We have a lot going on; the worker bees have been busy. There is the pledge drive, the bazaar, the organ fund and purchase, a Halloween Party and a baptism, all coming up, There is one more thing, and that is a day in which we will be welcoming new members, and that will be on November 20th. I am particularly excited about that day, for a host of reasons, but most importantly because it is a sign of trust and hope in the future. If you have been attending, but have not joined uet, please call me and we will talk. I will make myself available to visit homes, or meet in church so that any questions can be asked and hopefully answered. 

As  many of you know, I grew up in a church that had no sacraments and there was actually no membership... at least nothing formal. When I was first approached about joining a church, I said "no". My husband and I were already attending every Sunday, I taught Sunday School, we gave every week, I didn't see the reasoning. Eventually I got worn down by the Pastor of the church I worked in and agreed to stand up and join, It turned out to be a good decision. 

Through the service that welcomed me, I gained a community; one that I needed and that needed me. My gifts were celebrated, I found myself delving deeper into my faith, and I learned that the act of joinin gave me a new sense of belonging that I hadn't ecen noticed I was missing. I gained so much: new family, opportunities to serve, a chance to study the Bible, and most importantly, something that kept me going, because once I had joined, I actually found myself wanting to be there, instead of being bound to (I know that sounds backwards, but it's not).

So if you are one of the people who is thinking about joining, I welcome you, everyone in the pews welcomes you. You will be celebrated! 860-368-9201.

Much Love, Denise