August Church News....

• Congratulations to our 4 scholarship winners who will each receive $1,500 towards their education this year.  They are:
  Jaimie Godwin, Josh Johnson, Jennifer Maslowski and Eric Sprengle.

• Great job by Barb Smith and her VBS team as we had a fantastic Vacation Bible School program this year.  "Surfin’ through the Scriptures" was a big hit and hopefully we gained a few new Sunday school participants because of everyone's efforts.  Is anyone ready yet for next year?

• Thank you to the praise band for filling in while Dawn was away and for playing at the Pitman Camp meeting as well as VBS.  You guys Rock!

• The Family Fitness nights have been a great success.  If you are interested in exercise (geared to your level of fitness), come out on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6-7 P.M. and join in.  You'll be fit in no time.

• Thanks to Sandy Reidy for organizing our movie night where we were able to watch Simon Birch.  The movie was excellent.  The snacks were great, and the discussion was tops!  Over 20 people joined in the evening.  There were a couple minor technological issues, but we will have those worked out for the next movie.

• Thanks to those who helped Ed and Kass Amoroso move recently.  They appreciated your help.

   Did you know?...

On August 5^th, 1972, the 14^th Annual Chicken and Corn Cookout was held under the leadership of George Craig, Sr.  Charles Collins planted a generous garden, and then brought the produce to be sold in the “Country Store”.  One of the reasons that the cookout worked so well is that the same volunteers had the same jobs each year.  Remember when Vera Beth supervised the coffee pot…the Craig and LaClaire families worked the bizarre table…Janice Shipley and Janice Lathrop were in the kitchen and their husbands Bob and Howard were getting ice, corn and many other things that could only be done with a truck last minute???  Morris Lathrope, Sr. set up the parking area with bales of straw and all the men helped with the canopy over the store and getting the chicken cooking pit ready.  Agnes Pease, Grace Kinkade, Shirley Jennings, GiGi Pease, Trudy Carroll, and Catherine Garrigues all worked under the canopy at their respective jobs.  The corn huskers were a varied group of Cross Keys citizens: Eva Zumpt, David Garrigues, Jr., George Pease, Morris Lathrope, Stanley Beth, Carlton Roun and Raymond Murphy to name a few.  Reverend Albert and Charlotte Adams were serving Cross Keys United Methodist Church that year.

   Lay Shepherding Study...

This summer we are enjoying a study on hymns of faith called "Then Sings My Soul," based in part, on the great books by Robert J. Morgan.  In our first week we looked deep into "How Great Thou Art" and "Because He Lives."  The fellowship was wonderful, and the faith we shared was a blessing; all we are missing is you!  Even if you can only attend one week, it would be great to have you join us!  We will continue to meet on Thursday's in August at 7:30 P.M. in the library of Faith Hall.  If you have any idea's for hymns we can study, or you need more information about specific dates, please contact John Reidy at 609-636-0618.

   Youth Group Begins with Pizza and Volleyball!

Youth Group will start again on September 10^th from 7:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.  We will begin our year with a party.  Pizza and soda, after that, we will play a game of volley ball.  The Youth Group will challenge ALL church members to come out and participate.  (Rain date will be September 27^th) for the Volley Ball Game.  If you plan on attending, please let Deedee, Tina, or Sharon know so we can have enough pizza.  Hope to see all there! God Bless!

   Vacation Bible School...

Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ -

I would like to extend a special thanks to all V.B.S. volunteers for the time and effort you gave to make Beach Party: Surfin’ through the Scriptures a success.  Our church is truly blessed to have faithful servants such as you!  Remember to mark our first Sunday School Day, Rally Day, September 7^th on your calendars.  Everyone, preschool and upwards, is invited!

Your Sister in Christ, Barbara Smith

   Hello from Red Bird Mission Camp!

