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PResPRess Septeber 2018 Presbyteria� Church �f ��vat�� 710 Wi�s�� Ave!� P!"! B�x 631� ��vat�� CA 94948
A Note from Ariel Looking forward to seeing you in September!
Rev. Dr. Greg Love, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, will be wrapping up our six-week series on Ephesians on September 2nd. Greg will be preaching for us periodically during the remainder of 2018 and into 2019, while our Pastor Nominating Committee is busy searching for our next installed Head of Staff. Greg has been teaching at the San Francisco Theological Seminary since 1999. A prolific writer, Greg is the author of Love, Violence and the Cross: How the Nonviolent God Saves Us through the Cross of Christ, as well as numerous scholarly articles. Beginning the following week, on September 9th, we’ll begin our next sermon series on Generous Living. Being generous isn’t just limited to our finances – being generous involves our whole lives, how we spend our time, how we care for our neighbors, how we utilize our God-given gifts. It involves our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Following worship on the 9th, we’ll have our annual Ministry Fair. Prayerfully consider all the ways you might be able to contribute to building up the Body of Christ. And, if the Holy Spirit is nudging you in a particular direction that may not be reflected in all of the ministry opportunities that will be highlighted, talk to me and let’s see if we can figure out a path forward. We resume our two worship services on Sunday, September 16th, with our contemporary service beginning at 9:00 a.m. and our traditional service beginning at 10:30 a.m. We also will be having our first “Seeker Sunday” that day, so children pre-school through 5th grade will be invited to join Sally in the Christensen Room for a combined program. The Seekers and the Youth Ministry programs are hosting an Open House on Sunday evening, September 23rd. All families are warmly encouraged to attend to share a meal together and then learn about the upcoming programs and activities that are planned for the school year. If you have friends or neighbors who might be interested in attending, please invite them! On September 30th, the Peace and Global Witness special offering will be collected. A gift to the Peace & Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice across the world.
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COSTA RICA MISSION TRIP
Eighteen youth and adults had a wonderful mission trip to Heredia, Costa Rica in July. They participated in a three-day vacation Bible school and assisted with various construction projects including spreading gravel, painting, cement removal, and cinder-block wall building. With the idea of ministering to Costa Ricans, the team found that they were ministered back to even more! The joy of the kids was a real blessing, and the church service on Sunday was powerful and impactful. The skilled cooks and MERGE Ministries team made us all feel welcomed and cared for. Overall, an extremely great mission trip!
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Now that the school year has started, the youth group is announcing a schedule change. The middle school youth group will meet from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday and the high school youth group will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. During the overlapping half-hour from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. both groups will enjoy a shared dinner. We are still looking for volunteers to provide meals for our youth and incredibly awesome volunteers, about 30 people in all. Contact Michelle Lubey at [email protected] with questions or to sign up. Check out our table at the Ministry Fair on September 9th! Come see how you can join the fun. We’ll find a painless way to utilize your talents. We also want to congratulate our graduating seniors and wish them well as they go off to college: Jenna Clark, Northeastern University Joey Davis, College of Marin Sterling Reed, University of the Pacific Gabe Kesich, University of Oregon Peder Fish, Montana State Ben Comnick, South Dakota State Matt Daugbjerg, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Sam Lynam, Santa Rosa Junior College Sydney Newton, oldest granddaughter of Bonnie Newton, former member and past PCN Clerk of Session, graduated high school with high honors – we wish her all the best in her future endeavors as well! Finally, we’d like to invite all parents and kids to the Seekers/Youth Group Open House on Sunday September 23rd at 6:00 p.m. Please join us to find out more about what is in store for your kids this upcoming year.
