It's that time of the year, because the Pumpkin Patch is set to return to CHPC from October 1 through 31. We could not be more excited to continue to grow this wonderful ministry opportunity for our community. Not only were we able to raise funds for our Children and Youth last year, but it was a great chance for us to engage with our friends and neighbors, to sponsor some awesome community events, and to serve alongside one another.

And we are hopeful that this year's patch will be even better! This year we have two unload days scheduled on the calendar and the first opportunity to volunteer will be on September 30 at 9am. All helping hands are needed to get these gourds grounded after being delivered from New Mexico.

The patch will be open daily from 11am to 7pm, seven days a week. Volunteers are needed to serve in two-hour time slots to work the patch and sell pumpkins all month long! Additionally, we will need help hosting our two fun weekend activities during the Fall Festival (Oct 14) and Trunk or Treat (Oct 29). At the Fall Festival, we will need volunteers to serve lunch, work the attractions, sell baked goods and crafts, and of course sell Pumpkins! And toward the end of the month, Halloween candy will be needed to help make our Trunk or Treat special. You will be able to donate candy in the baskets placed in the narthex on Sunday mornings.

How is God moving you to support this mission to better serve the children and families of our community? How can you help to make this year's Pumpkin Patch a blessing to our church and our neighbors? Sign up sheets for the Pumpkin Patch itself will be in the Narthex on Sunday mornings. A special survey will be emailed on September 19 so that you can let us know how you are able to serve during this month-long mission. This is going to be a fun-filled time of fellowship for our church as we serve others, and we can't wait to see you in the patch!

Sunday's Scripture (NRSV):

Matthew 18:15-35

Sermon Title:

"Word Problems"

CHPC's September Suppers and James Bible Study continues this Sunday night from 5-6:30 pm. All are welcome to enjoy a baked potato bar prepared by volunteers from the Congregational Family Life committee. The children will have their own time of fun, music, and learning and a nursery is provided for our littlest presbyterians. All are encouraged to read James chapter 3 and 4, which will be the topic of the Bible study.

We had over sixty people last week and we hope even more come and enjoy this unique opportunity to fellowship with our church family. Come to enjoy a delicious meal, and learn together from scripture and one another!

On July 31 of this year, the rarest living giraffe on the planet was born at Brights Zoo, which is just down the road from us in Limestone, TN. She’s a one-of-a-kind animal, because she was born without a pattern! So we are going to go and see this special giraffe!

We will take the church bus and visit Brights Zoo on September 23 at 9am. The cost of the ticket will depend on the number of people going. With 15 or more, the rate for adults is $17.95, seniors $15.95, children (2-11)$13.95, and students (13-18)$15.95. If we have less than 15 people, the rates are $4.00 more per ticket, and there will be a small fee for gas. We will have a sign up sheet in the narthex or contact Gretchen Bentley or Brenda Hutchins.

The Habitat Faith Build house for Marquetta and her family is complete!  The home dedication is scheduled for Friday, September 29 at 3:00 pm.  Volunteers, donors, and members of the community are invited to join the celebration. Thanks to Tim Mallinak for his supervision on this build and to the Habitat Regulars, faith groups, and volunteers who worked so hard to make this house a home!

We are excited to partner with the Marsh Regional Blood Center by hosting a blood drive right here at CHPC! On Sunday November 5, from 1-4pm, the Marsh Regional Blood Center bloodmobile will be taking blood donations in our parking lot.

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 Flowers in the sanctuary are given to the Glory of God in memory of Jane Shipley and R.L. Zimmerman given by Tom and Joanie Zimmerman Shipley.



The Youth Group will join in the September Supper bible study series tonight from 5-6:30 in the gym.

Troop 48 hosts their annual CPR Training at the church on Monday, September 18 from 6-8 pm in the gym. Additional spaces are available for this class for interested youth (14 and up) and adults. A registration fee is

$25. Please contact Mary in the office to sign up if interested.

Support UKirk ETSU by feeding students each week during their Monday Night Worship gatherings throughout the fall semester. If you or someone you know would be interested in signing up for one of these opportunities, please click here to sign up using the google spreadsheet. Meals are an integral part of UKirk ETSU's culture and outreach. Contact the office if you have any specific questions about how you can help support this important ministry of our presbytery.

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.

All items for the weekly online newsletter should be emailed to Mary at office@chpres.org by end of business on Tuesday.