Hi Friends,

It’s great reaching out to you again this evening given my inability to send you an update last week from Camp Woodland. Because of the camp’s spotty Wi-Fi, I could not obtain a consistent Internet connection. My prayer over the past week has been that you have had a very good week and are looking forward to God’s Sabbath.

I’m happy to report that the United church of God’s newest camp—Camp Woodland—was a smashing success! Eighty-four campers and 46 staff enjoyed a week of ideal weather, outstanding Christian Living classes on "Being a Light to the World" (Matthew 5:14-16), and challenging activities. The camp went so well that Camp Woodland administration, after just three days of activities, did what it never does with new groups: they booked us for next year. Kristen Niemeyer, Woodland’s Senior Director, said we set such a good example they want us back. And we want to return! Many of their activity and food staff were so impressed with how we conducted ourselves they came to observe our final dance and, with a little prompting, joined in our line dances.

In sum, Woodland exceeded all expectations, and it looks to be a regular camp offering for years to come. I look forward to sharing more information with you about it over the coming weeks. In the meantime, I encourage you to go to the numerous campers from this area who attended Woodland and ask them about their experiences. They all had a great deal of fun living God’s way "In the Zone."

*Separately, a big thank you goes to those who transported campers and staff to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport for camp! Our local drivers included Kirk Talbot [Transportation Coordinator], Lindy Graby, Rebecca Davies, and Bob McCurdy. Thank you for all your work!

As we anticipate services tomorrow, here are this week’s announcements.

1. Sabbath Services in Buford and Atlanta. We have services tomorrow in Buford and Atlanta in our regular locations and at our regular times. It is our First Sabbath Coffee and Fellowship Social.

In that we are expected to have visitors tomorrow at services (because of Woodland), please bring snacks and beverages for your family, plus one person. Thank you.

2. Combined Atlanta/Buford Sabbath Service on Aug. 24. Our next combined Atlanta and Buford Sabbath Service is scheduled for Norcross the Sabbath of August 24.
3. Festival Assistance Recipients. All those who applied for Festival Assistance to attend the 2019 Feast of Tabernacles have been approved.

4. Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Game. The Atlanta Braves tickets have been purchased for the Braves vs. Nationals game on Sept. 8. Our group is 20 strong. At this point, I ask that you send payment for the tickets you purchased in care of me, Philip Aust, at 1120 Cool Springs Drive, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144. Thank you for doing this at your earliest convenience.
5. Upcoming Fall Feasts. The Fall Holy Days are not too far off. Here are dates for your calendar:
   1. Feast of Trumpets – September 30
   2. Day of Atonement – October 9
   3. Feast of Tabernacles – October 14-20
   4. The Eighth Day – October 21

That is it for this evening. Have a great start to your Sabbath!

Sincerely,

Philip

Philip Aust

United Church of God, Pastor

Atlanta & Buford, GA

Memory Verse(s) of the Week

Daniel 4:10-11 “These were the visions of my head while on my bed: I was looking, and behold, A tree in the midst of the earth, And its height was great. 11 The tree grew and became strong; Its height reached to the heavens, And it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. (Great Tree symbolizing Babylon)