Saxapahaw United Methodist Church
September 30, 2020
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Message from Pastor Mitzi
Blessing of the Animals: Sunday October 4,
2-4 pm
These days as many of us have stayed home more than usual, we’ve learned to see the world more as our pets see it – its relative smallness and its frustrating boundaries, but also its offering of connection with those we love most in the world. For many, the comfort our pets give so freely has been a lifeline through times of uncertainty and change. My family’s dog, Ava, gives us a reason to get outside and to slow down and recognize God’s love, care, and concern for creation. She also reminds us not to leave food unattended, but that’s a story for another day!
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Pastor Mitzi's Alaskan Husky, Ava, rescued by a pastor friend and given
to the Johnson family
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Despite all the darkness in the world, the hope of humanity is based on our assurance that at the deepest level of reality, kindness holds sway. That is the heart of blessing. This Sunday, October 4, 2-4 pm, we have a chance to return a little kindness to our pets and to share our “extended furry (or scaly) family” with each other. Anyone in the community is invited to bring your pet(s) to the church yard for a blessing. Any pet you can get to the church on a leash or in a carrier is welcome.
October 4 is the traditional day for honoring St. Francis, a friar from Assisi, Italy, who loved all creatures and allegedly preached even to the birds. We bless animals on this day to honor his spirit and to remember God’s love for all creation. Animals were saved from the flood and afterwards made a part of the covenant with Noah. (Genesis 9:9–10). A giant fish saved Jonah (Jonah 2:1–10). Ravens brought bread to Elijah (1 Kings 17:6). Animals were included in the repentance of Nineveh (Jonah 3:7), and animals share in Christ's redemption of all God's creation. Therefore, we, too bless the animals and thank God for setting us as stewards of all the creatures of the earth.
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Eighteenth Sunday of Pentecost ~
World Communion Sunday
October 4, 2020
Indoor & Online Worship @ 11:00 am
Special Collection for Zoe Ministries (see Zoe Empowers article below)
To mark this special worldwide feast day, we will share in Holy Communion — individual cups and bread. Those present who choose not to receive the elements may receive a blessing instead.
Join us at 11:00 am either in person or by FaceBook Live, Zoom or phone.
If you're attending indoors, please reserve your space. Open to 20 worshippers in addition to the worship team. To sign up, click here or contact Laurie Newlin.
To connect via FaceBook on Sunday morning at 11 am, click here.
To connect via Zoom, click here.
To connect via phone: Dial +1 646 558 8656, enter, meeting ID: 922 1185 4642
To view the recorded worship service later, click here.
As always, you are welcome to share this opportunity with a friend or neighbor - all are welcome!
Blessing of the Animals @ 2 pm—4 pm (details above)
Humans who choose to may also receive Holy Communion at this time.
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Updated Worship Schedule!
All services on Sundays @ 11:00 am
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October 4, Indoor Worship Open to 20 worshippers in addition to the worship team. Advance sign up requested. To sign up, click here or contact Laurie Newlin.
- October 11, Outdoor Worship ~ Praise on the Porch, on front lawn
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October 18, Indoor Worship Open to 20 worshippers in addition to the worship team. Advance sign up requested. To sign up, click here or contact Laurie Newlin.
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October 25, Outdoor Worship at St. Matthew AME. More details to come!
Things to know for Indoor Worship:
Click here for our Healthy Gathering Policy.
Things to know for Outdoor Worship:
- In the case of rain, we'll meet indoors
- Please wear a mask. We have extras.
- Please bring a chair and distance at least 6 feet from other families. We will provide chairs for those who need them.
- Children will be asked to remain at their seats for the children's message.
- A no-contact drop-box will be provided for tithes and offerings.
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Youth News:
Cookout on Friday!
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FRIDAY, Oct 2 - 5:00 pm - Cookout and Smores at Mary Cardinale's, 109 Solstice Dr, Haw River, NC 27258
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Sunday, Oct 4 - No Youth Group (due to cookout earlier in the weekend)
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Sunday, Oct 11 - 5:00-6:30 pm
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Sunday, Oct 18 - 5:00-6:30 pm, Pack Fall Party Packs for the Community.
