Bridgeport Presbyterian Church

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1 Bridgeport Presbyterian Church NEWSLETTER OF BRIDGEPORT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SEPTEMBER 2015 VOLUME 22 NUMBER 9 Church Events September 1 Resource Management 5 Mission Dinner 7 Christian Education 9 Blankets for Ruby Exciting things are always happening at the Bridgeport Presbyterian Church. One of the upcoming events is the "Sunday School Kick-Off" Luncheon scheduled for September 13, 2015 at Noon, following Sunday School. We would encourage everyone, young and old to attend Sunday School following the morning Worship Service and then enjoy a time of fellowship along with a delicious meal. Don't forget to mark your calendars and please join us for a fun-filled afternoon. The congregation is encouraged to bring a salad, casserole or any side dish. The committee will supply hotdogs and drinks. Hope to see you on Sunday, September 13th! 13 Sunday School Kickoff 14 Outreach 15 Session 16 Men s Breakfast 19 Dinner for Eight 20 PW Bible Study 28 PW Bible Study 29 Congregational Life

2 Men s Breakfast The Men s Breakfast Group will meet at 7:00 AM on Wednesday, September 16th, at Eat n Park. Bring a friend along and join us. As always, you are encouraged to invite a friend or neighbor to join with us for a time of Christian fellowship. Anyone with an idea for a program may contact Dave Davis, who has graciously stepped up to the plate to organize the group this year. Dinner for 8 will kick off on Saturday September 19 at Gail and Craig Liebig s house, 224 Club View Road (just mast the Meadowbrook Mall). Everyone is asked to bring a hors d ouevres to share. Want to find out more about this program, or just want to socialize with your church friends, please come and enjoy the evening! September Birthdays 1 Adam Gray 11 Jacy Woods 2 Jean Pote 18 Erma Reel 3 Craig Liebig 19 Billy Pulice 6 Beth Armentrout 20 Tammy Hamner 6 Barbara Hoyle 27 Linda Burns 6 Dan McCaugherty 29 Laura Foster September Anniversaries 4 Linda & Steve Williams 14 Allison & Patrick Deem 11 Jody & Richard Tetrick 24 Lori & Doug Gray

3 Educational Opportunities Beginning September 13, 2015 Preschool-Wee Children at Church-God s Word for God s Youngest People Disciples are learners. Children nurtured in the grace and love of God are disciples too. They will learn the story of who and whose they are by watching, listening, tasting, smelling, playing, and exploring holy things in the context of a faith community. Elementary-Growing in Grace and Gratitude Growing in Grace & Gratitude is rooted in the foundation of Presbyterian identity where God's grace and our gratitude are the heartbeat of our faith, life, and worship; extends an invitation to discipleship that inspires children to learn and practice hospitality, generosity, and love; and reaches beyond Sunday morning, encouraging children to live their lives as an expression of God's grace. Middle School and High School-Submerge Thought-provoking and timely articles that keep students engaged! Using the Bible to address every day issues for example: Caring for Creation (Creation), Avoiding Jealousy (Cain and Abel), Resolving Conflict (Abraham ns Lot Separate) Adult Sunday Mornings-The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving is a central feature of the liturgy for the Lord's Supper in Presbyterian and Reformed traditions. This class will strengthen our faith in God, who has acted in history, who continues to lead and guide us, and who will bring us together in the joyful feast of the people of God. Come and learn about this prayer that is central to our communion service. Presbyterian Women-Couples of the Old Testament Monday, September 21 st, has been selected as the date to begin the fall Bible Studies for the Presbyterian Women. They will be held in the church lounge at 10 am each Monday morning. The women have selected a study on Couples of the Old Testament for the fall. This study will look at some of the marriages in the Bible and study both the difficulties and the ways that the couples overcame their trials. Some of the couples we will be studying are: Jacob and Rachel, Boaz and Ruth as well asking Xerxes and Esther. Several of the women will take turns leading the study. The first leader is Sue Davis.

