Our clients’ children need your help! We will be taking in-kind donations of new book bags, clothing and school supplies (notebooks, pencils, markers, etc.) or monetary donations towards the purchase of these items through August 2nd. This year’s goal is to assist 100 children ranging in age from 4 to 17. Currently we only have 10 book bags and minimal school supplies. By donating to this cause, you will help a child be better prepared to succeed during the school year. The giveaway will take place on Thursday, August 5th from 5 to 7:30 PM at North Raleigh Ministries.

According to research, there are many consequences, both mentally and physically, for food insecure children as this directly affects their development. Aside from the obvious physical effects of food insecurity, these children are more likely to miss school days and have behavioral problems. Food insecurity can also lead to depression, obesity, anxiety and memory problems later in life. North Raleigh Ministries Backpack Buddies program is dedicated to stopping food insecurity by providing food for 40 children each week. You can help by donating items such as individual snack items or cans of fruit. This program especially needs donations of 100% juice boxes and shelf stable milk. You can also help by making a monetary contribution. When the donations of these specific items fall short, we are forced to purchase them. Thank you to everyone who has helped with this program!

You’re invited to North Raleigh Ministries’ First Annual Fundraiser, “Purses, Pumps and Pearls”, on August 28th from 8 AM to 1 PM at the Plantation Point Shopping Center (Suite 109; located off of capital Blvd. and I-540). Shop for over 2,000 new and gently used handbags, pumps and pearl jewelry. Tickets cost $3.

Become part of this event by donating your new or gently used purses, pumps and pearls and by volunteering. Call 919-785-9911 or send e-mail to info@pursespumpsandpearls.com for more information.

St. Timothy’s School is an Episcopal preparatory school committed to educational excellence and the emotional, physical and spiritual growth of children in an environment where traditional Christian values are emphasized. The Junior Kindergarten through Eighth Grade school has limited openings for the 2010-2011 school year. For more information, please contact the Director of Admission, Mrs. Cathy Clement, at 781-0531 or cclement@sttimothys.org.

Dear Lord,

There is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience this freedom from sin and death that you have provided for me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are free to praise you. For this I am very thankful. On this Independence Day, I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that my freedom was purchased with a very high price. My freedom cost others their very lives. Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty meet their needs and watch over their families. Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, Lord. Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone’s life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ. Amen.

Please be ready for the fall Kickoff of our Stewardship Campaign on Sunday, September 19th from 4 to 7 PM. Be sure to put the day and time on your calendars and bring out the football jersey of your favorite high school, college or professional team

The Adult Bible Study Class is going on break beginning Wednesday, June 30th until Wednesday, July 28th, which will be a movie night featuring the movie “Doubt”.

Based on the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play, “Doubt” is a suspense-filled drama with riveting performances from Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Viola Davis. Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Streep), the rigid principal of the Saint Nicholas Church School, suffers an extreme dislike for the progressive parish priest Father Flynn (Hoffman). When Sister Aloysius hears that Father Flynn has taken a special interest in a troubled boy, she believes she’s uncovered the ultimate sin; but without proof, the only thing certain is doubt. Nominated for 5 Academy Awards and 6 Critics’ Choice Awards, there is no “doubt” that is is one of the best pictures of the year.

Everyone is welcome to come to the movie night. Bring your own snacks and beverages.

Our organist, Preston Smith, will be leaving St. Timothy’s  on July 11 to accept a new position at a church in Southern Pines. Preston has filled our church with beautiful hymns, anthems, canticles and other musical compositions that cover the entire spectrum of sacred music.  We have been blessed by his talent, his graceful approach to parishioners and his many areas of expertise outside of the music world. God go with you, Preston; you will be missed.

Midge Silberman and Darlene Sholtis are our new co-directors of the Altar Guild. Their duties begin immediately, and we know that they will lead the work and devotion of the Altar Guild with energy, care and great organization. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Sheila Luk who has given years of fine direction to the ladies of the Altar Guild and will continue to serve the Lord by serving at His Altar.

Vacation Bible School sign-ups continue! Please be sure to sign up your child or children so we can be prepared for the correct number. Please look for the registration tables in the Narthex after the 9 AM service and in the Parish Hall during Coffee Hour. If you would like to have the registration form e-mailed to you, please contact Susan Patton; if you need to have Susan complete the form, just e-mail her the information and she will be glad to take care of it for you.

Mark your calendars for A Trip to Egypt, June 14-17, 5:30-8:00 PM. Plenty of volunteer opportunities are available! Decorating and other preparations for the Vacation Bible School will begin on the morning of Saturday, June 12th, and setting up will continue on Sunday, June 13th beginning at 4:00 PM.