Dear Pat,

The calendar says that summer will begin next week, but I'm not sure the weather got the message. It is very hot and dry in the Valley. When I venture from St. Paul's for a stroll, the sidewalk burns my paws, and all the grass seems crunchy under my fur.

But the too hot weather hasn't kept our services at St. Paul's from having outstanding moments. First, I must say, "Move over American Idol; the place to discover hot, young talent is right here in our congregation." Layla Baker and Anna Smith treated us to a marvelous rendition of "Hallelujah". These young performers' voices blend well, and they exhibit poise and confidence.

On Sunday, June 6, St. Paul's honored our graduates. We had nine graduates in all - two from high school and seven from college. These young people make us proud, and the best news is that several of our college graduates will stay here in the Valley after graduation and lend their talents locally.

We welcomed new members Melissa Andrews, Rick and Michelle Koontz and associate members Bobby, Cory and Robin Grubbs and William Andrews on May 30. The women of coffee and laughter who made up the Sunday night book group already know and love the sisters - Robin, Melissa and Michelle. (Rumor is that as long as Robin sits separating Michelle and Melissa, disaster doesn't usually occur.) On this same Sunday, the choir sang "O, Come with Body and Mind" accompanied by Pastor Julie on flute. It was a lilting melody that made my heart rejoice. When Sylvia sings as she did this Sunday, it also makes this mouse squeak with joy.

Sunday, June 13 was a celebration of our Christian education program - honoring the attendance of the children and the dedication of their teachers. These teachers who prepare lessons and teach on Sunday morning are true heroes. I gave the teachers a standing ovation on that Sunday, but, as I am only 3 inches high, they may have missed it. Pat, I can't mention all the children who had nearly perfect attendance, but T. J. Williams attended all eighteen times that Sunday school was offered. Way to go, T. J.! Pastor Julie and a treble choir of outstanding young women singers held us in the palms of their hands as they sang and played "In the Lord's Hands". On this Sunday, we also sent a thanks heavenward to Annie Plauger for her bequest of air conditioning in Fellowship Hall. I have also heard that tables have been bought for Fellowship Hall that are so light a mouse can lift them - good news for tired backs.

Soon Pastor Julie, Ellie, Betsy and Katie will be leaving us. I had a wonderful idea to climb into the pod in front of their house and travel to Wisconsin with them. Then, upon arrival, I would jump out and surprise them. I shared this idea with Jane (spoil sport that she is), and she reacted negatively. She felt that now that Pastor Julie doesn't have Bobby Grubbs to relocate small, furry rodents from her home, she would not be pleased to see me. Even though I think Jane is wrong-headed about this, I will not sequester myself in the pod, I will simply echo the sentiment in the lovely song that Steve Rinard sang in Pastor Julie's honor last Sunday and say to Pastor Julie and the girls, "You Raise Me Up" and we at St. Paul's wish you love and Godspeed.

As always, your loving brother, Paws, the church mouse (jcm)