Did you know that 3% of our total offerings go to the Vineyard USA? Did you know that this is common practice among Vineyards throughout the U.S.? And did you know that almost all of this then gets redistributed for acts of mercy, church planting and seed money for conferences? And did you know that the glorious “National Office” in Sugar Land TX is smaller than many people’s homes and has a staff of fewer than a dozen mostly overworked people? (Think low overhead.) That’s right.

By the way, our offerings, along with those of others, funded a huge relief effort in the country of Haiti following the devastating earthqakes earlier this year. If you’d like to contribute directly with you dollars you can do that here. If you’d like instead offer your time and presence in Haiti, the need is still great, especially for skilled laborers. Spread the word to electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and contractors of all sorts. The contact person for the camp is Diane Jacobson.

Our monthly festival will be this coming Sunday October 3 from 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., hosted primarily by the Terra Nova House Church.

Breakfast (9:00-10:00)
Terra Nova will supply the coffee and bagels, but you — that’s you specifically, the flesh-and-blood person reading this right now and not some generic other “you” — supply some fruit, cheese, juice or some other breakfast food.

Worship (10:00-11:30)
We’ll worship “in-the-round,” reflect on scripture, have team teaching led by Nathan Myers and Dave Nixon followed by short conversation, share communion, introduce Terra Nova, and both witness & celebrate a baptism.

Lunch
This stands or falls on participation. It can be as good as we want or the reverse. Bring something for yourself (or family) and a little extra for someone else. If we all offer a sacrifice of love, then there will be a lot of love expressed in what we eat together. (Invite a neighbor!)

Juli and David Thompson (and family) are celebrating the arrival of their new baby, Josiah Stephen Thompson!

To help relieve them a bit and support them in this time, we’re putting together a meal rotation. If you’re interested, email Laura Tucker at tucker.laura@gmail.com and include any specific days that would work better for you.

They are extremely grateful for the help! If you’re interested, I’ll give you a few more specifics.

Thanks so much and hooray for Josiah!

The pray and play is cancelled for this coming Tuesday, September 14. It will return September 28 from 11:30-1pm in the children’s room of St. E’s.