A Note from our Senior Pastor:

Today, I'll be happy to gather with other clergy at the National Civil Rights Museum to announce 3 special events designed to lead into the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Memphis clergy have been meeting for months now, determined that this commemoration be a movement that takes us forward in the work that Dr. King began.

To this end, 3 "Moral Mondays" have been scheduled in Memphis.  The first takes place on Monday night, October 16th at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church.  Dr. William Barber of the Moral Monday movement has said, "what will save our country is not the religious left or the religious right, but the moral center".

The evening will start at 6:15 pm with Table Talks - dinner served family style where we will have an opportunity to meet some of our neighbors and share some of our fears and hopes for our city.  There will be a Mass Gathering at 7:30 pm with great music from local and special guest artists and Dr. William Barber as our guest speaker.   

In January, a second "Moral Monday" gathering will feature Dr. James Forbes as a keynote speaker, and Dr. Tracy Blackmon, the UCC Minister for Justice, will be in Memphis in March for the 3rd of these gatherings.

Mark your calendars now!  Let's have a great turn-out from First Congregational for an inspiring and thought-provoking evening.

And from our Associate Pastor:

The oncologists said, "It (the treatment) did what it was supposed to do."  The tumor is gone! Together, we have successfully completed this "spiritual continuing education course." That is how we will overcome our fire crisis, together. 

Among the lessons learned is that God is still in the healing and restoration business. Good, nearby support makes a difference in the quality of the journey, no matter the final destination. Your prayers, positive thoughts, cards, letters, calls, loving hands and every other expression of deep affection made a magnificent difference in my cancer treatment and recovery.

  Folks never asked to pray communally offered soul-stirring prayers in all kinds of settings, on behalf of so much more than my health. One of the most touching prayer warriors for me has been Sheila Baker (right), who passionately testified weekly that she was praying hard for me to get well and be all right. These messages were forwarded for prayers from other prayer warriors everywhere. THANK YOU, EVERYONE for EVERYTHING!

 

I have more monitoring appointments scheduled with "My Trinity." They are the three oncology physicians I'll see the rest of my life, even though there is nothing looming in the background or lurking in the undertow.

 

I trust that during our walk together we also: discovered new ties that bind us, extended our commitment to care for self and others, and confirmed our faith that God's got the whole world in

holy hands. 

More love with this FINAL EDITION,

                            

A n n o u n c e m e n t s

you TOMORROW!!

Good Books, Good Friends 

THIS Sunday at 5pm

Our reading this month is Born A Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah, and we particularly look forward to having Edwina Hackett join us and facilitate the discussion!  We'll meet at the home of Sue Westmoreland (1589 Goodbar in midtown).

Blessing of Our Animals 

During Worship on October 8th

One of our favorite Sundays during this Season of Creation is the day we are invited to bring our beloved pets to church to receive a special blessing.  We ask that you have your pets either on a leash or in a cage, and the service will be just a bit shorter than usual so that our animal friends don't get too restless!

Newcomers Gathering on October 8th

Our pastors, staff and church leadership would like to invite anybody who is new to First Congo to join us for a visit after church next Sunday - it's a time to introduce ourselves and share our journeys, to learn about First Congo, and to ask questions. 

DaMarco Arts Painting Party

 

On Friday, Oct. 20, in the First Congo art studio: DaMarco Randle, graduate of Memphis College of Arts, will lead students on a new painting adventure! Seats are limited to 15 people, so reserve your seat ASAP (they tend to go fast)!  Each seat is $25 which includes paint brushes, paints, canvas, and refreshments.   Doors open at 6:30, and class starts promptly at 7:00.

Gifts for Victims of Hurricane Harvey and Irma

We'd like to suggest that you make your donations for victims of recent Hurricanes through our National Church - the United Church of Christ.  ALL of your financial gift will go directly to services and supplies needed for the victims.  Go to www.ucc.org  and follow directions for "Disaster Relief".