Week of September 17, 2023

Missions Committee Updates: 
The latest update from missionaries Tim and Marketa Southerland is now available. You can read it by clicking here.

The Missions Committee is also pleased to thank the ladies of the congregation for their heartfelt contributions of letters, cards, and notes to support "Captain R's" wife and their two children. This is a particularly difficult time for them, and the love shown from our congregation will help to sustain them and remind them of their friends in our corner of New Hampshire. In addition to the written items, our package contains 25 Pocket Prayer Quilts with English and Ukrainian language tags (one for each family member and the remainder for others as a part of their Cru Military Ukraine ministry) created by the Crafting Together Group, two lovely photographs of our church buildings, a collection of 70 classic, foundational hymns, plus age-appropriate Bible stories and coloring/construction items for the children. The package has been forwarded to Cru Military in Norfolk, Virginia, for shipment to "Captain R's" family.  Thanks to all who helped to make this happen!

HCC News:  The Grafton Orange Sullivan Association UCC will hold its Fall meeting on Sunday September 17. 2023 at 2:00 pm at the West Lebanon Congregational UCC,  followed by an Ecclesiastical Council to present Danial Adam for ordination.  Zoom link is available. Direct interest or questions to delegate Heidi Hoskin.

Alpha:  Alpha,  a night of eating and group discussion of some of the big questions of life, kicked off last Monday night in Etna.  In a transformed Trumbull Hall,  friends, curious visitors, church members, and regular attenders pondered some  of those Big Questions and shared their thoughts in a safe and judgement-free space. Alpha continues Monday evenings for another ten weeks, and you're (still!) invited, no matter your background or beliefs. It's completely free and there's no pressure to come back.   We do ask folks to sign up either via the link below or via the paper sign-up sheet available in Trumbull Hall (it helps with meal planning)

Mondays @ 6:30 pm
Trumbull Hall in Etna
https://etnahanovercenterchurch.org/alpha

New Middle School / High School Youth Group:  Isaac Lambert is leading our new program for middle and high school youth, and we couldn't be more excited! They are meeting twice a month on Sunday mornings during the worship service and once a month on Wednesday nights for a fun night. The next Sunday morning meeting will be this coming Sunday September 17.  For more info, please send us an email.  We thank Isaac, and we thank and praise God for leading Issac to take up this essential part of our ministry to the church and the community.

Weekly Bible Discussions:  Our Sunday morning Bible study (9am in Trumbull Hall, Etna) is discussing Gospel of Matthew.   Our weekday Bible discussion meets at 10 am on Wednesday mornings  in Trumbull Hall at the Etna church.  The Wednesday discussions are based on the previous Sunday morning's sermon.  
We look forward to seeing you at one or both!  

Fall Rummage Sale:  The Fall Etna Ladies Aid Rummage Sale will be Friday, September 29th, noon to 6 pm and Saturday, September 30th, 9 am to 1 pm in Trumbull Hall, Etna.

$5 a bag after 11 am on Saturday.

Donations of clean, seasonal clothing, jewelry, and small household items in good condition accepted at Trumbull Hall Tuesday to Thursday (September 26 - 28). Please, no books, CDs, electronics, or exercise equipment.

All the funds raised are used to serve the community.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Goings On at and Around Church:  Important Dates
Here's a list of important activities and dates that are on the horizon even now. As always, you can also check the church calendar for goings-on.

• Fall Fest Saturday - October 14
• Vision Weekend - October 21-22
• Joyful Bells Christmas Concert - December 10 @ 1:30 pm