Manito Methodist Pastor Moving On

The Rev. John Shaffer will preach his final sermon at Manito United Methodist Church on Sunday.

Shaffer has been assigned to serve the United Methodist Church in Stanwood, Wash.

The service will begin at 10 a.m., and a farewell reception will be held at 11 a.m.

“I offered that I was open to other possibilities, and this was offered,” says Shaffer. He has served at Manito for five years and, at age 62, is looking toward the mandatory retirement age of 70.

“Staying here for eight more years didn’t seem realistic,” he says, “though all my fans say I could stay here forever.

“I had a very good appointment here. This church was almost a perfect match to my personality.”

Shaffer will be in Spokane until the end of the month while he takes some vacation time and packs for the move to Stanwood, located near Everett. The church’s new pastor will be the Rev. Jan Bolerjack, currently serving as the camp dean for the Ocean Park Retreat Center and Camp. She will not arrive in Spokane until September.

A series of fill-in pastors will take the pulpit during the summer, The church is located at 3220 S. Grand Blvd.

Labyrinth open for the summer

The Episcopal Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist has created a labyrinth on the grass next to the cathedral. It will be open 24 hours a day through the summer, allowing constant access to the design known as a form of walking meditation.

Guides will be on hand at the labyrinth from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday to assist those not familiar with the labyrinth experience.

For more information, call 838-4277. The Cathedral is located at 127 E. 12th.

First Presbyterian hosts Bible school

First Presbyterian Church has scheduled its vacation Bible school for June 26-30.

The sessions, following the theme “Ocean Odyssey,” will be held from 9:15 a.m. to noon daily and are open to all children age 4 through the fourth grade.

The children will make crafts, play games, listen to stories and sing.

The cost is $12 per child or $30 per family, and children must be registered by Sunday.

For more information or to register, call the church office at 747-1058. The church is located at 318 S. Cedar.

Church picnic Sunday

The congregation of Westminster Congregational United Church of Christ will gather in Lincoln Park at noon Sunday for a potluck picnic. The church will provide hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks, and those attending are asked to bring a salad and dessert to share. There will be games for kids, along with a wading pool. People are invited to bring their own equipment for a softball game.

All are welcome to attend.

The park is located at 2100 E. 17th.