Weekly Greeting: 9/9/23 – The Ministry of Rev. Russ Peppe, Sunday School Kick-Off, New Mission Initiatives and more!

Greetings parish,
God’s joy be with you! I hope that you will be able to join us tomorrow (10:30 am service/luncheon) as we celebrate the ministry of Rev. Russ Peppe and honor him with the designation of ‘Pastor Emeritus.’ Russ served UMC of Auburn for sixteen years (1974-90), and, during the past eighteen years of retirement, has made UMC of Auburn his church family. Those of us who have served during the years of his retirement have benefitted greatly from his counsel, teaching, supply preaching, prayer, and support. Following the musical service, at which Russ will preach, we invite you to a luncheon in his honor.
Tomorrow is also ‘Back-to-church’ Sunday, with the return of Godly Play Church School (including a ‘Make Your Own Sundae on Sunday Party’), and the Wesleyan Singers. All three musical groups have returned to rehearsals, so if you wish to be a singer (Wesleyan Singers), ringer (Handbell Choir), or Picker (Park Avenue Pickers), please speak with me or one of the three choir directors.
Professional painters will be working on the upper part of the church early this week, and, weather-permitting, church volunteers will be joining in a three-day Painting Party on the lower part of the building (9/14-16, lunch provided). The trustees have some exciting news to share at worship tomorrow, and the Missions Team will be presenting information on a new initiative called the, ‘Asylum Seeker Resettlement Fund.’
Calvary UMC will be meeting for a special called Church Conference on Saturday, September 23rd, 2:30 pm, (Calvary UMC, 59 Sabattus Street, Lewiston) for the purpose of voting to sell the Calvary parsonage (following approvals by the Calvary Board of Trustees, Calvary Leadership Board, District Committee on Church and Location, District Superintendent, Bishop and Cabinet). All members of Calvary UMC have vote, by written ballot. The Conference will also be accessible by zoom.
Today is the deadline for October articles to be submitted to The Beacon.
May your day be blessed. See you at church!
Pastor Steve Bascom