Dear Church,

This week has been full! Apologies for no message on Wednesday!

For this weekend I wanted to pass on a poem/prayer from John O’Donohue. This piece was included in the program of the Presbytery’s Outstanding Older Adult Award Ceremony. (Thanks, by the way to the many who were able to attend and celebrate with the Bagwells!)

Remember friends–God is not done with any of us yet!

The Lord Bless and Keep You!

Rev. Ben

For Old Age
May the light of your soul mind you.

May all your worry and anxiousness about your age
be transfigured.

May you be given wisdom for the eyes of your soul
To see this as a time of gracious harvesting.
May you have the passion to heal what has hurt you,
and allow it to come closer and become one with you.

May you have great dignity,
And a sense of how free you are,
Above all, may you be given the wonderful gift
Of meeting the eternal light that is within you.

May you be blessed;
And may you find a wonderful love
In yourself for yourself.
― John O’Donohue
From Walking in Wonder: Eternal Wisdom
for A Modern World

Announcements 

*In-Person/Livestream Worship: Join us each Sunday at 11:00 am in person or online (via Facebook live) for worship!

Online participation via Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchofgarner

See our service from October 1  here:

Facebook: https://fb.watch/nw0f5QZCa8/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQIRVh9TPwo

On Sunday, October 8, we continue our worship series “Created to Be” and welcome Professor Mary Williams to the pulpit. as she shares her take on “The Restoration of Jacob.” Join us in person or online!

*A Congregational meeting will be held on October 15 to elect new church officers. For Elder: Billy Knabe, Deb McHenry, David Pease, Paul pedziwiatr. For Deacon: Kathy Blue, Bonnie Bowling, Regina Ekoule, Lorrie Icenhour

*NC Department of Health reports and data show a recent increase in COVID-19 rates, perhaps due to a summer seasonal surge. The church encourages people to be mindful about ways to protect themselves and others, including maintaining distance, washing/sanitizing hands, wearing a mask (always welcome at FPCOG but still optional), avoiding large crowds when you are not feeling well, and having a COVID test on hand. The church office has test kits on hand for those who need them. Please contact the office or pastor if you need one. Also, remember to get your COVID booster and Flu shot as you are able and feel led to do so.

*All Saints 2023! FPCoG observes All Saints Sunday on October 29, 223. We will remember by name during the service members of our church who have died since October 30, 2022. If you have a loved one you would like to remember by name and with the lighting of a candle, please submit their name to the church office no later than October 22, 2023.

*Confirmation has Begun! Our young people are undergoing the process of Confirmation during September and October, where they will deeply consider what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. e have approximately a half dozen youth and adults serving as mentors involved in this process. Please pray for them!

* Garner Area Ministry NEED: The shelves need to remain stocked though! Please bring donations of ANY and ALL non-perishable food items to the church or directly to GAM in the coming days, weeks, and months.

* Crafting Crew: Attention crafters and other handcraft creators! The monthly crafting collective is restarting. We’ll be meeting on the first Saturdays of the month starting October 7th from 10 am until noon. Bring whatever you’re working on and a beverage of your choice. We’ll spend the time in fellowship and learning new skills. Kathy Blue will teach any crocheters who want to learn how to do broomstick lace. Come join us!

*Our Fall Church Picnic will be on October 15 at 5 pm on the church grounds. Bring an appetite for good food and good fellowship!

*Walking Group: The Walking Group meets each Tuesday weather permitting. During these warmer months, please take precautions and stay hydrated! Because it has more shade, the group has returned to walking at Lake Benson Park until the fall. The group meets weekly at 6:00 pm

*2023 Vision Update: Our Group is now set and meeting! Thanks be to God for Elders Deb Wallace and Megan Snapp, Deacon Regina Ekoule, and at large members Kathy Blue, Sandy Lee, Joe Prater, and Ken Summerville for being part of this work. They will not be alone though as the whole congregation will have the opportunity to offer feedback and ideas as we discern together what God is calling us to be and do in 2023 and beyond. Please pray for this process to be faithful and fruitful.

*Share FPCoG with Each Other and Our Neighbors! FPCoG is an active church! To help others know this (and to stay up to date yourself), please consider following and asking others to follow us on Facebook or Instagram!
http://www.facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchofgarner
http://www.instagram.com/firstpresbyterianchurchgarner