This past Saturday's Trunk or treat was an absolute blast! Thanks to the over 400 people who attended our annual event; it was a blessing to see so many happy faces and creative costumes! And of course, thank you to everyone who donated candy through the month leading up to the event, and to the volunteers the night of who made the evening possible with decorated trunks. It was such a wonderful way to close out our month of ministry in the Pumpkin Patch!

Take a look on the church's Facebook page to see more photos of all the fun we had! If you have photos of your own that you would like to share of this event, please add them in the comment section or send them to Mary in the office.

Come share the Peace of Christ with coffee and fellowship before worship beginning at 9:30 in the Parlor! Sunday worship begins at 10:00am in the Sanctuary. All are welcome and hope to see you there!

Please note that the heating system in the sanctuary experienced an issue with the recent freeze we experienced this week. Work is underway to ensure that a warm and welcoming space will be available by Sunday but for good measure, bring a coat or a blanket... We don't want any more reasons to hear any jokes about Presbyterians being the "frozen chosen"!

Rejoice in the Lord!

A month or so ago Clark Parker called and asked us if we would do a Moment for Stewardship for this year's annual campaign. We reluctantly agreed, reluctant because of getting nervous speaking in front of people, but we wanted to, because of how much we love this church!

One of us is a child of this church. I (Gretchen) sat right over there in the 3rd row with my siblings and father every Sunday. My mom was up front in the choir. We were very involved in this church. Basically, if the doors were open, we were here. Now fast forward 15 years.  

In 1968, another one of us started attending too. I (Clyde) started dating Gretchen and her mom told me if I wanted to date Gretchen, I would have to come to youth group with her on Sundays and if you knew Betty Jo, that is exactly what I did. So, that began my relationship with this church. On September 21, 1973 we got married right here in this sanctuary and we began our spiritual journey together.  

We got married in this church and said goodbye to our parents in this church and have been blessed all along the way. In 2020, all of our lives were turned upside down as we navigated a pandemic. It was through this pandemic we realized how much we needed our church family. It’s the relationships with our church family that are a blessing and being together with that family every Sunday in worship or in the pumpkin patch, bible study, pickle ball, VBS, Fall Festival, Trunk or Treat, the list goes on and on. Bottom line, we love you guys. 

So as we complete this stewardship season, we can rejoice in the fact that we have such an amazing church family. It doesn't matter the exact details of what any of us are going through in our daily lives, this church family will be there to laugh with you, cry with you, rejoice with you and love you! Thank you for all the ways you use your spiritual gifts to take care of this church and church family! Thank you for prayerfully consider how much God is asking you to share of your money, your time, and your talents to help others rejoice in the Lord too. We certainly rejoice in the Lord because of being in relationship with you!

In Love and With Joy,

Gretchen and Clyde Bentley

In a few weeks, our Youth Group will be joining other Youth from throughout the Holston Presbytery for a Youth Retreat. On Friday, November 10, we will be leaving from the Church to head to Holston Camp and Retreat Center in Banner Elk, NC for a weekend of fun and growth as we build community with other students from the Presbytery.

Pickup will be back at the Church on Sunday afternoon. The retreat costs $60 per student, which covers food, lodging, and a hoodie. Contact Tyler for more

information or to sign up. And please pray for our youth to have a meaningful and enjoyable time on this retreat! 

Thank you so much for your support and stewardship of our Blessing Box! Because of your kindness, there are many people in our community who are being served with food and other necessities. For the month of November, we would like to put emphasis on collecting Hats, Gloves, Socks, and other such items for colder weather.



Printed below is a Blessing Box Donations List, with helpful suggestions. As a reminder, there are always collection boxes in the narthex for you to conveniently place donations. Please donate whatever you can, either from the list or items you think people in our community would see as a Blessing!

Thanks again for all you do to Love our Neighbors,

Your Missions Committee

Blessed are the peacemakers, 

for they will be called children of God.

