Without a doubt you believe your church to be friendly and warm, otherwise you would not be there. But I want to invite you to evaluate your church's friendliness from the perspective of a first or second time guest. Perhaps you will discover some room for improvement.

It is a fact that unless a newcomer senses that he is wanted, appreciated, and receives a friendly welcome from someone, the chances of him returning are doubtful. Statistics demonstrate that people are more apt to return and eventually join a congregation when they experience a positive and friendly first impression, are visited in their home within 48 hours by a member, and develop one or more meaningful friendships within several months. By and large we give little attention to how strangers might perceive our church as long as our own needs are being met, but if we want to reach new folks and grow our churches it is imperative that we look closely at how welcome we make guests feel when they worship with us.
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Women on Mission: Radford will do double duty in July, leading weekly devotionals at Oakwood Manor as well as hosting the monthly birthday party for residents of Bedford County Nursing Home. In August, Rainbow Forest is scheduled for Oakwood Manor, and Morgans is scheduled for the Bedford County Nursing Home.

If you requested copies of photos made at the WMU Annual Meeting at Sedalia, you may pick them up at the SBA office.

You need to attend only one rally to prepare for Saturday. Questions? Call the association office or Rita Calhoun at 540-297-5271

Bedford has voted to call Mrs. Susan Batten-Bell as their Minister of Music. She will begin her ministry with Bedford on August 1.

The youth of Bedford recently returned from a mission trip to South Carolina where they shared their faith through renovation opportunities.

On Sunday evening, June 27, Mentow had a joint baptismal/commissioning service, and the Mentow Quartet presented a mini-concert. Four were baptized and four members were commissioned to serve in Nicaragua July 1-9 with "Because We Care Ministries." The service was followed by a covered-dish celebration in the church fellowship hall.
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Under the Lordship of Christ, to equip, support, and involve our family of churches in meeting the spiritual and physical needs of a changing community and world.

Many of you have asked how the "One Dollar per Day per Member for Seven Days" emphasis for the Association Missions Week Offering is going. As of Tuesday, June 29, twelve churches have contributed $3,841.04. Individual contributions of $500.00 brings the total to $4,341.04. That exceeds receipts through June of last year by almost $2,500.00 Thank you for your support!

Next month's newsletter will include an itemized update of receipts and expenditures for the first half of the 2004 budget year.

The SBA recipe booklet, "Strawberry Sensations," not only has great strawberry recipes, it also includes information about SBA and our churches as well as a simple Gospel tract. Available from the SBA office for $1.00, it would be a neat handout to share when visiting prospects for your church or just getting acquainted with your neighbors.

July 18 Eldridge & Jennie Cullum (Thaxton)
July 19 Bryon & Annie LePere (Big Island)
August 4 Tim & Ruby Dooley (Bethlehem)
August 7 Vernon & Wanda DeLong (Trinity)
August 9 Steve & Barbara Manuel (SBA)
August 12 Rick & Laura Mallory (Morgans) August 17 David & Donna Henderson (Bedford)
August 19 Bob & Mary Sherrill (Pecks)
August 19 Dennis & Mary Moore (Beaverday)
August 20 Gary & Becky Fowler (Flint Hill)