News from the Pews

Dear People of God,

 

Last weekend was a fun way to kick off our Fall Ministries, leaving behind our summer worship schedule and returning to 8:15 and 10:30 a.m. format; launching the Kids' Church ministry during the 10:30 a.m. service; gathering for our SCS Rally Day festivities; and enjoying the glorious weather and great fellowship at the kick off picnic at Schafor Park! This week, our Children's Choirs and SCS classes officially begin.

 

WORSHIP

One of the strangest, most outlandish stories told by Jesus is our Gospel lesson this weekend. Coupled with the Old Testament reading from the prophet Amos, our lessons can really grate on us all, dreamers or practical-minded. It can, and often does, make us both grateful and furious at the same time.

 

CHOIRS BEGIN

The Sunshine and Joyful Noise Children's Choirs will begin rehearsals this Sunday, at 9:00 a.m., upstairs in the parish house. The Hand Bell Choir will also resume rehearsals this Sunday, in the balcony, after the late worship service.

 

LOMO MEN'S RETREAT

There are still spots left for the Men's Fishing Retreat, held October 1-3, at Lutheran Memorial Camp. This retreat is sponsored by Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio, and I was asked to lead it. The retreat topic is What are we fishing around for in life?, and the weekend will also include a pan fish derby on Saturday, ending with a fish fry at the lake. You do not have to like fishing to attend, and there will be other food choices if you do not eat fish. If you are interested, check out the LOMO website – www.lomocamps.org, and click on the "retreats" link, or contact me for more details.

 

FOOD DRIVE

The New Hope Food Pantry has requested donations of dry pinto beans and rice. We will hold a drive for these items on October 9th and 10th. Two smaller packages is better than one large package, as they help more families; and if a large family has a need they can take two bags. We hope you can help; the need for assistance grows every day with more people than ever seeking help.

 

PRAYERS

Received a text late last night that Athens County (southeast Ohio) has been declared a disaster area due to severe tornado damage. Please keep the people of southeastern Ohio in your prayers.

 

OFFEREINGS

Please remember to support our ministries through your weekly/monthly $ donations.

 

May God bring us together in worship this weekend.

 

In Christ's joy,

Gary

 

Remember!

Worship times change this Sunday from one to two services – 8:15 and 10:30 a.m., with Rally Day festivities at 9:30 a.m. Fall Kickoff Picnic at 11:45 a.m. at Schafor Park shelter. Fried chicken and drinks provided – bring a picnic dish to share, as well as lawn chairs or picnic blanket, outdoor games, and a SMILE!

 

Peace!

Gary

 

Worship Schedule

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 This Sunday, September 12, we move to our Fall/Winter/Spring worship schedule, which means there is no more 9:45 a.m. service. Please note the changes:

             8:15 a.m. – contemplative worship

          10:30 a.m. – liturgical worship, with chancel choir

 We will also hold Rally Day festivities to kick off our Fall Educational Ministries, and these will begin at 9:30 a.m. for all ages.

 Saturday evening worship remains at 5:30 p.m. in the Prayer Labyrinth.

 And, remember – our FALL KICKOFF PICNIC will be held this Sunday, 11:45 a.m. at the Schafor Park pavilion (Patterson Rd. and Schafor Blvd.) down the hill from the church. Fried chicken and drinks will be provided – you are asked to bring:

            - picnic dish to share

            - lawn chairs or picnic blanket

            - outdoor games

 It's time to begin our fall ministry schedule – join us in worship, Sunday School, and the Kickoff Picnic this weekend!

 In Christ's renewing joy,

Gary