Week of October 1, 2023

Full disclosure:  the image above is from last October -- but fall is here!

Sending our love and good wishes to June Olsen and Don Saylor:  On Saturday November 4th, 2023, our good friend, June Olsen, will wed Don Saylor, in Lititz, PA. You are invited to share in a gift of cards/notes of good wishes. The cards/notes will be put together and given as a gift of good wishes at their wedding. Please give your cards/notes to Norma Pelton by Sunday October 29. Thank you!

Stand with Ukraine/Claremont:  The Claremont - Sugar River Rotary is holding an event on Saturday Sept. 30 and borrowing our sock idea to send in time for cold weather.  Our church is contributing lightweight blankets and earplugs as well as a financial contribution to help pay for postage through our missions.  Your prayers and support are valued as the conflict drags on and toll increases on the men, women and children in Ukraine.  
Click here to view the flyer for the September 30 event.  

In other news from Ukraine:  More than 40 notes written by our kids last Sunday (translated with the assistance of Victoria Levin) have been provided to the Stand with Ukraine effort mentioned above.  Thanks to an extremely generous donation, 225 lightweight disposable blankets, as well as a number of earplugs, have also been donated on behalf of our church.   Special thanks go out to Ralph Puckett for his generous support and involvement.

Tech Sunday 2023:  It's time for another Sunday morning tech session!  Join our skilled cadre of nerds and tech geeks after next Sunday morning's service (October 8) for a demonstration of our livestream and tips on how to use it via your favorite device/platform.  One of my own favorites is shown below. ;)  We will also include Zoom access to the Fall 2023 Tech Sunday for those who wish to join us "from away" (as they say).  

Fall Fest:  Our annual "Fall Fest" is just around the corner (Saturday October 14) -- and it is not just for kids!   This year's fest will conclude with a contra dance, and all are invited!  Amelia Ihlo notes that the fest organizers are looking for musicians to play at the contra dance.  If you're intrigued, Ken Pelton has the music.  Also, please contact Amelia if you can provide some refreshments for the dance!  

VISION WEEKEND is the opportunity for us as a church to explore our hopes and dreams for the future.  Here's this year's basic schedule:
Saturday, Oct. 21 Trumbull Hall @ 9 am-1 pm: Breakfast treats and meeting/visioning sessions; Yummy lunch provided at 1 pm.  
Sunday, Oct. 22 @ 10 am: Service in Etna Sanctuary; 11:30 ish Pot Luck celebration, Trumbull Hall
Keep tuned - more information to follow.

Fall Rummage Sale - Now's Your Chance! The Fall Etna Ladies Aid Rummage Sale is on  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.
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 (now including a contra dance, too!)
• Vision Weekend - Saturday and Sunday October 21-22
• Joyful Bells Christmas Concert - Sunday December 10 @ 1:30 pm