In the month of September our extended church family takes time to reflect on the faith, witness and legacy of Constance and Her Companions, also known as the Martyrs of Memphis.

This year, as an outreach project, we helped sponsor an evening meal at The Table on September 9th, the designated feast day for the Martyrs of Memphis.

Members of this congregation helped prepare and serve soup, sandwiches, sweets, and drinks to over 100 people. As part of the evening program, Jarod was invited to tell their powerful story.

If you haven't already, take a moment to read the story and reflect on their incredible witness of the Christian faith in action. Here is the link:

http://www.saintagnescowan.org/martyrsofmemphis.html

Weather permitting, St. Agnes' will hold a Day of St. Francis Blessing of the Animals on Wednesday, October 4th, 5:00 p.m. on the church lawn.

Fr. Sam will lead a short prayer service and will give a St. Francis/St. Anthony pendant to each pet owner.

We ask that all pets be on a leash or in a carrier and be under the safe control of their owners at all times.

As part of the gathering we will receive an offering to benefit Franklin County Animal Harbor.

"Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures."

Wednesday evening, 5:00 p.m., we will offer a short gathering at St. Agnes' for the Feast of All Saints. The lessons from this service honor the faithful witness of all the saints, known and unknown, throughout all time.

We will also use the occasion for All Souls Day, to commemorate the faithful departed. This particular part of the service encourages us to pray for those known to us who have recently passed into glory.

At the conclusion of the service, we will provide prayer candles to take into the local cemeteries and place on the graves of those known to us.

Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday, November 5th.

So, remember on Saturday night, November 4th, to set your home clocks back one hour at bed time.

Computer clocks and cellphone clocks will re-set automatically.

On Sunday, November 5th, (the day we "fall back" one hour!), we will hold a church-wide luncheon with "Fall Favorites".

We invite everyone to bring a favorite dish to share and enjoy that reminds you of the season.

The parish hall will also be decorated in fall colors to make this a special time together.

Come ye thankful people to the Cowan Community Thanksgiving Service!

The various churches in the Cowan Ministerial Association will gather on Sunday evening, November 19th, 5:30 p.m. at Cowan First Church of the Nazarene.

The speaker for this service will be Rev. L.Z. Johnson from First Baptist Church.

We are restocking our inventory for the Top Shelf Food Drive at St. Agnes'.

Here are some suggested items we are collecting and distributing during the fall season:

• canned meats (ham, potted meat, chicken, Vienna sausage, SPAM, etc.)
• canned soups
• canned vegetables
• canned yams
• cranberry sauce
• instant stuffing mix
• instant mashed potatoes
• gelatin and pudding mixes
• macaroni and cheese

Besides bringing items to the Top Shelf, please let us know of individuals in need and help us get these items to them.

October 25 - Laura Pearson-McDonald

October 30 - LaNea Cheek

November 20 - Christie James Grissett

November 20 - Andrew Williams

November 27 - Sheila Leitzel

December 3 – Kate Summers

December 11 - Wynona Gibson

December 14 - Bobby Gass

December 16 - Jonathan Scott

December 31 - Frances Weddington

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"Watch over thy children, O Lord, as their days increase; bless and guide them wherever they may be. Strengthen them when they stand, comfort them when discouraged or sorrowful; raise them up if they fall; and their hearts may thy peace, which passeth understanding abide all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Cheryl Boswell, Mike Cunningham, Betty Fraley, Jonathan Mahaffey, Tony Newmann, Bobbie Boswell, Leanna Morris, Kathy Owens, Tim Money, Shane O'Dear, Cash Bissey, Heather Martin, Nancy Glenn, Steve and Rose Pearson, Harold Black Jr., Scott James, Wynona Gibson, Marty Judd, Iris Ellidge, Mary McDonald, Roy Tankersley, Bill Keller, and Linda Milligan.

We pray continually for Christians around the world in grave danger.

We pray especially for wildfire victims in Hawaii.

We pray for those in our armed services, especially Coddy Murphy and Anthony Russell.

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"O God, the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers: Mercifully accept our prayer, and grant to your servants the help of your power, that their sicknesses may be turned into joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."