October 16, 2020
Grace and peace to the saints in FPC Pottstown,
A colleague shared the story of one of the most memorable gifts he ever received. It was from his elementary school-aged daughter. She gave him three bright blue post-it notes, each one with careful childish penmanship spelling out the phrase, “Just say NO.” When the father asked his daughter what they were for, she quickly replied, “one for your phone, one for your computer, one for your desk at work.” She went on to explain that “even when he was with her, he didn’t seem to be with her.”
Her gift might be one we can all use these days. What distracts us from giving attention to the most important priorities in our lives? What do we need to ignore, put down, or turn off, at least for a little while, so we can give our undivided attention to the relationships that truly matter?
The same question might also be asked in connection with the most important relationship in our lives: what do we need to say “no” to, what do we need to ignore, put down, turn off, or step away from, at least for a little while, so that we can give our undivided attention to the One who grounds us, and keeps us steady? Stepping aside for prayer daily, coming together for worship weekly (in person, or virtually if our health doesn’t permit us to be in person), and finding opportunities to be with others somehow for study and service – these are ways that we can find our divine center when life wants to pull us in so many directions. And as parents, one of the most important gifts we can give our sons and daughters, by example and practice, is finding regular ways to connect with God and the fellowship of believers so that we can regain our center and balance.
Perhaps we could all go out and get some blue post-it notes to stick on the things that distract us, so that we can give our attention to the opportunities that keep us connected to God and each other!
How are we going to be Church this week?
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Sunday, October 18, 9:30AM – Service of the Lord’s Day, in the sanctuary Please sign up online – but if you don’t, you can sign up when you come.
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Sunday, October 18, 6-8PM Senior High Seekers at the Wilcox Corn Maze Check with Jaylee, your advisors, or the GroupMe app for details.
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Monday, October 19, 7PM – Nominating Committee Check with Kerry for the Zoom link.
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Tuesday, October 20, 7:30PM – Praying the Scriptures via Zoom If you would like the link, email Kerry.
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Wednesday, October 14, 4PM – Musicless Rec for grades 2-5 Outside, weather permitting, or in Fellowship Hall
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Wednesday, October 14, 7:30PM – Session – Carter will send the Zoom meeting link.
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Thursday, October 22, 9:30AM – Sisters of the Way Bible Study on the Prayer Labyrinth or in Fellowship Hall, depending on the weather
- Thursday, October 22, 5PM – Community Meals Takeout
- Thursday, October 22, 6:30PM – Handbells Rehearsal
Upcoming Dates to Note
Sunday, October 25, 9:30AM - Reformation Sunday in Worship
Come and hear the playing of the pipes (outside before worship!). Wear plaid if you wish as we celebrate our Scottish and Reformation heritage.
Sunday, November 1, All Saints Sunday
9:30AM Worship in the Sanctuary – we will remember those who have died in the faith in the past year. If you would like us to include the name of a loved one who has died, please call or email the church office by Friday, Oct. 23.
4PM Outdoor Vesper with the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper
Bring a lawn chair, a mask and a blanket to the Peace Garden or Labyrinth as we come to the Table on All Saint’s Sunday.
Families and Children
Join us for a short 30-minute family Zoom call on Sunday, October 25, 4-4:30PM to celebrate our first ever 21-Day Family Bible Story Read Aloud Challenge. Join us whether or not you have completed the challenge – but let us know if and when you do because we have a special “family celebration gift” for all who do complete it. Jaylee or Kerry have the Zoom link.
Advent Meditations
Our Spiritual Formation Committee will once again prepare an Advent Meditations booklet for members of the congregation with daily devotions written by church member. Would you be willing to write a devotion ( a paragraph or two)? If so, please contact Jaylee or sign up online with the link below.
New FPC Car Magnets
The Hospitality Committee has worked with our Website team to design new car magnets with our new logo since some of our current car magnets have started to fade. They are free – just pick up one for your car on Sundays in the lobby or during the week in the church office!
Community News and Notes
Sunday, October 25, STRIVE will give a free drive-in showing of the movie, Selma at Sunnybrook and lead a community conversation. Gates will open at 5:30PM and the movie will begin at 6:30PM. Following the movie there will be a virtual discussion via text messages discussing how the movie relates to our current climate around systemic racism and our civic duties. STRIVE is a Pottstown-centered non-profit organization whose mission is to unify and strengthen our community.
Election Day Driving Volunteers: Would you be willing to drive a voter to the polls who would not
otherwise be able to get there? In light of several polling sites in Pottstown being moved to Montgomery County Community College and the Ricketts’ Center (including the district that normally votes at our church), the Pottstown Ministerium will be organizing volunteers to help drive potential voters to the poll (regardless of party!). If you would be willing to help, contact Carter or Kerry.
Mission Partner: Kirkwood Camp – celebrating its 60th anniversary (you can visit any day this weekend – just go to the Camp website to register)
With hopeful hearts,
Kerry and Carter
