“The financial giving statements for the first half of 2012 can be picked up in the fellowship hall. Those with an email address on record in the church office were emailed their statement on July 4. If you are expecting a statement and did not get one either by email or printed out, see James Stolte. Thank you for your continued support of God’s work at First Lutheran Church.”

Youth Families: Save the Date: On Sunday, August 12, we’ll have a very important Event Planning Meeting after worship. As Joe transitions out of the Youth Director position, we need to plan for the 2012–2013 Youth Program. If you have a child in Youth (or would like to be involved with the Youth program), please plan on attending. Thanks.

Girls’ Bible Study: This summer, Amanda is hosting a bi-weekly, evening bible study for Youth girls at her apartment. The next study is Saturday, July 14, 6:30–8:00. It’s not too late to join. Four meetings remain: (June 30, July 14, 28, August 11, 25). This is open to all Youth girls (including our newest Youth, those students now completing fifth grade). For more information, please check with Joe or Amanda.

Yakima Bears Baseball: The Youth would like to thank Thrivent Financial for its generous donation of Yakima Bears tickets. Last Tuesday, a couple dozen folks from First Lutheran (Youth and beyond) spent an evening in Yakima watching baseball and fireworks.

Open Gym and Office Hours: On several Mondays Joe will keep office hours in the fellowship hall. Youth are invited to stop in to use the gym or chat. 10:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m. (7/9, 7/16, 7/30, 8/13, 8/27).

Winegar’s Wednesdays are back: Beginning this Wednesday, July 11, Joe will camp out at the University Way Winegar’s from 2:00–3:00 p.m. This is a little time for Youth to talk, pray, read together . . . and have ice cream. (7/11, 7/18, 8/1, 8/15, 8/29)

The Big Hike: Just as summer finally heats up, the Youth are invited to escape to the hills. On Tuesday, July 10, we’ll take a hike on Blewett Pass “Swauk Forest Discovery Trail.” Please RSVP via e-mail, sign-up sheet (on the gym door), or through Facebook. We will leave FLC at 9:30 a.m. and should return early afternoon. For more information on the trail, see http://www.wta.org/gohiking/hikes/swauk-forest-discovery-trail. (Drivers and chaperones needed)

Valley Church Skate Night: Every third Monday, Union Gap’s Skateland hosts “Valley Church Skate Night.” This is a special skating session geared at church groups and includes special prizes and contemporary Christian music. On July 16, we’ll leave FLC at 6:00 p.m. and return around 10:00 p.m. Cost of admission is $6.25 per skater (extra costs for in-line skates). Please bring money for snacks if you want them.Please RSVP via e-mail, sign-up sheet (on the gym door), or through Facebook. (Drivers and chaperones needed)

Facebook and Event Updates: Although the Youth Department sends out e-mails from time-to-time, our usual way of communicating is with the Facebook page. Remember that you don’t necessarily need to be on Facebook to use that page. Just go to our address — www.facebook.com/flcyouth — and keep updated on the latest news and events. And, if you “Like” us, you can receive automatic updates and join events.

 Summer Youth Schedule: Just because school ends, doesn’t mean his people stop meeting together, worshiping him in fellowship, discipleship, and service. Youth and volunteers are needed throughout the summer to continue the work (and play) God has for us. Please pick up a copy of the summer schedule from the “kid’s table” outside the church office or request a PDF copy (flcyouth.eburg@gmail.com).

Youth Updates: Do you want Youth updates through e-mail? If so, please e-mail Joe at flcyouth.eburg@gmail.com to be included on our news and events e-mail list. You can also watch the bulletin, the FLC web site, the Youth Facebook page, and the FLARE for more information.