There is much in my head and my heart as I sit down to write this letter. I have so much to be grateful for, and you all are part of that. Just today I was praying through the directory (I encourage you to do the same!) and I was remembering particular memories for many of you. Kinda fun! And poignant.
In this role of pastor, you never know what will happen next. The challenge is to keep my eyes on Jesus and let him lead me into the places he wants me (again, I encourage you to do the same!). The challenge is to not allow myself to get distracted, discouraged, or disinterested. How could I, when God is so full of love and purpose for us?
I appreciate you, individually and corporately. I long for each of us, and all of us to be fully what God intends. Thankfully, recently God reminded me that is above my pay grade. That's his business. Mine is to pray, love, and obey (again... well, you know...)
Here's to living life with you in Christ. What adventures will this month hold?
Love you all!
Gary
October Calendar
Sundays - Every Sunday - Worship Service - 10:30 am at the church and via Zoom.
10/3 - Communion Sunday
Wednesdays - Every Wednesday. - Bible Study via Zoom - 7 PM
Thursdays - 10/14 Church board meeting via Zoom 7 PM
Contact Gary for Zoom links
Saturdays - 10/16 - Second Annual Chili Cook-off and Bonfire - 5 PM - Outside at the Greens' home - details below.
Other News:
Worship Service - Our worship service will move inside this Sunday, October 3. If the weather cooperates later in the month we will try meeting under the oaks. We will send out an email if we are meeting outside, otherwise plan on being inside.
Communion - Communion Sunday is October 3. The communion elements will be provided. If you are joining us on Zoom, please have your own ready.
Mask Mandate - We are under an indoor mask mandate. That requires us to wear masks when we gather inside for worship or other meetings. Please join us to keep each other safe by wearing your masks.
Chili Cook-off and Bonfire - Do you like to have fun and like to eat? Are you competitive? Then plan on coming to the Second Annual Chili Cook-off and Bonfire on Saturday, October 16 at 5:00 PM outside at Stacy and Angela Greens' home. There will be a signup sheet at the church. We already have 2 people bringing chili, so we are looking for at least one more. We need other foods too, so sign up on the sheet. If you are wanting to come, but can't make it to church before then, just text or email Jennifer. Come hungry and we will vote for the best chili! We will have a bonfire as well. If the weather does not cooperate, we will move it to a different date, yet to be determined.
Offering - Thank you for being so faithful in bringing or mailing your offering during the pandemic. We will continue to collect your offerings in the back of the church or by mailing them to Nathalie Lyford. Remember you can designate your offering to the general fund, building fund, or benevolence/missions or any combination on the check or envelope.
Potato Tent - The Poplar Grove Methodist Church is having a drive-through baked potato tent the first three Sundays in October. They have done this in the past at Edwards Orchard. You can get all kinds of toppings on your potato. It goes from 11 - 6 or whenever they sell out. It is a fundraiser for their church. Think about supporting them and enjoy a good lunch at the same time. There are picnic tables outside there or you can take them home.
Wedding Wishes - Melissa Gallagher and Luis Pavez will be getting married on Saturday, October 30. Congratulations and best wishes to them!
Coin Collection - Keep collecting your coins in a jar! Our next collection for benevolence will be the last Sunday in December.