This video, developed as a workshop resource for congregations or individuals, provides background information of the issues of serving in combat and practical ways for individuals or congregations to reach out in love & support. The UMEA has purchased 1,000 copies and our annual conference communications director can order copies for $1 each with a minimum order of 10 copies. Please contact the conference resource office for more information.

The sidewalks linking the Children's Building to the Office were poured and should be ready for use Sunday, August 2! The Grand Opening of our new Children's Building will be Saturday, August 22.

Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) is a national hunger relief ministry and UMC Advance #801600, with a Regional Office in Alabama (205-838-1927). Church groups and individuals feed the hungry through SoSA's programs: Gleaning Network, Potato Project, Harvest of Hope. SoSA volunteers glean excess fresh produce from farm fields and distribute it to feeding agencies. Gleaning America's Fields~Feeding America's Hungry: 800-333-4597; sosausa@endhunger.org; www.endhunger.org.

Merry Christmas from your AWF Conference office.

We received our occupancy permit on Thursday, August 14, and had two moving days/crews for Children's Offices and classroom/nursery equipment to be transported to the new Children's Building. Grand Opening day is August 22! View details at http://www.fumcniceville.org/children

Introduction of Sandy Gutting. Staff of the AWF Conference Office of Congregational Development talks about her offices offerings during Annual Conference 2008.