Agape Meal
What is the authentic version of communion: sharing small cups and pieces of bread that are passed to us in our seats, or walking up to the communion table for a piece of bread that you dip in a cup? Or is the real communion served with wafers and wine? If by authentic you mean original to the church, then the answer is none of the above.
The best understanding of what the first Christians did was that they imitated Jesus. They actually ate a meal. The "People of the Way" as the Jesus' first followers were called, would meet on the Sabbath evening to share a meal and talk about what Jesus meant to them. They were predominantly Jewish and would attend traditional services in the morning and then secretly meet to discuss their controversial messiah at night.
It was only when the church began to be popular that communion became a commemoration of the last supper, rather than an actual supper. As with most of our religious practices we ritualize our practices in order to capture of the feeling of the event, but we don't actually do the thing itself. To use another example–the early Christians also shared all their belongings, whereas we give a small portion of our material goods to support the church and help others.
This Sunday we will seek to have a more direct experience of the first followers early worship. Our communion will be an "Agape Meal" in which we will sit at tables and share food while talking about Jesus and his impact on our lives. You will find the sanctuary filled with tables and chairs on Sunday and we will share a simple meal. By this we may experience the supper, not just remember it. I hope you can join us.
Peace,
Mark
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Worship Calendar
October 1: World Communion Sunday–Agape Meal
October 8: Rudaitis Baptism–Intergenerational Service
October 15: Smith-Miciotta Baptism
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Family Day
at Vanderbilt Museum
When : Saturday, November. 4th
Time: 1 pm planetarium show
2:15 mansion tour
You may walk the grounds at your. own leisure
Cost: $14 per person
Please bring your payment to the church in an envelope marked Vanderbilt, and write on it how many tickets you will need. Cash or checks made out to the church.
Registration deadline: Sunday October 29th.
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Pastor's Book Group
The book group does not meet in July and August, but you can still do the reading. The September discussion book will be "The Underground Railroad," by Colson Whitehead.
"The Underground Railroad," is "Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, the #1 New York Times bestseller from Colson Whitehead, a magnificent tour de force chronicling a young slave's adventures as she makes a desperate bid for freedom in the antebellum South."
You have plenty of time, so start reading!
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Hurricane Relief Efforts
The devastating effects of the recent hurricanes require the assistance of the entire nation to help people in need. You may assist by giving through the United Church of Chirst Disaster Ministries. Your donations will go directly to help with disaster relief where it is most needed.
You may give by:
Donate directly on the UCC website for hurricane relief.
Send a check to our church made out to The Congregational Church of Huntington, designated for hurricane relief, and we will send all donations to the UCC relief program.
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Volunteers Needed
Northport Food Pantry
We collect food for the Northport Food pantry each week at our church. Please place donations in the box by the church office.
Peace and Plenty Food Outreach: You are invited to help make sandwiches and prepare snacks for children in Huntington. Peace and Plenty will meets on Mondays at 6:30 PM. They are also in need of donations of lunch meats and cheeses, fruit and healthy snacks.
Cooks Needed for the Peace & Plenty program
We're looking for a few volunteers who can help us send the Tri CYA trays of
cooked food such as baked ziti, chicken and rice, pasta with meatballs or meat sauce, etc. Most children at the Tri CYA receive free breakfast and lunch at school during the school year and rely on the Tri CYA for at least one nutritious meal. We try to support that effort with some substantial dishes, beyond sandwiches. Some of the food may also be sent to individuals unable to get out to food pantries and living with food shortages. If you would like to help please contact Anne: acanadeo@aol.com.
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Upcoming Events
Sunday, October 1
Worship Service with Communion at 10:00 AM
Church School at 10:00 AM
Fellowship Hour at 11:00 AM: The Fitzsimmons
Monday, October 2
Peace & Plenty Lunch Program at 6:30 PM
Trustees Meeting at 7:30 PM
Tuesday, October 3
Council Meeting at 7:30 PM
Thursday, October 5
Bell Choir at 6:30 PM
Choir Rehearsal at 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 8
Intergenerational Service at 10:00 AM
Fellowship Hour at 11:00 AM: Paul and Glen
Tuesday, October 10
Peace & Plenty Lunch Program at 6:30 PM
Wednesday, October 11
Pastor’s Book Discussion at 7:30 PM
Thursday, October 12
Bell Choir at 6:30 PM
Choir Rehearsal at 7:30 PM
Sunday, October 15
Craft Sunday after Church
*****Lunch included*****
Sign up on bulletin board
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Weekly Pledge Report
All pledges should have received a quarterly statement via email this past week. If you did not receive yours please contact financial secretary, Marion Munch.
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Received |
Pledged |
Difference |
| Last Week |
$2,034 |
$2,758 |
–$724 |
| Year-To-Date |
$111,736 |
$107,562 |
$4,174 |
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