September 25, 2014


Signs of the turning of the season
This coming Sunday, September 28th, the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, we will have services, at 8 and 10 a.m. We hope you will join us as we kick off our Stewardship season with worship and fellowship. Special thanks to Peg Cade and Joan Wallick, Coffee Hour hosts.
The readings for this Sunday are Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16, Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32.
Next Wednesday, October 1, Sammie Wakefield will be showing slides and talking about her most recent trip to Peru with Eleanore’s Project. We will gather at 5:30 for a light supper while we view the pictures, followed by time to ask questions and engage in deeper discussion. While normally our “First Wednesday” gatherings end promptly at 7:00, this session may go a little longer, but you are free to leave as necessary. We’re still looking for two volunteers to bring soup. Please let Rev. Heidi know.
 Embracing an Alternative Orthodoxy, a five-session study series, with presentations by Richard Rohr in conversation with a group of Christians from various denominational backgrounds (via DVD), followed by our own conversations and explorations: Our first meeting will be this coming Wednesday, October 1, at 11 am in the Prince Room. The topic for this session will be Atonement Theology. Please RSVP to frantzdale@gmail.com if you plan to attend so that you can receive some reflection questions in advance.
 Cocoa is looking forward to seeing you and your animals at church on October 5th to honor the Feast Day of Saint Francis with our annual Blessing of the Animals at our 9:00 service. As usual, dogs on leashes are welcome, cats and other small animals should be caged or crated. We will designate the transept as an “Animal Free Zone,” and welcome larger animals for a blessing outside at 10:15. Invite your friends to “Bring-Your-Pet-to-Church Sunday!”
 Preparations for the Sandwich Fair, Oct 11 – 13. . .
Set-up for the Fair is in less than two weeks! Now’s the time for bakers to get going. Convenient-to-eat snacks are very popular. Call Carol (539-2780) to let her know your plans.

Volunteers needed to staff our booth: The success of our booth at the Fair depends on being well staffed! With three of us on deck at all times, we can be relaxed and welcoming vendors, tend well to our customers, provide help for each other, and have a good time reaching out to folks. To volunteer, please call the office (323-8515). Please leave name, phone number, and preferred staffing time. Or sign up on Sunday.
The available times follow:
Saturday, October 11
7:30 pm to 10:30 am: 3 needed
10 am to 1 pm:  2 needed
12:30 pm to 3:30 pm:  2 needed
3 pm to 6 pm:  3 needed
Sunday, October 12
7:30 pm to 10:30 am: 1 needed
10 am to 1 pm:  3 needed
12:30 pm to 3:30 pm:  2 needed
3 pm to 6 pm:  3 needed
Monday, October 13
7:30 pm to 10:30 am: 2 needed
10 am to 1 pm:  all set
12:30 pm to 3:30 pm:  3 needed
3 pm to 6 pm:  1 needed

Flowers last Sunday given in loving memory of Francis MacNichol by Chris Mills
An update on contributions received in response to our anticipated budget shortfall: To date 20 households have either generously contributed or agreed to contribute a combined total $5,500. Thank you. If you are behind on your pledge payments it would help our cash flow for you to bring your payments up to date as soon as possible. If others of you are able, additional special gifts are still welcome.
Lost and Found Department: A handsome single-bladed jackknife was found in the kitchen two weeks ago. Is it yours? Check with the office.
Are you a Jazz enthusiast? Dwight Baldwin, an affiliate member here who worships in the Portsmouth area much of the year, has sent along this announcement of a Jazz Eucharist concert on Oct 4 at Music Hall in Portsmouth, a premier production of Mass in Blue by Will Todd. Click https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1411061843-2d1d2cbe7480ebae30151974f22913be-f70d847?pa=25157469303  then go to page two for details. It sounds like great fun!
Food for thought on Gratitude and Generosity. . .
Gratitude – the simple and profound feeling of being thankful – is the foundation of all generosity. I am generous when I believe that right now, right here, and in this place, I myself am being given what I need. Generosity requires that we relinquish something, and this is impossible if we are not glad for what we have. Sallie Jiko Tisdale, "As If There is Nothing to Lose"
The practice of generosity is the practice of freedom, and it carries with it all the joy and pleasure that are associated with liberation. Indeed, there may be no greater sense of fulfillment in life than the simultaneous feelings of human interconnection and pure freedom that arise from an authentic act of selfless generosity. Dale S. Wright, “The Bodhisattva’s Gift”

See you in church!
Blessings,
Heidi+