Church Office Will Remain Closed
At their August 24 meeting, Session reviewed current government data and guidance on in-person worship. Based on the status of local covid-19 cases and the restrictions needed to reduce risk for those attending gatherings, Session made the decision to maintain virtual worship and remote work for staff. Session is also working to establish guidelines for how we might introduce small numbers of people into the congregation (alongside virtual worship) in the months ahead should the number of cases continue to go down.
Introducing Interim Pastor Rev. Bob Sheldon
The Pastoral Transition Team is pleased to welcome Rev. Bob Sheldon as the Interim Senior Pastor/Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church. Bob is slated to begin at First Pres on October 1, and he will preach on World Communion Sunday, October 4. He and his wife, Ginger, are moving to West Chester very soon and are thrilled to join the family of God at First Pres. To learn more about Bob, please visit firstpreswc.com/interim-pastor and watch the introductory interview Transition Team member, Jeff Gross had with Bob, below.
Anti-Racism Conversation this Sunday
All members of the First Pres community are invited to join the Christian Faith & Issues class for an Anti-Racism Conversation this Sunday on Zoom from noon - 1 pm. This monthly meeting is a chance for people to share what they are learning about racism in our country and community and to encourage one another as we seek to speak, think and act in anti-racist ways. The Zoom link can be found at www.firstpreswc.com/racial-justice or by contacting Sara Pantazes at spantazes@firstpreswc.com.
Fall New Members Class
We are planning to have an online new members class one evening in September (date to be determined based on attendees' schedules). If you or someone you know would like to find out more about membership at First Pres, all are welcome to attend! Please contact Elizabeth Hess (ehess@firstpreswc.com) if you are interested.
Weekly Women's Online Bible Study this Fall
All women are invited to join us this fall for an online Bible study that will meet one evening a week over Zoom, for six weeks. We’ll be studying Max Lucado’s newest book, Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name and learning more about the life and character of the Savior. Divided into six sections (Immanuel, Friend, Teacher, Miracle Worker, Lamb of God, Returning King), this study describes both the person Jesus was on earth and how to live in a personal relationship with him. This study will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, October 7 - November 11 and will be led by Sandy Lebold and Elizabeth Hess.
First Porch
There is one remaining First Porch get together this Saturday, September 19, and it still has two openings; all are welcome! Similar to Lenten gatherings that have taken place in the past, these (very) small one-time groups have been hosted by a member/friend of First Pres outdoors at their home. Please click on the button to sign up if you are interested in attending this Saturday's small get-together. Once attendees have signed up, the host will be in touch with them with more details. Email Elizabeth Hess (ehess@firstpreswc.com) with any questions. Thank you!
First Pres Tennis
Hi Ladies, We are back- tennis is a perfect social distancing sport! Our contract is Tuesdays at BRC 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sept to April, and we have so much fun!! Call Nancy 484-883-0297 or email: nancy.k.haughton@gmail.com. It's not too late! 
Pastoral Transition Prayer Initiative
Heartfelt Thanks for your weekly prayers for the transition process.  People are using different methods to remind themselves to pray on Thursdays at noon. Whatever it takes!  Your prayers are being felt by the Committee and are much appreciated.

The Topic for this Week is: Gratitude for providing a New Interim Pastor in such a timely manner.  Gratitude for Rev. Bob Sheldon’s willingness to join our congregation and lead us through this time of transition. Prayers also for a safe, smooth move to the area.

You don’t need to only pray for the topic of the week, but you can continue to pray for previous topics as well or anything that God lays on your heart.

Please note that the next virtual prayer session will be Sunday, 9/27 at 10:15.
Helping Hands
The Helping Hands program at First Pres will pair up someone in need of help with someone who wants to help - and all ages are welcome to participate! If you would like to take part, please fill out the form at firstpreswc.com/helpinghands. Once you are paired up with someone, you will receive more details. If you have questions or if you need (or can give) help in a way that you don't see on the form, please contact Elizabeth Hess (ehess@firstpreswc.com).
Let Us Know
As local hospitals slowly ease visiting restrictions, we are anticipating a gradual return of the Agape visitation ministry. If you anticipate a hospital stay or have a loved one who is hospitalized and a visit, call, or card would be of comfort, please contact Ellen Landis (elandis60@gmail.com) or Judy Mackleer (judymackleer@verizon.net).
This Week's Scripture Passage:
This Sunday, Rev. David Dickey will be delivering the sermon and together we’ll be looking at Matthew 14:13-20.

13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full.

Questions for Reflection:
1. What does this passage call up for you?
2. Have you ever felt God has an impossible task for you?
3. Have you ever looked back on a time or moment and clearly seen God at work?

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


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