The Deac�s Ivite t� y�u t� visit �ur B��th � Suday� Septe�ber 9 at the �iistry Fair� P�ease b�ess �ur church �e�bers by participatig with �ea�s� trasp�rtati�� c�va�escet �iistry �r �e��ria� services� Receive y�ur 'Age�' wigs whe y�u sig up! "I ca� d� everythi�g thr�ugh hi� wh� gives �e stre�gth" �Phi�ippia�s 4�13 Prayerfu��y y�urs� PC' Deac�s
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A devotional from Our Daily Bread that bears repeating, dated July 14, 2018 Hiding Our Hurts I was guest speaking in a local church and my topic was an honest story about presenting our brokenness before God and receiving the healing He wants to give. Before closing in prayer, the pastor stood in the center aisle, looked deeply into the eyes of his gathered congregants, and said, "As your pastor I have had the privilege of seeing you midweek and hearing your heart-breaking stories of brokenness. Then in our weekend worship services, I have the pain of watching you hide your hurt away. My heart ached at the hidden hurts God came to heal. The writer of Hebrews describes the Word of God as alive and active. Many have understood this "word" to be the Bible, but it's even more than that. Jesus is the living Word of God. He evaluates our thoughts and attitudes and loves us still. Jesus died to give us access to God's presence, all the time. And while we know it's not wise to share everything with everyone, we also know that God intends His church to be a place where we can live unapologetically as broken and forgiven followers of Christ. It's to be a place where we "carry each other's burdens" (Galatians 6:2). What are you hiding from others today? And how are you trying to hide from God as well? God sees us through Jesus. And he still loves us. Will we let him?” - Elise Morgan Who will you prayerfully consider letting help you carry your burdens? At different times in our lives, things happen. We don't want to be a bother to others, so we put on an act for them. As Stephen Ministers we would be a soft spot and a place to turn to. Knowing and trusting that you won't be judged and that confidentiality is assured, we are here to serve our Lord. Next time you need someone to listen, contact the Stephen Ministers: Kathy Botko (415) 897-8886 Alan Dunham (415) 897-7783 Ariel Mink (415) 897-6152
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SUPPER CLUB ALERT
GROUPS WILL BE FORMED IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS
FOR THE COMING YEAR
NEW MEMBERS: If you haven’t participated in this great fellowship program, you’ll find that SUPPER CLUB will give you a wonderful opportunity to really get to know members of the church family. SUPPER CLUB GROUPS consist of three or four regular couples (not limited to married couples, many singles take part) who meet three or four times during the year, from October 2018 to summer 2019. A substitute couple will join the group when a fourth couple is needed. Dinner dates are scheduled by the individual groups. Each regular participating couple hosts a dinner and provides the main dish. Appetizers, salad, and dessert are provided by the other participants (substitutes provide food but are not required to host a dinner). To participate, please contact Janalee Holmes or E.B. Hanlein (contact information below). The groups will be formed in mid- to late September. SUPPER CLUB REGULARS: Please confirm that you wish to remain active, if you wish to be on the sub list or if you do not wish to participate this year. However, if we do not hear from you, and you were in a group last year, we will assign you to a new group. At the Ministry Fair on September 9th, there will be a table on the patio after church where you can learn more about Supper Club and sign up. If you miss this opportunity call or email Janalee or E.B. by September 18. JANALEE HOLMES 898-8418 [email protected] or E.B. HANLEIN 415-225-6496 [email protected]
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BUCKAROO BREAKFAST UPDATE
I wanted to thank everyone that volunteered for another successful breakfast! God gave us ideal weather and responded to our prayers for a smooth event. In fact, we had just about the right amount of food we needed. We also tried to make small improvements such as: a more detailed sign-up list, purified water for the coffee, an improved hose set-up from the auto repair shop (thanks to Troy West), and even serving ketchup with the eggs. But what really made the event successful was everyone's experience and commitment, positive attitudes, and abilities to jump in and solve problems. I'd like to give a special thanks to Don McGinnis who works closely with me to put on the breakfast and does a lot of the preparation work. I estimate that we served around 1200 people, which included free breakfasts for the scouts and 45 clients of North Marin Community Services who were provided complimentary food vouchers (a new idea brought by Regina Rus). We took in just over $6600 in receipts and are in the process of tabulating all the expenses to determine our net donation. If you have any suggestions for improvement, please e-mail them to me. Next year I'm hoping to recruit an assistant buckaroo (if you are interested let me know) and replace some of those very heavy cast-iron grill tops with lighter ones that fit better on the grills, along with a few other small improvements to make the event go more smoothly. Any input you have will greatly help with future planning. Sincerely, Steve Kinney Big Buckaroo
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2018-19 PCN Stewardship Program Notes
