After graduating from high school, my younger daughter was all excited about her first camping trip with
her friends. Being able to drive by herself is a sign of independence. Going camping without parents
would be her first adventure.

The night before the camp, she wanted to load up the car first so she could take off bright and early the
next day. In the middle of packing, she asked, “Dad, where do you keep the camping gear? I need
sleeping bag, stove, lamps, picnic tent….” Living in the same house for 19 years, the camping gear has
been in the garage storage all these years. Hmmm…...Is she really ready to go camping on her own with
friends? I wondered.

“Oh, I got to take the sleeping bag out of the small car,” she said, “I need to bring an extra one for my
friend.” Yes. I have always kept a sleeping bag in cars just in case BC weather take a different turn. She
took the sleeping bag out of the small car, and she continued loading up. 20 minutes later, “dad, I couldn’t
find the sleeping bag?”, she yelled from the driveway, “I thought you took it out from the small car
already?” I responded. “Yes, I did. But I could not find mine?”

For another 20 minutes, we looked all over the garage, in the trunk of the small car, the station wagon, the
lobby, we even traced back the steps, there was only one sleeping bag. Where is the second one? She was
getting frustrated. I told her, well, how about you pray about it? Ask God, where can you find the
Sleeping Bag??? She said, “dad…….,” and her eyes told me, “You know that’s not going to work!” I
insisted, “Try it.” By now, it is getting late. Everyone was tired.

I told her it must be somewhere. Wait till tomorrow! You will find it. She was upset as she really wanted
to get organized before she slept. While she climbed the stairs back to her room with a heavy mind, she
prayed silently without showing, of course, ………. just getting ready for sleep, she felt something soft
next to her bed……. The second sleeping bag was right next to her bed.

Overjoyed!

Do you believe in the power of prayer?

- Jonathan

Readings for next Sunday include

1 SAMUEL 17:57-18:5, 10-16; PSALM 133; 2 CORINTHIANS 6:1-13; MARK 4:35-41

You can read the full text here

Muhammad, The World Changer: An intimate portrait

This is an accessible book about the Prophet Muhammad. It's an opportunity to learn about some of our neighbours in Richmond and about the faith of the family that we are working to bring to Canada from Afghanistan.

Available in the library, on audiobook, kindle and there will be a few copies in the office for $28.

Join in a conversation about this book on Wednesday,July 31 at 11am in-person or 7pm on Zoom. 

The family and friends of Janet Sutherland will gather here at St. Anne's to celebrate her life on July 13 at 3pm.

There will be a reception to follow in the hall.

All are welcome.

CAMP SPIRIT 2024  July 29-August 2 – at Gilmore Park! 

A day camp for children 6-11 years old, Leaders in Training for 12-14 years old.

And they are looking for some help!

• Bakers – Bake 2-4 dozen nut/peanut free cookies for camp
• Be a leader at camp! Afternoons 1-2pm. What gift can you share with the campers?
  Ideas: Singing circle, Drumming, Craft, Card games, Nature Walk, Yoga
• *Help in the kitchen. Join Chef Stacey and help prepare amazing meals for our campers
  For more information, contact Kerry Child at Gilmore Park United Church

Mark your calendars!

Our annual Parish Summer BBQ will be on Sunday, August 25th following the 10am service.

Once more we will be hosted by Jim and Aman at their home.

More details to come!