MECHANIC FALLS – The 115th annual encampment of The Advent Christian Campmeeting Association of Mechanic Falls opens today for nine days of activities at the grounds on Route 121.

The association’s purpose is to provide an opportunity for spiritual refreshment for all ages and for summer youth camps to be presented with the gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The public is welcome to attend all camp meeting activities.

The Rev. John Soucy of Wenham, Mass., will speak at the opening service at 7 p.m. Saturday, with the Rev. Frank Jewett of Oxford as worship leader.

Soucy is former pastor of the Auburn Advent Christian Church and works as environmental code officer at Gordon College. Jewett is pastor of Oxford Advent Christian Church and chaplain for Oxford Plains Speedway. The camp meeting will run July 10-18 and will include weekday Bible studies at 9:30 a.m. by John Roller of Concord, N.C.; Vacation Bible School weekdays at 9:30 a.m. for ages 5 to 10 years old; and worship services daily at 7 p.m. featuring the Rev. Alan Chamberlin of Crouseville, Maine.

Roller graduated from Gordon College in Wenham, Mass., and received his doctorate in theology from Bethany Theological Seminary in Dothan, Ala. Chamberlin graduated from Berkshire Christian College in Lenox, Mass., and pastors the Advent Christian Church in Ashland, Maine.

Sunday worship services are at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. A communion service is set at 9 a.m. July 18 before the morning worship service, and a baptism service will be held at 2 p.m. to close the 2004 encampment. A Missions program will be presented at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 15.

Teen Camp will be held July 11-16. It is open to anyone 14 to 18 years old. Registration begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 11.