Happy Sabbath,

Hello from Camp Woodland in Temple, Georgia! Those at this year’s UYC Woodland Camp send Sabbath greetings to you! At the current time, we have 93 campers, 7 mini-campers, and 71 staff members on site. Despite the heavy downpours of last evening and this morning, things have started well. We are taking advantage of Woodland’s west side this year for the first time. Campers have already voice approval for the move to the Heritage side. With Christian Living Extra offered earlier this Sabbath morning, we are now looking forward to services this afternoon and then, after sunset, our first dance. We thank you for your prayers regarding camp this week. (I hear thunder outside even as I push send on this update.) We know that our focus on God is what makes this camp a success. As for our local announcements this Sabbath, here’s what I have this noon hour.

1. We have Sabbath Services today scheduled for Atlanta and Buford. Buford will be at the La Quinta Inn and Suites in Braselton in the morning. The start time is 10:30 AM. In the afternoon, the Atlanta congregation will meet at Unity Atlanta in Peachtree Corners for services. The start of that service is 2:30 PM.

2. If you feel ill this Sabbath, be sure to watch the Atlanta webcast tomorrow online. To view the service, enter the password tree of life (with no spaces) in the channel password box. The URL location is: https://www.ucg.org/congregations/atlanta-ga/webcast

3. Next Sabbath (7/27), we are set for a combined Atlanta/Buford Sabbath Service at Unity Atlanta. After services, will have a covered-dish meal planned. The theme of the meal is Summer Picnic Foods (e.g., BBQ, hamburgers, etc.) Please plan to bring enough food and drink for your family, plus one person for this meal.

4. Our next Friday evening Atlanta Bible Study on Revelation takes place on July 26. If you are near your phone, computer, or tablet, plan to tune in at 7:30 PM that evening via Zoom. I will send you a Zoom Meeting hyperlink before that time.

5. We invite you to join us for the 2024 Atlanta/Buford Summer Picnic at Cauble Park on Lake Acworth on Sunday, September 15 at 11:30 am. Cauble Park is a beautiful lakeside park in Acworth boasting a sand beach with designated swimming area, shaded picnic pavilion areas, a large playground, boat ramp (for non-motorized boats such as kayaks, canoes, or stand up paddle boards), and a fishing dock (fishing licenses are required). 

If you are interested in attending, we ask that you sign up below so we can plan accordingly. We are exploring e a new format where we collect a small fee for lunch to be provided but need to understand how many are interested before determining cost, etc. 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18BVbdLmfzWuWpg84buUJ8LlRpcS7bw63bm0p2HWr_tA/edit?usp=sharing

We will also need a few volunteer grill master’s to assist with grilling the hot dogs and burgers on the charcoal grill onsite. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Sierra Briggs directly at sierra.gomperts@gmail.com or 760-917-7093. 

Summary of Details

Date: Sunday, September 15

Time: 11:30 AM 

Location: Pavilion 5 at Cauble Park - 4425 Beach Street, Acworth, GA 30101

Parking: Since our picnic will take place in the "offseason" after Labor Day, parking will be free but may be limited. 

Suggested items to bring picnic blankets, beach chairs, sand toys, sunscreen, towels, swimsuits, lawn games, etc. 

If you have any specific questions, please contact Sierra Briggs directly at sierra.gomperts@gmail.com or 760-917-7093.

That is it for this Sabbath. Thank you for your patience in me sending out the announcements a little later. My Woodland camp director’s duties have been keeping my attention. Have a wonderful Sabbath!

In love,

Philip Aust

United Church of God, Pastor

Atlanta & Buford, Georgia