Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church is a congregation that 

values a diversity of belief. Whether you're full of faith or full of doubt, 

you'll find people who have been there and accept you for where you are.

We welcome all people to worship, pray, eat, seek spiritual answers,

and enjoy life within this community of faith. All are welcome!

Dollywood was such a great time of fellowship and fun! We started out by meeting up at the beginning of the day and then we all went our separate ways to enjoy everything this park had to offer. It was a blast to get to see different friends scattered all around the place throughout the day and it was truly a perfect day to enjoy America's Favorite Theme Park! The weather was gorgeous, the lines were short, the pumpkins were out, the cinnamon bread was delicious, and friends were around every corner! Truly blessed that our congregation is fun and loves to have fun together!!

Our church family also wrapped up our annual Fall Sunday Night Suppers series this past Sunday. It has been a delight to come together for the past five weeks. We ate together, some meals provided by our wonderful CFL committee and a couple of terrific pot lucks as well. We studied some insightful stories that Jesus shared with his followers from Luke's Gospel in order to better reveal what the Kingdom of Heaven is truly like. It was wonderful fun and we can't wait for our next pop-up Bible study!

Genesis tells the story of God's great dream for all creation, and how we struggle to live into that divine reality. We know well the many nightmares that exist in this world, some pits of our own making, and others that we are forced into. This week’s scripture reading is a difficult text, and yet with the Spirit’s help, there is still much for us to learn from Joseph’s diligent example. How might we bless others with the good gifts God bestows upon us, instead of seeking to take away something from someone else that isn’t ours in the first place? How can the Body of Christ ensure all voices are heard in love, before jumping to conclusions in judgement? Let us listen and learn from the story of Joseph in Potiphar’s house and Pharaoh’s prison. 

Sunday's Scripture:

Psalm 23, KJV

Genesis 39:1-23, NRSV

Sermon Title:

"Dreaming of Greener Pastures"

Wish to worship with us again or during the week?

Click here to view last week's worship service!

Your Session met on Monday, September 15 for our regularly stated meeting. A devotion was offered, minutes were reviewed and committee reports were received. Approval was given to schedule the baptism of Boone Hutchins, son of Callie and Eric Hutchins on October 12 and for the Rev. Ted Hagen to preach that same day. Discussion was had about the upcoming stewardship season and the session asks all members to begin prayerfully considering what God is calling us all to give in 2026. The next stated Session meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 20 at 5:30 pm.

In Christ,

David (Moderator) & Chris Broadhead (Clerk of Session)

The 2025 Officer Nominating Committee (ONC) is still accepting names from the congregation for those God is leading to serve as Elders for the class of 2028, Trustees for the class of 2028, and members of the 2026 Officer Nominating Committee. You may offer any submissions by emailing David who will share all suggestions with the ONC for their first meeting this Sunday. Thank you for taking the time to discern who God is calling to lead our church family in this new season!

What a blessing it was to be able to serve these families in Sullivan County last month in August! We cannot wait to see what God is able to do through our mission crew here at CHPC in the coming months. Thank you for making missions a priority for our church family and may God's Spirit continue to guide us to be the hands and feet of Christ in God's world.

Want to know more about this thing everyone keeps calling the "Care Portal"? Click here to see for yourself the impact we can make by responding to requests from local school guidance counselors or social workers to help families with children who have various needs.

Save the date for a New Member Class, which will be held next week on Sunday, September 28 at 11:15 am after worship. This friendly gathering is open to all who are interested in joining the church and those who are curious about how to become more active in the life of our church family. Lunch will be provided, so please let David or Mary in the church office know if you plan to attend.

Parents - Please note, we will offer a special children's program during this same time for kids so that adults can better get to know one another before we all break bread together over lunch. Please let Tyler know if your little one will participate.

Throughout the month of October, CHPC's Pumpkin Patch will be open seven days a week for eight hours a day from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Volunteer's are needed to help make this ministry happen and sign up sheets are located in the Narthex. Time slots are available in two hour increments and there are plenty of slots still available. This is a wonderful time to sit and meet new people or to spend time together as a family of faith. Please be sure to sign up now so that we can ensure each day is covered as we connect with our community and welcome them to the church.

CHPC partners with Marsh Regional Blood Center for another Blood Drive on Sunday, October 19 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Participants can contact the Church Office prior to the event to schedule an appointment slot. Please note that if you have provided a blood donation after August 25, you cannot participate in this event. Contact Mike Strickler with any questions.

All are welcome to drop by the Blake to wish Mary Ann Smith a happy 97 birthday on Friday, September 19 starting at 2:00 pm.

Children are always welcome in worship and have a special time together down front after the prayer of confession. All children are invited to also enjoy “Children’s Church” downstairs during the sermon.

CHPC Children’s Choir practice continues after worship. All children ages 3-11 are welcome to come and sing! Contact Emily Broadhead or Carolyn Barry for more information.

Sunday School Classes meet after worship at 11:15 am. The Disciples class meets in room 218 and the Remnant Class meets in room 221. Please speak with David to learn more about how you can participate in these lively discussions or any other faith formation opportunity.

The CHPC Youth Group resumes regular dinner and bible study this Sunday evening from 5-6:30 pm. Contact Tyler if you are interested in either joining in on this ministry or supporting it in any way! Click Here to sign up to provide a meal for the kids.

Save the Date for a congregational lunch in honor of World Communion Sunday after worship in the gym on October 5. Home Communion will also be shared with anyone who desires to partake in the Lord's Supper later that afternoon. Please contact David if you, or someone you know, would like to receive the sacrament.

The Annual Christmas Shoebox Ministry is in full swing! If you are interested in sponsoring a shoebox gift for a child in need, please see the sign-up sheet in the narthex. The cost is $5.00 per box and they will be available starting this Sunday, September 28. 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 26. Please speak with Gretchen Bentley or Brenda Hutchins for more details.

All items for the weekly online newsletter should be emailed to Mary at office@chpres.org by the end of the day on Tuesdays.

Please continue to pray for all those on the Prayer List:

Flor Maldonado (Family of Gladys and Ramon Reynaga)

Family of Wayne Pruett, William Savage (KC Savage's brother),

John Fitzgerald and his son JR Fitzgerald (Amanda Livingston's cousins) Family of Charles Gibson, Fr. James Fliss (Doreen Heppert's brother),

Family of Robert Blessing (Patti Garrett's father), Tina Whiteaker (Teresa Strickler's sister), Jonathan and Brenda Hutchins, Beverly Shelton,

Barbara Holt, Ramona Gothard, Joyce Callahan

As well as those in Health Care/ Assisted Living Facilities:

Mary Ann Smith, Mae Dale, Sue Fortney, Linda Gibson, Millie Pruett

Do you have a specific prayer request you'd like to share?

Please contact a member of the Care Shepherds or Pastor David

and we would be happy to pray with you!