October Crossroads Notes:

From our monthly Newsletter

New Bible Group Sundays, following worship 7 weeks beginning October 31 It's not too late to join us! Knowing God is the theme of this study to be led by Mr. MacDonald. It will explore how scripture treats questions such as "What is God's true nature?" "How can we know the unknowable God?" and "Can we trust God to be loving, fair and just?" We will start promptly at 12:00, and end by 1:15. Bring a sandwich (you can use the church's fridge during worship). Bring your own questions! All are welcome. For more information, speak to Rod. Deacons Corner Hi All! As fall is finally here we are all thinking toward the beautiful foliage, Halloween and Thanksgiving. With that thought in mind, the Deacons would like to announce that the annual intake for Thanksgiving food drive will be the week before Thanksgiving this year. It will be on Sunday, November 21, 2004. This year all the churches in our area have been given a special list of things needed to help supply the 120 families that are in need of Thanksgiving food. Specific items requested from our church are as follows: Stuffing (bags or boxes) Cranberry sauce Gravy Chicken broth Corn (canned) Apple Juice Apple Juice Concentrate (canned NOT frozen) Cornbread mix The list is also available in the front hallway of the church. Volunteers are needed to help sort, prepare and give out the Thanksgiving baskets. Please contact a Deacon if you are interested in further details in this regard. As always, all are encouraged to contribute to the ongoing need for food and paper supplies by leaving your donations in the boxes provided outside the church office door, and many thanks again from the Deacons! --Sue Channel Kidz Comings You asked for it! On Friday, November 5, the Kidz Comings group for youth in grades 2 - 6 will gather at church for a fun evening of learning magic tricks. Our survey revealed that trasportaiton to and from meetings is sometimes an issue. This year, we will make every effort to arrange rides for Kidz who want to attend meetings, but don't have transportation. For more information, contact Judy Silver.

Dedicating Our Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday November 21 Christian Stewardship is a way of life, not a dollar amount! On Sunday, November 21, we will celebrate our traditional Harvest of Offerings. For centuries, our ancestors in faith have raised their tanks to God that "All is safely gathered in" for the winter season to come. Our celebration includes: a family-style service of worship; dedicating our regular Sunday offerings, together with our Thanksgiving Ingathering for the Burlington Community Pantry, and our pledges to our church's mission for 2005. Pledging includes the opportunity to commit a portion of our resources to God, from whom we have received all that we have. These include financial pledges, and pledges for the use of our time and talents in service of our Lord. By tradition, we join in joyful procession to the front of the church to bring all our offerings. Stewardship packets, which include pledge materials for both financial pledges and time and talent commitments, are being prepared for every member. They are available for all friends of the church, too. If you do not receive a packet, please contact Stewardship Chair Judy Brunner. From the Trustees The Manse has just gotten a new roof. We knew that the roof was getting old and wanted to get it re-shingled before it started to leak this winter. This may be the first time that the Trustees have anticipated a problem and fixed it before it became a problem!!! We held a successful cleanup day on September 25th. We cleaned up the grounds and finished painting the new panels on the church. As you may be aware, the Presbyterian Nursery School hired a new cleaning service recently. In addition to the cleaning necessary for the Nursery School, the service also cleans the entire church weekly. The Trustees have taken over management of the cleaning service and will be in charge of payment and handling communications of any problems or special needs. The Nursery School will continue to pay for the service by reimbursing the church. Prayer at the Close of Day Second Wednesdays Resumes October 20 at 7:30 PM Because it was found to be a source of spiritual support by many, Session has decided to continue services of evening prayer on a once-a-month basis. The emphasis will again be on quiet reflection and prayer, with opportunity for individual prayers for healing and peace. Plenty of music will be included, in the same spirit. If you would like to be part of leading, or providing music for these services, please contact Brenda Flynn at webmaster@burlingtonpres.org. Do consider bringing a friend who might be searching for the peace that God can give.