Dear CCOV Family,
It’s hard to believe that fall is now upon us! Pumpkins are everywhere in the stores, and it’s been chilly in Prescott for some time now. I see that you are enjoying cooler temperatures in the Valley as well. According to the liturgical calender, we are in the green or growing season during most of the fall, but we do observe a few special Sundays. Last Sunday, Oct. 1, was World Communion Sunday. Did you know that World Communion Sunday was begun in 1934 by Dr. Hugh Tomson Kerr, minister of the Shadyside Presbyterian Church, with the vision to bring churches together in a service of Christian unity? On this fall date, many Christians all around the world participate in Holy Communion together.

The last Sunday of October is Reformation Sunday, which commemorates Martin Luther’s nailing of the 95 theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. This event was the opening salvo of the Protestant Reformation, which occurred 500 years ago! You are invited to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in a special way this year by attending ASU’s Choral Union Chamber Singers and Gospel Choir’s Music of the Reformation on Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 PM at the Tempe Center for Fine Arts. Our own Bob Simington is in the concert! We will have a 5 PM dinner first at Byblos Lebanese Restaurant in Tempe (bring cash for your check). Let me or the church office know ASAP if you plan to attend the dinner and concert, and I will buy a block of tickets. You can reimburse me later for the $10 cost.

On the heels of Reformation Sunday is All Saints, which many Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant churches typically celebrate on the first Sunday of November. All Saints is a time to remember the lives of Christian saints, particularly those who have no special feast days of their own. As in years past, we will have an opportunity in church to light candles in memory of our loved ones, the saints, who have gone home to glory before us.

Meanwhile, the preaching series on Women of the Bible continues. Next up are Ruth (by Rev. Dr. Dick Wing!), Rahab, and Deborah. Also, I invite you to continue giving through our www.ucc.org website to alleviate the terrible suffering in the wake of disasters all around the world, in particular Puerto Rico. Enjoy this beautiful time of year while being mindful of the suffering of others.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Sandi