Off to Mexico

This morning 17 MCC youth and counselors packed up two Suburbans and one LARGE trailer and headed south into the heat for a week long Mission Trip in Mexico. Their target is to help build one house in tremendous heat. What is so amazing is how excited this group was this morning to head south to serve. They could be working on their tans, surfing skills or video-games. But this group was excited to go do something that will make a real difference in the life of one family. Pray for their safety and effectiveness!

Thanks to Kim & David

On Wednesday evening July 12th, about 140 members and friends of MCC came out for a pot luck supper under the oaks, specifically to say "Thank You" to Kim Crawford and David Given for their two years of Interim leadership of Jr. & Sr. High youth groups. A cake was cut, prayers were said, a goofy skit was performed, gifts were given, but most of all, a lot of love was poured out to two servant leaders of MCC. Kim and David will both be staying in the area, and, more importantly, in our community for the coming future as they pursue career steps in seminary (Kim) and coaching/teaching (David).
Right now, both Kim and David are attend CHIC in Tennessee....serving our youth. When you see them, pass on your word of thanks!

Beauty & the Beast

Almost 80 members and friends of MCC gathered together in the picnic area just outside the ouutdoor theater in Solvang Saturday July 8 for a bring-your-own dinner together. The weather was perfect and the mood was party-like. Familiar friends mixed with first-time guests and relatives for about and hour-an-a-half of relaxed dining and conversation.
Then, around 7:30, the gates opened to the outdoor theater and we all moved into our seats for the sold-out performance of the Walt Disney classic "The Beauty & the Beast". Kids and adults laughed at the gags and cheered at the wonderful choreography. Though blankets were available (to rent) the night stayed almost balmy. The fairy story was filled with songs familiar to many, who sang along with the performers. It was a secular story of loss and redemption, and the transforming power of love.
Thanks go to Everett Stevens for organizing this all-church, all-family event. Next time, plan to attend with us.

Supper Under the Oaks

Supper Under the Oaks began last night with gourmet pizza and Italian opera being piped off of the tailgate of Bob Ludwick's pickup truck. As you can see, about 80 people showed up on a perfect evening and lingered around. This was my first Supper under the Oaks and I was impressed! (yes, with the food and the music and Bob's humorous leadership) But even more with the wonderful mix of people there: old friends, Samarkand residents, young families, a whole table of sr. high, a bunch of college graduates, new members and old. The entire demographic spread of MCC was there.
Eating is what Christians should do really well. And it was done well last night! Around the table we have the chance to talk, listen, laugh, pray, cry, and learn to love each other a little bit more. Even the cleaning up time was part of the fellowship, where everyone pitched in.
Every Wednesday night at 6:00 pm we will gather for meals like this through August 9. Plan to join us and have some fun.