Happy New Year

August is like starting a new year for pastors and churches. Fall programming kicks off. Families return from summer vacations. It is an exciting time. Here a few things I am excited about for the fall. 
 
Ryan Chabal We are blessed to have Ryan join our ministry.  Please see the Youth ALERT for more about Ryan. 
                           
Church Party and Worship at the Kremer’s Farm Sunday, August 13.
 
Dan Peart, an energetic and accomplished solo guitar singer songwriter, will entertain us from 4:00-5:00 PM with his classic covers from the Beatles and Rolling Stones to Stevie Ray Vaughn and the Blues. You call the song out and he will play them, if he can. He will lead us in worship at 5 PM. Dinner will be at 5:30 PM with more music and entertainment. Bring a chair or a blanket. Get ready for a great time!
                                                  
Wednesday Night  
We have been working on plans for a Wednesday Pre-k and Elementary after school youth program. Kids will be able to ride a bus from their school to the Middle School and then ride to Lincoln Elementary School. Our leaders will be there to walk with them over to our church. Kids may be dropped off, too. At church leaders and counselors will be ready to greet the kids with wide open arms and some fun dance music. There will be a snack right after school and then energizers! The kids will learn Bible lessons through interactive songs on rhythm sticks and enjoy an arts energy program. PLUS, parents will get a little extra time for themselves. 
 
Wednesday Morning Bible Study! Join us on Wednesdays at 10 AM for my Bible study. I like to call this time “Coffee with Sunday’s Sermon.”  We discuss the upcoming Sunday’s sermon topic and scriptures. The discussion often leads to insights and revelations, which shapes the sermon. In this study, we go in depth with Bible history, cultural contexts of stories, and apply them to current events. The class is open. You do not have to worry about coming every week or feeling behind, because you missed a week.
                         All are welcome.
 
Fall Sermon Series! After Labor Day, I am planning a series to kick off the fall. Starting on September 10 we will begin the series called Elements: Building Blocks of a Strong Faith. We will talk about who we worship and how we worship. We will dig into what we believe about the Bible. We will think about what happens in prayer; plus do we still need a sabbath, and why does it matter if we share our faith and invite our friends.  
                            
Good News from Malawi I hope to bring Good News from Malawi to our Church in late in September. One of our Presbyterian sponsored International Peacemakers, Mphatso Mary Nguluwe from Malawi, will be in E.I. Presbytery from Wednesday September 27 through Monday, October 2. I will ask our mission team to invite her to speak in our church. Ms. Nguluwe directs the Livingstonia Synod Aids Programme (LISAP) for the Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian, Synod of Livingstonia (CCAPL). She is working to improve quality of life for children living with HIV, preventing parent to child transmission of HIV, to improve gender equity and equality for boys and girls, to prevent child trafficking, and to change cultural practices that put girls at risk of abuse and HIV infection. She holds degrees in Midwifery and in Nursing Education, Administration and Community Nursing Science, and is a researcher in community development work.
                                             
                                            Rev. Trey Hegar