Events and Announcements in the Church and in the Community
For the Week Coming Up
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It's STEWARDSHIP Season
And Dedication Sunday is Almost Here
"Last Sunday, we kicked off our stewardship season by talking about the generosity of our Church, which has left us in much better financial standing than we had predicted, and the amazing missions our Church supports! Now is the time for God to hear from you - what has the Lord placed on your heart to give this year to support our shared mission to
know Jesus, live in the Spirit, and join in the Father’s Work?
"
So began the letter from the Finance and Stewardship Team which most of you received this week. And we heard this from Pastor Beau the week before:
"I’d ask that you’d prayerfully consider what you might give to First Presbyterian Church this year. As we think of all that we’re grateful for, and all we could express gratitude for, I want to express my personal gratitude for this church family and your generosity! You all make the life and mission of this church happen with your time, talent, and resources. It’s exciting to lead such a generous and thoughtful church. May God bless you with even more reasons to be grateful as you give!"
Let's state the obvious: GENEROSITY is a huge part of First Presbyterian Church Durango. And now, at least for the time being, we'll have the chance to demonstrate that through
- Bringing our Pledge Cards to church (or mailing them to us) in about a week
- Listening to the various Teams of the Session tell about the work they are doing in the Moment For Mission during the Sunday service
- Praying for our members and various education and mission projects and the community that surrounds us here in Durango
- Challenging each other to be Grateful, Thankful, Blessed—Growing in a Life of Gratitude, which is the theme of our new sermon series on Gratitude
Let this season fill our hearts with joy, gratitude and hope as we approach the upcoming year.
Here at First Pres the full schedule of all that's going on can seem daunting at times.
That's why we ask that, instead of trying to absorb this week's activities at a single glance, you sit down with your calendar and this email and plug in those things that interest you at your own pace.
Many Blessings!
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Light Up the Night Tomorrow - Halloween Night
Bring all your children and friends, all your ghosts and goblins starting at 4 for our memorable annual event. If you haven't seen the Spook House decorations in Westminster Hall get ready to BE SCARED! You are welcome to help make "Light Up The Night" a fun and smooth-running experience for the hundreds of kids that visit us by coming to help!
Come at 3:30pm for set up and/or take a shift handing out treats between 4:00 and 7:30pm.
The more people we involve the spookier the event will be! Thanks in advance. BOO!
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This Week is Food Bank Sunday—November 3
Let’s feed the hungry as we feed our souls at the Communion Table!
If you don’t have food to donate you can still participate by writing a
check to
:
First Presbyterian Church with "
Food Bank
"
in the memo line.
Cash may be placed in a pew envelope with your name
and annotated for the Food Bank
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David Shew's Ordination Day November 6, 1983
(Below - David is the second from the left)
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A New Adult Series for our Sunday School Class
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This Sunday, November 3,
we will start a new book study called
Jesus Outside the Lines, a way forward for those who are tired of taking sides
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written by Presbyterian Pastor Scott Sauls.
Marie Davidson
will begin leading the study and copies of the book are available for $12 in the Church Office and on Sunday in Westminster Hall.
Jesus offers us a way forward - away from harshness, caricatures, and stereotypes.
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As quoted on the back of the book:
"Weary of Us Against Them? Whether the issue of the day on Twitter, Facebook, the blogosphere, or cable news is our sexuality, political divides, or the perceived conflict between faith and reason, we are often drawn into a frustrating clash between two opposing sides. Polarizing, us-against-them discussions divide us and distract us from thinking clearly and communicating lovingly with others. Scott Sauls, like many of us, is weary of the unnecessary divides and is seeking a way of truth and beauty through the conflicts, Jesus Outside the Lines presents Jesus as this way. Drawing from the words and actions of Jesus, Scott shows us how we can hold firmly to our beliefs without perpetuating divisiveness."
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Reading this monthly magazine always makes local congregations feel like they are part of something much bigger than themselves. And we ARE!
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An Important Highlight and a Great Way to GIVE!
Operation Christmas Child
Drop off and deadline day is Nov 17 for First Pres. We’ll have a table in Westminster on Sunday the next 3 Sundays and boxes can be dropped off then. We’ll drop all First Pres boxes at FUMC between November 18-25.
Please help out by packing your Shoebox
"We collect shoebox gifts for children around the world as an expression of God's love. Join us in spreading the Good News of the Gospel by packing shoeboxes!"
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