Blessings Faith Family,

This Sunday will be John and Debbie Sanborn’s last Sunday with us. There will be recognition of this within the service itself followed by — guess what — a cake (you guessed it). John will be preaching a sermon entitled: “Journey of Blessings.” The scripture passages are Ruth 1:1-18 and Acts 2:1-4. This will be the first Sunday that the choir will be singing in church. If you would like to join your voice in this ministry you are welcome to come and practice at 8:15 on Sunday morning.

There will be an informational meeting about the Habitat Trip to El Salvador in the sanctuary following coffee hour.

Peace to you all,

Gary

Blessings O Ye Faith-Filled Ones,

This Sunday’s service will focus primarily on Luke 16:1-13. If you want a challenge — read this scripture and ask yourself how you would preach on it? The sermon title is: “What Are You Worth?” How would you answer that?

The choir will begin their season with practice at 8:15 this Sunday morning and the plan is to join in worship on the 26th (John and Debbie’s) last Sunday with us.

Crop Walk sign-up has begun and will continue this Sunday. This is a great opportunity for families to create teaching moments for their children by actually joining together to walk in support of those who are struggling around the world. Last year we had over 30 walkers join in the 3-mile walk through the streets of Middlebury. This year’s walk will be held on Sunday, October 3rd (after church — I think it starts around 1:00).

There are two spots available for the El Salvador Habitat trip in February. We are working to get the price down. If you might be interested join us for an information meeting open Sunday the 26th after our special coffee hour for John and Debbie.

In Christ,

Gary

Boy am I glad to be back — this email thing is fun

This Sunday’s service will be filled – to – overflowing. We have two baptisms, the dedication of teachers and the kicking off of Sunday School. A message entitled: “Grazing Away – Again” using the scriptures: Luke 15:1-32 and 1 Timothy 1:12-17. If that was not enough – the coffee hour will be a filling experience followed by Chessy Kelly’s meditation workshop.

Hope to see you then

In Christ,

Gary

Just a quick reminder that Chessy Kelly will be leading a meditation workshop following coffee hour- this Sunday – 9/12.  This is the last of a 6-session set of workshops.  Each stands on its own — so please feel invited to this experiential time with a spirit-filled facilitator.  There will be some discussion around extending her involvement with our church in one way or another.  The previous workshops have been well-attended and beneficial.

It’s 1952, Magdelene College, Oxford and C.S. Lewis, renowned author, is preparing for a meeting of “The Inklings” (J.R.R. Tolkein and others). A party of American tourists wanders in by mistake (that’s us). He entertains them with the story of his life from happy Belfast childhood, the death of his mother and WWI experiences which lead him to a loss of faith, his gradual and reluctant return, Oxford academe and his eventual popularity as a Christian apologist. He reads from several of his works, Mere Christianity, Screwtape and The Chronicles of Narnia.

The program entitled “God’s Megaphone: a tutorial with C.S. Lewis” is written and performed by re-enactor Howard Burnham. He will be bringing his program to our church on Sunday, September 19^th from 6 pm until 7 pm. We will be present in Professor Lewis’ rooms in Magdelene (pronounced Maudlin) College Oxford. It is December 1952 and Britain is still in the throes of post WWII austerity, continuing to suffer food rationing…

The program is free… please join us for an entertaining and enlightening evening.