“So in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others“

Romans 12:5

Greetings Friends,

Once again, we had new members join the church Sunday, but I want you to know that as hard as I push membership it is not about numbers, it is about belonging.

Belonging is important to me because I am not sure where I belong. Since answering the call to be a pastor, we left our home in North Charleston and for the last 35 plus years we have formed relationships with friends in seminary and in the churches I have served, and while we have maintained those friendships, I still don’t feel like there is any one place where I belong. To add to that sense of not belonging, we have lost most of our relatives, so we do not have family to fall back on. I guess that is why the church and the Presbytery are so important to me. I envy those in this congregation who have grown up here and have always been in this church. You truly are blessed!

To be a member in a church is more than having your name on some official roll. It means that here is a place where you belong. This is your home. I think it was Robert Frost who said, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.” Some of you come every week, some once a month, some on holidays. Some are family members who are still on the roll and if you come, we will take you in. In other words, the wonderful aspect of church is that this is the place where you can belong!

If you have been away, regardless of how long, come home…. This is the place where you belong!

It is a joy to be your pastor.

Mike

Welcome Steve and Teenie Morrison, who joined the church Sunday. 

Announcements

• Church Workday – A church workday will be held on Saturday, October 24th starting at 8:30 am.
• Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child – It’s that time of year again. Christmas is right around the corner, Shoeboxes will be available next Sunday, October 25th. They will need to return by November 15th. 
• Session Meeting – The Elders will have their monthly session meeting on Oct. 26th
• Halloween Candy – Please donate candy for our annual Halloween festivities. Candy will be collected up to Oct. 31st.
• All Saints worship and communion will be held on Sunday, Nov. 1st.
• Blessing of the Animals – the Blessing of the Animals event was postponed due to weather. The new date is Nov. 8th.
• All Saints worship and communion will be held on Sunday, Nov. 1st
• Avinger Memorial Service will be held on Sat, Nov. 7th.
• Covered Dish Luncheon – Sunday, Nov. 8th.
• Presbytery Meeting – Tuesday, Nov. 10th.
• Men’s Group Dinner – Thursday, Nov. 12.
• Phillips Wedding, Saturday, Nov. 14th
• Stewardship Dedication – Sunday, Nov. 15th.
• Refreshments on the Lawn – Sunday, Nov 15th.
• Worship Service at Old Wappetaw Cemetery – Sunday, Nov 15th at 3:00pm.
• Blood Drive – Thursday, Nov. 19th.
• Christ King Worship Service – Sunday, Nov. 22nd.
• Session Meeting – Monday, Nov. 23rd.
• Thanksgiving – Thursday, Nov. 26th.
• First Sunday of Advent, Sunday, Nov. 29th.
• College Students – Please turn in your students address to Beth Gannon
• Church Directory – Copies of the church directory are available in the Narthex.