Greetings, First Church Family!
It is with a certain reluctance that we let go of the short season of summer. If you are like me though, you might feel a certain excitement and stimulation "brewing" in your souls as you look to the Autumn season.
Autumn means crisp days, russet leaves, wood smoke, cider and apple pie. Oh yes! And Autumn means new beginnings at First Church!
This Sunday, we are excitedly anticipating the return of many of you who have been traveling. Church will be a reunion of sorts and the celebration will be wonderful. Sunday school resumes for our children. Our talented choir will be back with compelling music. It will be a time of joy. Please plan to stay for a special coffee hour which will take place next door at the parsonage.
As you know, this Sunday represents the tenth anniversary of 9/11. We will spend some time reflecting on our role as Jesus' followers in this tumultuous world. Jesus was the author of love and we, as Christians, will honor him together by preparing our compassionate hearts for continued action toward justice in a world where people continue to feel broken, lost, anxious and desperate.
There are some new opportunities underway as we enter the new church year. "This I Believe" - A Thursday get together, is an opportunity that "sits" just around the corner. Join us on selected Thursdays throughout the fall for coffee and conversation based upon "This I Believe". The title comes from an earlier volume collected in 1952 by Edward Murrow, and contains a collection of short, provocative essays from remarkable people who were asked to define and share what they personally believed and held dear (among the contributors are Leonard Bernstein, Eva Ensler, Bill Gates, Cecilia Munoz, Jackie Robinson, Gloria Steinem and Jody Williams. The book should be a great way to spark thought and conversation on a number of issues that we are all concerned about, and hopefully will help us all consider some further aspects of what we believe and might write about if we were asked to do the same. The first gathering will be on Thursday, September 15th from 10-11:30 am. Other dates will be October 6 & 20; November 3 & 17; and December 1. Please let Margot Weinstein know if you need transportation (914-420-2755). Together, Margot and I will coordinate the series.
This summer has been quiet but productive here on the "home front." The church parsonage painting project was completed. A new administrative assistant was hired for the church office and the property has been diligently cared for by the new lawn company our Buildings Committee hired. Peter Cole and Ernesto painstakingly stripped and painted the iron cemetery fence across the street, and Sean Witty's office was painted and converted into a nice meeting room for intimate gatherings or meetings.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday at 10 am. Come to church with all you feel in your hearts. Bring your emotions, whatever they may be, and trust that you are cherished because of and despite your vulnerabilities. Come to First Church with a yearning for God's presence as we begin this new season together.
Grace and Peace,
Randy