Editor’s note: This article ran in the City edition Thursday, but due to printing problems, did not appear in the Oxford Hills edition as planned.



MECHANIC FALLS – The Advent Christian Campground’s 119th annual summer gathering for Bible teaching, worship and recreation begins its nine-day run Saturday, July 5, at the grounds on Route 121. The events and activities are open to the public free of charge.

Opening night will feature a concert by singer Thelma Kilbreth of Mechanic Falls at 7 p.m., preceded by a supper in the dining hall at 5 p.m.

Continuing its longstanding tradition of hosting public preaching and worship services, Bible studies for children and adults, and youth camps, the campmeeting association of eight area churches has selected the theme of “Until He Returns” for 2008.

“What does our master, our Savior, want us to be doing while we wait for Jesus Christ’s return to Earth? is a central question that will be addressed,” said association President David Patterson of Windham. “How do we pack our lives for what’s ahead?” he asked.

Speaking on Bible prophecy at 7 p.m. July 6 to 12 and Sundays July 6 and 13 at 10:30 a.m. will be the Rev. Clinton Taber of Rochester, N.H., superintendent of the eastern region of the Advent Christian denomination since 1980.

He is a graduate of Berkshire Christian College, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary with a master’s degree of theological studies, magna cum laude.

His topics will cover “Campmeeting in the City Called Glory,” “World Governments and the Kingdom of God,” “The Case for the Terminal Generation,” “World Crises and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ” and “The Trumpet Shall Sound.”

Joining him to lead the nightly worship will be his son, Jon Taber, of Easthampton, Mass., and his team of musicians and singers. Charles Marshall of Auburn will be organist.

The Rev. John Roller of North Carolina is returning as Bible teacher, using I and II Thessalonians as his text, with the focus on preparing for the return of Jesus. He will teach from 9:45 to 11:45 a.m. July 7 to 11.

Vacation Bible School for ages 5 to 10 years will be offered from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. July 7 to 11, led by Yvette Rheault of Oxford and her staff.

Meals will be served at 7:30 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. throughout campmeeting, and recreation facilities include an Olympic-size swimming pool, basketball court, volleyball court, kids playground, horseshoe court and other outdoor game areas.

• Teen Camp for ages 14 to 18 will run simultaneous with campmeeting week, directed by the Rev. David Patterson of Windham;

• Intermediate Camp for 12- and 13-year-olds will be July 14 to 19, directed by Billy Markovich, youth director at Christ Chapel Church in Raymond;

• Junior Camp for 9- to 11-year-olds will be July 21-26, directed by the Rev. David and Wilma Patterson;

• Minicamp for 7- and 8-year-olds will be Aug. 1 to 2, directed by Wilma Patterson; and

• Camp MACC for 13- 18-year-olds will be Aug. 4 to 9, directed by association Vice President David Young of Oxford.

For information on youth camp costs, registration forms, campmeeting brochures and other information, phone 207-839-8870.

For tent, camper and RV sites call 345-9735 or 539-4753 for costs and reservations.