“The Great Jungle Journey”
Our July/August newsletter described what the theme of our cooperative Vacation Bible School in July was going to be, and what the lesson the Presbyterians would teach was going to be about. Now we can tell you how it went and share a few photos: 47 children enjoyed games, crafts, music, lessons, and dinner; and with their offerings raised $890 for the Paris Food for Kids weekend food program!
Thank you to all who helped with “Presbyterian night” to provide dinner and lesson: Beth R., Deb B., Kathy S., and Rodger A. And from New Providence Dr. Ryu, Wanda W., Julie G., and Rita G.
–Rodger
Sanctuary Choir News:
Three weeks and counting until our first choir rehearsal on Wednesday, October 2. Rehearsal time is 4:30 PM. – we will discuss if any time adjustment needs to be made for the following weeks’ rehearsals. The choir will sing for worship on World Communion Sunday October 6. We are all looking forward to having the choir back in the loft again.
A sincere thank you to all those who provided special music these past three months. In July we heard Barbara Bergdolt, Jeanette Levellie, and Marty Jipp, who accompanied himself on guitar.
In August we listened to Kacey Newhart on flute, Paul Lynch, and Doug Hasler, also a guitarist.
On September 8 we enjoyed an ensemble from the choir: Rodger Allen, Barbara Bergdolt, Jane Blair, and Susan Farris, with Larry Jones as soloist. On September 22, Betty Brinkerhoff will sing for us and on September 29 we will hear from a ladies trio: Jeanette Levellie, Jane Blair, and Susan Farris.
On any Sunday when none of the above performed, Susan Farris “filled in the cracks” with special piano selections.
Make a joyful noise each and every Sunday! — Susan
SPECIAL OFFERING IN OCTOBER
Our annual October special offering is one of the four nationwide Presbyterian Church USA offerings; PCUSA describes it this way:
“Our work of peace and reconciliation is supported by gifts to the Peace and Global Witness Offering. These gifts also unite us with Presbyterian peacemakers across the country and the world who are active, not passive; who are doing, not waiting.
25% of this Offering stays with individual congregations to support local peacemaking and reconciliation efforts and ministries.
25% of the Offering will go to mid councils to join congregations in support of peacemaking throughout presbyteries and synods.
50% of this Offering supports the work for peace and reconciliation being done by Presbyterians across the globe.
We are the peacemakers. We are the Church. Together.
When we all do a little, it adds up
to a lot.
The Peace and Global Offering enables the church to promote the peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice in our own communities and around the world. Together we are building God’s household of peace where everyone is welcome; where all can find compassion, peace and justice.”
We will begin collecting the offering on October 6, and will let you know which local organization “our” 25% will go to.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
2 Kay LeMosy
3 Todd Bergdolt
4 Lisa McCollough
10 Al Kimball
11 Peter Spung
21 Garrett Jones
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES:
9 David & Becky Hoff ©©
14 Alicia (Howrey) & Alan Planincic ©©
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS:
2 Marisa Hoff
5 Jim Farris
6 Terry Bergdolt
7 Laurie Williams
9 Kailee Gough
17 Sally Acklin
24 Jerry Benson
Carolyn Brown Hodge
OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES:
10 Marty & Deb Jipp ©©
26 Chris & Sheryl Clark ©©
31 Fred & Lanee Pfeiffer ©©
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
The 200th birthday of Paris Presbyterian Church is November 6, 2024. Since that is a Wednesday,
we are going to celebrate on Sunday, November 3. The festivities will begin with our 10:30 worship service, and continue immediately following with either a special Fellowship Time or possibly a catered lunch. It is not
too late to join the planning committee if you would like to contribute your ideas; just let the church office or Rodger know.
THANK YOU
“I write to say thank you for your gift to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Your gift, along with those of many other faithful Presbyterians, brings the tangible resources for recovery and rebuilding to those whose homes and livelihoods have been swept away by floods, tornados, mudslides, and other disasters – some around the world, and here at home, literally from sea to shining sea.”
Rev. Edwin Gonzalez-Castillo, Director, PDA
HELPING HANDS
The July/August Profile described a new soup kitchen which would be opening in Paris: Open 11 AM to 12:30 Monday through Friday, located at First Baptist Church, called “Helping Hands.” The Paris Ministerial Fellowship got an update from
its co-directors at its most recent meeting: Attendance has steadily increased every week, up to 260 lunches served the week of August 26-30. The cost of groceries is approximately $300 per week; donations can be mailed to PO Box 103, Paris. Several businesses, restaurants, and individuals have also donated food. Additional volunteers would be welcomed too. Anyone may attend – for the food, the fellowship, spiritual support, or any other reason.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” —Jesus, Matthew 25: 40
JOINT SERVICE WITH NPP
Our annual outdoor (weather permitting) worship service with the New Providence congregation, at New Providence, will take place at 10:00 A.M. on September 15. A picnic will follow: meat will be provided by Paris Presbyterian chefs; members of our churches are asked to bring a side dish or a dessert. People who find it at all difficult to cross the long lawn from the parking lot are invited to park on the lawn, nearer the pavilion, near the swingset.
OCTOBER 6 WORSHIP
We will join Christians in churches of many denominations all around the world in the celebration of “World Communion Sunday,” in which “the faithful of all races and nations gather to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. In this holy place, the many are made one, united with Christ and with the church in every place.”
NEWS FROM SESSION
- Following our tradition of many years, Session’s “summer break” was to not meet in July. We did meet August 13, including the following items:
- Reviews of June and July financial reports. Through July, our income is healthily ahead of last year.
- As reported elsewhere in this newsletter, dates were finalized for our joint worship service at New Providence and our 200th birthday celebration.
- The next celebration of the Lord’s Supper will be October 6, World Communion Sunday.
- As always, opening devotions and closing prayer time.
- The next Session meeting will be Tuesday, September 10 beginning at 5 PM.
Our Mission Statement:
“We are a welcoming congregation of dedicated believers who glorify and serve God through meaningful worship, caring for the needs of our congregation, reaching out as good stewards to others in need both locally and worldwide, and promoting Christian Education and spiritual development for all ages. We seek God’s purpose and guidance in our lives through the Holy Spirit and in service to Christ Jesus.”
Help Clothe Your Neighbors
October will be “Presbyterian month” to provide volunteers for the Compassionate Clothing Closet, on Mondays and Tuesdays. We will take care of October 1 and 14-15 and New Providence will take the other two seeks. A sign-up sheet is on the table at the back of the sanctuary. Please check your calendars to see when you might take a turn.
“BLANKETED BY LOVE”
The Compassionate Clothing Closet’s
annual blanket drive will take place during October. Your generosity of a new or gently used blanket will serve to provide a means to offset winter’s chill. Blankets can be brought here to the church or taken directly to the CCC, 211 N. Central St., on Mondays from
10 to 1 or Tuesdays from Noon to 2. More details are on the bulletin board in the Assembly Room.