Summer worship is at 9:30am. Beginning September 12th we return to worship at 10:30am.

September 5 @ 9:30
Communion Sunday
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Lessons: Isaiah 35: 4-7, Mark 7:24-37
Sermon: Be Opened

September 12 @ 10:30
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Lessons: Isaiah 50:4-9, Mark 8:27-38
Sermon: Who Am I?

September 19 @ 10:30
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Lessons: James 3: 13-4:3, 7-8, Mark 9:30-37
Sermon: Of Wisdom and Greatness

September 26 @ 10:30
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Lessons: Esther 7: 1-10, 9: 20-22
Sermon: Courage Under Pressure

Looking for a way to re-emerge and reconnect with folks? RALLY DAY is just the thing. We will gather at the Manahan Park Pavilion on Pierce Lake on Sunday, September 12th, 2021, after worship from about noon until 2 PM.

Since we’ll be under cover, weather should not be a factor, and continuing to be pandemic prudent, again this year, we will follow a BYOEverything. So, pack a picnic for your family including beverage and utensils or simply grab a “to go” meal on your way to the lake, and enjoy the lake setting as we relax, catch up and think about all of the possibilities the coming year could hold in terms of happenings at Smith Church.

KICK-OFF EVENT

To kick off the coming year of monthly PJs and PIZZA sessions for children ages 3-7 years, G & E is sponsoring a concert by Steve Blunt, award-winning children’s musician. Steve who believes that “music helps grow happy, healthy kids and stronger communities” will share a program full of upbeat songs, audience participation, and lots of smiles. Weather permitting, Steve will perform on the side lawn at Smith Church on Sunday, October 3rd, at 4 PM. Bring your young family and friends, possibly a lawn chair for you and a blanket for the younger set and settle back for a program that will warm the heart and delight the imagination. Admission is free, although donations will be gladly accepted.

UPCOMING SESSIONS PJs and PIZZA

The ever popular and growing PJs and PIZZA sessions for children between the ages of 3 and 7 will resume on November 7th, and again, on December 12th at 4 PM. Children are encouraged to arrive in their pajamas. Following an action game or two, we go into the sanctuary where Rev. Donna familiarizes us with “all things church” and shares a Bible story. Back downstairs, the children enjoy a contemporary literature selection, and complete a craft corresponding to the day’s theme before tucking into some of Miss Fran’s yummy pizza. Participants need to pre-register by calling 464- 3529. The children leave the session each time with a copy of the story shared and their craft. Every time we meet, it’s always a tossup about who has more fun – the adults or the youngsters!

Our next week of Family Promise is September 12-19. At this time, there are two families being housed. One is a family of 6, including 4 children, 3,5,6, and 10. The other is a family of 3, which includes a 2 monthold baby. Because of our small space at the Dubben House, and Covid, they will be housed at the Holiday Inn in Concord. There is a very small refrigerator in the room and they have access to a microwave.

We will not need overnight hosts, but we are responsible for their meals. We are suggesting gift cards to restaurants that have take-out service in Concord. If you can help, please contact Barbara or Fran. In two weeks, families could change, but this is the information we have now.

We will try to put together a list of restaurants that do family size meals. Grocery cards might work also.

THE SCENE

The SCENE youth group will begin meeting again on Thursday, September 16 from 3:30-5 PM. We meet once a month on a Thursday afternoon and the more, the merrier. If you know of someone in grades 1-5 who would be interested in this group, please contact Jean Crowley (464-4013) or Barbara (464-5239).

INCAST

It’s been quite a long while since we have all been able to get back to something normal. We are excited to bring our high school youth together and begin our weekly Incast meetings. We have begun scheduling a fun packed fall and invite all high school aged students to join us. We still plan on meeting on Tuesdays, but we are changing the time from 6:30-8:00. Some of the things we plan on this year are monthly outings during our meeting time, monthly activities, adding a bit of community service and continuing with our topics and fantastic discussions!

We are planning a cook out on September 21st at 6pm at Smith Memorial Church where we will discuss our schedule and kick off our 2021/2022 season. Bring your parents, bring a friend! We will have a BBQ and go over all the things! Looking forward to seeing you all there! We are looking forward to a great year together!