4 IS SUNDAY SCHOOL IMPORTANT? While sleeping late can be nice, have you considered the benefits of Sunday School attendance for you and your child? Here are a half a dozen reasons to make it a priority in your family: Age Targeted Teaching: Where else can your kids get Biblical instruction that s focused toward their developmental abilities? Friends: In Sunday School, your child will build positive friendships with their peers by discovering God s Word together. It s Fun: Sunday School is not Disney Land, but our teachers do work hard to teach the Bible in ways that are relevant and fun for kids. Big Reward for a Small Investment: If you re already coming to church, bring the kids and stay a little longer. That one change will equal over 800 hours of additional Christian teaching before your child graduates. Send the Right Message: Making Sunday School a priority shows your kids that God s Word really does matter more than pillow-time. Adult Bible Fellowship: While the children enjoy their class, you can fellowship with other adults in your own Bible study group. Children are going to get their biases from one place or another. Why not bring them to Sunday school and influence their religious decisions? If they don t get their influences from you, as the parent, where else are they going to get them? Friends? TV? Movies? The possibilities are frightening!

5 HELP NEEDED Have you enjoyed fellowship time on Sundays after the worship service? Did you attend the 6 weeks of Summertime Serving the Son? Have you cooked and/or served food at the Clarksburg Mission? These activities of our church don t just happen; they require planning and organization. The Presbyterian Church provides for a structured process of achieving the work of local churches through the establishment of committees. These committees are comprised of elected elders and congregational members who work together to plan and implement activities such as those mentioned above. It is not intended that the elders do all the work alone. Being a part of committee is rewarding and enjoyable; teamwork develops and friendships are made. Being a team member enables you to be a part of ensuring that our church is maintained; that members grow spiritually and that we share the Good News of Jesus Christ through all our activities and programs. Please consider using your time and talent by serving on one of our 5 committees: Congregational Life, Outreach, Worship, Education and Resource Management. CONSIDER THIS The 2015 BPC Nominating Committee has been working hard since the end of June. Members are Steve Atkinson, Rocky Loar, Urlin Mathews, Stacey McMullen and Elder Sue Davis. We are charged with the task of inviting members to become the leaders of Bridgeport Presbyterian Church. Elders are responsible for maintaining the spiritual life and government of the congregation. Elders attend Session meetings and are assigned to one of the 5 Session committees. Most importantly, elders share in the ministry of the care and concern for the well-being (physically and spiritually) of all the members. If asked to serve as an elder, please prayerfully consider responding to the call to become a part of the Session of BPC. There is no higher office to which a lay person can be elected; it is an honor to serve others and our Lord.

6 Calling all Ladies! Please mark your calendars for the first annual Cookie Exchange/Tea Party. Drag out those old hats that your Mom or Grandmother wore to church or a funeral, find those old white long gloves, and if you have a wrap to throw around your shoulders, then please come to join us. We are expecting a large amount of participants along with a lot of goodies. Find that wonderful recipe or that very unusual recipe and bring a couple dozen cookies to share. We are hoping to have a few games, some scripture, and maybe a little entertainment, but we can't forget the wonderful teas, and sandwiches that will make your mouth water. You don't want to miss this new exciting and fun event. Grab your daughters, moms, granddaughters, female family members, neighbors, or your best friend and dress up and have a few laughs. More details will follow as we approach the event. Watch your newsletters for more info. Any questions or suggestions, please see Barb Hoyle, Gail Liebig, or Cher Yager. P.S. A garage sale is a great place to find old hats or gloves! SHARING IS CARING The Outreach Committee is heading up a drive this fall to provide warmth for the unfortunate folks who cannot afford adequate coats and sweaters. Starting September 13 and ending October 11, we are asking you to bring in your gently used coats and sweaters and we will give them to the Mission to give to folks who are in need of warmth. If you have any questions about this drive, please see Lois Withrow for more information.

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8 Bridgeport Presbyterian Church The Church Office is open Monday-Friday 9:30am 12:30pm Pastor Robin Ray Office Website: Pastor Robin Ray Clerk of Session Ruth Allen Treasurer Rocky Loar Choir Director Beth Armentrout Presbyterian Women Barb Judy Janitorial Support Sharon Salate Bookkeeper Janice Oldaker Bridgeport Presbyterian Church 1 John Calvin Drive Bridgeport WV 26330