There will be a MCCC financial update presentation THIS Sunday, August 30th. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall after worship and before the potluck at 12:00pm. This presentation is brought to you by our Treasurer, Jay Schabel and the Stewardship & Finance Team.  Please plan to attend and then enjoy our “Back to School” 5th Sunday Potluck at 12pm after our Sunday classes! 

We are looking forward to our “5th Sunday Potluck” on  August 30th after Sunday classes at 12pm!  Our “Life 101” class, led by Carol Buzbee, has agreed to host this potluck, and the theme is “Back to School Lunches”!  Bring food items to share that you remember enjoying when you were in school – the good ones please! It should be a fun gathering, and we hope to see you all there!

Just a reminder that Ken Parker has a spare wheelchair available to donate to someone in need.  Spread the word to anyone who might find this useful. To make arrangements call Ken directly at: (330) 357-6226.   

The 4C’s (Crestwood Coalition of Community Care) needs volunteers!  4C’s is interested in finding a representative from Mantua Center Church to attend board meetings to help with communication between the organizations.   The board meetings are once a month usually the first Monday of the month, but can vary slightly.  Also  4C’s is in dire need of volunteers to help pack or do intake information for clients.  No help will be turned away. Contact Sue Pollard if you are interested:   whiteoaks082586@gmail.com OR call (234) 450-4168.

What’s happening this week?

Sunday Aug. 30 –  Worship Service with Rev. Cynthia 9:30am
Financial Update Presentation by Treasurer, Jay Schabel, in the Fellowship Hall following worship
Sunday Classes for “Life 101” and “The Seekers 11-12:00
5th Sunday of the Month Potluck – theme “Back to School!”

Monday Aug. 31 –   N/A

Tuesday Sept. 1– N/A 

Wednesday Sept. 2 – Rev. C’s Midweek Meditation on YouTube.com
Worship Team Meeting 9am at Rick’s
“Dwelling in the Word” with Diane Johnson facilitating 1:15-2:30pm 

Thursday Sept. 3 – Loaves & Fishes Community Dinner 5-6:30pm 

Friday Sept. 4 –  N/A

Saturday Sept. 5 –  N/A

Sunday Sept. 6 – Worship Service with Rev. Cynthia 9:30am
Sunday Classes for “Life 101” and “The Seekers 11-12:00 

On a side note . . . 

Last week I asked the question “Who in your life INSPIRES your faith?”  I had a myriad of answers starting from up to 5th grade, from 6th grade through high school, and from graduation through the present time.  I wrote that part of my inspiration at this current stage of my life comes from  every day people like YOU  – in the congregation and beyond.  This week, I was inspired yet again by the actions of many in our congregation.  As you know, I sent an email out this week asking for donations for a family who has been a part of Kids Weekend Meals since the beginning.  The husband and wife were getting a divorce, and the mom was moving into a new apartment with her child and needed MANY items.  We asked, and YOU GAVE!  All of you were so generous that we sent out a “revised list” with some other needed items, and YOU GAVE AGAIN!

The spirit of giving from the heart to others is what repeatedly makes this congregation so unique.  This is actually the 2nd time in the past several weeks that we have been able to contribute many items that helped furnish apartments for those in need!  In all these ways and more, I continue to be inspired as I see YOUR goodness in ACTION!  With so much negativity going on in the world, it is a blessing to know that I am right where I am supposed to be at this moment.  Surrounding myself with others who find the joy in giving to help others is the foundation of Jesus.  As I said last week, “Jesus and His teachings are always at the center of the wheel at MCCC.”So, as you go about your travels this week, keep that “Spirit of Giving” at the forefront of your journey. Maybe consider paying for the next person’s coffee in line this week.  Maybe make a tray of cookies for someone who can’t get out to buy some! Maybe on Sunday, place an extra few dollars in the collection plate to help the church budget!  Again, it is my hope that your actions will inspire others to do the same! Let’s chase away all the negativity in the world, one small act of giving at a time.  May it be so!  

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday for worship, the Finance meeting, and the “Back to School” potluck!  Wishing you all a week filled with many blessings as you spread the “Spirit of Giving!”

Sandi