Friends in Faith:
This Sunday, October 15, we'll be joined by Grace Presbyterian Church for worship together! Grace's praise team will be offering some new songs for us, and it will be wonderful to praise God together. Our scripture lesson is from Mark 10:13-16 (Jesus welcomes the children). In our service, we'll be discussing the questions, "what is a priority in your life?" "what do you make time for?" "what is really important to you?"
Natalya begins playing our “gathering music” at 10:20 a.m. You can also join virtually here: Facebook Live. More details about worship can be found here.
On Sunday, October 22, at 4 p.m., we'll be holding our annual "Blessing of the Pets" in our courtyard.
Rev. Stephen Moon (of Mosaics) and Davis Community Church will be hosting another fellowship evening for the entire Presbytery on Saturday, October 28: "The Presbytery Unity Meal.” More details to follow!
Our next “five on the 5th” Food Closet volunteer mornings is on Monday, October 30. We need just one more willing person. No experience necessary! Contact Cathy Sapunor if you would like to help.
October 29 is Reformation Sunday—we'll be welcoming a Scottish bagpiper for worship!
November 3 is Bob Betts' memorial service at 11 a.m.
November 5 is All Saints Day—we'll remember those who have gone on to be with God, and share in communion together. Please note that November 5 is also the day when daylight saving time ends.
A bit of hope for the week …
Rev. Janice Kamikawa and I were both blessed to participate in a Pastors' Retreat at Zephyr Point Conference Center. A gathering of several pastors from the North Central California Presbytery, as well as several other Presbyteries from around the country, worshiped together, and our speaker challenged us to consider hope in a variety of new ways. It was a blessed few days!
Just before the retreat began, I enjoyed a bike ride on the west side of Lake Tahoe. Sure enough, as I was locking up my bike on my bike rack after the ride, my key broke off in the lock! I wasn't sure what to do next, but I noticed I was only 500 yards from a fire station. So I stopped by and asked for their help. They grinded off the old lock within seconds and I was on my way. What a relief! Thanks be to God for the many many kind, helpful folks in this world who are always ready to lend a hand. My thanks to the good folks at the Olympic Valley Fire Department; below are the two gentlemen who gave me a hand with the lock.
As a church family, we are a community that is committed to caring for one another. One of the ways that we can support one another, loved ones and strangers, near and far, is to offer our prayers on their behalf. We share our prayers because we care for one another, and we know that God listens and cares for all of God's children. If you have a joy or concern to share, please let me know; and if it is a confidential matter, please be sure to let them know. And don't forget that we have a prayer team who is committed to praying for any and all prayer concerns that come forward. You can reach out to Barbara Greene with your prayer concerns and she'll share them with the prayer team.
We are praying for all the victims of violence in Israel/Palestine. May peace and a spirit of unity reign in this troubled land.
For all the victims of the recent earthquake in Afghanistan.
Hear our prayers, O Lord!
Peace to all.
—Jesse
