From the Interim Pastor’s Pen:

The United Church of Fayetteville . . .

What do we believe?

What do we want to accomplish?

What makes us different than other churches?

“No Strings Attached” Inquirers Class”

Beginning Sunday, October 2 at 9:00 AM I will lead a unique class to answer the above questions and much more. For three consecutive Sundays we will be meeting in the Pastor’s study during the Sunday School hour. You’ll enjoy getting to know others and learning more about this church. Interested? Contact me or Bonnie Lang at 446-1511. New Members will be welcomed by the congregation on October 23.

Kathleen Waters

Adult Education

The Forum

After our brief summer break the forum is ready to begin our fall season. Sunday, September 18^th we are pleased to welcome back Ambassador Goodwin Cooke. Always a favorite of forum audiences, Ambassador Cooke brings his insights on current events in the national and international arenas.

The fall schedule is in the final stages of preparation with many presentations already confirmed. These include:

A look into the Iona Community in Scotland.

Dr. William West on his recent trip to San Salvador.

A” Meet the Press” presentation and discussion on “Religious Foundations of the U.S.”.

Kay Lindauer, a wonderful story teller with tales for the Christmas season.

Please watch your bulletins and newsletters for the latest schedule updates.

As always we are happy to have ideas from the congregation for speakers you would like to hear, and subjects you would like to have discussed. Please contact Ed Clarke or Jackie Meyer with your suggestions.

Bible Study

Fred Davey is ready to resume the Sunday morning Bible Study Group. The first meeting with be Sunday, September 25th. Discussions will continue with the Acts of the Apostles. New members are most welcome. For more information consult upcoming bulletins and newsletter.

Submitted by Ed Clarke, Chair of Adult Education

Worship for September 2005

September 4 & 11 at 9:25 AM, Child Care 9 -11 AM

September 18 & 25 at 10:25 AM, Child Care 9 AM - Noon

Beginning Sept. 18^th: Before worship coffee fellowship with Adult Ed groups 9 AM

Fellowship Time each week after worship in Fellowship Hall

Sept. 4 Sacrament of Communion (come forward) 23^rd Sunday, Ordinary Time

9:25 AM Meditation: “In the name of Jesus” Rev. Scott Cupp

Scriptures: Exodus 12:1-14, Psalm 149, Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 18:15-20

Music led by Mary Doto, Gary & Nina Lewis, vocal duets with guitar

Liturgist: Gloria Manuel

Sept. 11 “Welcome Back” Sunday 24^th Sunday, Ordinary Time

9:25 AM Sermon: “If Only….” Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters

Scriptures: Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45, Matthew 18:21-35

Music led by Alice Hatt; the Senior Choir returns; Vocal Solo by Linda Raymond

Word to the Children by Rev. Waters: “Blessing of the Backpacks” –

Children: bring your school bags to church this Sunday!

Brunch following worship in Fellowship Hall

Church School and Choirs Registration!

Sept. 18 Ministry Sunday 25^th Sunday, Ordinary Time

10:25 AM Sermon: “The Top Ten List” Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters

Scriptures: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Matthew 20:1-16

Anthem by the Senior Choir

Dedication of Church School teachers and choir leaders

Sunday choirs, Church School and Adult Education classes begin regular schedule before worship

Sept. 25 Worship for the Lord’s Day 26^th Sunday, Ordinary Time

10:25 AM Sermon: “Refuse to Reduce God” Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters

Scriptures: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, Matthew 21:23-32

Anthem by the Senior Choir; Nelson & Joan Reppert,

music of the Iona Community

Mission Moment - Peacemaking Offering

Pastoral Care The pastor works with our Congregational Care Committee and can be reached through the church office (637-3186), elders of the month, or home phone.

Elders of the Month: Janet Press and Linda Hickok

Purpose of Elders of the Month: For those members with a crisis, emergency situation, a particular concern or need for care, the elders of the month are available to assist the pastor, when a pastor is unavailable, or when the church office is closed.

