The Cross & Flameumcbranford.org/hp_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/... · 2019. 6. 12. · 2 Keeping God’s Time – Worship Stewards October 2015 Sanctuary Steward: Heather

The Cross & Flame

In This Issue:

From Pastor Kent 1 Worship Stewards 2 B-Days & Anniversaries 3 Festival of Gifts 3 United Methodist Women 4 Sewing For God 4 Learn & Play 5 Notices and Announcements 6-7 Special Messages 8 Sunday School 9 October Calendar 10 Just For Kids 11 Upcoming Events 12 So Much More…..

“Where the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Power of the Holy Spirit

converge to change hearts and lives.” Monthly Newsletter of The United Methodist Church, Branford

Next Cross & Flame Deadline

October 15 for November Issue Meeting the deadline helps to get the

Cross & Flame out on time.

Fall/Winter Worship Schedule Worship services are

at 9:00 AM & 10:30 AM every Sunday morning

September through May.

Church Office Hours The Church Office is open Monday through Friday

from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Weekly Sermons Now On Our Website

Thanks to the technology expertise of Roger Gagné and Bud Cochran, you can go to UMC’s website to see Pastor Kent’s weekly sermons. Check out the videos on www.umcbranford.org - follow the link.

GLORY DAYS

Life has a way of taking the life out of us. Often we go through situations where the challenge seems so much greater than our strength. During such times, we can find hope and inspiration from the story of Joshua. God had called Joshua to take over from Moses and lead the Israelites into a paradigm shift from wilderness wandering to promise-believing. In Canaan, they would not fight for victory but fight from victory. God had a Promised Land in store for them, but they had to grasp that reality, change their mindsets, and take action to receive it. The same is true for us today. God is telling us that our best days—our "glory days"—are still ahead of us. We only need to grasp that truth and live in faith to realize this promise. I look forward to spending six weeks with the members and friends of UMC, Branford as we allow Joshua to teach us about leadership and following God’s will in our lives. I plan to offer two weekly sessions beginning at the end of October. Please consider joining me either Friday mornings at 10am or Monday evenings at 7pm. [Mondays: Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9, 23, 30 and Dec. 7 or Fridays: Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27 and Dec. 4.]

Blessings, Pastor Kent

2015

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Keeping God’s Time – Worship Stewards October 2015 Sanctuary Steward: Heather Mazzucco

(9:00 AM Stewards Listed in Italics)

The Cross & Flame Published 11 times a year by The United Methodist Church, Branford, 811 East Main Street, Branford, Connecticut 06405, (203) 488-0549, [email protected], Pastor: Rev. Kent Fredric Jackson. Deadline for copy: The fifteenth day of the month prior to publication. Brenda Prunty, Editor, reserves the right to edit for content and space. ©2015 UMC, Branford.

October 4__Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

9 & 10:30 am

Call to Worship: (Pastor Kent) Judy Loukides

Lay Readers: (Benjamin Mazzucco) Anne Jackson Communion Servers:

(Janice Samoeil) Jean & Bob Massage Greeters: (Haley Mazzucco) Monya Zurkus

Ushers: (Molly Mazzucco) Ro & Dick Robinson Acolyte: TBA

Prayer Partner: (Janice Samoeil) M.E. Solomon Flowers: Given by Lisa Schickler

in Honor of her Mom’s 84th Birthday Fellowship Hosts: (The Gagnés) The Gagnés

October 11__Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost 9 & 10:30 am

Call to Worship: (Pastor Kent) Cyrus Kapadia

Lay Readers: (Janice Samoeil) Shanta Kapadia Greeters: (Laurie Gagné) Benjamin Mazzucco

