Sunday School resumed this past Sunday.  It was great.  Not sure of an exact number but there were between 40 and 50.  Isn't that wonderful?  If you would like, please join us for breakfast which is served from 9:30 AM - 10 AM and classes start at 10 AM.  Classes are divided as follows:  Pre K to 1st grade; 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades; 5th and 6th grades; 7th grade; and 8th and 9th grades.  There is also an adult class.  Right now the adult class is studying the book of Daniel.   

Contemporary Worship Service is held on Sunday evenings at 5:30 PM beginning October 2, 2011.  Don't like to get up on Sunday morning but still want to learn about God and worship him?  Want a casual atmosphere including dress?  Try this service.  Hear the word of God in a friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere with great rock music with a message. 

Choir practice has resumed.  We don't have quite as many members this year.  If you like to sing, join the choir at practice on Tuesdays from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.  Practices may be longer as the Christmas season nears but as a rule they are one hour.    

Homework Club begins on Monday, September 19.  Homework Club is an after school program for youth in grades 1 - 6 and runs from 3 - 5 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Homework Club follows the schedule of the Harrison Hills School District.  Students begin arriving about 3 PM and have some free time until everyone arrives.  A nutritious snack is served.  At 4 PM students go to individual classrooms (by grade) where volunteers assist them with homework.  Children are dismissed to parents between 4:30 and 5:00 PM. 

Youth Group meets every other Sunday.  The younger group (through 6th grade) meets from 3:30 - 4:30 PM.  The older group (7th grade and older) meets immediately following the Contemporary Worship Service at 6:30 - 8 PM.  Following a devotion time, games are played and snacks served.  On Sunday, September 18, the Youth Group will have a camera scavenger hunt.  Folks really enjoyed this last year.  This is open to all youth.  So come join the fun. 

Salvation Army uses the church facility to assist the folks of Harrison County.  Beginning October 1, the Salvation Army will hold office hours from noon - 3 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  During September, they are only in on Tuesdays. 

Our Puppeteers recently attended a workshop and are practicing diligently.  They plan on performing during worship soon. 

Bible Study meets on Tuesday at 11 AM at the Church.  Pastor RJ leads this study. 

A Women's Book Study meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7 PM at the Church.  Beginning in September, the book "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman will be studied.  Please purchase the book (amazon.com) if you are interested in joining the study. 

AA and Al-Anon also uses our facility.  Both of these groups meet weekly on Thursdays at 8 PM. 

Adult Day Trips.  Our fellowship committee is planning some activities for our adults.  On Satuday, September 24, a trip to The Wilds between Cambridge and Zanesville is planned.  Cost is $30 per person.  Will plan on taking the Church's van.  Other activities planned are:  Saturday, October 22, Mystery Dinner Theater at Church (fundraiser for our youth group), $25.00 per person; Saturday, November 12, trip to Amish Country; and Saturday, December 3, travel to Dresden and Coshocton, Ohio, for Christmas caroling, shopping, refreshments, candle lighting and entertainment to begin the Holiday season. 

Our Relay for Life team, Divine Inspiration, raised $4,365.41 for the American Cancer Society.  Their goal was $5,000.  Our puppets and praise band performed at the Relay for Life held in June and Pastor RJ gave the opening prayer.  Our team was best campsite at the Relay.  Plans are already underway for next year with our youth group having their own team. 

The Youth Group is willing to help with "odd jobs" around the house.  Examples of chores willing to be done:  yard work (raking leaves, pulling weeds); outside painting (with adult supervision); picking us trash; going to the store; shoveling snows; cleaning snow off your car.  Washing clothes or cars or doing any repairs are NOT TO BE DONE.  Call the church office with your request.  If possible, a couple of days advance notice would be appreciated. 

Our Youth Group has taken on the project of baking cookies to include in the care packages for soldiers stationed overseas.  If you are willing and able to assist with this by baking a batch of cookies, it would be greatly appreciated.  Cookies need to be at the Church by October.  Some of our volunteers will get them to the EMS building for packaging.   

September 15, 2011