Looking toward Sunday…
As we wait for the effects of Hurricane Florence, we are waiting with tremendous uncertainty. Many in our congregation are concerned about loved ones in Eastern North Carolina and South Carolina. We already postponed our weekend events with Rev. Al Staggs. If we need to cancel Sunday services, we will notify you via email, local news stations, and Facebook. As we wait in the uncertainty of these days, please reach out and check on those who are homebound, alone or elderly.
One of the hymns we are to sing in this Sunday morning’s worship is “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” It was written by Thomas Chisholm as a testament to God’s faithfulness through his very ordinary life. Born in a log cabin in Franklin, Kentucky, Chisholm became a Christian when he was 27 and entered the ministry when he was 36, though poor health forced him to retire after just one year. During the rest of his life, Chisholm spent many years living in New Jersey and working as a life insurance agent. Still, even with a desk job, he wrote nearly 1,200 poems throughout his life, including several published hymns.
Chisholm explained toward the end of his life, “My income has not been large at any time due to impaired health in the earlier years which has followed me on until now. Although I must not fail to record here the unfailing faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God and that He has given me many wonderful displays of His providing care, for which I am filled with astonishing gratefulness.”
The hymn comes from these verses of scripture:
Lamentations 3:22-24 (NRSV)
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
therefore I will hope in him.”
In our very ordinary lives, the very extra-ordinary storms will come… Hold on to hope, hold on to the promise that God is always faithful. Join with me in a collective prayer written by our Southern Conference Minister Dr. Ed Davis,
“For those who may be injured in this storm, Lord hear our prayer.
For the families who may be displaced, Lord hear our prayer.
For the homes and properties that may be damaged
or destroyed in this storm, Lord hear our prayer.
For the churches and sanctuaries that may be destroyed, Lord hear our prayer.
For the first responders and those who put themselves in harm’s way, Lord hear our prayer.
For the men and women who will volunteer to care for those in need, Lord hear our prayer.
For the shelters and schools and sanctuaries that will provide
safety and security, Lord hear our prayer.
For those who will contribute their personal resources, Lord hear our prayer.
For the leaders who will make the disbursements to repair and to rebuild, Lord hear our prayer.
For the loved ones who worry about family and friends, Lord hear our prayer.
For the States of North Carolina and Virginia and the victims who
are still recovering from Hurricane Matthew, Lord hear our prayer.
And to all of us who put our faith, hope and trust in you O’ God, Lord hear our prayer.”
SPECIAL NOTICES:
Due to the uncertain weather circumstances of Hurricane Florence and possible flight delays, the performances with Rev. Al Staggs are cancelled for this weekend, September 15th and 16th. We are working to reschedule for a later date and will let you know as soon as possible. The tickets you have purchased will be honored or you may choose a refund.
Thank you for understanding.
SECOND REFORMED UCC Spaghetti Love Feast Scheduled for Saturday, September 16th has been moved to Saturday, September 23rd!
ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 from 4:30-7:30PM Second Reformed UCC will serve a spaghetti dinner. Profits from this dinner will go into a love offering for Mark Leonard, son of Peggy Leonard and the late Rev. Billy Joe Leonard, and Vickie Weaver, wife of Mark Weaver and Josh’s mom. Both of these people are battling cancer. There will be a bake shop filled with goodies made by the ladies of the church and a raffle for gift baskets and other items. If you are unable to attend, please consider a donation toward the love offering or contributing an item for the raffle. All donations may be made to Second Reformed UCC, 330 North Church Street, Lexington, NC 27292. You may contact their church office if you have questions. (336-248-2107)
Sunday, September 16…………………… SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
11:00AM……………. Worship
Intercessory Prayer Circle at front of Chapel
THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR CHURCH THIS SUNDAY
Liturgist: Pattie Lovell
Greeter: Jerry and Aurelia
Ushers: Dave Fulton, Alane Holste, Calvin Odom, Joy Walser
Youth Usher: Jonathan Kepley Plate Attendant: Walter Hoffman
Sound Technician: John Gray
Acolyte: Ethan Lovel
Bible Steward:Lucas Peterson
Nursery {infants-kindergarten}: Vicky Gray & Rita Lohr
THE WEEK AHEAD
Monday, September 17
6:30PM Open Hands Meal (FH)
Tuesday, September 18
12:00PM Collaborative Ministries Bible Study: Book of Psalms {P}
7:00PM Women’s Life Fellowship {P}
Wednesday, September 19
6:30PM Bell Choir {Bell Room}
7:15PM Choir Practice {ChA}
Thursday, September 20
5:30PM YOGA Class {Parlor}
7:00PM Square Dancing {FH}
Sunday, September 23 EIGHTEENTH Sunday after Pentecost
9:45AM Sunday School:
Parent Meeting for Fall and Christmas Ministries for Youth {P}
Youth: To Be Determined
Adults: “UCC: Who We Are” with Dave Fulton {FH}
11:00AM WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY
Intercessory Prayer Circle at the front of the sanctuary
PLANNING FOR FALL MINISTRIES FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
• What: Parent Meeting
• When: Sunday, Sept 23 at 9:45
• Where: Parlor
• Purpose: Plan for Fall Ministries including Children’s Sabbath
RSVP to Cathy at cathy@frucc.org by Wednesday, September 19. Bring your calendar!