Procedure for calling: please call the church office weekdays between 9 AM – 3 PM; otherwise call either the elders of the month or the pastoral caregiver.

Worship & Spiritual Life

“Labor Day” Weekend Sunday

& Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper

The words “Do this in remembrance of me” are inscribed on the front of our communion table. This helps us remember that Christ instructed us to celebrate this meal of bread and cup together, as he did with his disciples. We come together around the “Welcome Table” to feed on Christ’s word and sup at his table, to be nurtured in ways that strengthen us to work for the good of all.

Labor Day originated in 1882 in New York City with a parade organized by a machinist and a carpenter, and is observed as a day of rest and relaxation honoring all who work. Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr wrote this prayer for all who labor:

O God, you have bound us together in this life. Give us grace to understand how our lives depend on the courage, the industry, the honesty, and the integrity of all who labor. May we be mindful of their needs, grateful for their faithfulness, and faithful in our responsibilities to them; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sept. 11^th“Welcome Back” Sunday

Worship at 9:25 AM followed by the annual Brunch in Fellowship Hall, sponsored by Congregational Life & Fellowship Committee. After worship we’ll have our choir registrations and information table for all the choirs.

Blessing of the Backpacks!

Children! Bring your school backpack with you to church on Sept. 11th. We will have a time during worship for the “Blessing of the Backpacks.” Children will be invited to come forward to the baptismal font during Word to the Children with Rev. Waters. We will get the school year started out right with both a blessing of the children and their backpacks!

“God, bless these bags and the children who will use them. Be with them as they learn and grow this year. Show them how to serve you and help them to teach us all about your love, in Jesus' name. Amen.”

Thank you to summer musicians!

*To our youth and adults who provided musical offerings, vocal and instrumental solos, duets, choruses, including

Dan Blumenthal

Richard Blumenthal

Mwelwa Bwalya

David DeHority

Andrea Doto & J.P. Cambareri

Emily Dunuwila

Jennifer Greene

Gary & Nina Lewis

Emily Olmsted

Elizabeth Price

John Price, Bob Price

Linda Raymond & Cara Steiner

Sarah Spencer

Men’s Chorus (10 men)

Summer Handbell Choir (11 ringers)

Women’s Chorus (23 women)

* Special thanks to Mary Doto and Jennifer Greene for serving as substitutes for my vacation times and leading the service music!

Join our Worship Team!

Invest yourself to help make worship at United Church meaningful and vital for you and the congregation. We need your ideas and responses to worship. The Worship & Spiritual Life Committee meets the second Tuesday of the month. The September meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 13^th, 7:00 p.m., Women’s Lounge. For information contact Kathy Bohnsack, Chair.

UCF Drama Ministry Get-Together

Join with other UCF “thespians” Tuesday, Sept. 27^th at 7:30 pm at John Price and Janet Press’s home to make plans for various dramatic offerings at UCF this year. Watch for more information! We need actors, back stage costume people, set-designers, tech people, script readers, musical drama people, all ages! Join us for UC Talent Co. and other opportunities for dramatic readings, skits, mini dramas in worship!

Ushers: Stu Bruce coordinates usher recruitment; children, youth, adults and family groupings are invited to sign up on the hall chart to offer that important first greeting to visitors and members of United Church!

Alice Dickerson Hatt, Minister of Music & Worship

Fall Start-up dates for our choirs

I hope you will join one of the choirs! We have a place for you. We have several talented directors and accompanists who will lead you or members of your family in inspiring musical experiences at United Church. Choir registrations will be Sunday Sept. 11^th, or contact the church office. Please note these start-up dates! Alice Dickerson Hatt

SENIOR CHOIR Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 15th, new members are welcome, including adults and high school youth; the Choir will sing for worship Sept. 11^th for “Welcome Back“ Sunday (meet at 8:55 a.m.) Choir Room, directed by Alice Hatt.

