​Dear Friends in Christ,
How fun was that, to worship and have dinner after church, this past Sunday?  And to sing to Mrs. Dorothy Randals on her birthday!  Special thanks to Sharon and Wayne for providing the meat for the grill and Kenna for cooking it.  It was the perfect weather and perfect fellowship.  Also thanks to Betty, for being our accompanist again.  Thanks be to God!

Rummage Sale Announcement - We had several who could help get some of the tables out.  I hear that Marge and Lydia emptied the Rummage Room, so everything is around Fellowship Hall.  Please come by the church to help us unpack, clean and arrange items.  I will be there all Wednesday morning if you want to work with me!  Marge can help with receiving donations if we call her at 575-403-7876.  

This Week:
As you might imagine, the Rummage Sale affects some regular activities.
Today - NO YOGA and No Quay-Z Quilters Group
Tomorrow - Exercise, Eat and Pray 9:00AM as scheduled (please watch your step coming through Fellowship Hall!)
Tomorrow night - 7:00PM First Christmas Cantata Practice @ Center Street United Methodist Church.  They need more male voices.  Just show up, or if you want to carpool, call me at 575-708-0860.

Anytime during the week, if you see cars in front of Fellowship Hall, you are welcome to come by with donations or to help out.  Thank you in advance!

Food Mission Project -   The Session decided to do a food collection every 5th Sunday of the month, for food that could go either to our Travelers' Pantry or to the Ministry of HOPE.  We have already received our first donation!  A box will be in the sanctuary on September 23rd and 30th for your donations. God is Good, all the time!

Friends, we can feel a change in the air, fall is coming!  No matter the changes you feel, God abides constantly with you.  (that's good news for us)

Make the most of your week, sure that God is with you.
Rev. Amy

Grace and Peace to You, My Friends-
As I write to you, I cannot help but remember 17 years ago on a Tuesday morning when our world changed forever.  Our nation continues on with the somber 9/11 morning memorials and moments of silence. With each passing year, I return to that horrifying day, recognizing how much we've changed since then and realizing how much it has affected our everyday lives.  I don't know about you, but I think that day left scars on our country, as well as scars on each individual.  

But our God has not changed.  God tells Moses from the burning bush, "I am who I am" - or "I will be who I will be..." when God tells him to go lead Israel free from slavery in Egypt. It is the promise that goes along with God's calling.  And what is God's calling for you?  You are never alone in pursuing that.   

Time and Talent Survey:  On that note, if you are thinking seriously about this church and where you can be helpful in God's house, please do me a favor and fill out this Time and Talent survey form.  This will help us have your proper contact information for next year's directory, and it will allow us to understand how you would like to dedicate a portion of your skills, interests and time to the life of this church.  We are taking volunteers!

Blue Swallow: As I think some of you have heard through the grapevine, Kevin and Nancy Mueller have decided to put the historic Blue Swallow Motel up for sale.  For more information, here's an article on that from our friend, Ron Warnick:  Blue Swallow on Sale Block  Please keep them in your prayers as they go through this big life change.

Do not forget that this Sunday is the September Potluck Supper cookout after church.  I'll be calling a few of you to bring tomatoes, lettuce, onion, etc.  For others, please just bring something that goes well with burgers and hot dogs!  (beans, salad, dessert, green chile, etc.)  And we need a photographer too!

Rummage Sale Rally!  As some of us are cleaning up from the potluck, we need many hands to stow away the round tables and get out the large ones, and help us by taking out Rummage Sale donations.  With our many hands, then the Presbyterian Women can get cracking at organizing.  The Rummage Sale will be Friday/Saturday of October 5-6 this fall.

This week:
This being the second full week of the month, we don't have a lot of big plans.  Last week was a busy one!  Please go to First Presbyterian Calendar and bookmark it for a look at our church's live calendar.  
Today at noon:  Yoga in Fellowship Hall
Tomorrow, Wednesday at 9:00AM:  Exercise, Eat and Pray
Friday:  Office hours in the morning
Sunday 11:00AM:  Worship, followed by Potluck and Rummage Sale Rally!

Next week:  If you are singing in this year's Christmas Cantata, practices begin on Wednesday, September 18th at 7:00PM at Center Street United Methodist Church.  See you in the choir!

Church Photos Needed!  Our website could use some updating with new photos and/or design ideas.  Since it was homegrown by your own pastor, she could use your input.  Please forward your comments to this email address: [email protected].  

We're getting into gear for some fun and service ahead. God bless you this week.
Many hugs,
Rev. Amy

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