I join with all our other Wednesday evening diners in expressing our thanks to Bobby, the kitchen crew, and all those who brought side dishes and desserts for our nourishment and enjoyment. And I thank you all for your comments and contributions to our discussion about what our church stands for. A compilation of those comments will be included in next week’s newsletter.
Our scripture readings and sermon on Sunday will focus on that question as well – What Do We Stand For? – as we turn to Micah 6:6-8 (What Does the Lord Require?) and Galatians 5:22-26 (the fruit of the Spirit).
A major marker along our transitional roadmap will soon be upon us. The presbytery, through its Commission on Ministry, has given the congregation permission to elect a Pastor Nominating Committee, appointed to seek your next pastor. The congregational Nominating Committee will now begin its work of seeking members to serve on the PNC. In the coming weeks, the session will be setting a date and time for a congregational meeting to receive those nominations and elect the PNC. Please be active in prayer for the Nominating Committee and any potential PNC members as we turn to God for wisdom and discernment in this important step forward.
See you on Sunday!
Our scripture readings and sermon on Sunday will focus on that question as well – What Do We Stand For? – as we turn to Micah 6:6-8 (What Does the Lord Require?) and Galatians 5:22-26 (the fruit of the Spirit).
A major marker along our transitional roadmap will soon be upon us. The presbytery, through its Commission on Ministry, has given the congregation permission to elect a Pastor Nominating Committee, appointed to seek your next pastor. The congregational Nominating Committee will now begin its work of seeking members to serve on the PNC. In the coming weeks, the session will be setting a date and time for a congregational meeting to receive those nominations and elect the PNC. Please be active in prayer for the Nominating Committee and any potential PNC members as we turn to God for wisdom and discernment in this important step forward.
See you on Sunday!
Church Treasurer Position Opening
The session is inviting interested members of the church to prayerfully consider serving as church treasurer. Laura Bradford, who has been faithfully and capably serving as treasurer, will be concluding her service by the end of the year. The session is seeking someone who has experience in accounting and/or bookkeeping, has a working knowledge of QuickBooks, and will bring proven communication and collaboration skills. The position also requires someone who can be trusted with confidential information. This is a volunteer position, designed to support and resource the congregation in its financial operations, as we faithfully follow the call of Jesus Christ. The approximate time required is 3-4 hours per week. If you are interested, or wish to learn more about the treasurer position, please contact Bonnie Shapbell (629-333-4239) or Rev. Ray Thomas.
The Bar B Que is just days away!
Have you grabbed your tickets yet? Don’t miss out on the smoky goodness, fellowship, and fun. And hey—don’t forget to bring a dessert to share! Think ‘nanner pudding, cookies, brownies, pies, cakes, or even homemade ice cream if you're feeling adventurous!
Be on the lookout for Percy the Church Mouse! He’s been sniffing around for barbecue and might just pop up to say hello!
Click the link below to purchase tickets!
Be on the lookout for Percy the Church Mouse! He’s been sniffing around for barbecue and might just pop up to say hello!
Click the link below to purchase tickets!
What is Labor day?
by Dave Nock
Labor Day is more than just a long weekend—it’s a tribute to the backbone of a nation: its workers. It commemorates and honors the social and economic achievements of American workers, recognizing their contributions to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country. It’s observed annually on the first Monday in September. The historical roots stem from the industrial revolution, when laborers endured grueling 12-hour days, seven-day workweeks, and unsafe conditions. The first celebration: On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers marched in New York City in what became the first Labor Day parade.
While we celebrate, we need to be safe. Pay attention to your surroundings and help the community be as safe as we can. If you see something, Say somethings. That is a well-known mantra since September 11th. Many times, in our daily lives we are busy and as we go, we overlook things. The odd bag sitting in the hallway, the vehicle not parked where it is supposed to be. The person doing something odd. If you see something, Say somethings. Having situational awareness is one thing, having shared situational awareness is totally different. Let others know.
Shared situational awareness (SSA) is the collective understanding of a situation by all relevant parties—whether in military operations, emergency response, aviation, or even corporate decision-making. It’s not just about everyone having access to the same data; it’s about everyone interpreting that data in a way that aligns their actions and decisions.