Ushers: (Rosemary Luzzi) Daniel Gagné, Adam Jackson Acolyte: TBA

Prayer Partner: (Janice Samoeil) Ro Robinson Flowers: Given by Dorothy Chamberlain

in loving memory of her brother John Wesley Christman

Fellowship Hosts: (Ruby Lawrence) TBA

October 18—Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

Laity Sunday 9 & 10:30 am

Call to Worship: (Pastor Kent) Ellie Bowman

Lay Readers: (Anne Jackson) Carole Viel Greeters: (William Gagné) Earl Lind

Ushers: (Daniel Gagné) M.E. Solomon Monya Zurkus Acolyte: TBA

Prayer Partner: (Janice Samoeil) Don Robinson Flowers: To the Glory of God

Fellowship Hosts: (Ruby Lawrence) TBA

October 25—Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost 9 & 10:30 am

Call to Worship: (Pastor Kent) Tom Macy Lay Readers: (Rosemary Luzzi) Franklin Brown

Greeters: (Rosemary Luzzi) Larry Appleton Ushers: (Laurie Gagné) M.E. Solomon, Laurie Gagné

Acolyte: TBA Prayer Partner: (Janice Samoeil) Pat Steeves

Flowers: Given by Janet Viets & family In loving memory of her husband Edwin Fellowship Hosts: (Ruby Lawrence) TBA

MORE SPECIAL DATES

• World Communion Sunday, October 4, 2015 • Columbus Day Observance, October 12, 2015 • Reformation Sunday, October 25, 2015 • Reformation Day, October 31, 2015

Lectionary Readings:

October 4 Job 1:1; 2:1-10 Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12 Mark 10:2-16 October 11 Job 23:1-9, 16-17 Hebrews 4:12-16 Mark 10:17-31 October 18 Job 38:1-7 (34-41) Hebrews 5:1-10 Mark 10:35-45 October 25 Job 42:1-6, 10-17 Hebrews 7:23-28 Mark 10:46-52

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It’s October already! Wow where did the summer go! It’s time to get our Christmas Festival in high gear. We have lots to do, and we need everyone’s help. Please start thinking of how the talents and gifts that God has given you will inspire you to participate in this year’s Festival. We will be holding a craft workshop to prepare some crafts to sell at the Festival. On Saturday, October 24th from 2 pm to 4 pm., we will gather at church in Herr Hall. There will be three or four crafts that you can help put together. We will have everything you need and an instructor to help you get it done. This will be a fun way to be productive and to fellowship with one another and to come up with sellable crafts for the Festival. There will be a sign up sheet in connector hall, but if you don’t get a chance to sign up , come anyway. You can do one craft or all three or four – your choice – there will be nothing too hard to do. So please consider coming and participating; we would love to see you. There will be light refreshments. So put your thinking caps on. Start thing about the recipes you will be making and how much you can contribute! This year’s Festival will have our very own author doing a book signing and beautiful fresh green wreaths for you to buy and decorate. So it’s not too early to spread the word to everyone you know that this Festival will be one not to miss. If you are on Facebook, please start talking up the Festival and asking your friends and family to spread the word. If you haven’t participated in the past, please do decide to participate this year. There will be plenty to do! Blessings,

Jean Massage and Diane Nerkowski

Co-chairs

Bob Shepard 2 Michelle Werns 2 Larry Appleton 4 Barbara Marks 16 Debbie Schaller 17 Scott Carr 20 Daniel Appleton 21 Laurie Gagné 21 Carmel Staplins 23 Conny Umile 27

Bob & Diane Nerkowski 2 Marcia & Brian Donnelly 23 Aubrey & David Simon 23 Bea & Bob Shepard 24 Carmel & William Staplins 25

Janice Samoeil 1 Vivien Davies 1

Cheryl Torello 1 Brent Talbott 2 Ro Robinson 3 Deb Talbott 3 Victoria Rezman 4 Debbie Shapiro 4

Gloria Carr 5 Brian Donnelly 6 Bradley Bowman 13

Joe Polio 14 Linda Beagle 17

Bella Zira 20 Bea Shepard 23 Ava Juliette Caruso 26

Brad & Trina Bowman 10 Paul & Nancy Dineen 28

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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

Come join us for Showtime

Wednesday, October 21

st 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Program: “Never Alone”

The presenter of this video will make you laugh and cry (maybe), but always the truth is there. You are Never Alone. Come enjoy this brief video with Discussion following. A brief business meeting including Pledging for 2016 and World Thanks Offering will be held prior to Showtime.

