He's back

            Fr. Bruce joined us for Morning Prayer this morning and has lots of pictures to show and stories to tell. Come to church Sunday and to the luncheon afterward to greet him and celebrate his return.

Thanksgiving

            For several years we have provided Thanksgiving meals for families from Crestview. This year we have been given the names of four families that are in need and would appreciate some help with groceries at this time of year. The outreach committee has decided to give them grocery gift cards and is asking you to contribute to this project.

Diocesan Youth Retreat

            If you have young people grade 6 through high school, it is not too late to sign up for the diocesan youth retreat at Waycross Nov 21 to 23. This is always a wonderful spirit filled weekend. There is information about it on the bulletin board or at the diocesan web site www.indydio.org . I went last year as chaplain and it is an amazing weekend.

Vestry nominations

            The nominating committee for the vestry is seeking people who would be willing to run for a position on the vestry. If you are asked, I hope you will pray about it and seriously consider accepting the position. We need good leaders if we are to become the church God is calling us to be.

Pledges

            The current vestry and the budget committee are struggling to develop a balanced budget for 2009. As you know, it looks like we will have a budget shortfall for this year in the neighborhood of $10,000. We have used our reserves and cannot in good faith project a deficit budget for 2009. Unless we meet our pledge goal, we will have to seriously consider reducing staff and/or program. To be honest, our program expenses are not that large and it is staff that will have to be reduced. Again, I know that most of you have been impacted by the current economic crisis, and are feeling a little nervous right now. But this is also the time when it is more important than ever that the church be available to proclaim the good news and care for those less fortunate.

NAGS

            Nativity Adult Group is going to the theatre Saturday. We are going to watch a funny mystery at Mud Creek Players. Again information is on the bulletin board. I hope you can join us-it should be fun.

Email cycle of prayer for this week includes Gwen Betor, Nancy Blakley, Ken & Carole Blocher, Michael & Melody Bogan, Bruce & Virginia Boss , Jim & Barbara Boyle , and Jeff Brentlinger .

Thanks for sharing your day with me.

See you in church,

Mother Ellen+