The Session has scheduled a congregational meeting for Sunday, September 24, 11:30 am, in the Sanctuary. Why 11:30? Because, immediately after the Worship service, we’ll have an informal gathering where you can hear an update on the interim pastor search, some plans currently in progress, and where you can share your thoughts or ask questions. Once the Moderator for the meeting arrives from the church where he is preaching, we can start the Congregational Meeting.
The purpose of the Congregational Meeting is to have the congregation elect a Nominating Committee for 2023. Nominations for the Nominating Committee will be made from the floor and must have the prior approval of the person being placed in nomination. The task of the Nominating Committee will be to place in nomination people to serve as Elders in the Class of 2026 and to serve on the 2024 Nominating Committee.
PAWSOME HydePark Pet Parade!
Oct. 28th – Want to help or walk your fur-baby?
Welcome to the pawsitively delightful pet parade extravaganza in the heart of HydePark. Prepare to be howling with laughter and filled with fur-nomenal fun as our furry friends strut their stuff in time for the Spooktacular Halloween season!
Starts at St. Johns Episcopal 9 – 10 am and ends at HydePark Presbyterian between 10:45 and 11 am. Harriet Plyler is head pet-wrangler for HPPC for this event, so contact her if you have ideas for “hosting” the closing events or if you’d like to help!
CLICK HERE for more info and to register your pet!
What Would John Jr. Drink at 5:30 on Sept. 30th?
Join him for a widely educational and enjoyable evening!
The momentum is building: we already have 25 reservations for this fun (and educational) event? John Brannan, Jr., is a professional brewer at Green Bench Brewing in St. Petersburg, so he has much knowledge (and beer) to share. The event will be hosted by Kim Brannan, ever the teacher of all things church-y, who will enlighten us as to the history of beer in the lives of Monks and the Church.
The event is at Kim’s home, 5013 S Elberon St., 33611 (south of Gandy, near Bayshore). Parking is limited; please consider Uber or carpooling with friends!
Register soon on Church Center, or mark it on the Welcome Pad at church!
SUNDAY
In Person Worship in the Sanctuary at 10 am Rev. Cheryl Duke, guest pastor
The Rev. Dr. Cheryl Duke, a PC(USA) pastor called to servant ministry of preaching, teaching, growth and pastoral care for 38 years, mama to 4 Maltese dogs, and member of Rotary Club of Dade City. She is also a member of the BG local chapter in Zephyrhills of the Professional Educator Organization (a Christian organization whose membership is by invitation) begun by women who support and promote with scholarships women being educated and able to be leaders.
An informal gathering & Congregational Meeting will follow immediately after Worship. There will be children’s Sunday School during this time.
CHURCH NEWS
What a warm Fall welcome to our church!
Many thanks to Sharon Smith for donating the beautiful Fall wreaths for the Willow Street doors.
Sharon ownsThe Potting Shed, a floral shop on South MacDill Avenue, well known for unique floral designs for everyday occasions, weddings & events, as well as indoor plants & unique gifts.
Please keep the Kline family in your prayers, following the recent loss of Carol’s father.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Lert not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” –John 14:27
“For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? – the God who equipped me with strength …” — Psalm 18:31-32 ESV.
Trust that His strength will be sufficient for today and every day of your life.
In Case You Missed this last Sunday! Life give you lemons?
Use these faith-building tools to turn them into lemonade.
Prayer. Communication is important to any relationship, and our relationship with God is no different. Communicate with God daily. Start your day with a simple prayer over your first cup of coffee: Lord, help me be awake to you today.
Patience. Patience is having faith in God to provide and it’s trusting him to guide you to something better. Patience also puts things into perspective. Because ultimately what we’re waiting for is eternal life with God in heaven, right?
Praise. Live with an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude puts God back at the center. Gratitude is a reminder that God is the ultimate provider and that all things come from Him. Don’t let your gratitude fluctuate with life’s ups and downs. Find something every day to be thankful for. There’s always something.
Purpose. Our ultimate purpose is to bring glory to God. In his book The Purpose Driven Life, Rick warren identifies five purposes through which we glorify God:
You were planned for God’s pleasure. God didn’t need to create you, he chose to create you. You exist for his glory, his purpose, and his delight.
You were formed for God’s family. God wants a family, and he created you to be a part of it. When we place our faith in Christ, God becomes our Father, we become his children, and other believers become our brothers and sisters.
You were created to become like Christ. God planned to make us like his son Jesus from the beginning. In all of creation, only human beings were made in God’s image.
You were shaped for serving God. God designed you to make a difference with your life. We’re saved by service, we’re saved for service. Service is the pathway to real significance.
You were made for a mission. God is at work in the world, and he wants you to join him. God wants you to have both a ministry in the Body of Christ and a mission in the world. Your ministry is your service to believers, your mission is your service to non-believers. Your mission is a continuation of Jesus’ mission on earth.
People. Bonding with others on a deeper level – spiritually, emotionally, romantically – increases a person’s overall well-being. We can’t go it alone. Surround yourself with people who will build you up, who can offer encouragement when you need it, and to whom you can offer encouragement when they need it. Seek and build those deep relationships. And that’s especially important in today’s digital age. We’re all too stressed. We’re all too busy. It’s too easy to find comfort in our screens. But that comfort is fleeting. What we need is lasting comfort, and that is best accomplished by connecting with real people face-to-face. Joining or starting a small group here is a great place to start.
