MECHANIC FALLS — The 125th annual camp meeting at the Advent Christian Campground on Route 121 opens Saturday, July 19, with a service at 7 p.m.

The campground has hosted annual camp meetings and youth camps since 1889. The purpose is to provide a time for preaching and teaching the Word of God and a time to enjoy spiritual and physical refreshment.

The public is welcome to attend the nine-day retreat that will feature a concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 20, evening services at 7 p.m., Bible studies weekdays from 9:45 to 11:25 a.m., and vacation Bible school for 5- to 12-year-olds weekdays from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m.

An all-music program will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, July 25. Area singers and musicians will perform in the 350-seat Tabernacle.

Sunday morning services are at 10:30 a.m. A  baptism service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 27, the closing day of camp meeting.

The Rev. John Tate, director of admissions at Berkshire Institute of Christian Studies in Lenox, Mass., is the camp meeting evangelist. The Rev. Josh Brown, associate pastor at Calvary Bible Church in Meredith, N.H., is worship leader, and the Rev. Greg Twitchell, superintendent of the Eastern Region of the Advent Christian General Conference, is Bible teacher.

All camp meeting services and programs are free of charge.

Meals are served in the dining hall at 7:30 a.m., noon and 5:30 p.m., with donations accepted to cover costs. A chicken barbecue is planned for noon Saturday, July 26.

The campground includes a swimming pool, playground, ball field, basketball court, picnic areas, air-conditioned lounge and snack bar.

Camp sites are available.

Teen Camp will be held simultaneously from July 20-27. It is open to those ages 13 to 18. The director is the Rev. Matt Larkin of the Advent Christian General Conference in Charlotte, N.C. Teen Camp activities include daily Bible study, sports activities, team-building exercises, swimming and leisure time. For information on registration and cost, contact Karole-Ann Keniston, treasurer of The Advent Christian Camp Meeting Association of Mechanic Falls, at 461-2283.

For more information visit www.maccma.net or call the camp at 345-9735.