Did you know there’s a name for the symphony of birds that start singing at the break of day? It’s called “The Dawn Chorus.” I always thought of it as the morning choir, but regardless, God has made those beautiful creatures to sing.
“He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches” (Psalm 104:10-12).
This week there in our roundup there are items about special needs camps—one was called, “Wonderfully Made.” There is an item about being still and knowing He is God. As we work, frantically sometimes, it’s good to know our God is a God of beauty, of majesty, and peace. Peace be with you.
The Gathering Place (TGP) will launch this fall at Cresthill Baptist Church, Bowie. Interest for this church, focused on reaching families with special needs, has been building.
The Gathering Place had an arts camp for teens and young adults. They particularly enjoyed a “drum circle” each night.
In preparation for the launch, the TGP hosted an inclusive worship arts camp for teens and young adults with the theme, “Wonderful Maker,” based on Psalm 139. Over 30 people participated.
Bethel Baptist Church Yorktown, Va., and Gunpowder Baptist Church, Freeland, sent teams came to help. Each evening they had a time of worship, a drum circle, Bible lessons and an art rotation. The evening ended with testimonies.
Parents were encouraged to attend a parent support class each night. “That was a highlight of the week,” said Tommy Rowe, pastor of TGP. “It was meant to be for 45 minutes for a few nights and they met the whole time and they want to keep meeting.”
There were many siblings who attended, so another class was formed for the brothers and sisters.
Rowe said some of the volunteers were parents of children with special needs and were able to lead classes to help others because they were “living it.”
In preparation for Vacation Bible School (VBS), July 23-27, First Baptist Church of Aberdeen trains teachers and helpers ahead of time by incorporating VBS lessons in Sunday school. Adults and teens learn the daily lessons for six weeks prior to VBS, giving them time to prepare, and offering them a deeper discussion with others about the Bible passages.
Emmanuel Baptist Church, Huntingtown, has a Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS) group from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month and from 6 to 8 p.m. on the second Wednesday.
The Church at Severn Run has “Food Truck Tuesdays” weekly from 5 to 8 pm through mid-October. Twelve food trucks provide a variety of offerings. The church offers indoor and outdoor seating and a large playground for children.
Riva Trace Baptist Church invites folks to their new “Still Waters” services on Saturday evenings. It’s an opportunity to “Be still and know He is God,” offering “the ancient rhythms of prayer,” including centering, breathing, and listening prayer, in addition to music, corporate reading, and communion. Children’s activities are offered through fifth grade.