Weekly Greeting – September 28, 2024 – “Growing Deeper, Moses and the Burning Bush, Meet our new Bishop, and more!”

Good morning parish!
The days of September are drifting from the calendar like leaves from a New England maple, but much is happening as we anticipate the approaching holidays. After the ‘Growing Deeper’ Bible study class tomorrow, I will join the church school to share lessons of the holy drawn from Moses encounter with God at a burning bush. Richard Gross will preach at the 10:30 am service. Following worship, any who wish to help with the Thanksgiving Basket/Giving Tree projects this year are invited to a planning meeting in the choir room.
On Saturday, October 5th (7:30 am, UMCA), all men of the parish are invited to a fellowship breakfast. On Monday, October 7th, the parish is invited to a ‘Meet Our New Bishop’ event at UMC of Auburn. Bishop Thomas Bickerton, episcopal leader of the Hope Area (New England/New York), will meet with Many Waters District pastors (2-4 pm) and clergy and laity, both, from 6-8 pm. At 4:15 pm, a vegetarian lasagna dinner will be served (sign-up on the literature table sheet in vestry). The evening meeting will also be livestreamed.
On Sunday, October 20th, 2:30 pm, at the Lisbon UM Church, our annual church conferences (UMC of Auburn and Calvary UMC) will be held with DS Arlene Tully, officiating. All members of each church have voice and vote.
One more calendar date: our postponed church conferences for voting on the vital merger proposal for UMC of Auburn and Calvary UMC has been rescheduled for Wednesday, November 13th, 7 pm, at UMC of Auburn. Voting will be by ballot and merger will be affirmed if each church votes in favor by two-thirds majority. All members who are present (in person or virtual) will have vote. There will be a provision for those attending by zoom to vote with the assistance of the zoom host.
My wife and I are grateful to all who prayed for her eye surgery and for the many cards sent as a sign of encouragement. (It went well, by God’s grace) Bless you!
God’s joy be with you!
Pastor Steve Bascom