Dear CCOV Family,
I’m so excited to be back with you for regular worship again starting this Sunday, September 10th, 10 AM! Choir will also resume practice at 8:30 AM although won’t have an anthem to offer quite yet. Expect to hear many new songs this fall in our choir’s repertoire!

You can also expect a new preaching series on Women of the Bible that will take us, by and large, up until Advent. Each Sunday I will preach from scriptural passages that tell a particular woman’s story, some prominent and some obscure. Through this journey, we will see just how human these women are, uncover God’s purpose for them, and explore the courage and wisdom born of their struggles, aimed at transforming all our lives today, men and women alike. This Sunday you will hear all about Eve. If you like to read ahead, you can read the first three chapters of Genesis. Now if men in our congregation feel at all slighted, don’t worry—I will preach a similar series on Men of the Bible during the weeks before Lent begins in the spring. We will get to know many personages in the Bible quite well in the coming months!

Sunday, September 10th is also the International Day of Prayer for Faith, Hope, and Life (Just Peace Sunday). In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, also September 10, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention has invited faith communities across the nation to pray for those whose lives have been touched by suicide. You can expect our prayers to focus on peace, and you will also hear from Dr. Clint Anthony, who will spend a few minutes talking about suicide prevention during the service.

Also, please remember that although Hurricane Harvey has blown through, recovery will continue for years: Need remains dire. If you haven’t yet given or if you can give more, please visit our denomination’s disaster webpage and give https://transactions.ucc.org/CampaignForm/UCChrist/Hurricane+Harvey+relief. If you would prefer, you can send a check to our UCC Southwest Conference office in an envelope marked Harvey Relief, C/O Disaster Coordinator Phil Shea, 917 E Sheridan St, Phoenix, AZ 85006. Agencies are asking folks NOT to send items or supplies. Sending money is best.

I expect to see you very soon!
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Sandi