This coming Sunday there will be three sign up sheets in the narthex. I want to write a few words about each. First, there will be opportunity to sign up for a discussion group that will begin on the first Wednesday night in October. We will be discussing the book, Speaking of Sin, which is written by Barbara Brown Taylor. Rev. Taylor is an acclaimed author and preacher and her insights in this book about some of the language we have lost in the church are good food for thought and discussion. You are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities of spiritual growth and renewal offered in the programming of the church.

Another sign up sheet will be offering older youth and adults who are not members of the church the chance to sign up for a class that will be specifically designed to answer questions, give instruction, and give opportunity for commitment to the ministry of this church. We have several folks who are consistently visiting with us and we want to encourage them, ask them to become committed and involved in the work that is ongoing and being conceived in the church. This class would be a good time to begin that commitment and develop deeper relationships within the church family. There are no dates or times set for these classes. Those will be coordinated as the class begins to take shape.

Finally, there will be a sheet to sign up so that you can receive The Open Door newsletter via e - mail. Denise has been working hard to find a program that would make this possible. She believes she has. So, we want to give it a go! This would become a permanent way for you to receive the newsletter. Here?s what we have in mind. Sign up to receive the newsletter via e - mail and you will receive the e - mail and a hard copy for the next month. That month?s trial run will allow Denise to work out any kinks that might need working out. At the end of that month?s time you would no longer receive a hard copy in the mail. For those who do not have e - mail capability there is NO need for concern! You will not see any difference in the way you receive the newsletter. This will NOT effect anyone who doesn?t have e - mail capability or who doesn?t sign up. The current process of putting the newsletter together ( layout, compiling, folding, labeling, boxing, and taking to the post office ) takes a whole day with two people working. Once Denise gets the e - mail program running efficiently, she will be able to send however many newsletters are requested via e - mail literally with the touch of a computer key. The process of our communication will not be lessened. The efficient use of Denise?s time will be increased. We will be more environmentally sensitive because we will be using less paper, less ink, and have less waste. You are encouraged to try this new way of receiving The Open Door.

Continue to pray for the ministry of the church and the individual families and people who comprise her. We have much to accomplish ? much to do, as we work to serve in the kingdom of God.

Grace and peace,