The Presbyterian Church of Novato is entering into a challenging and exciting year as our Pastoral Nominating Committee continues to work hard to find a new pastor to lead our church. At the same time, we have a Campus Development Committee evaluating our property repair and growth needs. It is natural for people to be concerned during change, and it is all too common for people to retract and wait to see what these changes bring before deciding whether this change is good or bad for their church. But this is not what I have witnessed within our PCN community. What brought my family to PCN was the love, involvement and stewardship of our members and friends (contributions of time, talent, and finances) to support our Christian walk together: serving those within our church, community, and world. It is this legacy of our beloved pastor, Kent Webber and all of you at PCN that is being left for us and those to follow; and it is this legacy we need to secure and grow to even higher levels. PCN is not a church of inaction, but one that steps up and follows God’s plan to grow closer together and to Him through generous service and giving. On September 9th, we will have our Ministry Fair after Sunday service, sharing opportunities to join with us in serving our church and others in a variety of ways. Then on October 21st we are excited to have back one of PCN’s past members, Ben Kerns, now Lead Pastor – Students and Families of Marin Covenant Church, to provide the sermon on Consecration Sunday when we dedicate our Stewardship financial gifts that will help finance our 2019 growth budget in order to serve and support our pastoral staffing, property program, and mission needs. These are exciting times for PCN. Please join with us this fall to make a difference and carry on the legacy you all have worked so hard to build. Together we serve Christ, Brad Praun Stewardship Elder
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On Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. the adult class meets in Room 1 (library), at the end of the breezeway. We have fifteen adults (men and women) registered and average between ten and twelve in attendance. We have a lively Bible study! That's what happens here. As adults study the Bible and discuss what they found during the week, they gain a growing understanding of how to move forward on their discipleship journey. In the class, we read the Scripture and then focus on the passage. Each week we’re challenged to prepare for the next week's lesson. The preparation isn't long or difficult, but it does encourage participation. When adults have invested something of themselves in the lesson, they get more out of it. The biggest part of the Sunday School lesson doesn't happen in class. It happens on Monday and Tuesday – and through the week – when instead of following their own desires or the crowd, they dare to say, "No, I will follow Jesus." In September through November 2018 we will be concentrating on "God's World and God's People" using the Old Testament Book of Genesis. In September we will look at Genesis, the book of beginnings. God is revealed as the Creator, Sustainer, Judge, and Redeemer who brought all things into being. He continues to co-labor with sinful humanity in reconciling and recreating order in all things. We will look forward to seeing you on Sundays – come and join us!
Carol Dacquisto, Study Leader
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WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Luke Chapters 13-16
Women’s Bible Study, led by Carol Dacquisto, Elaine Harris and Melodie Baird, returns on:
Thursday, September 13, 2018, 9:30 - 11 a.m. in the Christensen Room
Don’t miss the opportunity to join a great group of women as we continue our study of the Gospel of Luke. Luke includes more of Jesus’ parables than any other gospel, and in chapters 13 through 16 of his work he tells more parables than anywhere else. Our first class in September rejoins Luke at Chapter 13:18 where we find the parables of The Mustard Seed followed by The Narrow Door and Jesus’ warnings about the impending destruction of Jerusalem. Throughout the coming weeks, we will be discussing the crucial messages found in Jesus’ teachings and how the Savior used parables to explain to His followers what it means to have faith, how to enter the kingdom of God, and other essential lessons.
We look forward to seeing you and sharing our love of scripture. Women of all ages and knowledge levels are welcome. Don’t worry if you are “new” to Bible study: we will bring you along and ease you into our group! If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail one of our study leaders.
See you on September 13! Your Study Leaders: Carol Dacquisto phone 415-892-2070, e-mail: [email protected] Elaine Harris phone 415-382-0854, e-mail: [email protected] Melodie Baird phone: 415-897-7512, e-mail: [email protected]
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MEN’S BIBLE STUDY The Men’s Bible Study group starts up again Wednesday, September 5th at 7:30 a.m. We begin a new study in ACTS. Join us for this one-hour mid-week boost and share great fellowship with brothers. And no homework!
OUR DAILY BREAD
Helping you connect with God every day. Pick up your copy on the hall table in the office.
PNC Update We are excited to share with you the progress the PNC is making in our search for a new pastor. After reviewing more than 100 resumes, we have narrowed the candidates down to a more select group and are currently conducting interviews. First interviews will lead to second interviews and those few that we feel best match our church’s needs and call will be invited to preach for the Pastor Nominating
Committee at a neutral pulpit. We really want the congregation to know that some wonderful pastors are interested in this position, and we feel optimistic as a team about finding that special person for our church. If you have questions about our process, there will be more information Sunday, September 9th at the morning service and immediately following at the ministry fair. Thank you for your continued patience and prayers.