YOUTH CHOIR/YOUTH HANDBELL CHOIR Sundays, 8:50-9:30 am Sept. 18^th

Led by Alice Hatt, with Sul-young Choi assistant director; basement Choir Room

CHERUB CHOIR - Sundays, 8:50-9:25 a.m. Sept. 18^th

The children sing hymns and songs and use rhythm instruments as they learn Bible stories and present their gifts in worship. ~ Led by Judy Spencer, with Sue Boland, pianist. Room 8.

CHILDREN'S/CHIMES CHOIR - Sundays, 8:50-9:25 a.m.

Sept. 18^th The Choir sings in worship and often joins in musicals which provide a fun way of understanding the biblical story. They also are learning to read music and play pieces using our 3 octave set of Suzuki Tone Chimes. ~ Led by Jim Spencer and Sarah Vonhof. Room 10.

CHILDREN’S GATHERING WORSHIP - 9:25 a.m. in Room 10

begins Sept. 18^th! Children come together to praise God through song and story, collect an offering for mission, and take turns serving as readers and acolytes in worship.

ADULT HANDBELL CHOIR - Thursday, 6:45-7:30 p.m. Sept. 15th

Members use our three octave set of Schulmerich handbells. Their repertoire includes works based on hymn tunes, carols and others. ~ Led by Alice Hatt, Choir Room.

JOYFUL SIGN CHOIR -Wednesdays, 7:15 p.m., date TBA

Members use American Sign Language to interpret hymns and anthems for worship. Their ministry of “making a joyful sign to the Lord” gives our worship another spiritual dimension while providing a ministry to the hearing impaired. Led by Barbara Morison, Beard Lounge.

What’s Up from Down Under

Sharing and Caring by the Young People

Of United Church

Mark these upcoming events on your calendars!

Sept. 11 9:25 a.m. “Welcome Back” Sunday

Service and Brunch following

Sunday School and Choir Registration

Family Ushering Sign-Up

11:30 a.m. Teacher Meet and Greet

Sept. 18 8:50 a.m. Begin Choirs and Sunday School

10:50 a.m. Dedicate Teachers and Choir Leaders

Sept. 25 11:45 a.m. Abuse Prevention Orientation

Register for Sunday School and Choirs on Welcome Back Sunday, September 11th. Church service begins at 9:30 a.m. and will be followed by a super-fun brunch where we can all swap summer vacation stories. See you there!

Ushers Wanted! Always wanted to pass the plate? The second Sunday of every month is reserved for families. Be sure to sign up for this important ministry on Welcome Back Sunday

Sunday School Teacher Meet and Greet Set For September 11!! All Sunday school teachers are asked to attend this little get together at 11:30 a.m. for a light hearted look at survival skills for the Sunday school teacher and a short overview of basic classroom safety. We will meet in Women’s Lounge for this fun exchange of ideas!!

3,2,1 Blast Off !!! A New Year of Sunday School and Choir Starts September 18 !!! Cherub, children’s and youth choir/handbell choir start at 8:50 a.m. sharp! Sunday school classes grade begin with children and teachers gathering for our opening worship in Room 10 at 9:25 a.m. We’re looking forward to an exciting year!

Teacher/Choir Leader Dedication Teachers and choir leaders, along with other lay leaders, will be dedicated for a new year of service on Ministry Sunday, Sept. 18th, during the service.

Abuse Prevention Orientation September 25. There will be a short refresher for those previously trained as well as the full orientation for those who are new. THIS ORIENTATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL TEACHERS, NURSERY WORKERS, CHAPERONES, ENRICHMENT VOLUNTEERS AND OTHERS WHO PLAN TO WORK IN MINISTRY DIRECTLY WITH THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH OF OUR CHURCH. Need childcare? Call Judy Spencer at 446-0365.

Entertainment Books For Sale Beginning September 11 !!! Children’s Ministries Committee will be selling this great collection of discount coupons that provides discounts for restaurants, stores and other entertainment services in the local and surrounding area. Let friends and family know about this great opportunity! Books will be for sale outside the sanctuary.

Judy Spencer

Director of Children's Ministries