Members and Friends of First Church,

One of my favorite Fats Waller pieces is entitled "The Joint is Jumpin". The music makes you want to get out of your seat and dance. His piano takes on a life of its own. I hope that First Presbyterian Church will be "jumpin" this week as we celebrate Homecoming Sunday and the start of a new program year. The choir returns. Church school is back in business. We will bless backpacks and break bread, and share the cup. To top it off, we will enjoy a splendid Deacon's picnic and one another's company after worship. We are the oldest Presbyterian church. Equally important is the fact that we are young at heart.

The Scripture for Sunday comes from the Gospel of Mark: chapter 7:24-37 to be specific. The meditation asks us to visualize the image of Jesus' backpack, what He normally carries in His ministry to the world. Hymns include "Jesus Loves Me", "Christ for the World We Sing", "Eat This Bread" (for communion) and "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling". The choir's anthem is entitled "Total Praise" by Joel Ramey. As a bonus, the Vacation Bible School kids will sing some of the music they learned during the Children's Message.

New Director of Christian Education Terry Stubelek will offer a Minute for Mission and welcome Ms Gwen Arznen of the Southampton Public Schools. Congratulations to the summer church school class who helped us raise over $400 to buy backpacks for students in need.

Always keep a copy of your worship bulletin as a reminder of many events happening at 2 South Main. September Movie Night, a new adult study, and regular weekly events such as Holy Yoga, Move and Meditate, and so much more. Let the candidates for installed pastor witness a church alive in every way. I will be the first to declare what God is doing through you, the people of First Church!

Are you behind in your financial commitment? If so, use this time to catch up. We count on everyone's gifts to keep the church strong and faithful. Thank you!

Questions? Contact the church office or financial secretary Marge Squires.

Prayer for the Day: All knowing God, we gather as your people, redeemed by the Cross of Jesus Christ, and inspired by the presence of your Holy Spirit. Thank you for the various ministries of our congregation. Thank you for a wonderful summer, the strong worship attendance at both services. Thank you for a future in which the Gospel is heard and proclaimed. Thank you for the work we have to do as we seek to be the best possible church. Bless the efforts of the Pastor Nominating Committee. Let all we say and do serve to honor Jesus Christ, the Lord of All. Amen.

See you in church, which might be "jumpin" this week!