Dear Friends,
One day in third grade Sunday school I noticed that the girl next to me had a different Bible translation than I had. I asked the teacher why our Bibles were different. She told me that the original language of the Bible was Greek and Hebrew. “What?” I said, “Jesus didn’t speak English?” I was appalled, though my answer was, “Well I guess I will have to learn Greek and Hebrew.” And I did, but given my grades in French and German no one would have thought it possible. I got an A in Greek and a B+ in Hebrew, and I would rather not talk about my grades in French and German. It is enough to say that Love is a great motivator, the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God does not speak and hear in only one language. God hears all our prayers even if the words are not uttered. God speaks clearly in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ came so we could all understand God’s love language. The book of Hebrews tells us that God has spoken most clearly through Jesus Christ. This Sunday we will be sharing in World Communion Sunday. Around the globe not only will people be speaking and teaching the love God has for each of us in their own cradle language, but all of us will be demonstrating God’s love by sharing in the Lord’s Supper. The Lord’s Supper is in a sense an “unspoken” expression of God’s love for us.
On World Communion Sunday we will be receiving the Peacemaking Offering. This special offering is another way to express God’s love without words. Southminster’s portion, 25%, will go to Family Shelter Service, an organization that helps make love a reality during tough times. How do you say, “Love” with out words? One way is to participate in the Lord’s Supper and another way is to give to the Peacemaking Offering. There are many ways to say, “I Love you.” My prayer for all of us is that each of us everyday will find at least one way to say it without words. Take if from here,
Love, Wendy
Hebrews 1:1-3
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
Announcements:
This Sunday –the first Sunday in October– is designated World Communion Sunday, a day that brings all Christians together around the Lord’s table. Our children will remain in worship and we will celebrate with “Breads of the World” during Fellowship time. If you have a family favorite bread, we invite you to bring some (homemade or store-bought) to share that morning. We will also join our Presbyterian brothers and sisters in receiving the Peacemaking Offering on October 4.
In addition, fourth through seventh graders will sing the Introit with the Adult Choir this Sunday. Please have your child in the sanctuary no later than 9:10 a.m., so they can practice before worship.
There is no Sunday School this week so children can remain in worship and be present at the Lord’s Table. As you may be aware, only children who have been baptized may participate in communion. If your child has not been baptized, or is baptized but has never participated in the Lord’s Supper, and you have questions or concerns on how to prepare them, please call Pastor Wendy.
We’re Baking Up Nice Surprises (BUNS) for CNS Hospice patients and their families, as well as patients in CNS Hospice’s Geriatric Assistance Program. Baked goods can be brought to church this Sunday, Oct. 4, or dropped off in the narthex by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 5, for delivery to CNS Hospice. Remember, NO ICED items! Please package your goodies in individual baggies of 2-3 cookies, muffins, or brownies.
Additionally, the youth at their SPY meeting on October 4 will be baking for BUNS. They could use brownie mixes, eggs, vegetable oil, plastic sandwich bags, flour and sugar for their baking – to be dropped off by Sunday morning, Oct. 4.
Sign-up sheets are on the Mission Bulletin Board in the Narthex for your baked goods or donations for the youth bake-off.
What a delicious and loving way to reach out to families during a very difficult time.
This Sunday, and the first Sunday of every month, is the day we bring offerings for the People’s Resource Center. The October emphasis is personal care and sanitary products. Donations can be placed in the narthex (near the stairwell to Fellowship Hall).
A representative from Lakeshore Christian Camping will be here at 11:00 a.m. this Sunday, October 4, to present information related to the future of Presbyterian Camps at Saugatuck. To allow people to attend the presentation, there will be no Adult Ed. or High School classes this week.
Women’s Breakfast meets the first Monday of the month –next gathering will be October 5– at 8:00 a.m. at IHOP in Danada East. New friends are always welcome to join us! If you want to participate, we’ll have a Halloween socks grab bag.
Act by October 6 if you’d like to attend the Wheaton College Christmas Concert on December 5! We have discovered that somehow information regarding the annual Wheaton College Christmas Concert never reached us, and that the time for reserving tickets is almost upon us. The concert at Edman Chapel will be December 5 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets this year are $15.00. Tickets go on sale on October 7 and rapidly sell out, so we need to take action quickly if a group is interested in attending. If you would like to attend this event, please call (630-469-9482) or e-mail (caralinde@sbcglobal.net) Caroline Linde by October 6. There WILL NOT be a sign-up sheet, due to the short time span available for planning this event.
You have only until October 7 if you wish to purchase a memorial brick in time for installation by All Saints Day. Don’t delay! Call Grace Van Beveren (630-469-6769) for the required form.
Christian Education notes:
October Second Helpings/Harvest Party: This October will be an especially exciting month as we include a Harvest Party along with the Second Helpings on October 18. All Sunday School children, including Preschoolers, are invited to attend. We would appreciate hearing from Preschool parents if you/your child will be attending. Please call Laura Baer at 630-469-9149 or email at smpcce@ameritech.net.
Acolyte Training: Third graders on up can attend Acolyte Training on Sunday, October 11, at 8:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. Please encourage your child to serve in this important ministry. If any children would like a refresher, they are welcome to attend as well.
Mark your Calendars for these Christian Ed. dates!
October 4 – No Sunday School, No Adult Ed
October 11 – Acolyte Training, 8:45 a.m.
October 18 – Second Helpings/Harvest Party
November 15 – Second Helpings/Christmas Program Rehearsal
We are in need of a second person to work in the nursery. We are asking you to share this information with anyone you believe is qualified (at least 18 and with some child care training or experience) and who might be interested. The hours for this position are Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 noon (depending on the need during programs following worship). There may also be occasional other times when this person will be asked, if available, to care for children in the nursery during special church activities. The wage for this position is $10/hour. Please ask anyone who is interested to speak to Laura Baer.
Valet parking is available on Sundays for anyone who would like that service. In order for that offer to work, we need volunteers to assist with the parking! If you would like to volunteer to help with valet parking, there is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board as you enter the church.
Have you considered becoming a member of Southminster? Please talk to Pastor Wendy Boden (office: 630-469-9149) or Elder Ginny Kline (630-668-7374).
