What are your plans for this Labor Day Weekend? Take time this weekend to do something special — a family picnic, a hike on one of our beautiful mountain trails, having friends over — something that you enjoy doing!

And don’t forget to join us for Sunday worship at MCCA, 10:30 am. You are an important part of this faith community!

LITTLEST ANGELS SERVICE

The Littlest Angels Ministry provides burial services for infants. Sometimes the infants were stillborn at birth and families were unable to provide a service. Other times the infant’s family may be unknown. Whatever the situation, we provide a small service for the infant, giving the baby a name, a baptism, and a burial.

Wednesday, September 1st at 11:00 am at Sunset Memorial Park in the Infant Section, we will provide a service for a baby girl we have named Ruth. Please join us as we bury another Little Angel and return her to God.

SISTER, CAN YOU SPARE A DIME?

This past Sunday we unveiled our large flower vase that has been used to collect coins! It is almost full and the count is underway. When we have a total we will let you know. For now, thanks and appreciation to everyone who spared a dime during our campaign. It will help us as we continue to face these challenging financial times.

COMMUNION SERVERS AND HOLDERS TRAINING

Serving communion and holding the communion elements are an important part of our Sunday worship. Perhaps you have felt a call to learn more about this ministry and be a part of serving on Sunday morning. We have scheduled a training session for new people to serve in this ministry area.

Training for servers and holders will take place on Sunday, September 5th, following worship, in the worship space. All are invited to attend the training and learn more about this ministry. This Sunday as communion is served please pray and ask God if you are being called to this ministry. You will be blessed and so will others. Everyone is welcome to attend the training!

For more information call Stacey Kohlman at 315-4878.

CHRISTMAS PLAY AT MCCA

MCCA has put on some great Christmas plays and this year we are planning for another great experience. This year we will perform “Nativity Idol,” which is based on the popular TV show American Idol. It is funny and yet it also tells the story of the birth of Jesus, God’s gift to humanity.

No experience is necessary, but you must be willing to attend practices and performances! Some of the roles are more complex than others, but there are opportunities for all who are interested.

Don’t want to act in the play but enjoy serving behind the curtains? There are opportunities for behind the scenes volunteers.

Cast Call will be Tuesday, September 7th at 7:00 pm at MCCA. If you want to see a list of characters please see Pete or Stephanie after worship this Sunday!

LEADERSHIP MEETING

All ministry team leaders please plan on attending the next Leadership Meeting on Saturday, September 11th from 10 am until 11:30 am. All are welcome and encouraged to attend this meeting.

MCCA MEMBERSHIP CLASS

What does it mean when you become a member of MCCA? Want to learn more about MCC Churches and MCCA? Have you been attending MCCA for a few months or longer and want to take the next step into membership?

Please join Pastor Judy for membership class this Sunday, August 22, following worship, in the worship space. All are welcome to attend.

HOMECOMING SUNDAY

Homecoming Sunday is September 12th at the 10:30 am worship service.

Also known as “Return to Church Sunday,” Homecoming Sunday celebrates the end of summer and the beginning of the new Fall Season at MCCA. We will follow worship with a potluck meal so please bring your favorite dish, a guest or two, and join us for Homecoming Sunday!

FILL THE SEAT NEXT TO YOU

All of September we are encouraging you to “Fill the Seat Next to You” by inviting someone to join you for worship. Maybe it is a family member, co-worker, friend, or even someone who has stopped attending worship – call and extend an invitation to someone!

THE BIBLE AND HOMOSEXUALITY

How has the Bible been misinterpreted around homosexuality? What are some of the verses that people uses to condemn homosexuality? And why has the bible been used to oppress people?

Join us Saturday, September 18th from 10 am until 2 pm for a workshop that will unveil some of the Scriptures that are used to condemn and others that are affirm!

LABYRINTH WALK

The Labyrinth has been used for centuries as a spiritual path to connect with God. As you walk the path you can pray, meditate, and listen to the voice within. MCCA will have a Labyrinth Walk on Wednesday, September 22nd beginning at 6 pm.

Many people have drawn closer to God, received clarity around issues, and experienced transformation by walking the Labyrinth. If you are new to the Labyrinth come and learn more about this sacred path.

WORDS FROM THE PASTOR

A Prayer for Labor Day

Blessed be the works of your hands,
O Holy One.
Blessed be these hands that have touched life.
Blessed be these hands that have nurtured creativity.
Blessed be these hands that have held pain.
Blessed be these hands that have embraced with passion.
Blessed be these hands that have tended gardens.
Blessed be these hands that have closed in anger.
Blessed be these hands that have planted new seeds.
Blessed be these hands that have harvested ripe fields.
Blessed be these hands that have cleaned, washed, mopped, scrubbed.
Blessed be these hands that have become knotty with age.
Blessed be these hands that are wrinkled and scarred from doing justice.
Blessed be these hands that have reached out and been received.
Blessed be these hands that hold the promise of the future.
Blessed be the works of your hands,
O Holy One.

Prayer by Diann Neu from Imaging the Word

God bless you and your loved ones. Have a great Labor Day Celebration!

Pastor Judy