Rev. Chuck's Weekly Email - for Sunday, November 19, 2017
   Members and Friends,
The wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving is upon us. I hope you and yours enjoy it for all of its blessings. Good food, good fellowship, and joy. An elderly man I knew in the Westhampton church said that no one should go hungry at Thanksgiving. There is something Sacred about a gathering of family and friends eating together, being nourished in body, mind, and soul. Let no one go hungry in your circle, be it for delicious food, or the blessing of good fellowship.

Sunday's worship will offer plenty of opportunities to give thanks. The sermon is rooted in the text from Luke 17:11-19, the story Jesus tells about a leper who turned to give thanks for healing. Hymns tell the story of gratitude. "Come Ye thankful People Come", "For the Beauty of the Earth", "We Praise You O God" and "We Give Thee but Thine Own". This last one will be sung as we dedicate our pledges for 2018. Plan to bring yours and join your fellow members in support of Jesus Christ. The choir will sing an anthem, "All Thanks to Our God" by Jeffrey Smith. Be on the lookout for young people home for the holiday. Be sure to welcome them and newcomers. We are a stronger, more vital congregation whenever we renew the ties that bind us.

Following the service is a meeting of the congregation, called for the purpose of electing officers in the class of 2020. Please remain in the sanctuary to act to insure the continuity of faithful leadership here at FPC. Elders, deacons, and trustees will be honored for their service (outgoing) and new ones thanked for their willingness to serve.

Don't rush home after the meeting. The fellowship committee under the direction of Kristin White Wilson will be serving a delicious luncheon in the dining room, as a way of giving thanks for the community of Faith here. Some of the best food in the world is served in churches like ours. Why does it taste so good? Put simply, it is served with love.

This Saturday the 18th is the Presbyterian Women's Holiday/Harvest Bazaar from 9:00 until 2:00. Collectibles, Fancy Pantry, a Gift Basket Raffle, the Children's Room, and other opportunities await. Come, bring a friend, and reach out to new friends as you support PW and all that it does here and beyond. A luncheon is served from 11:30 until 1:30, $12 per adult; $6 per child 12 and under. Hats off to all who have been working hard to make this event successful.

The church is seeking a nursery attendant to replace Audrey who is moving. This should be a reliable person who enjoys working with little ones, who has a degree of flexibility as we seek to expand our childcare offerings, and who has a heart for people and families in general. Speak to Shelley in the church office if you or someone you know is interested.

The book, "Feeling God's Presence", a collection of essays and remembrances by members of FPC is available as a courtesy of the church. You will find them in the rear of the sanctuary. I enjoy my copy.

The church library is refreshed, cleaned and painted. Visit it at your convenience. Thanks go to all who have contributed to its "makeover"!

Prayer for the Day: You have done wonderful things, O God. You have raised us when we were down. You have inspired us when we were uninspired. You have given us joy when we were in despair. You have healed us when we were broken in body and in spirit. You have reconciled us when we were in conflict. Thank you and come once more to all who are in need. Thank you and accept our praise for all the blessings we enjoy. In the name of Jesus who suffered, died, and rose again. Amen.

See you in church!
Two South Main Street
Southampton, NY 11968

(631) 283 1296 
fax - 631-283-2665
email: fpc@fpc1.org 
Rev. Dr. Charles M. Cary - Interim Pastor
Shelley Bennett, Administrative Assistant