6-WEEK PSALMS BIBLE STUDY
• Tuesdays from 12-1:00 through October 9th.
• First Reformed UCC Parlor
• Led by Rev. Horton and Rev. Arnetta Beverly
• Sponsored by East Lexington Collaborative Ministries
• Bring a bag lunch and join us
(Study has already started but feel free to attend anytime.)
UPCOMING INQUIRY CLASS
If you have been a guest with us and want to know more about life at First Reformed UCC, then this time is for you. On Sunday September 30, at 9:45AM join Rev. Horton in the Parlor to learn more about ministry at First Reformed UCC, including ways in which people can connect with one another, get involved in ministry, and join the church. This is sponsored by the Board of Evangelism. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Joining a church family is an important step, and this will provide an opportunity to ask questions and gather with others. Please RSVP by September 23 to Rev. Horton if you are interested. (336-972-8895 or email Elizabeth at elizabeth@frucc.org
ARE YOU ABLE TO VISIT?
As we grow, we want to strengthen the arm of our Congregational Care Ministry. If you enjoy listening to other people and bringing a smile to their faces, then perhaps God is calling you to help. If you are willing to make a visit once every 4-6 weeks to someone in the congregation who is homebound or hospitalized, please let Rev. June Grubb know. (336– 240-2503) or email June at jgrubb3@triad.rr.com .
OUR CHURCH AT PRAYER
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Pam Sink family for loss of her mother, June Kilby Smith. Please be in prayer for the family.
CHURCH MEMBERS: : Melody Evans, Ruth Fritts, Brian McKerlie, Vogen Everhart, Deanna Michael, Lauren Thompson Gould, Peggy Bates (Alston Brook Nursing Home, Rm 102), Margot Everhart
HOMEBOUND MEMBERS: Lib & Jimbo Hinkle, Jo Hudson, Valerie Price, Rita Tussey, Adena Wall, Marzell Crotts, Hoyle Potts, Doris Flynt, James Everhart
Our Friends: David Combs (Friend of Open Hands), Noriko Shaw and the Family of Heather & Joe Surrett (Friends of Mike & Lynn Brown), Clifford Beane (Neighbor of Lee & Ellen Bouchard), Brian Arensman (Keith Johnson’s friend and co-worker), John Hayden (Friend of Kivi Miller), Ed Leonard (Brother of Sylvia Walser), Dan Smith (Brother of Steve and Jerry Smith), Judy Stanley (Friend of Alane Holste), Lacy Belcher (Friend of Vicky Gray), Jonelle Parker (Friend of Frank Leonard); Dr. Sidney Hood…Family of Cindy S. Bowers…Kiana Sinz (Friends of Patti & Jerry Lovell); Eddie Wray (Friend of Lisa Nelson), Lynn Younts (Friend of Susie Smith), Eliza Paris (Friend of Sylvia Walser’s granddaughter), Harold Peoples (Friend of Cheryl Walser), Ashley Hutcheson (Daughter-in-law of Heidi & Ron Hutcheson)
LATER ON THE CHURCH CALENDAR
- Tuesday, September 25 NEXT COMMUNITY MEAL:
5:00pm Fellowship Hall
First Reformed United Church of Christ, 104 East Center Street, Lexington, NC 27292
Donations appreciated! - Neighbors in Need helps make “A Just World for All” possible. For this to occur, it needs your support. Neighbors in Need offering will be received on Sunday, October 7. Look for envelopes in the September 30th bulletin.
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