Off the Pres at FPC | E- ! nfo Letter | September 4, 2019
Events and Announcements in the Church and in the Community
For the Early Weeks of September
Another active week for a busy and wonderful congregation. So here's what we know. (And as always, we suggest: Don't try to capture it all in one glance. Sit down with your calendar and this email and plug these things in!). Many Blessings!
IN TWO DAYS! Friday Night September 6 at 6:30pm
Presbytery's Program and Supper here In Durango
From 6:30-8:30pm in our own Westminster Hall join the presentation sponsored by the Presbytery of Western Colorado in our region featuring the Rev. Cindy Kohlmann, Co-Moderator of the 223rd General Assembly. She will share insights about the role of local churches and presbyteries as we do ministry in the current context of our communities.
New Members Classes
“Presbyterianism” for Presbyterians and Not-So-Presbyterians. The first of 3 classes for those considering membership (and those of us who want to learn some more) will be held on September 15 at 8:45am. The next two weeks will be September 22 and 29.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MEMBERSHIP AT FPC THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU!
Led by Pastor Beau.




In Case you missed it!

Here are the slides we missed in the service last Sunday because of a glitch with our TV screens. Listen to Pastor Beau's sermon from last Sunday. It's on our website and is entitled: Contemplating the Trinity . Beau assures us that this now will all make sense.



Keys Please
If you have keys to the church and no longer need or use them, we are down to the last 2-3 copies (we had fifty made 5 years ago).  Users are waiting for their temporary keys for upcoming events in our building. Please return any you aren't using to the office as soon as possible.

Thanks so much to all of you!



This Weekend on Saturday Morning at 9:00am
The first Men's Breakfast of the school year is this Saturday Sept 7 at 9:00am.
Please join us for breakfast and a lively discussion entitled:
"Noah's Ark - Scientific Fact? Borrowed Myth? Is there a modern lesson?"


Adult Sunday School Starts Back Up this Sunday, September 8. 8:45-9:45am Rm 215
We're starting our year off with a REAL TREAT! Leslie Santee will share about her mission trips to Honduras and Greece this summer. Leslie is a video producer and is married to Jim Santee who sings in our choir.
> She will be sharing video clips about her encounters with youth and young adults from a children’s home in ultra-poor regions of Honduras and the the subjects' quest to make a difference in their country.
> She'll also share stories about her recent trip to Greece working in a refugee camp primarily for Syrians.
A New Confirmation Class!
Keep the NEW CLASS OF MIDDLE SCHOOLERS (PLUS A FEW) in your prayers. Their PARENTS, too! Classes start this Sunday and meet 9:00-9:50am. These classes will run weekly until the Thanksgiving Break. Contact Dan Pierce for more info.

Upcoming Events at FPC
Kathy Hamrick will supply our pulpit this coming Sunday September 8. She's filling in while Pastor Beau travels out-of-town to perform a wedding. Please welcome her graciously!
Starting Up Again - 2nd Sunday Suppers
Second Sunday Suppers will resume this Sunday, Sept. 8, at 5:30pm. These Potluck Suppers are an opportunity to better get to know others in the church.  There will be no program. Instead participants will eat in small groups of 5 or 6 people. As you eat you’ll be asked to share a bit of your life story and your faith journey based on a couple of question chosen by the leaders. The whole point of these dinners is to build a stronger sense of community (koinonia). Bring a main dish, a salad, a side dish, or a dessert. Everyone is welcome: young and old, singles and families (children included), long-time members and first-time visitors. We’ll conclude by 7:00pm.
There will be a sign up sheet in Westminster to help estimate the number of diners. The next Second Sunday Supper will be on October 13.  
Join the Choir! Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm
After our summer break the choir is starting up again. Regular rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7:00-8:00pm. WE'RE HOPING TO BRING ON SOME NEW MEMBERS! Now is a great time to start. The choir leads us in worship on Sundays, usually arriving at 9:15am before 10:00am worship. Please come and join the fun!

Women's Retreat Registration Deadline - Just a few Days More
Retreat Dates: September 20-22
 
Held at Sonlight Christian Camp in Pagosa Springs. Registration ends September 6. Space is limited. For Registration and more information

TNT (Tuesday Night Teams) are BACK - next one is September 10 at 5:30pm in Westminster Hall
We have several Ministry Teams to choose from. Get Involved!!

Come be a part of making FPC the best church for Durango! Next meeting: Tuesday, September 10. Time: 5:30pm gather and eat (Brown Bag). At 6:00pm the meetings start. Where: FPC Fellowship (Westminster) Hall

We've Updated our Pictorial Directory to Include our New Staff
With new staff on board and some membership changes, we have printed A FEW new pictorial directories. Black and White copies are available at no cost and colored copies for a small fee. See the table in Westminster Hall to pick up your copy.
In the Community
Our good friends Brent and Renee Dixon lead this 6-week class on Tuesdays starting September 10 from 6:00-7:30pm.

Concerns in the Spotlight
We ask for prayers for the dedicated group of callers who have been coordinating visits to Janey Silver at Valley Inn in Mancos after her decades-long house mate, Louise White, died August 16. A Memorial Service to celebrate Louise's life is scheduled for Thursday, September 19 at 12:00 Noon. PRAYER IS POWERFUL and WORKS!

BETTER TOGETHER - SUNDAY OCTOBER 6 IN ROTARY PARK
October 6 9:30am to 2:00pm is our next BETTER TOGETHER Event
We will join the St. Francis Day Blessing of the Animals service offered through St. Mark's Episcopal Church on this October Sunday in Rotary Park. We've in charge of the ANIMAL SERVICES EXPO to help promote better and more visible services aimed at the animals and pets living with us and surrounding us here in Durango. A dedicated group of members are WORKING THEIR TAILS OFF to get us ready! Let the office know if you are able to SIGN UP TO HELP! WE NEED YOUR IDEAS AND ENERGY! The next planning meeting is September 11 at 1:30pm