Scripture lesson for September 16

USS Constitution

The scripture lessons for the last Sunday of summer come to us from Mark: 8:27-30 and James 3:1-10.

The book group is back!

The book discussion returned tonight to share thoughts about A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.

The group meets on the second Sunday of each month, September - May at 6:00 pm.

The October selection is Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders.

Late summer Sunday

Bounty to share with the community!

Paul gets us going!

Lighting the way  

Gretchen and Nilda share their musical gifts

Children's Sunday school is back!

There are hints of the approaching autumn here in Stevensville! The ivy that grows on the south side of the church has flecks of red peeking through and the Burning Bush is beginning to show signs as well.

This morning saw the kickoff of our church school program. This year we're going to have the children attending worship with their families for the opening hymn, scripture lesson, and the children's message. Then the children and teachers will adjourn to the second floor classrooms for an engaging look at our faith!!!


The final summer musical offering of the season was shared this morning by Nilda Bishop and Gretchen Speiss. Pastor Charles' sermon "Why should we care?" was based on James 2:14-19, 26.
 
Thanks this morning to: Amanda Hermes (Nursery), Ed Sperry & Roberta Zielinski (Greeters/ushers), Paul Ludingon (Praise music), Hazen & Katie Rose (Acolytes), Julie Ludington (Pianist), Bev Schneider (Liturgist), Cammie Edgar (power point), Tom Bishop (Video), Nilda Bishop & Gretchen Spiess (summer music), Ruth Cleveland & Don Nelson (Offering counters), Fran Jackson & Helen Lowry (Fellowship).

Something to remember

Homeless Christ by Timothy Schmalz

The Forgotten

I have looked for them in the dark back alleys,             

the sleepless nights,                                                                      

the littered streets,                                                     

trampled church steps,                                               

the candles that flicker on the Saintly altars,                

furniture in tenement apartments freshly dressed with plastic covers
and the names gathering dust on mailboxes in the hall and the big cemetery. 

I looked for them in needles going into veins,                   

Joseph going to prison,                                                      

Julia dropping out of seventh grade,                   

Carmen crumbling slowly beside her bottle, 

Hector with an arm banished by a bullet to a city owned incinerator. 

I searched the shadows on all the corners,
the river where five-year-old Sonia drowned,                        

the old buses, steel wheeled trains,                                             

the stars and invisible wind and the
Angels never come. 

now, I know they have forgotten us
and cannot see orfeel people who live below.  

© h.j. Recinos

September with the UMM

Ten men were on hand this morning for the September UMM breakfast. Thanks to Lynn Moshier for the hearty breakfast fare!

Paul Ludington presented an informative update on the need for a new roof for the church including costs, funding sources, and long-range church/community needs.

Our next gathering will be on October 13.

Church school kickoff

The church school kickoff is this coming Sunday (Sept. 9)!!! 

This year we're going to have the children attending  worship with their families for the opening hymn, scripture lesson, and the children's message. Then the children and teachers will adjourn to the second floor classrooms for an engaging look at our faith!!!

Wednesday with Wesley