Yesterday we did the Sunday morning service at the Oakfield, Maine Baptist church.  This is a very alive church in a very small northern town.  Several people connected with Baptist Park, the summer camp I am currently directing, attend this church, including Erik Enz, the speaker from  the last week of camp.

We did an hour long set, and the congregation was every bit as friendly and welcoming as I remember them from privious years.  On of my current goals is to do more risk-taking in shows, specifically trying new routines and / or revised older routines that have been sitting on the shelf way too long.  So at Oakfield I did a routine I've only done twice before.  It is to the John Fischer song "Johnny's Cafe" (listen to it here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY4qLdiM6GE ) , and it utilizes a combination of flair bottle juggling and illusions.  This was actually my opening rouitne, and I was probably visibly anxious about it.  In the end,, it went well, though, so I am very encouraged.  I also did "Do Something Now", my piece on world hunger.  I am pleased it gets a little better each time I perform it.

I spoke about the need to reach out to those right outside the doors of the church who need the hope believers have to offer through Jesus.  I also spoke a bit about next summer's trip to Paraguay, and was very pleased that the congregation gave a total of $270 to help us be able to go.  We now have about 10% of our total need, which doesn't sound like much, but we still have a year to keep raising support.