Quick News from Around the Yearly Meeting

Fulton Creek Children Reach Out at VBS
Children attending the Fulton Creek (OH) Vacation Bible School had the opportunity to reach out in tangible helpful ways to those who serve within their community and around the world.
The children served by packing bags of trail mix to present to the local fire department. When volunteer firemen brought the fire truck to the church to demonstrate for the children, they were pleasantly surprised with a thoughtful treat.
The children also packed boxes with various goodies, reading material, and a custom DVD with their personal thanks to local soldiers serving in Iraq.
Submitted by Pastor Joe Kirby.

Youth Expereince FIA "Faith in Action" Sunday
When Jason Neiswanger, Youth Pastor at Beloit (OH) Friends Church heard of the village council’s desire to have freshly painted fire hydrants throughout the town, the vision of an FIA Sunday began to take shape.
“FIA is the idea that the church is more than just a building; it is what we as Christians do. If we are striving to live Christ-like, and we are His hands and feet, then putting our faith in action is something we should endeavor to do,” explained Jason.
On August 9, 2009, the youth group at Beloit Friends Church, donning matching T-shirts with their motto, “Don’t Go to Church; Be the Church,” gathered to serve the community of Beloit by painting the hydrants. “The event was successful on a couple different levels,” explained Jason. “First and foremost, we painted all 27 hydrants. Second, the opportunity to serve during church impacted the youth and provided them with a fresh new look at how we as Christians can serve.”
Information by Pastor Mark Reich.

Salem Public School Teachers Enjoy Thank You Luncheon
Salem First Friends Church in Salem, Ohio, went an extra step in supporting the public school system this year by offering a luncheon and prayer time during the Salem School District’s teacher in-service day. 
All were pleased to have the new Superintendent of Schools endorse the luncheon, attend it, and invite the school board members. 160 out of 166 employees (including office staff, janitors, bus drivers, and teachers) attended the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon.
Each teacher received a thank you note/prayer reminder to take with them and keep as a reminder that they are appreciated and prayed for every day.
Pastor John Pierce had a prayer of dedication for the new school year and ended with the request to beat West Branch School (our rival) in football, and we did!  Many teachers have expressed gratitude for the event and the church continues to pray daily for the school, teachers, and support staff.        
          Submitted by Joni Pierce, CE Director for Salem First Friends Church.

Orange Friends Church Offers First Summer Sports Camp with Surprising Results
Orange Friends Church, located in Columbus, Ohio chose to not offer a traditional VBS this past summer but instead partnered with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to host a Sports camp for 4th through 8th graders.
“The FCA Camp Director told us to expect 25-30 kids our first year of camp but God provided an average of 100 campers and volunteers each day for the four days!”explained Pastor Mabry.  It was FCA’s largest day-camp in the Columbus area for the year.
The most exciting part for Pastor Dave, however, was the fact that 25 kids responded to the Gospel. “We have been praying for 35 new conversions through our ministry in 2009. We did not anticipate God answering in such a large part through this camp... God is good!”
Information provided by Pastor David Mabry.

100 Years at Hunter Hills Friends Celebrated with Fun and Worship
Hunter Hills Friends, located in Greensboro, NC, celebrated 100 years, with a day of outreach followed by a day of thanksgiving. 
A “Fun in the Son” free carnival was offered to the community on Saturday, September 12th. Families could climb and slide down a giant inflatable slide, take the challenge of an inflatable obstacle course, or jump to their hearts’ content in the inflatable moonwalk. Games with candy prizes (everyone’s a winner), crafts, face-painting, witness bracelets, and cotton candy, popcorn, and sno-cones were also offered. God blessed the over 250 people in attendance and approximately 40 volunteers with a beautiful morning.
Sunday brought worship and thanksgiving. Former pastoral families, regional leaders, and past members were invited to join in a two hour worship celebration. Following the service, attendees enjoyed a catered meal with time for fellowship. Many picture collages and a DVD pictorial of HHEFC’s people over the years were available for viewing.
Submitted by Pastor Jeff Bartolet.