If you see something in the church hallway, or in the fellowship hall, in the kitchen or in the sanctuary that ought not be there – say something to someone that can address the concern. We have a team of congregation members who know how to address the issue. We would rather make everyone feel safe, than have folks be concerned about something.
The Bible speaks profoundly about security—not in the sense of physical fortresses or financial guarantees, but in the deeper assurance found in God's presence, promises, and protection. It’s spiritual security that transcends circumstances. God as Refuge and Fortress. “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” — Psalm 91:2. In the earthly realm, we must take care of each other. Do what we can for each other and let God do the rest.
While we celebrate, we need to be safe. Pay attention to your surroundings and help the community be as safe as we can. If you see something, Say somethings. That is a well-known mantra since September 11th. Many times, in our daily lives we are busy and as we go, we overlook things. The odd bag sitting in the hallway, the vehicle not parked where it is supposed to be. The person doing something odd. If you see something, Say somethings. Having situational awareness is one thing, having shared situational awareness is totally different. Let others know.
Shared situational awareness (SSA) is the collective understanding of a situation by all relevant parties—whether in military operations, emergency response, aviation, or even corporate decision-making. It’s not just about everyone having access to the same data; it’s about everyone interpreting that data in a way that aligns their actions and decisions.
If you see something in the church hallway, or in the fellowship hall, in the kitchen or in the sanctuary that ought not be there – say something to someone that can address the concern. We have a team of congregation members who know how to address the issue. We would rather make everyone feel safe, than have folks be concerned about something.
The Bible speaks profoundly about security—not in the sense of physical fortresses or financial guarantees, but in the deeper assurance found in God's presence, promises, and protection. It’s spiritual security that transcends circumstances. God as Refuge and Fortress. “I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” — Psalm 91:2. In the earthly realm, we must take care of each other. Do what we can for each other and let God do the rest.
Lemon Parmesan Pasta
from Kathy Turk
from Kathy Turk
1 tbs. kosher salt
4 oz Pasta (I use the Barilla bite-size spaghetti)
3 tbs. butter
1 tsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tbs. grated parmesan cheese
Salt/Pasta – 10 minutes. Drain, return pasta to pan to add butter, soy sauce, lemon, parmesan cheese.
4 oz Pasta (I use the Barilla bite-size spaghetti)
3 tbs. butter
1 tsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tbs. grated parmesan cheese
Salt/Pasta – 10 minutes. Drain, return pasta to pan to add butter, soy sauce, lemon, parmesan cheese.
Come to the Table lunch
We’re kicking off the season with comfort food and community—don’t miss it! On the menu: Ham Tetrazzini (bite-size spaghetti—creamy and cheesy!), black-eyed peas, Cole slaw (Travis Turk’s legendary mayo/vinegar recipe), garlic bread, and a sweet dessert to top it all off.
There’s always a seat waiting for you. Come hungry, come joyful, come to the table.
Please click below to register!
There’s always a seat waiting for you. Come hungry, come joyful, come to the table.
Please click below to register!
A Big Thank you
Thank you for the generous donation of $ 182.00 received on 08/27/2025.
With rising costs in housing, groceries, and childcare, people are experiencing real challenges. We assist as many as 4000 individuals each month with food support. Over 80 older adults and disabled receive home delivery each month. More than 250 adult learners will improve their English this year. Hundreds of people have received supportive services through Comprehensive Care.
Your gift is helping to make all this possible.
We're honored that you chose to partner with us. Thank you for helping us provide hope to our neighbors.
Working together,
Melissa Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
With rising costs in housing, groceries, and childcare, people are experiencing real challenges. We assist as many as 4000 individuals each month with food support. Over 80 older adults and disabled receive home delivery each month. More than 250 adult learners will improve their English this year. Hundreds of people have received supportive services through Comprehensive Care.
Your gift is helping to make all this possible.
We're honored that you chose to partner with us. Thank you for helping us provide hope to our neighbors.
Working together,
Melissa Thomas
Chief Executive Officer
