Good morning to everyone here in the sanctuary, and to our amazing church family joining us online. If we haven’t met yet, I’m Roberta Berger, your interim chair of the Church Council, formerly known as the Leadership Team.

Let me tell you – I am standing here today because something big is happening. Our Council held its first meeting of the year, and the room was buzzing with ideas, purpose, and a shared sense of the Holy Spirit moving. We left that meeting excited, and we want you to feel that same momentum.

First, we agreed it’s time to sell our church van. Releasing it will free up resources. This is happening quickly.

In celebration of our legacy, our original sanctuary dates back to November 1866. That’s 160 years of worship, prayer, and God’s faithfulness poured into these walls. Because of that incredible heritage, we’re exploring the possibility of having our building officially declared historic.

And speaking of 160 years, we’re throwing a birthday party August 29 from noon to 3pm rain or shine! There will be a potluck lunch, games, fellowship, and fun. Sign up in the Welcome Center near the food island to bring your favorite dish. If you’re local and watching online, come join us — we want you here. And by the way, bring a lawn chair.

Now, if you drifted for a moment, come back — this is a big announcement.

We are launching a three month trial run beginning September 6 that we believe will make a real impact. Our contemporary worship service will move right here into the sanctuary. Same time. Same worship. Same heart. Just a new location — one that’s already heated or cooled, saving us from powering up the HVAC in the large Fellowship Hall.

We believe this is a smart, strategic step toward better stewardship. After three months, we’ll look at the numbers together. If we see meaningful savings, YOU will help decide how we move forward with Sunday worship.

We are a church moving into our future. Our meeting was full of hope, unity, and a shared determination to keep moving forward. We are committed — alongside each of you — to boldly pursue the mission of the Global Methodist Church in making disciples of Jesus Christ and spreading scriptural holiness across the globe.

As we honor 160 years of ministry, we are also stepping confidently into our present and our future. God has been faithful, God is still leading us and we will continue to follow.

In Christian love, thank you for listening and for being part of this exciting season in the life of our church. God bless. Please continue to support the vision God has given us to advance His kingdom & declare His word over Claymont through your gifts & tithes. You can pay in person, online through your bank, mail in or drop off during the week.

CHURCH FINANCES FOR JULY
MONEY IN: $13,612.00 MONEY OUT: $19,000.00

THANK YOU To say “thank you” to everyone who contributed to our 160th anniversary celebration feels like an understatement. Still, the planning team offers our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. From Brenda’s months of behind the scenes work in the office, to the Trustees, the setup and cleanup crews, those who donated food, and the many hands who stepped in with last minute help throughout the weekend — the list truly goes on.

We would be remiss if we didn’t give a special shoutout of thanks to Wayden, Inc. which generously donated all the paper products used for our celebration (and beyond). Wayden, Inc. is a Christian-owned paper products wholesale company located on Ridge Road right here in Claymont. They sell products by the case. Thank you, Denise! While the sunshine was bright enough that most people (rightfully!) chose to stay indoors, a few ventured outside to enjoy lawn games, chat with community visitors, and relax on the patio.

The day was a genuine success. One person shared on Sunday how nice it was to simply sit, relax, and talk with friends for an afternoon. Thank you again from the planning team: Beth Friday, Sandy Vidro, Laura Calzone, Pastor Brandon Harris, and Roberta Berger

SAVE THE DATE:
HARVEST TEA PARTY & AUCTION
Saturday, October 17th • 12 pm to 3 pm
TEA DELIGHTS • LIVE AUCTION • INSPIRING MESSAGE
Tickets $20 • Call 302-798-8472
We are also looking for donations of new
and nearly new items to be auctioned.

CHANGE OF DATE there has been a change of date for holding both worship services in the sanctuary. The new date is September 27, 2026. Hope to see you there!

LINDA COBOURN’S BOOK, YOU ARE NOT ALONE: REST AND REFUGE FOR SPOUSAL
CAREGIVERS, is now available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats. This devotional on Psalms 91 offers gentle encouragement rooted in God’s presence during the long journey of caregiving. Please keep Linda and her ministry for caregivers in your prayers. If you have read the book, please consider leaving a review on Amazon and sharing your thoughts with others!

LEADERSHIP NEEDED please pray about becoming the chair of the trustees or finance committees. If you are good with numbers or like math, please consider becoming Atonement’s treasurer. Training is available for all of the positions. Contact Pastor Brandon if interested.

Happy Birthday September!
Sept. 7 – Perry Blevins
Sept. 7 – Beth Ann Friday
Sept. 9 – Victoria Bezilla-Hofferth
Sept. 11 – Bob Clark