Indoor worship services in the sanctuary may resume on October 11th if conditions related to COVID-19 continue to progress positively. The services will be held at 10:00 a.m. and will be limited to a total of 50 people, excluding worship participants. Attendees will be asked to register in advance. Face masks and social distancing will be required. We will also resume nursery care and Children's Church. To register, click here.

To read about these decisions and others adopted by the Session at their September 8th meeting click here.

Exodus 20:1-20. God gives Moses and the Hebrew people the Ten Commandments so that they will have laws to guide them for their common life together. What is the purpose of the law? How can we look at God’s law, not as a bunch of rules, regulations, and restrictions, but as a gift from a merciful Creator? We will celebrate the sacrament of communion virtually on this World Communion Sunday.  

The Session has authorized virtual Communion as a visible reminder that Christ’s presence and love are with us even as we are not able to gather together as we normally do. Pastor Jody will bless the elements in the sanctuary and you are able to participate in communion from your homes. Plan to prepare in advance a piece of bread and either some grape juice or wine. You are invited to participate in virtual Communion whether you participate in the live stream or end up watching the service at a later time. 

           A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read "Puppies For Sale." Signs like that have a way of attracting small children, and sure enough, a little boy appeared under the store owner's sign. "How much are you going to sell the puppies for?" he asked. The store owner replied, "Anywhere from $30 to $50." The little boy reached in his pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37," he said. "Can I please look at them?" The store owner smiled and whistled and out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur. One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, "What's wrong with that little dog?"

           The store owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had discovered it didn't have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame. The little boy became excited. "That is the puppy that I want to buy." The store owner said, "No, you don't want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I'll just give him to you." The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner's eyes, pointing his finger, and said, "I don't want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I'll pay full price. In fact, I'll give you $2.37 now, and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for."

           The store owner countered, "You really don't want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies." To his surprise, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. The boy looked up at the store owner and softly replied, "Well, I don't run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!" We ALL need someone who understands!

           In the Bible, we are taught to show empathy and compassion to one another, to support each other in weakness, and to not become too prideful. Galatians 6:2 notes, “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” One of the ways that we remain connected is to keep our hearts open, genuinely caring about each other’s pain, trying to lift each other up.

           Being compassionate and understanding isn’t only something that we do for each other. God has shown great mercy with us and does not condemn us for our sins. Jesus came to this earth so that we might receive forgiveness, new life, and redemption in his name. Jesus also understands us in our weakness because he faced temptation, heartache, and grief. Our Lord even felt God forsaken as he died on the cross. Hebrews 4:15-16 describes Jesus as our great high priest, saying, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need.” Hebrews explains that we find in Jesus not only the Son of God and our Great High Priest. We also find the one who can relate to us, who reaches down to us in the midst of our confusion and pain, and who loves us with abundant mercy.

           Gracious God, we offer you thanks and praise for you are our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. You are holy and eternal and yet you also long to be in relationship with us. We are grateful that you know us completely Lord, from head to toe, and you love us more than we can imagine. Fill us with a sense of concern and empathy for others, so that we may spread your understanding and peace in our troubled world. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.   

There will be a Congregational Meeting immediately following the October 11th worship service. The purpose of the meeting is to hear a report from the Congregational Nominating Committee, including their recommendation of three individuals to serve on the Session's Class of 2023. The nominees are Bev Jones and Maggie Snyder for 3-year terms and Elder Bobby Gentry whose current term would be extended by 1-year. Please plan to attend this important meeting.

Sunday school will continue to meet by Zoom. We are studying Jason Boyett's book 12 Major World Religions. The next meeting will be at 9:00, and then we will start meeting at 8:30 (still by Zoom) once in-person worship services resume.

Volunteers are needed to help with the Food Pantry during the week of October 5th. Covid-19 protocols are in place. Clients must wear masks, gloves, and have their temp taken before coming in. Volunteers also must wear masks and have their temp taken. Gloves are optional for volunteers, but they must wash their hands frequently. Three volunteers each day for October 5th-9th are needed. Please contact Dot Landis at 919-645-8064 or landisdorothy2@gmail.com if you can volunteer. Thank you!

The clinic is scheduled this coming Sunday, October 4, 2020, from 11:15 am – 1:30 pm. Everyone is asked to come on time for their scheduled appointments and enter through the main church door. There is a brief form to be completed by each person. As soon as one person leaves, the next one will be directed to Station A or B in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone will exit through the South Door.

If you cannot make your appointment, please contact Bev Jones, 252-423-9107 ASAP, as there are some others who may want to fill in the spaces. Thanks to everyone for helping make this a successful clinic.

The youth group is once again sponsoring Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 25, from 5:00-6:00 PM. Due to COVID, many other Halloween events are cancelled so this is a real need in our community. This year's event will be a drive-thru activity, where children remain in their vehicles and church members distribute candy, dinner, prizes, and church information through the windows. There are many ways for you to be a part of this fun, socially distanced event! Please use this link to reserve your parking spot and sign up to donate items!  https://forms.gle/Kf9QCNKHHzbEUvoA8

Question: How does the risk of death caused by flu compare to that of the new COVID-19 virus?

Answer: As of September 22, the USA has recorded the grim milestone of 200,724 deaths in 2020 due to the new coronavirus. One week later, on September 29, the number of deaths is 210,148. This is indeed a deadly virus. We also know that each year, the “seasonal flu” causes serious illnesses and death, especially in older people and those with underlying medical conditions. Everyone is urged to get this year's flu vaccine. Meanwhile, researchers are working diligently to develop vaccines to protect us from Covid-19, but these efforts are still works in progress.

The 1^st chart below compares the death rates for flu and COVID-19 in 2020 to-date. It is a sobering comparison. The 2nd chart is a reminder of the second wave of illnesses and deaths that occurred in the 1918 pandemic. Please practice the public health safety behaviors and prevent many more deaths.

Please be safe. Thanks for caring!

The Faith Knitters started their knitting and crocheting sessions on September 22^nd. Beginning in October, Faith Knitters will meet on the 2^nd & 4^th Tuesdays of each month at 10:00 am at the home of Bill Pratt in Martins Point. If you would be interested in joining this group of ladies who knit or crochet prayer shawls we would welcome you with open arms. This group is made up of beginners as well as experts so you would fit right in no matter what your skill levels are. For more information call Barbara Nock at 252-255-5979.

A Community Health Worker (CHW) has been assigned to Dare County. This is a new program funded by the State and Vidant Health to assist community members who have been impacted by Covid-19. The CHW can facilitate assistance with needs such as medical, financial, food, transportation, or job assistance. The CHW contacts people, facilitates the resources they need and follows through to be sure those needs are met. If you, or someone you know, could use this kind of help, please contact Dare County CHW Cindy at 252-256-3479. 

Email: office@outerbankspresbyterian.org

Website: www.outerbankspresbyterian.org

You may reach office staff at 252-441-5897 or by sending an email to office@outerbanksbrebyterian.org