Rally Day!
Sun., Sept. 7
Two Services Resume - 9:00 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

Senior High Youth
Fall "Kick Off"
Sun., Sept. 7, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

"Lunch Break" Bible Study
Tues., Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, 12:00 noon

Bible Buddies Training
Wed., Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m.

Youth Mission Trip Sunday
Sun., Sept. 21
9:00 & 10:45 a.m.
Noon - Registration for the 2009 Trip

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Knight Lines - "Behold, I am making all things new" Rev. 21:5

There’s newness in the air. People seeking a new, fresh start. Christ followers striving to grow in new ways. A church family renewing itself in the strength, grace and love of God. A new year of church school, youth groups, choir, and Bible studies. You’ll read about much of this "newness" throughout this newsletter.

God is in the renewal business. We tend to get stuck. God helps us get unstuck. We tend to live in the past. God calls us to walk boldly together into a new future. We love the old ways. God loves many of the old ways, too. Yet God calls us into newness of life. "If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation. The old has passed away. The new has come" (II Cor. 5:17).

We will continue to serve God in ways that are tried, tested and true - through worship, the sacraments, prayer, Bible Study, fellowship and service. But we will also strive in the months ahead to serve God in new ways, seeking a fresh, new vision. The God of growth and newness will lead us on.

Please read about the "old" things we will be doing and reviving (Bible Buddies, Helping Hands Ministry, youth groups, Bible Studies, etc.). But also please read about the "Visioning Process" we’re planning for October. The prophet said, "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18). May the God of all newness and grace, lead us on together into the future God is preparing us for.

Are you ready to be made new? I am. I hope you’ll come along.

Serving Christ with You, Rich

One of my favorite hymns that we sing when we baptize a child is this: "Child of Blessing, Child of Promise". While we sing it for the child, it’s also a chance to remember what baptism means for us - for the blessings continue through adulthood!

                Child of blessing, child of promise, baptized with the Spirit’s sign;

                with this water God has sealed you unto love and grace divine.

                Child of love, our love’s expression, love’s creation, loved indeed!

                Fresh from God, refresh our spirits, into joy and laughter lead.

                Child of joy, our dearest treasure, God’s you are, from God you came.

                Back to God we humbly give you, live as one who bear’s Christ’s name.

                Child of God, your loving Parent, learn to know whose child you are.

                Grow to laugh and sing and worship, trust and love God more than all.

Aren’t these good words for all of us? They’re an invitation to live out our baptismal vows each day and remember who we are and whose we are. We are - You are - a Child of Blessing and a Child of Promise! Think of the possibilities!

May we approach this fall filled with the blessings and promises that God gives us - and live as one who bears Christ’s name. . .together.

See you in Church, Linda

Bible Buddies Training - Wed., Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m.

On Wed. Sept. 17 at 6:30 pm they'll be a training meeting in Rich's office for all those interested in becoming a "Bible Buddy." Bible Buddies visit homebound members for the purpose of fellowship and reading the scriptures. Experienced Bible Buddies will be sharing their experiences. It's a great way to minister to those who love our church and our God but are unable to join us in worship most Sunday mornings. Please contact Pastor Rich for more information.

Women’s Fellowship - Thurs., Sept. 18 at 11:00 a.m.

All Women are invited to attend our monthly meetings at Norma’s Restaurant. We will meet this month on Thurs., Sept. 18 at 11:00 a.m. Come for the meeting and stay for lunch, if you wish. Norma’s sells our cookbooks and has been a great help with our cookbook sales. Come join in the fellowship. s/Betty Ford, secretary

Food for Thought & Moveable Feast to Remick Barn - Fri., Sept. 26 at 6:00 p.m.

Please join us for another fabulous POT LUCK & PROGRAM on Friday, September 26th at 6:00 p.m. We’ll start the evening with a pot luck in Moody Hall and then move across the street to Remick Barn where Scott Stevens, Executive Director of Museums of Old York, will discuss our church’s fascinating history. The evening will conclude with an Apple Crisp dessert prepared over the open fire in the barn! Call the church office by September 24th to let us know you’re coming.

