Discuss various miracles in Fox Valley group

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Special events

• From 7:30 to 9 p.m. every Thursday, Fox Valley Unity Church facilitates a discussion of "A Course in Miracles." This is an ongoing class; each week a new topic is discussed. Everyone is welcome at any time and the class is always open to new attendees. Fox Valley Unity is at 230 Webster St. in Batavia. For information, call (630) 879-1115 or visit www.foxvalleyunity.org.

Summer camp

• Summer is always a time of relaxing, vacationing, spending time with friends and perhaps venturing to summer camp. Life in the Tri-Cities is full of opportunities, but for nearly 200 fifth- and sixth-graders, for a week opportunity converges with community and service in ways that will change them forever. It's not always easy to get students excited about something that is as challenging as serving and difficult as building community, but something is different about this generation.

During the week of Monday, July 20, through Friday, July 24, youth entering fifth and sixth grade from Geneva, Batavia, St. Charles and the surrounding communities will converge on the west campus of First Baptist Church of Geneva for "Summer Impact." This week features community building through engaging the Bible and building friendships, as well as stepping out to serve the world through a dynamic experience at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora on Friday, July 24.

Nearly 70 adults have volunteered their time to come alongside the next generation in the community, and will give their time to build community and serve the world as well.

"For many of the adults that serve alongside our students, the experience changes their hearts as much as it changes the students' hearts," said Tim Balow, a Student Ministries staff member at the church.

"The opportunity that will be afforded to these 200 preteens this summer will radically impact the way these students see God, others and the world. Discovering who God is happens best when we connect with others in community, and is transformed when we step out and serve one another," Balow said.

The church has been a dynamic ministering presence in the Tri-Cities community for more than 100 years. The church ministers through service to the community, dynamic weekend services and ministry to the family through relevant programs and challenging opportunities. For more information about Summer Impact, visit www.fbcg.com.

Support

• The Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva has created a pamphlet full of helpful information for Fox Valley families during these challenging economic times. It is a comprehensive resource for local organizations offering child care, employment help, health services, foreclosure counseling, pet placement and more.

"There was a need in the community for this list, and I'm glad that our congregation is able to provide it," said the Rev. Lindsay Bates, the church's senior minister.

To get a copy of the pamphlet, go to www.content.uusg.org/whats-new and scroll down to the "Local Resources" link, or contact the church office at (630) 232-2350 or office@uusg.org. The church is at 102-112 S. Second St., one block south of Route 38 and one block west of Route 31.

• A supportive discussion group for those caring for people coping with memory loss, dementia or Alzheimer's issues is beginning this summer at the United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St. at the corner of Hamilton and Second Streets. The group will meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m., beginning July 29. There is no charge and the group is open to the public.

The group will provide information on caring for a person with memory loss issues, education on available resources and services for people with memory loss and provide a supportive community to discuss questions and concerns. The meeting on July 29 will cover communication issues including word finding and repetition of stories. The meeting on Aug. 12 will explore ways caregivers can take time out for themselves when they are pulled in many different directions.

The group will be facilitated by Meghan Nelson and Kitty Ganzel. Nelson has a master's degree in pastoral counseling from Loyola University and experience in facilitation of bereavement support. Ganzel is a retired ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. While there is no charge, preregistration is requested. More information is offered from Meghan Nelson, coordinator of Congregational Care, at (630) 232-7120, ext. 815 or Meghan@genevaumc.org