Week of August 25, 2024

Summer/Fall 2024:  This Sunday (August 25) is our last summer Sunday worship in Hanover Center this year. We'll be back in Etna for Sunday services starting on September 1.  Please join us in person or via livestream to praise and worship our God in fellowship with your church family.

Special thanks to Scott Lambert for preaching this past Sunday.  It is always a joy to have Scott share his faith and perspective.  As Pastor Chris noted Sunday morning, Scott's sermons give one a sense that he's lived the messages he preaches.  

Bible Discussions: Our Sunday morning Bible discussion will not be meeting this Sunday, August 25 nor the following Sunday, September 1. Watch our weekly updates for information about our schedule for the fall.

Our Wednesday morning Bible discussion group meets weekly at 10 am in Trumbull Hall in Etna. Please join us if your schedule permits!

Missions Committee Updates: The Missions Committee is pleased to announce support for Brian and Lynette Smith, Global Servants for International Ministries in the Dominican Republic. Brian and Lynette served for a time in Haiti and have been in the Dominican Republic for at least four years. Theirs is a unique ministry in that they do not serve as purveyors, intermediaries or facilitators of direct services (funding, food, clothing and the like), but rather establish close ties with leaders of local churches and organizations and assist them, first, to define and communicate their vision and goals, help them to develop plans and monitor progress, and celebrate accomplishments. During our Zoom session they went to great lengths to emphasize that they consider none of these activities to be theirs. Rather, all that happens as a result of their ministry is conceived by and done by the local groups for the Lord with His grace. They are a fine young couple who love their ministry and the people they serve. They are very interested in a long-term relationship with us. They have a scheduled period of home leave next summer and of course we invited them to visit us. Should you wish any additional information, please contact Abby Fellows, Janet Grescek, or Ralph Puckett.

Captain R is now Major R! He has assumed the formal position of Chief of Staff of his mechanized battalion—a position he had held effectively for the past ten months. He shared that he is truly at the "tip of the spear" in an area the Russians consider strategically vital. As a result, Ukrainian forces are engaged in heavy combat operations and have suffered significant casualties. Let us keep Major R, his family, and all his comrades-in-arms in our constant prayers.

Auction update redux:  The summer auction held by Etna Ladies Aid Society was, as reported previously, a great success. We recently learned that the net proceeds of the day were $5,027.50! God is great indeed!  Thanks to all who made the day possible!  Proceeds will be used to benefit Upper Valley community and service organizations.

CU VOX at Dartmouth College: The Missions Committee also shared an update and request from Timothy Pillsbury at CU VOX, a ministry focused on Dartmouth College. Here is a synopsis - you can read the entire email from CU VOX by clicking here or anywhere in the italicized text below.

We are laying the groundwork right now for the arrival of the '28s. Our outreach team is working hard to make contact with the incoming first-years before they even get to campus, giving each of them a chance to know someone at Dartmouth before they even arrive. We are planning our conferences and programs for the coming year. And prayers are constantly being offered up for the incoming class. For your part, pray for: · Strategic plans for how to best reach the incoming class · A continued fervor in prayer among our students to contend for revival on campus · A fresh filling of the Holy Spirit in each of our student leaders as they pursue the Lord · For the Lord to do abundantly more than what we could ask or think to grow His kingdom at Dartmouth and beyond · Financial support for our ministry

The Fall Etna Ladies Aid Rummage Sale will be Friday, September 27 from noon to 6:00 pm and Saturday, September 28, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in Trumbull Hall, Etna.

$5 a bag after 11:00 am on Saturday.

Donations of clean, seasonal clothing, jewelry, and small household items in good condition will be accepted at Trumbull Hall from Tuesday to Thursday (September 24-26).

Please, no books, CDs, electronics, or exercise equipment.

All the funds raised are used to benefit Upper Valley community and service organizations.