August 17, 2017

​1) We had some great conversations about music last Sunday, and the goals going forward are: 

• 8AM Service -- Invite musicians in our congregation to provide music when they are available and look into using some recorded music for procession and post-communion, as we search for a permanent replacement for Jamie, knowing that pianists are hard to get, organists even harder, and either will require additional budgeted funding.
• 10AM Service -- Many volunteers willing to sing in a 1x/mo choir, which Lisa will coordinate. Also look for musicians in congregation to provide special music, both vocal and instrumental. Congregational hymn singing as always, accompanied by our amazing pianist, Barb Becker. 

Overall we were really pleased with the turnout, the conversations, and the plans, which will continue to evolve. Thanks to all who participated and all who volunteer and work to provide such a critical part of our weekly worship! 

2) Check out our new portable room dividers in the Parish Hall! As we grow, there will be increasing demands for meeting and educational space. Dividers are one way to use the space we have in creative ways. They are easy to use, and I encourage you to use them any time the Parish Hall has multiple groups gathered. 

3) School starts today, which means Sunday School is right around the corner. The schedule will be:

• 10:00AM -- Godly Play for children ages 5-9. Upstairs above the Parish Hall. Begins Sept 10.
• 9:00AM 1st and 3rd Sundays -- Youth Group for youth ages 10-18. Downstairs in the Youth Room. Begins Sept 17.
• Wednesdays at 5:00PM -- Catechism for youth ages 14-16. In Parish Hall. Begins Sept 13. 

4) Adult classes and groups will also start up again in September. I anticipate all the Bible Studies/Prayer Groups will continue as last year, and we are always open to starting new groups to meet new needs. I will write more about that next week.