Week of September 27, 2015 through October 4, 2015

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Sunday School is offered for all children ages 4 – 10. The program is called “Growing in Grace and Gratitude” and it follows the children’s message. Nursery continues to be provided for the under 4 year olds. 

Today we again welcome Rev. Howard Vanderwell and Ms. Norma deWaal Malefyt from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. They will talk with us about Presbyterian worship and about why we do what we do in worship. This  conversations will happen after the worship service in the Fellowship Hall. 

On Sunday, October 18 Rev. Dr. Laird Stuart will be with us to speak about healing and forgiveness. He has served as pastor in Presbyterian churches in New Jersey, Grand Haven, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and San Francisco. Most recently he has been Interim President of San Francisco Theological Seminary. He will preach and offer a conversation in the sanctuary following worship. Please plan to attend.   

On Sunday, October 4 there will be a congregational meeting to elect a Pastoral Nominating Committee and to vote on whether to call a pastor for an indefinite term or a Designated Pastor.  Please plan to attend that important meeting.  

Christian Education for Adults will be offering the Disciple Bible Study Course beginning this fall.  Jan and Jerry Wallace, members of the First Congregational  Church in Rockford, have agreed to be the leaders.  A sign-up sheet is available in the Narthex for those who are interested.  It will be important to have about eight members in the class. This is the last opportunity to sign up for this class.  

Sunday Morning Discussion Group is using a resource entitled “Embracing an Adult Faith,”with 5 study sections: God, Jesus, Salvation, Practice and Community.  The first section is God.  We suggest that folks, think about these questions for the next 2 sessions: What words best help you express the reality of God in your life?  In what ways have you experienced and understood God at various stages in your life?  What riches grow out of your relationship with God at this time in your life?  What hymns, prayers and other writings express most accurately your experience of God?  These reflective questions are intended to open our minds, memories, and emotions regarding aspects of this topic, God.  This will be an informal discussion with no right or wrong answers, no judgment, and hopefully is a positive learning experience.  

Joy Bible study will resume meetings the first Tuesday of October.  The meetings last from 1:15 pm until 3:00 pm.  We will start our studies with the book of Micah, one of the “Minor Prophets.”  All are welcome. 

Fall Clean Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 10th from 9 am to 1 pm.  Come ready to help as many hands make for light work.  Coffee, juice and snacks will be provided as fuel for the workers.  Management need not apply! 

Deacons will meet after worship on Sunday, October 11. 

From July and August your Deacons continued in their shepherding capacity. This includes visitation of shut-ins.  We also provided an updated letter regarding our church's options for funeral lunches and sent to area funeral homes. 

 There have been a couple of Deacon changes due to the moving of one Deacon and another of our Deacons accepting other church responsibilities. As a result, some of you will have a new shepherd. Your shepherds are here to help you. So, please do not hesitate if you have a need or if you wish to discuss a concern. If you do not know your shepherd please drop a note in the collection plate or in the church office. 

This week of September 27, 2015 through October 4, 2015 


Sunday (27)                  9:30  am    Discussion Group
                                      10:00  am    Choir Practice 
                                          10:45  am    Worship Service
   After Worship – Presbyterian Worship Discussion 

  Monday (28)               10:30  am   Mom & Munchkins 
                        7:00  pm   Boy Scouts 

                Tuesday  (29)               7:15  am BNI                                                
                                       7:30  am    Men’s Breakfast 
                                        (Mr. Burger, 5181 Northland Dr.)
                           7:00  pm Women’s AA 


Wednesday (30)           8:00  am Women’s Breakfast   
                (Real Food Café, 5430 Northland Dr. NE)  
          7:00  pm  AA


Thursday (1)              7:30 pm     Choir Rehearsal  

Friday (2)                 9:00  am Morning AA            


Saturday  (3)                                                                 


Next Sunday (4)       9:30  am Discussion Group
                                  10:00  am Choir Practice 
                                        10:45  am  Worship Service  
                    After Worship – Congregational Meeting