Sixteen members of the youth groups (and extended youth groups) just returned from a wonderful 5-day trip on the far western leg of the Erie Canal. We left immediately after the last day of school on Tuesday and drove to Tonawanda, New York. We put in on the Niagara River and entered the canal ¾ mile later and canoed a total of 18 miles taking out in Lockport after going through locks #34 & 35.

We stayed in three different churches – Salem UCC in Tonawanda, St Paul’s UCC in North Tonawanda, and First Presbyterian Church in Lockport – and were treated like royalty in every church. We would SO like to reciprocate and take care of a youth group travelling to New Hampshire!

We canoed one day in the hot sun (and despite our best efforts, there were some sunburns), and then one day starting in the pouring rain but clearing as the day went on. A few almost mishaps but no capsizing or falls into the canal and we all agreed it was the best paddling expertise of all four trips. We spent our last day sightseeing in Niagara Falls, exploring the Niagara Power Vista Center and riding on the Maid of the Mist (right next to the falls and spectacular) before our long drive home on Saturday. Those who have gone on all four trips have now canoed around 150 miles of the canal!

The date for the next Prayer Shawl gathering is Wednesday morning, July 17th, at 10:00 o’clock, at my house. As always, everyone is welcome to join in a morning of conversation, laughter and goodies. If you chose to knit, yarn, needles and directions are all provided. In the summer we all seem to be going in different directions so it’s always nice to get together and catch up. Also, if you have someone you would like to receive a shawl this summer, please let me know. Need directions to my house or have questions, call me, Judy Hatfield at 464-3458.

The Stewardship Committee is currently holding this year’s Red Sox Raffle. To date we have raised $170.00 and will continue selling tickets up until the drawing on August 1, 2019. We are selling raffle tickets for a chance to win 4 right field box seat tickets to the Red Sox versus the Baltimore Orioles game on Saturday August 17, 2019. We are also offering a visit the WEEI press box for a half an inning. If this isn’t enough we are also including hotel accommodations at the Boston Hotel Buckminster for the evening so you won’t have to worry about driving home after the game.

Accommodations will be one room, 2 queen beds, and living area. Tickets will be $5 a piece or 3 for $10. The drawing will be held on August 1, 2019 at the Butler Park Summer Concert Series and you need not be present to win.

Tickets are available for purchase by contacting the church office at 603-464-3529 or Larry DeLacy at 603-547-0625. You could also contact anyone on the Stewardship Committee; Nancy Shee or Jean Mogan. Tickets are also available at the farmers Market at Butler Park on Saturday mornings.

The Trustees have purchased an AED (automatic external defibrillator) and it is mounted in the stairwell next to the nursery. The AED is used with or without CPR in the event that a person’s heart stops beating. Having an AED can save a life in the precious few minutes before EMTs can arrive.

There will be a training on Thursday, July 25 at 10am for anyone who would like to know how to use this simple life saving equipment. This training event will be about 30 minutes and is open to the church and our different ministry groups.