Week of September 15, 2024

Bible Project:  Last Sunday, Pastor Chris announced an exciting and important new "ministry opportunity" for our church, which he rather spontaneously dubbed our "Bible Project".  As Paul observed, late in his life, to his colleague and mentee Timothy, the Scriptures are of paramount value and importance to Christians in all phases of their faith journey.  Today, there are myriad "Study Bibles" available that include the Scripture as well as explanatory notes, cross-references, a concordance (essentially an index of important words, concepts, and names and where to find them in the Bible), as well as other aids to read, study, and contextualize God's Word as revealed and recorded in the Bible.  Wouldn't it be nice to have high quality study Bibles available to share with seekers as we encounter them (or as they encounter us)?   An excellent study Bible using the New Living Translation (NLT – the same version we have in the church pews) text is available.  We've already acquired a few and given them to people  close to the beginning of their "walk".  Feedback on this has been very encouraging, so we'd like to do more!  So we are inviting you all to support our [study] Bible Project!  
If you'd like to help, we'd encourage you to consider prayerfully making a donation to support the purchase of additonal study Bibles.  When making a donation, please add a note that your gift is given for the "Bible Project".   The cost of one NLT Study Bible is about $32, but of course any amount you feel moved to contribute is welcomed and appreciated. Please also pray that these study Bibles will be useful and valuable aids to illuminate the path of people along their faith journeys.  

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. – Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

Chicken Pie Supper! A planning meeting is scheduled for the annual Hanover Center Chicken Pie Supper. The meeting will be held on Thursday, September 19th at 5:30 pm in the Hanover Center Congregational Church. All are invited to come and help plan the workings of the Annual Chicken Pie Supper. This event is a longstanding and much beloved tradition in our church community.

Missions Committee:   The committee reports that they've received a new update from Timothy Pillsbury of CUVox (at Dartmouth).  Per the email's header: God is Using a New Academic Year to Do a New Thing at Christian Union Vox!  To read the update, simply click here.

Also, we'd like to take this opportunity to remind you that Majors Robin and Mark Hager, corps commanders of the Salvation Army of Berlin, NH, will visit our church on Sunday, 22 September. They will provide a brief update during the service, followed by a fuller discussion of their many activities during the fellowship hour.  

Sunday morning "Coffee Hour Ministry":  We are looking for some volunteers to sign up to bring snacks on Sunday mornings this fall. Feel free to team up with another person to share a Sunday. Really, truly – anything that you'd like to bring is fine! Homemade or store bought – it's all good! If you have any questions on the matter, just ask one of our veteran snackmeisters such as Becky LaHaye or Susan Johnson! The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the entry area between the sanctuary and Trumbull Hall.   

Fall Fest:   Mark your calendar for an unforgettable autumn celebration next Saturday September 21!  Click here for the details.  We hope to see you!

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.