarfo-Kantanka, Michael Henderson, Rudy van’t Riet, Mary Jane Bowlin and Jim Clark.

HAVE A MID-WEEK COOL-OFF AT THE ICE CREAM SOCIAL! Join us in the Fellowship Hall tomorrow night, Wednesday, July 10, at 6:30 pm for ice cream sundaes with all the fixin’s. Rev. Fred Holbrook, interim General Presbyter and Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the James, will be with us to share what he hopes to accomplish in his tenure and plans for new ministry at this time of transition.

Much of Jesus’ ministry was spent in bringing healing and wholeness to the sick, disabled and spiritually troubled. James, in his New Testament letter, commends prayer by church elders for the sick and suffering. And such a ministry of hope and healing has become a hallmark of the Christian Church. This Sunday Laurel holds a “Service of Healing and Wholeness” where the liturgy, music, Scripture and message focus on the Scriptural promises of God’s presence and desire to heal us. There will also be special opportunities for prayer for healing and, if desired, for worshipers to come forward to be lifted up in prayer by elders. While we are not always healed according to our desires, our faith claims that, in prayer, we encounter and are touched by the Lord. Join us for this special service at 10:00 am this Sunday in our sanctuary.

Join us for our annual church picnic at Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Parkway, this coming Saturday, June 29. Our area, Shelter #3, the first to your right as you drive in, will be available from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. We plan to have lunch around noon. We’ll have the opportunity to sample delicious fried chicken and some of the best casserole, salad and dessert recipes from Laurel Church. Our gathering place is shaded. There are also miles of hiking paths, lovely forest and a pond. Hope to see you there! Click on the map graphic for a full map of the park with Shelter #3 indicated.

On Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16, we’re looking at models of Fatherhood starting with famous dads in the Bible. Trouble is, it seems, that Abraham, Jacob, David and others turn out to have some serious shortcomings when it comes to raising their kids… as do dads of every age! Join us this Sunday as we perhaps discern, amid the paternal false starts and setbacks, a true model for a loving parent that may bolster us both as well-intentioned parents and as thankful children of God. 10:00 am in the Sanctuary!

This coming Sunday, June 9, we’ll be discussing the ancient story of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the so-called “birthday of the Christian Church.” It’s an exciting saga of mystery, courage, faith and transformation. The second chapter of Acts will our focus, and everyone in worship will have a chance to share their views and ask questions. To prepare, click on the image below of the “cheat sheet” for the service. Review it and then join us in the sanctuary this Sunday at Laurel at 10:00 am!