Dear Siblings in Christ,
I pray that you are well and have been enjoying the cooler weather and the beginning of the unofficial fall season!
This coming Sunday looks like we will experience a high of 80 degrees with some sun and little chance of rain in the morning, so we will plan to gather outdoors in front of the church at 9:30 a.m.
If you are unable to join us in person, we invite you to worship with us virtually! Morning worship will be posted early Sunday afternoon on the church website, Facebook page and YouTube channel.
A reminder that we will put a message on the church voice mail around Noon Saturday if there are any changes to our plans for outdoor worship. You may call the church at 717-245-2475 for a recorded message regarding how we will be worshiping on Sunday.
Announcements…
* Community Cares, Project SHARE, and Safe Harbor are again accepting donations, so we will be placing a basket outside near our welcome table each week and you may place your donations in it, and we will see that the items get delivered. Items that are most needed include:
Safe Harbor – linens, sheets, towels, pillowcases, washcloths, personal care items, non-perishable food items, diapers, wipes;
Community Cares – adult socks and underwear, travel-size toiletries, coats and winter clothing items, blankets;
Project SHARE – non-perishable food items.
A complete list of needed items will be in the bulletin. THANK YOU for your previous support of these ministries — and THANK YOU for your continued support, especially during the pandemic, when these vital organizations in our community need our support more than ever! If you are not attending in-person worship and would like to donate items, please contact Vicar MJ by phoning the church and I will make arrangements with you to pick them up.
* A benefit for Project SHARE, “FARE for SHARE,” will be held outdoors at Second Presbyterian on Garland Drive on Sunday, September 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. Some of the region’s best food trucks will be there for takeout or socially distanced pleasure. Food trucks booked to attend include: Uncle Moe’s Soul Food, Bricker’s Famous Fries, Farm Show Milkshakes, The Sweet Patch, Pb’s Southern Smoke BBQ, Say Cheese, Banana Leaf Indian Cuisine, and the Italian Job. A portion of the food costs will be donated to Project SHARE so that they can continue the work of “Nourishing Our Community…Awakening Hope!” Come out and safely support Project SHARE!
* We will host “Drinks in the Driveway” on Wednesday, September 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. and Friday, September 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. Don’t miss this time to socialize and spend some time with one another! Come enjoy a safe and socially-distanced time of fellowship at the church. Bring your favorite cold beverage (we will also have bottled water at the church) — or feel free to bring your mug of coffee or other beverage of choice, your folding chair, and enjoy some time visiting with one another in our parking lot now that the evenings are cooler.
* If you have a bit of time to spare, we are looking for some volunteers to scan some of our historical items (photos, programs, bulletins, etc.) on our office copier so that they may be saved digitally. If you may want to help with this project, please let Vicar MJ know and we will provide you with directions on how to scan.
Prayer Requests…
Would you please remember the following in your prayers:
Those affected by the wildfires on the West Coast; please also pray for firefighters and disaster response and rescue workers.
All those affected by COVID-19 and for our healthcare workers and essential personnel, including those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Our trans siblings and siblings of color who experience violence and racism.
For our government and world leaders.
For students, teachers and staff who are teaching and learning in the midst of the pandemic.
Those in our congregation who are undergoing testing and medical procedures in the coming week.
Those in our community who are ill or recovering from illness, their friends, and the loved ones who care for them.
Christian M. (Marines) and all service personnel.
Don and Joanne, Jacques, Pam, Betty Lou, Mark, Pat, Seth, DJ, Margaret, Larry, Sally, George, Arleen, Mary Lou and family, and all who ask for the Lord’s healing and mercy.
God our comforter, you are our refuge and strength, a helper close at hand in times of distress. Enable us to feel your presence so that our fears are dispelled, our loneliness eased, our anxiety calmed, and our hope reawakened. May your Holy Spirit grant us your eternal peace and love, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Peace,
Vicar MJ