Edgcumbe Presbyterian Church Midweek Update – September 20, 2017

FAITH PRACTICE: I AM ALREADY FORGIVEN
We have been learning over the last two weeks that forgiveness works best not when it is used after a bad situation happens, but rather as the starting point for our whole lives. When we recognize that we are surrounded by God’s love and acceptance and forgiveness in every moment, then we can look honestly and fearlessly at our selves….then we can approach the people around us with open-heartedness and kindness….then we understand the generosity that undergirds the fabric of the universe. So this week try out this little phrase to begin re-learning the power of generous forgiveness that is available to you right now: I am already forgiven.
Say this to yourself five times each morning and evening, breathing in and out. Believe this for even a moment and the full power of God’s love and wisdom will be made available to you. Hold onto it for a day and you will change the world.

WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY, SEPT. 24 – MORE STORIES
Our text for Sunday is Matthew 20:1-16, the parable of the workers in the vineyard. As a part of our service, three community members will talk about what forgiveness means for them.
Thank you to the Deacons and congregation for a fun and fantastic Sunday last week. Worship was amazing, the food was yummy, and fun was had by all!

PASTORS’ ON CONTINUING EDUCATION
From Sept. 25 – Oct. 1, Pastors Phil & Julie will be off for continuing education while Julie attends a contemplative prayer conference in Colorado. Worship on October 1 will be led by Deacon Todd Barnes and Elder Fred Clary.

BACK WOODS MEDITATIVE PATHS
We now have a workday scheduled with our Eagle Scout, Kieran Ketelsen, for Saturday, October 14, with a rain date ofOctober 28. Everyone is invited to help with the work or help serve lunch to the scouts and volunteers. The focus of this project will be improving the front entryway of the backwoods, preparing the ground in the entry garden, and pulling buckthorn (of course!)

THANKSGIVING DINNER SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Thanksgiving Dinner: It's early to think about Thanksgiving, but if you are planning a dinner for over 60 people it's necessary. Every year at the Montreal Highrise we need approximately 12 people to help set up, serve, carry food to tables, and clean up. The time involved is from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please consider whether you would be able to participate this year. A sign-up sheet will be in the Narthex at the end of September. Thank you, Meredith Holt

ALL-CHURCH MISSION PROJECT
Thank you to everyone who has already given to the drive for items for the Blessing Bags for the homeless. The pile on the table in the Narthex is growing nicely. The items that we are still low on are small bottles of hand lotion, Chapstick, and maxipads/tampons. If you haven’t donated yet, please consider picking up a couple of these items and adding them to our pile. If you would rather give cash, we’d be happy to do the shopping for you. Just write “Mission Project” in the memo line of your check or on an envelope if you give cash on Sunday.

CONGREGATION INVITED TO WEDDING CEREMONY
Connie Spear and Dave Vielmetti (for now—we’ll see what their names become after the wedding!) are inviting the congregation to their wedding ceremony at EPC on Saturday, October 7, at 3pm. To be clear, they are not inviting all of us to the reception afterward, but we are welcome to celebrate with them and bless them at the service.

PRAYERS
• For Connie and Dave as they prepare for their quickly approaching wedding. May God give them peace of mind and connection to each other in the midst of the details and excitement.
Peace to you all today! Pastor Phil

SESSION COMMUNICATION UPDATE—SEPTEMBER 14 MEETING
The session of EPC met on September 14th. For any friend of EPC that would like a copy of the approved minutes from this or any other Session meeting please contact our Clerk, Meredith Holt. The budget was reviewed and our expenses and spending is currently right in line with budget and our income and donations are slightly higher than expected. Stewardship month is November so look for a few “stewardship and generosity moments” placed in the Sunday worship services until then. November 19th will be Stewardship Sunday. EPC has several large expense needs with the next few months. A sprinkler system needs to be placed in the education wing (Montessori School), and the flat roof area of our building needs to be repaired. Active bids are being researched. There is going to be a new members’ social evening at Ron and Ingrid Eggert’s house this Saturday the 23rd at 5pm. This is an opportunity for those exploring EPC recently to get to know a few of the members. Pastor Julie will be attending a silent retreat on September 25t until October 1st. On October 1st, Deacon Todd Barnes will be preaching.
The process has begun to have our residential neighbor remove his personal property from our backwoods area. There will be planting done late this fall as we prepare the backwoods for positive changes.
St. Paul recently legislatively has required paid sick leave for all employees. EPC current policy already matches this policy. As always we are looking for volunteers to cook and serve Thanksgiving meals at the Montreal High Rise those interested please contact Meredith Holt.