WEST SUMNER – Preparations for the summer church season at the West Sumner Universalist Society have begun. The church is on Main Street, Route 219, about a half-mile from Pleasant Pond, at the top of the hill.

The church would like to welcome all its new neighbors amd extends an invitation to join for the summer season.

The interior of the vestibule lhas been freshly painted and sports new curtains. Thanks to Bob Wilder for his devotion in painting, and Pauline for her great shopping habits.

Thanks to Glen Hinckley, there is now a new “First Universalist Society of West Sumner” sign outside the church.

Despite being denied a Historic Preservation Grant, loyal members have been striving to find ways to paint the exterior of the building, get the steeple fixed and, hopefully, install a chairlift for the elderly. Several fundraisers are being held to help complete these projects this year:

• A money calendar will be sold in July, good for drawings taking place the entire month of August. For only $10, buyers get a chance to win 31 times. No matter how many times a person wins, their name gets put back in for the rest of the month. Winners for the week will be drawn every Sunday, during coffee hour. If interested in buying a ticket, please call Pauline Kirschner at 388-2020.

• Tickets for three “Basket Raffles” will be ready for purchase by July 1. Brenda Bragg will be soliciting members for donations. Alternatively, anyone wishing to buy tickets or donate for the baskets should contact Brenda at 388-2267. Any donations would be gratefully accepted.

• In addition, a silent auction is also in the works; information will follow at a later date.

• A food sale will be held July 29 from noon to 1 p.m. in the church vestry. Varieties of cookies, fudge, brownies, jelly rolls and homemade bread made by some of the best cooks in the county will be available. This is open to the public.

Summer Sunday services at the church begin at 11 a.m. on July 1, with coffee hours following.

This year’s schedule of speakers not only includes “regulars,” but also a bonus of newly ordained and lay speakers.

They are: July 1, lay speaker, Marilyn Hammond; July 8, lay speaker, Shirley Miller; July 15, the Rev. Herbert Adams; July 22, the Rev. Glen Hinckley; July 29, the Rev. Scott Jones; Aug. 5, lay speaker, Bernice Martin; Aug. 12, the Rev. Richard Beal; Aug. 19, lay speaker, Rodney Abbott; Aug. 26, the Rev. Earl Simpson.

Organist Beth Chase will again be with the church this summer.