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You Are Invited to PCN’s Annual Ministry Fair! PCN is a vibrant, healthy congregation. We have many programs and activities, as well as ministry opportunities, available to you in which one’s participation in the worship and service of the church may be increased and made more meaningful. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Cor.12:4-7) On September 9, immediately following our last “summer single service” we will be having our Ministry Fair on the patio. Please plan to stay after worship to see all that is offered. If there is a particular ministry area that you feel called to do or want to participate in, but don’t see it offered at the fair, please see Ariel.
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MISSION
PROJECT SERVE DAY AT GILEAD HOUSE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20th GILEAD NEEDS OUR HELP! SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY!
Calling on our congregation to support Gilead House for Mothers and Children, right here in Novato. Gilead House needs 10 to 15 volunteers from 10 a.m. to noon to work on any number of tasks in and around the property. Come join us in a hands-on way by volunteering for any one of the following tasks: Outside: weed pulling bush trimming (nandina [heavenly bamboo] extraction 2-3 feet) window washing sweeping/blowing leaves and putting them in green bins watering container plants clean street gutters someone with truck take chair/old bed frame to Goodwill or to corner of Simmons and Shady Lane Inside: window washing downstairs, common rooms, and upstairs hallway clean stove hood with 409 clean floors behind furniture wipe out refrigerators clean wood furniture with Lemon Pledge hand-clean stairwell with warm wet rags (stairs and railings)
PLEASE SIGN UP BEFOREHAND WITH CAROLYN GERRANS AT 415-897-1504 OR AT [email protected]
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Presbyterian Women nurture their faith through prayer and Bible study, support missions of the church worldwide, and build an inclusive, caring community of women.
Are you a woman in the Presbyterian Church of Novato (PCN)? Are you interested in supporting local and worldwide missions, a monthly Bible study, and being part of a group of caring and fun women? Consider becoming an active member of the Presbyterian Women (PW) of PCN! We currently have two active PW circles at PCN that will begin meeting monthly again in the Christensen Room in October. The Ruth Circle (usually meets the 4th Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.) and the Rachel Circle (usually meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.). The Bible study at these meetings will all be presented via a video narrated by the author of the study book, which provides a very rich and meaningful study of each lesson. We will also be sponsoring a luncheon meeting on Saturday, September 15, which is open to any woman (invite a friend) and allows time for those in attendance to meet each other for worship and fellowship. Mission Projects: During the autumn months, we collect the Thank Offering. Much of this money goes toward support of hospitals and other health ministries throughout the year. Anyone can make a donation to the Thank Offering to support these ministries. Each month our circles collect the Least Coin Offering. Since 1956, Presbyterian Women have been collecting the least coin worldwide for evangelism, service, and relief projects. We also collect money for mosquito nets to help stamp out malaria. Each month, we collect nickels for Nickels For Nets. This gives our women a sense of being a part of the worldwide family of faith. Even the smallest donation will make a difference in the world when added together. In the spring, we collect the Birthday Offering, giving at least one penny for each year of our lives. This donation also goes toward innovative mission projects in the United States and worldwide. We always welcome women interested in local and worldwide missions, a monthly Bible study, and being a part of caring and fun women by becoming an active part of our circle of Presbyterian Women … Come try us out!!! Glenise Johnson, Moderator
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A COUNTER-FULL OF THANKS TO OUR PCN FAMILY
The above photo is of all the cards you sent me over the summer as I struggled to heal from my knee replacement. No, it doesn’t include Gerrans family wishes, neighbors, friends or other acquaintances … they are all from YOU, our PCN family! Both Art and I thank you, also, for the food, phone calls, flowers, emails, visits, DVD movies, advice and prayers. You have been a godsend to me, and my
gratitude is unending. (Don’t stop praying; I still have a ways to go! �) Love, Carolyn Gerrans
Announcing the multi-day 5th Annual P4P
ride for 2018, a 6 day ride all based in
Arcata near Eureka, CA.
