#1 Sign Up for a Fall Class

Rev. Ron is offering a 6-week study on Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others on Wednesday nights at 7pm beginning September 16. Come discover the rich traditions within Judaism, Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism that can inform and deepen our own faith as practicing Christians. Copies are available at the Welcome Desk for $12.  Contemplating the Spiritual Disciplines will meet on Thursdays, 6-7pm, beginning September 17, co-led by Rev. Lee & Nicola Patterson. Join in this six-week opportunity to slow down, reflect, and explore the spiritual practices (prayer, meditation, Scripture, worship, and service) that can deepen our relationship with God. To see more fall studies and events click here.

 

 

#2 A Busy Weekend!

We had a beautiful night to gather for our end-of-the-summer All Church Cookout with people of all ages enjoying the wide variety of grilled and smoked meats, sides and desserts. Kids were running wild on the playground and lots of friends had a chance to reconnect or meet for the first time. Then on Sunday morning, our Fellowship Hall was abuzz with the Missions & Ministry Fair where people were able to check out so many many ways to belong and serve.  Pictured left are Candis Wise & Adam Heagel from the Worship Committee who appear to be promoting a new form of communion: brownies and grape juice! Special thanks to Laura Fosler for helping to organize this great event and to all the groups represented at the tables. 

#3 Men's & Women's Groups

THE MEN’S BREAKFAST GROUP (Men 30s-50ish) just helped out with the grillin' and the pullin' (chicken & pork -- thanks Shane Perry!) at the All-Church Cookout on Saturday, August 29. Join us on Friday, September 4 at 7am @ The Breakfast Shoppe for our next fellowship breakfast. The ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out) will kick off their fall schedule with Breakfast at the Grill (Quarterfield Station) on Thursday, September 10 at 8am. Contact Rev. Ron to RSVP for either. Meanwhile, the MOMS CONNECT GROUP (for moms at all life stages) will begin a new Bible Study on Amy-Jill Levine's Genesis Thursdays at 9:30am on September 10. Contact Erica for more information.

#4 Backpack Blessing Sunday

THE BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS took place on Sunday, August 23. Whether it was a daycare diaper bag, a preschool tote bag, a backpack with a Chromebook, or a teacher tote, kids and teens brought their bags forward and to be blessed and to receive a small reminder that our church is praying for them at the start of the new school year. All of our educators and school staff had a chance to introduce themselves, and receive our blessing, as well.

 

#5 WWF Postscript

Our Wise Women of Faith worship series sparked a lot of interest earlier this summer. You can still check out more resources from these thoughtful, amazing, women, as they share their hearts and insights through sermons, conversation and blog posts by clicking on the names below. We also have some remaining books for sale and a display in Fellowship Hall if you missed a week or want to follow-up on any of these WWF on your own.

Kate Bowler (featured on July 26)
Lizzie McManus-Dail (featured on July 19)
Elizabeth Moltmann-Wendel (featured on July 12)
Rachel Held Evans (featured on July 5)
Barbara Brown Taylor (featured on June 28)
Anna Carter Florence (featured on June 21) 

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