SEWING FOR GOD 2nd and 4th Wednesday * 4pm to 6:00pm

October Dates are: 14th & 28th

Under the Learn & Play Section.

October/November is time for finishing quilts tops that have been layers and just waiting to be quilted. Can

you iron? Pin? SEW, QUILT? We could use your assistance to prepare for the Festival of Gifts. Please

see Rosemary for more information.

LOOKING FOR YOUR TABS !! NEXT FILLUP DATE IS: December 31st

Below you will find more information and some questions and answers about collecting tabs.

Collect Pop Tabs Collecting pop tabs is a fun and easy way to support the Ronald McDonald House of Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. It’s easy! All you need to do is remove the pop tab from each can before you put the can in your recycle bin. It’s fun! You can involve community groups and your family in supporting the cause without a lot of effort. It takes only a moment to help raise money that funds the operations of the House.

What do you do with the tabs? Every other month, we take a truck load of tabs to a local recycling center. The tabs are weighed and we are paid the market rate per pound of aluminum. Approximately 1,200 tabs make up a pound.

Which tabs do you accept? We accept non-magnetic aluminum tabs typically found on soda cans, pet food cans, and soup cans. You can determine if a tab is aluminum by using a magnet. If the tab sticks to a magnet, it’s NOT aluminum.

Who collects tabs for the House? Everyone from students to senior citizens can collect tabs. Many individuals save tabs, as do schools, work places, civic clubs, scout troops and senior centers. Donors receive an acknowledgement and thank you from the House.

What do you do with the money raised from tabs collections? All of the money is used for the Ronald McDonald Houses to support families staying with us while their children are undergoing medical treatment.

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Learn & Play

AUTUMN NEWS

Drum and Dance-a-thon thank you!

Thank you to all those who supported our Drum and Dance-a-thon that was held on September 11th. Together we raised over $1000.00 for The Project People Foundation to help preschoolers in South Africa! Our children enjoyed music, drums, crafts, a story, a special snack and, of course, DANCING! Special thanks to Bob Massage and Pastor Kent for playing the drums for us and to Rev. Linda Tarry Chard, founder of The Project People Foundation, for participating in our event and reading to us. Pre-K Teacher Needed:

Learn & Play is currently accepting applications for an experienced, full time, Pre-K teacher. A successful candidate must have a genuine love for children, exceptional organizational skills, be fun, creative and enthusiastic. Experience and education in early childhood education as well as a strong Christian background is necessary. Interested parties may contact Robin Costa at 203 488-4028 or [email protected] for more details. Learn & Play has gotten off to a great fall start. Our classes are almost full, and the children seem happy. (Well, at least most of them!) During September, we talked all about families and friends. Our Bible story was Jesus and the Children, and our faith point was that God welcomes and loves all children. Our memory verse was “Let the children come to me” (Mark 10:14). We celebrated Grandparents’ Day on Wednesday, September 16th with a special chapel service that grandparents were invited to attend, followed by refreshments in the classrooms along with a special activity for grandparents to share with their grandchildren. We had a very nice turn out, and grandparents (and grandchildren) seemed to enjoy the time together. During October, we will be focusing on farm activities; our Bible story will be Creation; and our faith point will be God made everything!

Robin Costa

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Would you like to learn more about United Methodist beliefs?

Are you interested in how United Methodists are organized?

Have you thought about becoming a member of UMC, Branford?