Arcata/Bayside pastor and rider Dan Link has put
together 6 days of hub and spoke rides Sept. 16-21. Its
the best of the best in Humboldt County including
overnight stay at Camp Mattloe, swimming in the
Mattloe creek (Dan promises comfortable water temps),
rides to Ferndale, Fortuna, McKinleyville, Orick, Ave of
the Giants, the Lost Coast, quiet country roads, few pot
holes and gorgeous scenery from farmlands to redwood
forests to bay and ocean views.
The website at IMAthlete will be open for registration
after Easter. So be on the look out for registration and
ride info to come soon.
In the planning is a one day ride on a Saturday in Santa
Rosa date and details to be announced to keep the
momentum going, with rides for kids, families and adults
on church property and on the scenic, flat Santa Rosa
Creek Trail. Our kick off planning meeting is Friday, April
20 at noon for the one day ride at Knox PC Santa Rosa.
Please let me know if you are interested in helping plan
a fun event!
To Register for the Ride or to Donate Support, or Volunteer Time or Space www.imathlete.com/events/PedalforProtein
www.imathlete.com/donate/PedalforProtein5 The ride is organized by The Hunger Task Force of the Presbytery of the Redwoods,
Patty Sanders, Ride Director, Email: [email protected]
100% is donated to support local food pantries & food justice projects
Ride to help feed hungry people & have fun too!
Ride to support food pantries
with healthy protein food
The Pedal for Protein Ride is a fun ride and
awesome way to raise food for our local food
pantries..
Riders can choose from two ride choices—
A Six day or a One day ride.
Overnight accommodations are provided through local
churches, or you may choose a motel option. Breakfast,
dinners and showers included in the five day package.
Two sag vehicles will provide the ride support, snacks and
water. Riders may sag any part of the ride they do not wish
to cycle (hills, etc.) We ride in similar paced groups, with no
one left behind!
Minimum fundraising is required in addition to the low cost
registration fee. 100% of all donations go to food projects
and food justice projects, primarily for the provision of lean
proteins.
This ride is the best value in California. See the website for
details. Six day ride limits the total number of riders, so
sign up today!
Enjoy this California landmark ride through beautiful
Northern California while you Pedal for Protein for your
local food pantry.
2018
Join the 5th Annual Northern California Ride
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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8:30 Adult Bible Study 9:00 Choir practice 10:00 Traditional 4:30 Youth Group
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Labor Day – office closed
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7:30am Stephen Leaders 2:00 PW Coordinating Team 7:00 CE
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7:30am Men’s Group 4:00 Bell Choir 5:30 Mission Cmte. 6:00 PNC 6:30 Worship Cmte.
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2:00 Singles Coffee Creekside 6:15 Youth Director search committee 7:00 Choir rehearsal
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8:30 Adult Bible Study 10:00 Blended Service 11:00 Ministry Fair 4:30 Youth Group
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9:00 Morning Prayer 6:30 PCN Campus Development Cmte.
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7:00 Personnel Cmte.
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7:30am Men’s Group 10:30 Marian Stitchers 4:00 Bell Choir 6:00 PNC 6:30 Deacons 6:30 Finance Cmte.
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2:00 Singles Coffee Creekside 6:15 Youth Director search committee 7:00 Choir rehearsal
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11:00 Presbyterian Women luncheon
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9:00 Adult Bible Study 9:00 SEEker Sunday/ Contemporary 10:30 Traditional 1:30 Creekwood 4:30 Youth Group
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9:00 Morning Prayer 2:00 Mill St. meal p/u
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7:00 Stephen Ministry Supervision
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7:30am Men’s Group 4:00 Bell Choir 6:00 PNC 6:00 Session dinner 6:30 Session meeting
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9:30 Women’s Bible Study 2:00 Singles Coffee Creekside 6:15 Youth Director search committee 7:00 Choir rehearsal
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6:00 Mingling Singles Pizza Night
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9:00 Adult Bible Study 9:00 Contemporary 10:30 Traditional 1:30 Creekwood 4:30 Youth Group 6:00 Youth/SEEkers Open House
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9:00 Morning Prayer 5:30 SEEkers
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7:30am Men’s Group 4:00 Bell Choir 6:00 PNC
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9:30 Women’s Bible Study 2:00 Singles Coffee Creekside 6:15 Youth Director search committee 7:00 Choir rehearsal
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9:00 Adult Bible Study 9:00 Contemporary 10:30 Traditional 4:30 Youth Group
2018
