Congregational Meeting
The Congregation and Corporation of First Presbyterian Church are called to meet Sunday, October 17 at 10:00 a.m. for the purposes of electing the Pastoral Nominating Committee and electing officers. Click the image of the PNC Brochure to view the names of those nominated to the Pastor Nominating Committee (more details can be found in the email that was sent 10/4/21). New Members Erin DeJoseph, Kristin Dolan, and Joe Fabiani will also be received on Sunday, October 17.
The meeting will be hybrid. The link below will register you for the 10am congregational meeting and you’ll get a confirmation email with a link to the Zoom meeting. 
Election of Officers
This year the Nominating Committee began working in the spring to fill church leadership positions for the Class of 2024. While they have not yet completed this task, they are pleased to present the following candidates for election on Sunday, October 17. They welcome your suggestions for the remaining opening positions, nominations for which will be presented at a future congregational meeting. The names being presented for leadership roles in the Class of 2024 are:

Elders
Peter Guman
Mary Hambleton
Trisha Minicozzi
Holly Reigner
Jean Russell (2nd term)
Frank Skomorucha
Bob Smith (2nd term)

Deacons
Dan Campbell (2nd term)
Connie Kohler (Class of 2022)
Charlie Myhre (2nd term)
Kathie Myhre (2nd term)
Evelyn Norton (2nd term)
Gail Turner*
Tom Sicoli (2nd term)
Lynn Wildrick (2nd term)
Trustees
Phil Heaver
Dennis Park (2nd term)
Carl Robinson
Cory Scheibe (2nd term)
Deb Shryock*
*Gail Turner and Deb Shryock were elected to fill unexpired terms and are being nominated to continue in their positions for 3 year terms beginning January of 2022.
Memorial Service
A memorial service for Betty Chandler will be held on Sunday, October 24 at 3pm. Because her family is spread throughout the country, the service will be held over Zoom. All are welcome; to attend, please use this link: Click Here
Christian Faith & Issues
October 24, 10:15am (hybrid)
Did you know that Pennsylvania ranks 45th in the nation in the amount of monetary support it gives for public education? A trial against the PA Department of Education will begin on November 11 to assure 1) Adequate and 2) Equitable funding for public education. Come to CFI on Oct. 24 to learn more about this important issue that effects everyone, regardless of whether or not you have children in public school. The group will meet in the first-floor conference room or through Zoom (link to be provided). For more information contact Dan Campbell.
October Food Donation
This month, we are collecting assorted cold and hot cereals for the West Chester Food Cupboard. You can leave donations on the cart in Fellowship Hall.
New Offering for Caregivers
This fall, First Pres is offering a weekly time for caregivers to connect with the Word of God and one another. Every Thursday at noon, we will gather on Zoom for a short lectio divina session. Lectio divina is an ancient practice of pausing to listen and rest with a Bible passage, expecting God’s presence to meet you and encourage you in that time. Participants don’t need to do any work ahead of time – this is designed to be an easy and comforting way to pause in your day and find rest in the Lord. Each week’s gathering will last 10-15 minutes, with the option to stay on the call longer for fellowship. If you are interested in participating, contact Sara Pantazes by calling the church office or by email.
Collecting Quarters for Church St. Towers
This fall, First Pres is collecting quarters to give to residents of Church Street Towers to do laundry in the machines in their building. Dig through the bottom of your purses, your car cup holders, and junk drawers and bring your quarters to church anytime between Sunday, October 10 and Sunday, November 14. First Pres kids and families will divide the quarters into individual portions and package them for delivery at a special craft party on November 14. This is a need that Church Street Tower residents shared with us, and the more quarters we collect, the more loads of laundry we can provide! Contact Sara Pantazes with any questions.
40 Days of Prayer
We are just about halfway through our 40 Days of Prayer for our church as it renews its vision for our congregation. God has heard our collective voices! If you haven’t already done so, pick up a bookmark at the church, or use this email as a reminder of the focus:

