Another month has passed. This time of year teaches us so much.  I just received what I noticed as my first frost warning, signaling the end of summer. Gratitude for the changing temperatures and the cool night air shows grace and forgiveness as it lightens up the evenings, preparing us for fall.  We are thankful for the beginnings of changes to the tree leaves and flowers and the reminder to treasure the green of summer because soon it will be gone.  We look forward to plans to go out into nature, perhaps the last time of the season. We will then be set to enjoy the last warm days and, maybe, nights. September has come with its signals to settle down, to take life more seriously, and to begin to prepare for a change of season later in the month.

We are very busy during September. The bulletin for this Sunday of Open Worship is attached. Let me answer a few questions the announcements might bring up for this Sunday.

We are having Bible Study at 9 this Sunday morning.  It is a Lectio Divina style Bible Class.  Lectio Divina is a Latin phrase that means “divine reading” or “sacred reading.” It is an ancient practice of praying with the Bible and allowing it to open up new insights as we share what it brings up for each of us in the room. Joe is the facilitator, but we are all there to allow the scriptures to do the teachings.  The scriptures this week are from Mark chapters two and three

Doug Fay will play harp as we begin open worship at 10 AM. Phyllis Fay will accompany him on flute.  We look forward to first Sundays for its openness to silence, but also for the tranquil meditative ambiance that is set when these two grace us with their talents.  Come enjoy their talents with us.

After worship, we will have the opportunity to sing the songs together we will be singing during worship in September.   They include traditional, Quaker and Spiritual songs: Joyful, Joyful; Morning has Broken; This Little Light of Mine; and Teach Me to Stop and Listen.  None of us are accomplished singers.  We are just getting together and making a joyful noise. And we have fun together!  If you want to sing more often than on Sunday after open worship, please come to the Music Committee meetings on Wednesdays at 5:30.

Below are more announcements. After many months without one, there is a Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business after the worship service on September 27. There are also many opportunities for service. Please call me at 541-363-6885 if you want to participate in any of these, and I will connect you to the right person.

We received an email from Carl and Sarah in Chile. They recently celebrated another wedding anniversary and shared fond memories of the occasion, as well as worshiping with the congregation. Spring has arrived there, so they are busy gardening. They send their warm thoughts and best wishes.

Here are those and the other announcements:

• September 6 – 9:00 AM – Bible Study – Mark 2&3
• September 6 -9:00 AM – YOU ARE INVITED TO STAY AFTER MEETING FOR WORSHIP TO GO OVER THE SONGS WE ARE GOING TO SING IN SEPTEMBER
• September 8 – 5:30 PM – Ministry and Care
• September 9 – 5:30 PM -Music Committee Meeting
• September 13 –11:00 AM – Richard Rohr Book Group, The Naked Now, chapters 13, 14, & 15
• September 14 – 2:30-5:00 PM Preparing a meal and taking it to Transitional Housing in town
• September 16 – 5:30 Music Committee Meeting
• September 19 – 9:00 AM – Church Cleaning
• September 20 – 9:00 AM – Peace & Social Concerns
• September 21– 5:30 PM – Administrative Team (Clerks of Committees and pastors)
• September 22 – 5:00 PM – Food Pantry- if you want to volunteer, please contact Alicia Pinkerton
• September 23 – 5:30 – Music Committee Meeting
• September 27 – 11:00 AM – Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business
• September 29 – 5:00 PM – Food Pantry – if you want to volunteer, please contact Alicia Pinkerton
• September 30 – 5:30 – Music Committee Meeting