Nate and Judy have been at the work camp in Kentucky for a couple of weeks now and are having lots of fun.  Nathan goes to youth group on Mon and Wed from 2 - 4, with other kids from the area (some whose parents work at Red Bird).  He is having a great time and is fitting right in.  He was given a bike to use while there and it has come in very handy, as now Judy can send him across campus with paperwork and anything else she might need.  Judy has become a Crew Leader and she has a crew of 5 people from Arlington, VA.  Their job assignment is to paint at the Senior Center, which has proven to be a challenge.  Painting itself does not seem so difficult, however, the Senior Center has lots of small rooms (8’ x 10’) that are CRAMMED full of stuff, and moving it around to get to the areas can be difficult.  All the walls need to be bleached before painting to remove the mildew, and once painted, require a second coat.  Judy indicated that she is very proud of her crew.  They have already completed painting in the quilt room, and ¾ of the yarn room and the ceiling of the breezeway.  There is a little electrical work and some minor repairs to be done on this job, but NOT TO WORRY, Judy’s crew will not be taking on that task. They will leave that to the professionals!  Soon, she will be back to her original job of helping Dennis in the Work Camp Office.  All in all she has met lots of people and is having a GREAT time!

   Woman’s Retreat – September 26^th and 27^th Ocean Grove, NJ - "Staying Focused"

There will be two great speakers for Saturday's program, Vivian Rodefer, our District Superintendent and Carol Crispin of Seek Him Ministries.  Friday night we will listen to a testimony from one of our ladies from Cross Keys.  There are still some openings to attend this wonderful experience.  So if you haven't thought about your Faith Walk, come and experience one with us.  Our singers, speakers, small groups and music are just the very beginning of an inspirational walk of Faith.  God Bless and let the Lord lead your hearts.  If you are interested in attending, please call Darlene Green at 856-881-9207 or Linda Fuscia 856-629-3379.

Please note that the due date for any money outstanding for the Women’s Retreat has been extended to the end of August.  Please make any checks payable to Cross Keys United Methodist Church and write “Women’s Retreat” in the Notes area.

 You may download and print out the registration form here...Registration Form.

   Drama Team...

We are starting a Cross Keys Drama Team.  If you are in high school age to 103 (We will consider 104!), you can join!  No experience is required… only the desire to spread God's word in a different way!  Speaking and non-speaking parts are available.  If you have an idea and want to direct a skit that's good too!  Come on out, see what it's about!  Practice will be Tuesday Nights at 7:00 P.M.  We will start September 2^nd at 7:00 P.M.  For more information, please call Sandy Reidy at 609-238-0850 or 856-728-1552.

Web Updates Needed From ALL Committees...

Hey, all Committee Chairpersons, don't forget to write up any updates from your committee.   The Web Group still needs your committee descriptions of responsibilities and schedule of meetings & events.  Please keep the Web page updated so it can become a trusted source of accurate information.  This should include cancellations and rescheduling of meetings and events.  This is a great way to advertise fundraisers and ask for help for your special projects.  You can place written information in the "Web Group" mailbox in the vestibule or email to: webgroup@crosskeyschurch.org.

Family Fun Fitness – Get in Shape!

Come out and join us!!  Monday's, Wednesday's, and Friday's from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. in Faith Hall.  This program is really doing great!  As the weather gets nicer, the group will be doing outdoor walking at nearby parks.  The class is open to everyone of all ages.  So come out, get fit and have fun!  For more information contact Sheila Amand or Russ Fuscia. 

Variety Breakfast...

The variety Breakfast will return in October!  Have a GREAT summer!

Lay Leadership – Appointments for 2008...

It is very important to remember that beginning January 1^st, all new committee appointments begin.  Please find your name below and the committee you have agreed to serve on, and remember to begin attending meetings in January.  The following are new appointments for 2008:

Russ Fuscia, Jr. - Lay Delegate to Annual Conference

Larry Hardwick - PPR Committee

Bill Chapman - PPR Committee

Linda Kennedy - PPR Committee

Jaimie Godwin - Worship Committee

Sue Britland - Worship Committee

Alex Gavriloff - Worship Committee

Joe Richmond - Evangelism Committee

Darlene Green - Lay Leadership Committee

Howard Lathrop - Lay leadership Committee

Melvin Firth - Lay Leadership Committee

Cheri Sterling - Lay Leadership Committee

Judy Gourley - Lay Leadership Committee

Chelsea Huffman - Fellowship Hour Committee

Doris Firth - Fellowship Hour Committee

Thank you all, for your willingness to serve.