If you answered, “Yes” to any of these questions, then the Pastor’s “Inquirer’s Class” is for you. I encourage our current members as well as those who have recently begun attending UMC, Branford to consider attending the upcoming Inquirer’s Class. We will meet beginning on Thursday October 8th from 7-8:30PM. During this time I will teach about United Methodist History, Organization & Beliefs. There will be ample time for questions and answers. This is a good time for fellowship and learning and provides opportunity to be in conversation with each other. Those wishing to participate are encouraged to call the church office at 203-488-0549 and let us know of your desire to attend.

Pastor Kent

50th Anniversary

October 2, 2016 The 50th Anniversary of UMC, Branford is only 12 months away! A group of members met on September 23rd to begin planning events for a year of celebration, and we are looking to enlist the participation and support of our entire congregation. First, we want to hear your stories! Please consider taking the time to write down (or voice record) a couple of your fondest memories of life and ministry at UMC, Branford. We would like to collect stories from all 5 decades of ministry so whether you have worshipped here for 5 months or 50 years please consider sharing your stories. The next meeting will be on Saturday, Oct. 24th at 10 am.

Welcoming the Stranger: Difficult and Necessary 9/11/2015 Excerpted from The official statement on the refugee situation in Europe from Global Ministries/UMCOR.

The arrival in Europe of massive numbers of Middle Eastern refugees is causing crises for humanitarian organizations and churches as well as for governments. At such a time, scripture draws us to Matthew 25:35b: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me. . .”

The Work of UMCOR

United Methodist leaders in Europe and the United States are encouraging church members to contribute to the work of UMCOR. For years, UMCOR has worked with partners in serving persons displaced by fighting in Syria and Iraq, and persons temporarily living in other Middle Eastern locations or making their way westward. To date, UMCOR has allocated $2 million to provide the basics of life to persons displaced in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Turkey. Middle Eastern countries of far less affluence than the nations of Europe have proportionately admitted many, many more migrants than are now entering Europe. Our work among those displaced persons must continue.

Contributions to UMCOR’s ongoing work with the refugees/migrants in Europe and the Middle East should be made to the International Disaster Relief Fund, Advance #982450, at www.umcmission.org/Give-to-Mission/Search-for-Projects/Projects/982450.

Thomas Kemper General Secretary

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Men’s Breakfast

In October only, our monthly Men’s Breakfast group will meet on the fourth Saturday, which is October 24th, at the usual 8:00 AM. After a time of good food and fellowship we will view one of Pastor Rob Bell’s Nooma videos.

All men of our church are encouraged to put this date on their calendars and also to invite friends to join them each month.

Invitation to Attend Upcoming Men’s & Women’s

Christian Weekend Retreats

October 15-18, Men’s Weekend

November 12-15, Women’s Weekend

These spiritual renewal weekends occur twice a year during each spring and fall. These weekends are filled with like-minded adult Christians from many denominations who seek to draw themselves closer to God. Tres Dias of Fairfield County has spent over 35 years fine tuning the entire weekend to ensure the weekend experience will be one you will forever cherish; just ask any of the UMC, Branford members who have attended a weekend! In fact, over 4,000 people have attended a Tres Dias weekend (“Tres Dias” means “three days” in Spanish).

The weekend experience begins on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday. At the upcoming men’s weekend our own Pepi Capezzone, Ken Schneider and Pastor Kent will be helping to facilitate the Men’s Weekend. Monya Zurkus will be on the Women’s Weekend.

If you are interested in finding out more information please contact Pastor Kent, or any of these UMC, Branford members: Pepi & Karyn Capezzone, Bob & Diane Nerkowski, David & Barbara Marks, Larry & Sam Appleton, Bob & Connie Umile, Mary Lou Woods, Justine Guckin, John Blossom, Jean Massage, Earl Lind, Marcia Donnelley, Cheryl Torello, Maurine Cornelius, Anne Jackson, Pat Steeves, Linda Noe. You can also visit TDFC.org

On Sunday, November 1st Rev. Kenneth Kieffer will be preaching at both the 9 am & 10:30 am worship services. Following the 10:30 service he will preside at our annual Charge Conference. All members of UMC, Branford should plan to attend this church meeting as we review the past year and look forward to a new year of ministry.