Sunday: Nurturing and Convicting Worship
Monday: Pastoral Nominating Committee
Tuesday: The Matthew 25 Campaign
Wednesday: Bucket School and All Who Learn and Teach
Thursday: The Church’s Presence in Our Neighborhood
Friday: Spiritual Health of the People in Our Community
Saturday: To Be a Sailboat Church

Note: A Hybrid (in-person & Zoom) Prayer Session will be held on October 31 from 10:10 to 10:30 a.m. All are invited. The in-person gathering will be in the first-floor conference room.
Are you Ready, Kids?!
The SpongeBob Musical is playing at Footlighters Theater in Berwyn October 15-30. A great show for kids and adults alike, the show features the beloved characters from the hit cartoon in an all new adventure with songs by Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, David Bowie, Yolanda Adams, and more! The show is being directed by our new office administrator, Daniel Williams, and stars First Pres’s own Lyndsay Spaziani as Pearl Krabbs! Zut alors! If you listen closely, you might even hear the familiar voice of Michael Spaziani as well.

A special relaxed performance of The SpongeBob Musical is being offered on Saturday, Oct 23 at 2 p.m. This performance will be adjusted for audience members of diverse sensory and communication needs. This may include, but is not limited to children under 6 years old, individuals with Autism, ADD, and sensory sensitivities.

Tickets can be purchased online. For more information, you can talk to Dan in the office or shoot him an email.
Fall Congregational Conversation
Please join us for a conversation addressing the work being accomplished on First Pres's pastoral transition objectives. Topics include a recommendation from the property committee, infrastructure advances on the financial and personnel sides, the formation of the Pastoral Nominating Committee, and communications improvements. There are two opportunities to attend:

In Person – Wednesday, October 20, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Zoom – Sunday, October 24, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

For more information, please contact Pastor Caroline Cupp (click here to email) or Transition Team Chair Elizabeth Guman (click here to email).

The link below will register you for the 10/24 online conversation and you’ll get a confirmation email with a link to the Zoom meeting.
Young Justice Builder’s Club
The next session of the Young Justice Builder’s Club will take place on Sunday, October 17 from noon – 1 p.m. Weather permitting, we will gather outside in the church’s side yard. All elementary aged children and their grown-ups are invited to this time where we will learn about Bayard Rustin, the nonviolence principles he lived by, and how those principles relate to our Christian faith. Snacks will be provided. Please RSVP by contacting Sara Pantazes.
Coffee Hour
Each Sunday, coffee is offered in Fellowship Hall after the 9:00 service. We hope you'll stop by for a few minutes for some conversation and a hot drink! Thank you to our Deacons for leading this ministry.
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Piano Recital Invitation
Sam Prochnau, son of Sue and Pete Prochnau, is inviting everyone to his piano recital in October. Please see his invitation below.

Hello First Pres! I would like to cordially invite you to my piano recital on Sunday, October 17 at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary. I will be playing works by Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and other composers spanning different eras of classical music. I would appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you on the 17th!  
Sam Prochnau 
Office Hours
Now that fall is underway, the church office has updated hours it will be open:

The office will be open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Fridays.

(The office will be open 9-12 on Thursday, October 14 and closed Friday, October 15)

If you need access to the building on 10/14 or 15, or outside of the regular office hours, please reach out to any staff member.
Masking at First Pres
Chester County is currently in the "high" transmission category for covid-19. CDC guidelines state that counties with substantial or high transmission should require masking indoors, even for those who have been fully vaccinated.

Based on these recommendations, everyone participating in worship or indoor programs is asked to mask while in the church building. The Worship Committee of Session is continuing to monitor best practices around covid prevention for our congregation.
Upcoming Preaching Schedule
October 17 - Sharon Browning
October 24 - Rev. Dr. Bill Hess
October 31 - Rev. Caroline Cupp
November 7 - Rev. Ann Dickey

First Presbyterian Church | 130 W. Miner Street | 610-696-0554


Take care...