Summer 2023

Fall Worship Schedule

This fall, we will continue our study of the gospel according to Matthew, and continue the practice begun in August of a special spiritual formation theme each month.  

In September, the theme will be “Care for the Immigrant and the Stranger.” 

On September 10, David Ruston will be giving us a brief overview of how the global immigration crisis has developed, and we will have a special guest Zooming in from Guatemala: Pedro Lucas, the director of Cento Mayo Xela Spanish School in Quetzaltenango. After worship, everyone is invited to come to the front of the sanctuary to help us begin to create a “Corner of Hope.” This will be a place where information about the world refugee crisis can be found and we can create memorial butterflies for those who have died in the desert outside Tucson. The T-shirts and handwork supporting Salvavision will be moved to this corner, which we hope will become a permanent resource for the congregation.

There are two other special occasions in September: On September 3 we will baptize Josiah James Rwabukwisi and welcome him to our family of faith. And on September 17, Sharon Landon and Aeden Hickey will be providing the special music for the worship service.

In October, the theme will be “A Place at the Table.”

On October 1, we will celebrate World Communion Sunday, and receive the Peace and Global Witness Special Offering. On October 15, we will gather downstairs after worship for a congregational potluck. Phil’s Chicken will be provided, and everyone is invited to bring their favorite side dish, salad, or dessert to share. We will have “conversation cards” on each table to encourage conversation that will help us all get to know each other, whether for the first time or in a new way.

On November 5, we will celebrate the Feast of All Saints with Communion and the Bouquet of Remembrance.

One of our cherished traditions at United Pres is the Bouquet of Remembrance, which we will build together to remember and honor the cloud of witnesses that surround us in the communion of saints. We will place a flower and read the name of each member of our community who has died during the year, and we will have a slide show featuring our “communion of saints” during the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Everyone is invited to bring flowers to place in the bouquet when we gather at the table for communion. Extra flowers will be available if you are unable to bring your own. To assist us in making this remembrance, please send the names and photos (if available) of all of those you would like to remember to the church office by October 27. If you need help sending a photo, please contact the church office (607-722-4219 or office@upcbgm.org) and let us know.