What a busy Sunday this is turning out to be this week! The saying at MCCC goes that “if you miss a Sunday, you miss a LOT!”  How true that is this this week! Check out  the list:

Last week we officially revived the practice of sharing our prayer concerns and our joys during worship. Liz Meeker will fill in for Rev. Cynthia, this Sunday, and she plans to continue the invitation to the congregation to share their concerns and joys during the Pastoral Prayer. Think ahead about what you might like to share this Sunday!  

For those who need assistance with setting up online giving without incurring “extra fees”, please plan to see either Carol Magyarics or Jay Schabel after worship this Sunday so they can help you set it up! If you have any questions, feel free to contact them at: Carol Magyarics or Jay Schabel.  Let’s not pay any extra fees if we can avoid it!

Don’t forget that “Cans for Kids” food collection for Kids Weekend Meals will be THIS SUNDAY, Sept. 13th.  Items needed are:  

• Peanut Butter,
• Canned Tuna or Canned Chicken, and
• multi-serve boxes of Instant Potatoes.  

Thank you for your extra support for Kids Weekend Meals! You may also bring your donations in at your convenience and place in the bins at the back of the sanctuary.  Thanks again to the Smile Team for providing this collection space!

THIS Sunday, Sept. 13th we will host another “Congregational Cafe” for those who missed the last one. Your opinions will be combined with those already compiled to determine what the church as a whole would like in a permanent Pastor. If you missed the last opportunity on May 17th, please make a point to attend church this Sunday so we can get as many opinions as possible to shape this decision. Your opinion matters! Hope to see you there!

Per Jon Secaur, “The Bible and Beyond” class will open a new season this coming Sunday morning, 9/13, right after worship in the second floor room right behind the front of the sanctuary.  We considered passages unique to Luke last spring, and I’d like to skim through Luke’s companion work, the book of Acts this fall.  Everyone is welcome!

Then on Wednesday evening, Sept. 16th, “Life Study” will begin again, from 7-8:40pm in the Campbell Room.  We’ll be listening and reacting to a series of podcasts from NPR called Ye Gods.  Host Scott Carter created a special series this summer, for the 250th anniversary of our nation, called “Of God and Country.”  Jon has been previewing them, and they are superb.  We’ll listen and anyone can say ‘OK. STOP!’ and we’ll have great discussions.  Again, everyone is welcome!

In case you missed Rev. C’s Midweek Meditation this past Wednesday, the link for September 9, 2026 “Bike Trail Time” #36 is:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuSZ0IX-suM. You can also view it on our website: mantuacentercc.org under “News.”

Attention all Chi-Rho-ers!  Our first gathering will be at MCCC from 6-7:30pm on Sept. 20th!  Grab a friend and join in the fun NEXT SUNDAY!!  Mark your calendars for these future dates: Sunday, Oct. 11th and Sunday, Oct. 25th, both at MCCC from 6-7:30pm. 

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

The 4C’s (Crestwood Coalition of Community Care) still 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 Sept. 13 
  –  Worship Service with Liz Meeker 9:30am
  – “Cans for Kids” food collection 9:30am
  – Congregational Cafe (in case you missed the first one) 10:45am
  – All THREE Sunday Classes 11am – 12pm  
• Monday Sept. 14  –  N/A
• Tuesday Sept. 15
  – Story Time is Back! 10:30-11:30am for all preschoolers and an accompanying adult!  Join us for a fun time of stories, crafts, and more! No fee!  Questions? Contact Pam Auble at: 216-308-7930
• Wednesday Sept. 16
  –  Rev. C’s Midweek Meditation on YouTube.com
  – “Dwelling in the Word” with Diane Johnson facilitating 1:15-2:30pm 
  – Life Study begins today, from 7-8:40pm in the Campbell Room!
• Thursday Sept. 17 –   N/A
• Friday Sept. 18 –  N/A
• Saturday Sept. 19 –  N/A
• Sunday Sept. 20
  – Worship Service with Rev. Cynthia
  – Sunday Classes 11am – 12pm
  – Board Meeting 12pm
  – Chi-Rho resumes tonight at MCCC from 6-7:30pm!

On a side note . . . 

May we always remember those who sacrificed their lives and their service in New York City, in Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon in Washington DC.  Pray for those families who lost loved ones on that fateful day. May we never forget . . .  Wishing you all a week filled with many blessings as you continue to look for the “good,” and the beauty, even on the hardest of days. May it be so. Amen.

Sandi