- Matthew 5:9

On Oct. 7, 2023, Israel suffered its deadliest attack in decades. Civilians, including women, children and the elderly, are trapped in a war zone, facing a severe humanitarian crisis. They are enduring unimaginable hardships, and the need for immediate humanitarian relief is paramount. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) joins these voices as we pray for peace and safe passage for those seeking help and fleeing the ongoing chaos. Through PDA, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is providing assistance to those most vulnerable and supporting partners in Palestine and Israel who are responding to the needs of neighbors and strangers in their midst, no matter their religious beliefs, political views or nationality. We are called to care for all of God’s children, especially those in war-torn communities, by responding to the urgent needs of those directly affected by the current conflict.

More can be learned about PDA's important work here by visiting their website. If you feel called to contribute financially, please do so through PDA's giving portal here. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers for peace!

Don't forget about the time change this weekend as Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday, November 5. Be sure to turn your clock back 1 hour Saturday night so that we can see you a little bit later the next day in worship at 10:00 am!

CHPC's Children's Choir will be practicing this Sunday at 11:00, directly following morning worship. They will be preparing a piece to sing in worship on November 12. All children ages 3-11 are welcome to come sing and play! If you need more information, contact Carolyn Barry.

CHPC partners again with the Marsh Regional Blood Center this coming Sunday November 5, from 11am-2pm. The Marsh Regional Blood Center bloodmobile will be taking blood donations in our parking lot and you may sign up for a time-slot by contacting the church office. Please click here to view medical requirements for donating. Walk-ins are also welcome so please spread the word about this important ministry!

The Youth Group meets downstairs in the Youth Center this Sunday, November 5 from 5-6:30pm. Come for dinner, fun, and fellowship!

CHPC is partnering again to provide Thanksgiving boxes with Colonial Heights Christian Church (CHCC) for local families in need. Members of our Church will provide the side dishes and CHCC will provide the meat. Please pick up a Food Suggestion Card from the parlor to begin filling your donation. If you can provide your own box, that would be appreciated, but if you need a box, the church will have a limited supply. Completed boxes will be collected the Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 19 to be delivered to CHCC after worship. You may also drop your box off at the church any time prior to November 19. Thank you for participating in this

community need!

The CHPC Christmas Memorial Gifts program is for those who wish to give a memorial gift to honor or remember those special people who have been a part of our life. You may choose to give a poinsettia that will be used to decorate the church or a monetary contribution to our Renovation Fund. The cost for a poinsettia is $10. All names will be printed in the bulletin on Sunday, Dec. 17. Poinsettias may be picked up after the Christmas Eve service. Order forms are available in the narthex and should be ordered by November 19. Please make any monetary contributions by December 12.

Save the Date for the "No Talent" Show and Dinner! On December 3 at 5pm in the gym, we will have an evening of laughs and fun as we share our talents with one another. If you have a talent you would like to share with our church family, please let Gretchen Bentley or Joanie Zimmerman know. And keep your eye's peeled for more information to come about this fun evening.

Thank you for prayerfully considering how God is calling you to rejoice and participate in this year's stewardship season. Additional stewardship packets are available in the narthex and any pledge cards or time and talent surveys can be returned to the front office. If you have any financial questions, please contact Sarah Johnson at finance@chpres.org.

Please send all items for the weekly online newsletter by email to Mary at office@chpres.org by end of business on Tuesday.

Prayer Requests 

Leon Boyd, Emily Bowman, Joyce Callahan, Susan Fernandez,

Ramona Gothard, Barbara Holt, Beverly Shelton, Ginny Snow,

Lee Walker' Bonnie Cole, Boyd Holder, Janice Mullins, Wayne Fortner,

Family of Clara Hasbrouck, Tony Bennett, Bobby Cooper, (Sharon Pugh's mother), Nabilah Choudhary (Mary Ellington's daughter)

Health Care/ Assisted Living Facilities

Anne Hertel, Evelyn Hill, Sue Fortney, Charles and Linda Gibson,

Betty McMillin, Wayne & Millie Pruett, Jean Faries