Helping Hands Ministry was started by the Diaconate several years ago primarily to assist our older and homebound members. Anyone needing a little helping hand (a household chore or small project, advice, a ride to an appointment) is invited to call Judy & Mike Kobilarcsik, 363-4907 or the Church Office. We'll be using the time & talents sheets filled out last year. However, if you'd like to be involved in this ministry please contact the church office.

The Deacons resumed their regular meeting schedule in August -- renewed, refreshed and ready to begin a new year in the life of our church. We hope you feel the same and will join us in what is always a new chapter for all of us. There are a number of exciting ministries that we support and would like to bring to your attention. The Bible Buddy Program, for example, is one in which members visit and read the Bible with those unable to attend regular services. In the Helping Hands Ministry, members help others with household chores and projects.  If you are interested in either receiving or giving in either of these ministries, please call the office and they will put you in touch with the coordinators. We would like to thank those who took part in the Lay Sunday Service on July 20th, and we are thankful that Tony Campolo could return to us for an evening of pure inspiration. We are also thankful for the talent and devotion of Tim Janis and his fellow musicians for adding their special brand of beautiful music to our services. We look forward to the Re-visioning meetings in October, which all members are encouraged to attend (see item elsewhere in this newsletter). We are truly blessed with and grateful for the abundance of talent and commitment you offer to support the vision and mission of First Parish Church.

Janet Cassidy, Secretary, Jim Carter, Sr. Deacon

The crafty ladies would like to thank everyone who has saved their coffee cans for us. We really appreciate it. Right now we have enough to complete our project. Thank you all so much.

We are looking for new members and new ideas! This would enable us to continue on as a group. Without new people and new ideas, this may be our last year together. We meet on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Please call Margie Edkins at 439-5125 for more information and to see when our next meeting will be held. Hope you will join us. s/Margie Edkins

Aug. 3              195
Aug. 10            212
Aug. 17            223
Aug. 24            188

Looking to get to know some new people at church? Hoping to learn a little more about the bible? Want to develop new friendships and further your spiritual growth? Why not join a bible study or book group? Below are a list of our bible studies, book groups and their leaders.

Bible Studies:

"Lunch Break" Bible Study - Tues., Sept. 16, 12:00 noon

Rich will be leading a Bible Study on Tuesdays during the lunch hour from noon to 1:00 pm starting on Tues. Sept. 16. The group will meet downstairs in the Parish House. In September we'll be studying the First Letter of John. John was known as the "Disciple of Love" and wrote some of the most beautiful passages on love found in the scriptures. He was the only disciple who lived to old age. In his later years he was often carried into local churches, where he gave a very simple message, "Little Children, love one another." It's still the path for us to be on. Come and study this wonderful book of the New Testament.

Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Book to be determined! Our first meeting is Sept. 18th. We’ll meet in Linda’s office - please join us!

Did you know that . . . . . on Rally Day, Sun. Sept. 7th we'll be announcing the final total of our Capital Campaign, "Honoring our Heritage, Embracing our Future"? So, please if you've not done so, please send in your pledge form to the church office, or contact Mark Villinski ASAP. Thanks. Together we can reach our goal!

Did you know that . . . . we now have Bibles Studies on almost every day of the week? Monday night features the Men's Bible studies in the Parish House. Tuesday is the "Lunch Break" Bible Study downstairs in the Parish House. Wed. at 9 a.m. is the Women's Bible Study in Linda's office, and Thursday night is the Neighborhood Bible Study at the home of Susan Brindle. Of course, Sunday morning is also a time to study the scriptures together.

Did you know that . . . we now have recycling containers throughout our buildings? They're the royal blue trash cans, but please don't put basic trash in them, only paper and plastic to be recycled.

Did you know that . . . . the Church Lounge door is to be kept closed during the week. We keep it open on Sunday mornings. But during the week we'd like to keep it closed due to the air circulation system.