We will do much of the normal business of the Charge Conference at this meeting. However, since it is a bit earlier than we are used to, we will be scheduling an Annual Meeting in early January to approve the complete 2016 budget and fill any remaining positions in the report of the Nominating committee.

This is one of the 6 United Methodist Special Sundays with a designated denominational offering. Funds received from this special offering support scholarships for United Methodist graduate students.

World Communion Sunday was originally created by Presbyterians in the 1930s as a way to ensure that more U.S. Protestants would have at least one Sunday a year when they all celebrated Communion on the same day.

As more and more U.S. Protestants have moved to monthly or weekly Communion, and if monthly on the first Sunday of the month, the original need answered by this observance has disappeared. One thing many of our churches have found it valuable for is to remember that the church of Jesus Christ that gathers around the Lord’s Table is spread worldwide, including people of all ages, all nations, and many ethnicities, histories, and cultural practices. Though we may say the Table is Christ’s, often we may act as if it is ours, or belonging only to our own favored cultural practices. This day reminds us the Table of the Lord is indeed a gift to the whole church across the whole world.

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Nursing Home Ministry Don Robinson is dedicated to providing this important ministry. He visits a number of nursing homes and would LOVE to have others join this ministry.

He would be happy to talk with anyone interested and help them get started. Call Don at 203-488-6111 or see him in church.

MORNING WITH JESUS

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place, and get some rest.” Mark 6:30-32 (NIV) I never know how my day will start. I can be thrown into needing to respond to an urgent e-mail or heading out to the store if the toilet paper has run out. Some days, everything I had planned changes. In our American culture, being busy is made to look like a virtue. We rush and complain. We scurry from one thing to the next. The other day when I was working toward my daily goal, a sparrow rapped against my window pane. At first, I ignored him, but he wanted my attention. He flew to the next window in the room and tapped some more. Then he just stayed there against the screen until I stood and took a close look. He had gotten my attention, and with that he flew to a nearby tree. Today, take time to notice the simple and the beautiful. Take time to fuel your soul by being still, listening and praying.

FAITH STEP Today, listen to that quiet voice, and hear the simple words Jesus speaks. Trust me, it’s an invitation. “Come, sit beside me. Get to know the feel of my hand in yours. I love you. I am your hope. Wait upon me. Let me renew your strength.” Remember, as Methodists we must strive to leave the world a better place for our children and grandchildren. We must be engaged in the civic life of our community, from our neighborhood to our nation.

God bless,

Donald E. Robinson

To our wonderful church sisters and brothers, With our sincerest heartfelt thanks for the many, many expressions of love and renewal of deep and genuine prayer. I also had several guests every day and I always knew that many prayers were being lifted up for me. I also received a tower of cards, beautiful vases of flowers with collections of God’s created colors. From the first time we walked in the door 11 years ago, we have experienced love and friendship at UMC Branford, while touched by God’s love. We give you our sincere gratitude for being yourselves-strong and loving Christians who carry Jesus’ love wherever they are. In Jesus love and ours, Hoping to see you all soon.

Bud & Carol

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SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Sunday October 4th - 12:00-1:00pm Pastor Kent’s Sunday School Class

Sunday October 11th - 9:00am PreK-4th graders - Rotation Module High School Class

Sunday October 18th - 9:00am PreK-4th graders - Rotation Module Middle School Class

Sunday October 25th - 9:00am PreK-4th graders - Rotation Module Middle School Class High School Class

Sunday November 1st - 12:00-1:00pm Pastor Kent’s Sunday School Class

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

Rotation Module Sunday School Classes Lead Teachers; Cheryl Torello, Linda Beagle, Rosemary Luzzi

Elementary Children (PreK-4th grade) will meet on the 2nd, 3d and 4th Sundays of the Month. They will focus on the learning the Bible and its parts and the lineage of God’s promise to Abraham through David and Solomon, and Isaiah giving us the prophecy of the coming of the Savior.

