First Church Family,
I’ve shared several times that I love this time of year. September and October are glorious here in God’s earthly paradise. Let’s be sure not to forget to offer God our gratitude.
Thank you for your partnership in ministry. We delivered 482 pounds of food to Yokefellow yesterday! And we have a load of snacks for our college food ministry at CCC&TI ready to deliver, as well. Soon, we will restock our West Caldwell High School. And, we served the poor by hosting our Room at the Table dinner meal last Saturday. We continue to make a real difference with our food ministries.
Also, be sure to pick up and fill a Samaritan’s Purse Christmas box. Boxes are available in the church office, in the Narthex, and outside the CLC. Boxes must be turned in by the beginning of November. Just imagine an impoverished child’s face on Christmas Day when opening a box filled with school supplies, clothes, and toys!
And, put a couple of October dates on your calendar. This Sunday (October 3) is Worldwide Communion Sunday, the one day of the year when most Christians across the globe celebrate the sacrament together. We will serve the elements in both services and will be ready to offer Drive-thru Communion for a few minutes beginning at NOON for those who aren’t yet comfortable with returning to in-person worship. Be sure to be a part of one of those options.
And on Sunday, October 17, at 2:00PM, we will have our Blessing of the Animals service on the front steps of the church. That is a special afternoon of recognition of God’s Creation and has become a beloved service in our family.
This Sunday in worship we will continue our discussion of receiving God’s promise of personal peace.
May you remain aware of God’s strong presence among us, 
Pastor Dave