First, I am letting you know that we have a new change coming in our worship service starting this Sunday.  We are reviving the practice of sharing prayer concerns and joys during worship.

 In the past, these were included during announcement time, but now Rev. Cynthia will invite people to share them during the Pastoral Prayer. If you know someone who needs prayers, or if you would like to give thanks for a special joy, please feel free to participate when prompted. Eventually, we will place a book near the church entrance where you can write your requests to be read during the service. Think ahead about what you might like to share this Sunday!  

Second, I want to remind you that if you are planning to continue (or set-up) online giving without incurring extra fees, please plan to see either Carol Magyarics or Jay Schabel after worship in the next couple of Sundays so they can help you set it up properly! 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 NEXT 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 items to put in the bins at the back of the sanctuary at your convenience.  Thanks again to the Smile Team for providing this space!

On 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 on Sept. 13th so we can get as many opinions as possible to shape this decision. Your opinion matters! Hope to see you there!

In case you missed Rev. C’s Midweek Meditation this past Wednesday, the link for September 2, 2026 “Children’s Joy Week” #35 is:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWYoiGc2C5E   You can also view it on our website: mantuacentercc.org  under “News.”

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 it 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? 

Blue = Community Events

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

Monday Sept. 7  –   Hilltop Knitters at Hilltop Church 1:30-3:00pm.  All are welcome!

Tuesday Sept. 8 – KWM Bread Deliveries are due!

Wednesday Sept. 9 –  Rev. C’s Midweek Meditation on YouTube.com  /   
KWM Packing Bags 12pm   /   
“Dwelling in the Word” with Diane Johnson facilitating 1:15-2:30pm  

Thursday Sept. 10 –   KWM Delivering Bags

Friday Sept. 11 –  “2nd Fridays Supper” 4-7pm at the old Mantua Center School (Mantua Center Rd.) Sponsored by MARSI (Mantua Restoration Society Inc)  Dinner is eat-in or take-out and by donation. Help support this organization if able!

Saturday Sept. 12 –  Mantua Poker Paddle from 1-6pm!  Come join in the fun! Info and registration at: www.mantuarotaryclub.org.

Sunday Sept. 13 – Worship Service with Rev. Cynthia 9:30am  / 
Congregational Cafe for those who missed the opportunity to voice their desires in the process of searching for a permanent Pastor   /   
Sunday Classes 11am – 12pm

On a side note . . . 

As many of you know, my husband, Paul, has been going through a lot of health issues for the past several months.  Sometimes, quite honestly, life feels like too much – too many responsibilities, too many worries, and not enough time to simply breathe! But even in the middle of the overwhelming times, there are still little reminders of goodness: a kind word, a beautiful sunrise, a helping hand, a quiet prayer, or simply the strength to keep going. I sometimes have to remind myself that while we may not be able to change what’s happening around us, we can choose where we place our focus.  I have learned to look for the good, even when it seems small.  Hold onto the moments that bring peace, and remember that difficult seasons don’t last forever! There is still beauty in the middle of the mess, and still something good waiting to be noticed – even on the hardest days.  The brightest moments for me have been the text messages, phone calls, the conversations over coffee, the hugs, the prayers, and the notes/cards in the mail. Each one is precious and important in helping me keep putting one foot in front of the other! If you are one of those people who have brightened someone’s day in this way, know that you are miracle workers in your own right!  Keep doing what you’re doing for others, it means more than you will ever know!  Thanks be to God!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! 

Sandi