Science, History and the Bible Lead Teacher; Ro Robinson

Middle Schoolers (5th-8th) graders will meet on the 3rd and 4th Sundays look at events in the science world and historical world and where they fit in the Bible.

High School Class Lead Teacher Dr. Diane Komp

This class will meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. They will focus on mission projects, origins of the Bible and video and book studies.

Pastor Kent’s Sunday School Class

This class will meet on the first Sunday of each month from 12:00-1:00pm after the 10:30 worship service. Pastor Kent will have a time of discussion with children 4th-8th grade, discussing Sunday school lessons from the previous months, topical lessons or family studies. Our PreK-3rd graders will engage in an art and craft with Bible story time, while our parents can gather for a light lunch and fellowship.

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

7p Al-Anon

7:30 Devotional Bible

Study-Shoreline

Cafe

2 3 7p AA Meeting

4 9a – Early Worship

10:30a – Worship 19th Sunday After Pentecost

5 10a Monday Morning

Quarterbacking

7:30p Choir Rehearsal

6 7p Power of Praise

7:30p AA Meeting

7 10a L&P Chapel

10:30a Prayer Shawl

Ministry

8 7p Inquiring Minds

7p Al-Anon

7:30 Devotional Bible Study-Shoreline

Café

9 7p Jubal’s Latte

10 7p AA Meeting

11 9a – Early Worship

10:30a – Worship

20th Sunday After

Pentecost

12 CHR OFFICE CLOSED

7p Nominating

Committee

7:30p Choir Rehearsal

13

7:30p AA Meeting

14 10a L&P Chapel

10:30a Prayer Shawl

Ministry

4p Sewing for God

5:45p L&P Staff

7p Faithful Stewards

15 7p Al-Anon

7:30 Devotional Bible

Study-Shoreline

Cafe

MEN’S

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TRES DIAS

17 7p AA Meeting

WEEKEND

18 9a – Early Worship

10:30a – Worship 21st Sunday After

Pentecost

LAITY SUNDAY

TRES DIAS

WEEKEND

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10a Monday Morning

Quarterbacking

7p Trustees

7:30p Choir Rehearsal

20 7p Power of Praise

7:30p AA Meeting

21 10a L&P Chapel

10:30a Prayer Shawl

Ministry

1-3p UMW Program

7p Church Council

22 5:30p L&P Board

7p Al-Anon

7:30 Devotional Bible Study-Shoreline

Cafe

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24 8a Men’s Breakfast

10a 50th Anniversary

Task Force

2-4p Craft Workshop

7p AA Meeting

25 9a–Early Worship

10:30a–Worship 22nd Sunday After

Pentecost

6p Yuletide Rehearsal

26 10a Monday Morning

Quarterbacking

7p Glory Days

7:30p Choir Rehearsal

27 7:30p AA Meeting

28 10a L&P Chapel

10:30a Prayer Shawl

Ministry

4p Sewing for God

29 7p Al-Anon

7:30 Devotional Bible

Study-Shoreline

Cafe

30 6p Community Dinner

10a Glory Days

31 7p AA Meeting

2015

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JUST FOR KIDS

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The United Methodist Church, Branford 811 East Main Street Branford, CT 06405 203.488.0549 203.488.9952 Fax [email protected] www.umcbranford.org

Regular Groups

Tuesdays-7:30 pm—AA Wednesdays-10:30 am—Prayer Shawl Ministry 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 4 pm—Sewing for God Thursdays-7 pm – Al Anon Saturdays-7 pm – AA

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October 2015

Upcoming Events - October October 9 Jubal’s Latte Open Mike October 24 Craft Workshop October 30 Community Dinner

Committee & Board Meetings October 12—Nominating Committee

October 14—Faithful Stewards October 19—Trustees

October 21—Church Council October 22—L&P Board

October 24—50th Anniversary Task Force