Greetings and Shalom,

Welcome and thanks for visiting this page. It is a thrill for me to be writing "The Pastor's Page." I am so honored to be doing ministry at Washington United Church of Christ with the others who also do ministry here. Everyone is in ministry at Washington UCC. I am blessed to also be the Pastor.

Our days here at Washington are busy and exciting - and my experience has offered me a deepening spirituality and growing relationship with the Holy and centered in the Spirit.

There are many ways to serve God at Washington - many ways to be Christ to this community of Camp Washington, and many ways to see the face of Christ in others.

I see ministry happening in many situations - the Camp Closet and Cupboard offers food, clothing and household items to those who would otherwise go without. It also offers those in the community an opportunity to serve others and give back. We receive much support from all over the Tri-State area - and, of course, could always use more.

The Homework Club is a positive factor in the lives of the children. They not only do school work, but form trusting relationships with mentors and tutors.

Besides Sundays, my favorite day of the week is Tuesday. There is so much going on here. I always say there are three times during the week when we receive Communion - once on Sunday mornings, again during snack time with the kids at Homework Club, and then again on Tuesday evenings. That is when we open the doors of God's church and welcome in God's people, the community, sharing food and conversation and ourselves with each other. The hospitality is abundant and the welcome includes everyone.

It is a special time on Tuesday when I get to meet with the little ones for Storytelling Time. During this time, one of the children volunteers to write the prayer that they will say to bless our food before the meal. I am saving these prayers and plan to put them in a book. These are great prayers - from great pray-ers.

I enjoy working with the youth as well. We meet weekly for discussion, prayer, Bible study, and, of course, food. A significant part of the Youth Group is the service the group performs for the Church and the neighborhood.

Another bright spot on Tuesday evenings is "Bingo and Bible Study." We play Bingo for 30 minutes and then have a devotion and short Bible study. I am amazed at the way folks in this poor community look out for each other and care about each other, the community and the church.

Please consider visiting or joining us in any way you can. I can be reached at 513-541-7757 ext. 6 or e-mail.

Rev. Pam DeFusco