MECHANIC FALLS – The 118th annual gathering of The Advent Christian Campmeeting Association of Mechanic Falls gets under way Saturday evening, July 7, at the grounds on Route 121.

All events are free and open to the public. The purpose of the association is to offer a time of spiritual refreshment and relaxation for all ages.

The property includes a large tabernacle, air-conditioned dining hall, outdoor swimming pool, sports fields and facilities, children’s playground and shaded rest areas.

This year’s theme is God’s Moral Compass, and the Rev. Willie Batson of Family Builders Ministries will present a series of related messages titled “Turning Desperate Households into Devoted Households.”

He will speak at 7 p.m. July 7-11; and the Rev. David Patterson of Highland Cliff Advent Christian Church in Windham will continue on the topic July 12 and 14 at 7 p.m., and July 15 at 10:30 a.m.

During the week, a Bible study for adults will be presented by former Auburn resident Dr. Harry Soucy of Lee.

In keeping with the theme, he will present a series of “situational circumstances” from today’s culture and discuss the application of God’s standards to them. The material, he said, will be gleaned from his book “Tipping My Canoe.”

Daily Vacation Bible School for children ages 5-10 will be held Monday through Friday led by Laura-Lee Bowden of Sanford.

Thursday will be Missions Day with a team of Oxford Hills area women speaking on their work at a clinic in Honduras in January. Friday evening’s service will be devoted to music by local artists.

Meals will be prepared by Dennis and Shelly Witham of Oxford and served in the dining hall at 7:30 a.m., noon and 5 p.m., beginning at 5 p.m. July 7 and continuing through noon July 15.

The association also operates four summer youth camps as follows:

Teen Camp, July 8-15, 14 to 18 years old, $185; Rev. David Patterson director

Intermediate Camp, July 16-21, 12 and 13 years old, $160, Billy Markovich of Raymond director

Junior Camp, July 23-28, 9 to 11 years old, $160, Rev. David Patterson director.

Mini Camp, Aug. 3-4, 7 and 8 years old, $50, Jeff Mears director

Camp MACC, Aug. 6-11, 13 to 18 years old, $200, application required, the Rev. David Young of Oxford and Eric Jewett of Fayette directors.

The campmeeting schedule is as follows:

July 7, 7 p.m., opening service

July 8, 10:30 a.m., worship service

July 9-13, 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. Bible study

July 9-13, 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. Vacation Bible School

July 12, 2 p.m., missions program

July 13, 7 p.m. Singspiration

July 14, 1:30 p.m. Annual Business Meeting

July 15, 9 a.m. communion

July 15, 10:30 a.m. worship service

July 15, 2 p.m. Baptism service.

For information on events and youth camps contact Clerk Bernice Allen at 839-8870.