There are many unclaimed dishes in the kitchen, left after suppers, meetings, collations and other events. Work will begin on kitchen renovations soon. We do not have room to store these items. All left-over dishes will go to the attic treasures table at Harvestfest. Hurry on down to claim your missing dishes!!

If you know of any soldiers who are serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran or other places overseas, please provide their names and addresses to the church office 363-3758 or call 363-1459. We have a parishioner who would like to send "A Crocheted Christmas" to those serving our country overseas. Thank you very much.

Bill and Phoebe Foster are the proud great-grandparents of a baby girl, Madelynn Francesa, born July 16, 2008. Happy parents are Jessica and Steven Iozzi of Rhode Island.

K-Klub - Friday, Sept. 12

K-Klub is our Youth Group for kids in 5th and 6th grades. We meet once a month for fun, fellowship, prayer and more. It’s a great time and friends are invited. Our first meeting will be held on Friday, Sept. 12 - 6; 7:30 p.m. Dinner is provided (please bring $3 to help with costs). RSVP to the church office, 363-3758 and look for the flyer in the mail!

Jr. High Youth Group - Friday, Sept. 19

Jr. High Youth Group is for kids in 7th and 8th grades. We have a great year planned so come join the fun! Our first meeting is Friday, Sept. 19, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Dinner’s on us! We’ll meet in Moody Hall - all 7th & 8th graders and friends are welcome - please RSVP to the church office at 363-3758!

Senior High Youth Group Kick-Off - Sun., Sept. 7

Senior High Youth Group will begin again on Sun. Sept. 7 from 6 pm - 7:30 pm. Mark & Kate Kelleher will once again be leading most of the First Sunday-of-the-Month meetings. So please join us for fun, fellowship, pizza and spiritual growth! Come on out on Sept. 7th and feel free to bring a friend!

Youth Mission Trip Sunday - Sun., Sept. 21

The Senior High Youth Group will be reporting on their mission trip to Rochester, NY this past summer. 43 teens and 10 adults made the trip and "Loved Out Loud." Sign ups for next summer's trip to Sutton, NH will be held following the 10:45 service. For more information please contact Linda, Rich, or Roberta Milo. We need to reserve our spots for the 2009 trip by the end of September.

Next year’s trip will be to Sutton NH, July 12 - July 17. We have reserved 60 spots but we only have them until Sept. 30. Therefore it’s important to sign up this month! Please come to the informational meeting Sun., Sept. 21 following the late service. If you can’t make this meeting but wish to go, you must contact the pastors as soon as possible.

The first day of Church School is scheduled for September 7! Come and meet the new teachers and find out what we have in store for you this year. There will be a table with registration forms in Fellowship Hall during coffee hour. You may also register prior to Rally Day at the Church Office.

Once again we need families to sign up for children’s snack during coffee hours. The snack calendar is located on the C.E. bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. Also, we are always looking for additional back-up snacks to have on hand. All contributions are greatly appreciated. Some snack ideas include: apply juice, lemonade, white grape juice, goldfish crackers, pretzels, animal crackers, cheez-its, chocolate chip cookies and graham crackers. Reminder: No snacks with nuts! Some of our kids have nut allergies.

First Parish Church’s amazing Youth and Children’s choirs are gearing up for another fantastic season under the direction of Gina Connolly with the help of Nancy Purinton and Keri Harrod. We’re looking forward to seeing some familiar faces as well as some new ones this is year. Anyone in grades 1-8 is welcome to join us. Rehearsals will begin Sept. 11 from 3:30 - 4:30 in Moody Hall. Children coming from Village Elementary School will take Bus #16 and children coming from CRES take Bus #21. Middle Schoolers are picked up at York Middle School at 2:00 and taken to church to do their homework until rehearsal begins. Questions? Call Gina at 439-3966. Snack is provided. See you in September! s/Keri Harrod

The York Food Pantry is in great need of paper products: napkins, toilet paper, diapers etc. and canned vegetables. If you can help, please bring your donations to church on Sunday morning or drop off your donation at the church office during the week. Many thanks.