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Sunday, Oct 25 - 5:00-6:30 pm, Wear costumes, help pass out bags to community.
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Remembering Rick West
Rick West attended Saxapahaw UMC several years ago and it remained special to him. We just found out that Rick died a few months ago. He is seen here with his daughter-in-law Catherine West. She asks that we hold the family in prayer.
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Zoe Empowerment Groups Special Offering
The Victory Empowerment Group in Malawi we sponsored for three years is graduating this month! Click here for an update on their story and accomplishments.
Now we are working to support another wonderful group of young people we began empowering in October, 2019: Progress Empowerment Group, Manica Bridge, Zimbabwe: In Shared Partnership with Saxapahaw UMC and Jared & Valerie Stine. Click here for an update.
Our financial commitment is $7000 and you have already given $2815, leaving a remaining commitment of $4,184. We are asked to pay $1,785 of this by June 2021. On October 4, World Communion Sunday, we will take up a special offering. Please make your check out to Saxapahaw UMC with Zoe Empowers on the memo line.
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Upcoming Meetings by Zoom
SPRC Meeting, October 1, 2020 @ 6:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 847 964 6631
Dial +1 646 558 8656
SUMC Church Council, October 6, 2020 6:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 847 964 6631
Dial +1 646 558 8656
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Halloween Candy Donations
Needed by October 18
In lieu of the Fall Festival this year, Saxapahaw UMC will be distributing Fall Party Packs on October 25.
We are asking for donations of unopened, individually packaged candy for the party packs. Please bring your donations to the church by October 18. Let's help make this a really good Halloween for the kids this year since we won't be having the Fall Festival due to COVID!
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SAFE needs your help!
In August, the numbers of families needing Thursday kids bags from SAFE increased dramatically. They especially need Chef Boyardee (or substitutes) to help supply the 400-450 cans they need weekly.
If you are able to donate these or other Kids Bags items (see right), please drop them off at SAFE Mon-Thurs 8:15-12 or in the drop box beside the front door.
Please share and thank you
for your support!
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- Crackers- various nabs
- Individual grits/oatmeal
- Individual bags of chips
- Ramen
- SMALL jars of peanut butter
- Beanie weenies/vienna sausages
- Canned Chef Boyardee or substitute
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Salem United Methodist Church Mini-Fall Festival
Saturday, October 10
While they can’t have a full Fall Festival this year, Salem UMC’s trustees are excited to offer BBQ by the pound on their normal Fall Festival day, Saturday, October 10. BBQ will only be available for pickup and via preorder for $8/pound and sauce will be available for $4/pint.
If you would like to pre-order BBQ and/or sauce, please call or text Trisha Dodson at (336) 269-4107 or fill out the form at http://bit.ly/2020SalemBBQ by October 4. All proceeds from their BBQ sale go to support their Building and Repair fund.
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Financial Support for
Those in Need
Saxapahaw UMC offers two financial resources for local families and individuals in need:
Micro Loan Program - Loans of $250 to $2,500 along with relational support. During the pandemic health crisis, all or part of the loan may be forgivable. Loan applications confidentially reviewed by Pastor Mitzi Johnson and our Finance Team. To learn more, click here.
Pastor's Discretionary Fund - Smaller grants ($30 and $150) for one-time crisis assistance (utility bills, medicines, etc.)
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Need Someone To Talk With?
Pray With?
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Contact Pastor Mitzi
919-522-5540 (voice or text)
Pastor Mitzi observes Sabbath on Mondays but can still be reached in case of immediate need.
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Have Information for the E-Newsletter, Calendar, Bulletin, or Prayer List?
Contact Laurie Newlin, Administrative Assistant
336-266-0743 (voice or text)
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Saxapahaw United Methodist Church | PO Box 268 | Saxapahaw, NC 27340 | 336-525-2545
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