Hope you're enjoying this beautiful and bright Fall day. It reminds me of the weather I grew up with Virginia this time of year - easing into cool temperatures, slowly causing the trees to change colors. These are the days to rake up the locust tree pods and put away the garden hoses.
It is also the end of the month of October when we turn our thoughts to new things. This Sunday is a day we commemorate Reformation Day. Even though the Reformation was kicked off by one man, Martin Luther, we may do well to recall that it was at least 300 years in the making, and many factors in Europe (epidemics, politics, technology, to name a few) made the time ripe for a Church Reformation. If you're curious about reading some more on this, there is an interesting analysis on this web-based book by Phyllis Tickle (see page 18) http://www.phyllistickle.com/wp-content/uploads/Emergence-Chrisitanity.pdf
So we continue to learn and grow as children of God. Let us remember that this is less a story of Us than it is a story of God's salvation to us. And how exciting it is to be in the middle of it all. There is a lot happening here too.
This Week:
Today the yoga group continues their practice at noon in Fellowship Hall.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, the Dutch Treat Dames meet at Noon at the Cornerstone Deli (hope they are open this time!).
Tomorrow evening, Christmas Cantata Practice 7:00PM
Saturday evening - Halloween Party! Wear a costume, if you can, and bring a snack to share. We have games and fellowship in store. Fun starts around 6:00PM (or come at 5:30 to help Kenna set up)
Sunday October 29th @ 11:00AM Worship!
**Please note that next Sunday, November 5th is Holy Communion Sunday. Deacons Robin Cherry and Richard Randals have done a little "switcheroo" so Robin's taking charge in November, Richard for December.
Installation of Rev. John Guthrie, Sunday, November 5th: I will be taking a "quick" trip to Roswell, to worship and participate in the installation of First Presbyterian's new minister, Rev. John Guthrie. Anyone is welcome to travel with me. The service starts at 4:00PM. Installation and Ordination of a pastor is not an act of the local congregation, but an act of the whole Presbytery. Rev. Guthrie is one of my seminary classmates from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Roof Update: We are near the end of the roofing project! You should drop by and observe. The east side is finished and the west side is about halfway finished. The Sanders expect to be finished by tomorrow, weather permitting. Thanks be to God!
Education News: I am looking for some ideas for "Sunday School" - brown bag lunches after church which would be 1-2 afternoon segments. I have a few ideas and if you some, please let me know.
Operation Christmas Child is here: Be sure you pick up your shoebox from the church sanctuary this week (or use one of your own). The shoeboxes must be returned in about 2 weeks. This Sunday we'll have a guest in worship who will answer your questions about them!
Prayers Requested Sunday:
Marge McKenzie, recovering after a fall, and for her protection while Margie is out of the country for 2 weeks
Jennie Lou (Linda's mom), also recovering after a fall
LoVone's nephew - hospitalized after a fall
Our country and all nations
Travelers
Thanksgiving for healing for Julie's mom, Irene Healey
Jenna Morris - her back is hurting
Friends, I hope that this week treats you well. In all you do and wherever you are,
I will be out and about Tuesday and Thursday, but around the office on Wednesday and Friday morning.
Blessings and peace,
Rev. Amy