This Fall Semester, our Youth Group has had some exciting opportunities come our way. We were able to enjoy Rally Day and the August Splashdown. We got to learn how to make balloon animals and paint pottery in Johnson City. We've gotten to join the rest of the Church for September Suppers and toward the end of the year we have a retreat and other outings planned. Finally, during the month of October, the Youth Group will be spending every Sunday evening out in the Pumpkin Patch! We'll be hanging out, having a bible study, enjoying autumnal activities, sharing a meal, and of course--selling pumpkins!

As the Youth Group makes this month long transition into the Pumpkin Patch, our church family has an opportunity to support our youth by providing meals for these gatherings. Please follow the link below to see the youth dinner schedule and sign up. Or if you would simply like to contribute to cover meal, please contact Tyler. Remember that we will be outside, so please plan these meals accordingly. Thanks so much for supporting our fantastic youth group!

Last week in worship, we discussed how our tongues can be used to build up or to tear down the world around us. And yet, Christ has called us all to be teachers, not just by the words we say, but by ways we live. This week, James tells us that "our works are to be done with a gentleness born of wisdom," but what exactly does it mean to be wise? What virtues are we to hold most dear in the Kingdom of God? Join us this Sunday as we draw closer to Christ by looking at the ways we pursue peace in Jesus' name.

Come share the Peace of Christ with coffee and fellowship before worship, beginning at 9:30 in the Parlor! All are welcome; hope to see you there!

Sunday's Scripture:

Mark 9:30-37, NRSV

James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a, NRSV

Sermon Title:

"Draw Near To God"

CHPC's September Suppers and Bible Study returns this Sunday, September 22. All are welcome to join us in the gym from 5:00 to 6:30 pm as we discuss a section of the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 6. Children will participate in a special music and bible study program while the Youth and Adults enjoy studying scripture. This week's meal will be prepared by the men's fellowship. Spread the word and invite your friends to this intergenerational event!

The Pumpkin Patch is almost here! Volunteers are needed, not only to sell pumpkins throughout the month, but to help with a few special events. The first opportunity to serve in this important ministry will be on Saturday, September 28. We will meet in the front courtyard to unload the delivery truck at 9:00 am. The Pumpkin Patch grand opening will be the next day on Sunday, September 29 at 11:00 am after worship.

Volunteer sign up sheets are in the Narthex or you can fill out our volunteer survey below to let us know when you can help. All sales goes to support our children and youth ministry, such as helping to send our youth to the Montreat Youth Conference. Please save the dates below and spread the word about all the fun there is to be had in CHPC's Pumpkin Patch!

Your Session met on Monday night, September 16 for its monthly meeting. Items of interest included approval of: the installation of an ADA compliant automatic door at the “office” entrance to the church, a job posting for children's ministry worker, and a communications plan for the 2025 budget. Stewardship season begins on October 6 and more will be shared throughout the month about the 2025 budget. The Session thanks all members for prayerfully considering how God is calling them to support the ministry of Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church. 

In Christ, 

Clark Parker (Clerk) and David Randolph (Moderator)

Service is a central part of the communal life of faith at CHPC. It takes a village of volunteers to help make the various ministries of our church family happen week in and week out. If you are already volunteering in a meaningful way, THANK YOU!!! If you are looking for a new way to serve, check out how below as we share various opportunities throughout the month of September.

This week, we want to highlight serving in the nursery alongside Emily Ketron, our new nursery worker. Emily joined the CHPC team last week and we are grateful to have her help serving alongside members of the congregation to care for our littlest presbyterians downstairs during worship.

If you are interested in helping with this special ministry, please contact Tyler by email to be added in the regular volunteer rotation (about once every two months). Thank you for prayerfully considering where God is calling you to serve!

Condolences are offered to the family of Shirley Hurst who passed away last Tuesday, September 10. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at 2:00 pm this Sunday, September 22 at the Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel in Hillsville, Virginia. A visitation and Service of Remembrance will be held at 3:00 pm at Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church on Friday, September 27. A visitation will be offered at 2:00 pm. Please keep Wes and Lisa Hurst, as well as their entire family, in your prayers over the days ahead.

The Children's Choir practices after worship in the Choir Room this Sunday morning. All children ages 3-11 are welcome to come, sing, and play! Parents - please contact either Emily Broadhead or Carolyn Barry with any questions.

Sunday School Classes continue this Sunday after worship at 11:15 am. The Disciples Class meets in room 218 to discuss a lesson from the Wired Word, and the Remnant Class meets in room 221 to discuss the scripture from that morning’s service. Contact David to learn more about either class or to get involved in other Christian Discipleship opportunities.

The Annual Christmas Shoebox Ministry is in full swing! If you are interested in sponsoring a shoebox gift for a child in need, please sign-up with Brenda or Jonathan Hutchins. The cost is $5.00 per box and they will be available starting this Sunday, September 15. Instructions and gift suggestions will be included in your box. All you have to do is shop and return the filled box to the Narthex by Sunday, October 27.

CHPC is excited to partner with the Marsh Regional Blood Center again by hosting a blood drive right at the church during our upcoming Pumpkin Patch! The bloodmobile will be taking donations in the parking lot from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 6. Sign ups are available in the church office.

The Midweek Bible Study continues each Wednesday from 3-4:00 pm in the Parlor. All are welcome to enjoy this lively discussion about the upcoming lectionary readings used on Sunday mornings. Contact Lisa Pecorini if you would like to participate or know more!

CHPC hosts a special prayer gathering each Wednesday evening in the church parlor at 6:30 pm. This weekly experience meets for a 30 minute intentional time of communal prayer and contemplation. All are welcome to come by and drop in as we turn to the Lord and listen for the movement of God’s Holy Spirit.

Are you signed up for CHPC's New Phone Tree System? This ministry resource helps to keep the body of Christ connected in praying for various concerns within the church. This new system is able to accommodate a preference between receiving a phone call, email, or text message. Please let Mary know if you desire to be added to the prayer list, or if you have a preference on a specific communication style.

All items for the weekly online newsletter should be emailed to Mary at office@chpres.org by noon on Wednesday.

Prayer Requests 

Emily Bowman, Joyce Callahan, Ramona Gothard, Barbara Holt, Beverly Shelton, Ginny Snow, Boyd Holder, Bethany Thompson, Family of Kirk Cole, Family of Angela Kelly (Bill Kelly's Wife), Family of Evelyn Hill, Joy Weber (Marissa Paulsen's grandmother), Bonnie Cole, Julius Maikis, Dixie Keith, Charles Gibson, Linda and Dwight Young, Richard Crawford, Donna Whitson, Family of Shirley Hurst, Carlos Dimas (Mary's son-in-law)



Health Care/ Assisted Living Facilities

Anne Hertel, Sue Fortney, Charles and Linda Gibson,

Betty McMillin, Wayne & Millie Pruett