Things are off to a great start as pumpkins are being sold and new friendships are being made in our community! The Pumpkin Patch is open daily from 11 am to 7 pm through October 31. Be sure to swing by and have your picture taken at the photo spot beside the pumpkin patch. We look forward to seeing you and your family!

Volunteers are needed to serve daily in the Patch and especially to serve during the upcoming Fall Festival on Saturday, October 14. Let the church know how you can serve by filling out the survey below or by signing up in the church office. Thank you to all the volunteers, and the community for supporting the ministry of Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church!

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!

Sunday's Scripture (NRSV):

Psalm 25:1-9

Philippians 2:1-13

Sermon Title:

“Rejoice in Christ”

Sunday School classes resume meeting after worship in their regular spaces. The Remnant will focus on the first two chapters of the Book of Philippians.

Dear CHPC,

Stewardship Season can be a difficult time in the life of a church. Where is God leading us? What will that cost? What can my family afford? What happens if we can’t meet our budget? It’s likely you have another question or two, or twelve.

This year, the Session desires to share our perception of this complex process by naming a pair of budgetary goals we believe God is calling us to pursue to faithfully minister together in 2024. The first, one we’re calling the “Bare Bones” budget, is $477,623.  This budget sustains current ministries; supports staffing at existing levels; and maintains our facilities to ensure the meaningful work happening throughout the church continues. In effect, the bare bones budget continues the course God has set us upon a few years ago. This budget is approximately $1,155.25 above the current estimate for year-end spending for 2023. The second budget includes items submitted by each committee that would allow a bit of expansion in our ministries and possibly something new. Perhaps a speaker for a Women’s Ministry event; guest musicians for Advent; expanded youth outreach in the community, and so much more that the Spirit of God may send our way. That number is $507,605, and is a bit over 6% higher than the “Bare Bones” budget.

We can create estimates or educated guesses about giving that range from balanced at either spending level to a severe shortfall to a spectacular excess. Rest assured your Session will prayerfully and responsibly discern the “approved” budget for 2024 based on the outcome of the Stewardship Campaign. So… about that outcome… That depends on you. And both of us. And the rest of the body of Christ at Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church. There is much to rejoice in and give thanks for in light of all that God is doing within our family of faith. Thank you for faithfully discerning how God is calling us to rejoice as we serve together in ministry. Stewardship Packets with more information will be available in the narthex this Sunday and any remaining packets will be mailed on Monday, October 16. Stewardship Sunday will be October 29 and any pledge cards may be returned to Sarah Johnson in the office. 

We ask that you prayerfully and responsibly consider what God is calling you to give in this upcoming year. What makes you rejoice in the Lord? What will help our neighbors know a similar joy? Where is God leading us? Where is God leading you? 

On Behalf of The Session of Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church,

Last month, nine members of our church family delivered fourteen beds to children that needed one in partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Thank you to these volunteers and for everyone who collectively supports this meaningful ministry to ensure that kids in our community have a bed to call their own. CHPC regularly partners with SHP to build and deliver beds multiple times a year. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, please contact the church office or speak directly with Allen Booth.

The annual Habitat for Humanity Faith Build is complete!

Thank you to everyone who donated their time, talents, treasures, and prayers to turn this house into a home for Marquette and her family!

Don't forget about the invitation the church received

from our own TJ Chase as he celebrates with his fiancé,

Catherine Gilbert, at their upcoming wedding shower!

The Flowers in the sanctuary are placed in memory of Otis and Amylyn Thornton's anniversary by Amylyn, Lillybeth and Elly Rose.

The Youth Group will meet in the Pumpkin Patch this Sunday night! From 5-7pm; we will work the patch, eat dinner, fellowship, and have a short bible study.

Trunk-or-Treat Candy is being collected in the Narthex starting this Sunday. Please place candy donations in the "Candy Collection" bin.

Martha's Circle would like to invite everyone to join in Bible study, Mission projects and conversation on October 10 at 10:30am in the parlor. For more information call Lois Bronson.

A Congregational Meeting has been called by the Session during worship on Sunday, October 22, for the purpose of electing officers from the coming year.

The Shoebox Ministry is in full swing! If you are interested in sponsoring a shoebox gift for a child in need, please sign-up with Brenda or Jonathan Hutchins. The cost is $5.00 per box. The Hutchins’ will have your box at church by September 24. Instructions and gift suggestions will be included in your box. All you have to do is shop and return the filled box to the Narthex by October 29. Thank you to all who nominated individuals to serve in leadership for the coming year. Please pray for the members of your nominating committee while they discern who the Spirit of God is resting upon to care for our church family.

CHPC partners again with the Marsh Regional Blood Centeron Sunday November 5, from 1-4pm. 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 Chancel Choir joins with other choirs from Colonial Heights United Methodist and King University to present a Community All-Saints Remembrance on Sunday, November 5 at 3:00 pm at CHUMC. They will be singing a dynamic and inspiring musical work, Gospel Mass by Robert Ray, directed by our own Jason Whitson who is on the faculty of King University. Please plan to attend and invite friends and family!

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 talent with one another.

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, Charles Hasbrouck, Tony Bennett, Carolyn Neal, Family of Martha Cooper, Family and Friends of Libby Sampson, Dusty Newman



Health Care/ Assisted Living Facilities

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

Betty McMillin, Wayne & Millie Pruett, Jean Faires