Think generously. Practice generosity. And do so courageously.

Fears about money; loans, life expenses, budgeting – real fear. Courage is the ability to do something that frightens you. Current headlines concerning money are all about instilling fear; fear of the rising cost of housing, fear of decades of loan payments, fear of disappearing retirement benefits and safety nets. It is enough to make anyone want to hide their money under a mattress. Rather than spread fear of a dark future, we as people of faith are called to share a future of hope. The call of the church to live generously is a call to live the fullness of life, replacing the stress of individual burdens with the care and compassion of an uplifting community of faith. It is inspiring and encouraging to see gifts and acts of generosity not out of excess and what is left over, not out of the sense of sure footedness of standing on solid financial ground, but rather form a sense of hope and faith. We can make sure that our gifts are not just about what we can offer but are also examples of ongoing generosity and encouragement, leading to more examples of the same.

Reasonable Faith is a series that illustrates that Christianity is fully compatible with the findings of contemporary science, humanitarian ethics, and critical biblical scholarship. On Monday, October 29, 7-8 p.m., Kirk MacGregor will present “Do Philosophy and Ethics Point to God?” in Mohler Hall, Room 212, McPherson College. Everyone is welcome.

First Fridays: McPherson College at The Cedars — This is a free educational series of classes that are open to all ages. On Friday, November 2, at 3 p.m., Professor Jd. Bowman will present “Broadway Musicals and the Nostalgia Effect.” For information, contact Kendra Flory (floryk@mcpherson.edu or 620.242.0432).

Looking Ahead — ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL — Sunday, November 4, 2018 — 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Bruce and Barbara Wagoner Farm, campfire stories and songs, snacks provided.  Everyone invited!

Kick off your Christmas shopping at the 14th annual Alternative Christmas Gift Market, planned for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 10, at The Cedars Conference Center. Charities benefitting people in need will provide opportunities for giving Christmas gifts that make a difference, donations in honor of your loved ones.  Fair Trade items will be available for purchase. Eighteen booths representing Heifer, Brethren Disaster Ministries, On Earth Peace, and The Cedars Resident Assistance Fund as well as other local charities such as STEP MC and the Omega House will greet and inform you. Lucy Bowman will again be raising money for the Malala Fund and Paul Ullom-Minnich will be promoting the Haiti Water Project initiative.  As an added service, we will accept credit cards this year. Come enjoy the refreshments and fellowship, and help make our market a success.

News from the Caregiving Ministries Team – Plans are in the works to review and renew the vision of the Caregiving Ministries Team. We will be resuming monthly meetings in November, and the team is interested in hearing from the congregation about how we can best serve our church family. Please share suggestions you may have with any of the Caregiving Ministries Team members.

Needed: Christmas Breakfast Coordinator – detailed ‘how to’ instructions provided (mentoring available). Plenty of volunteers to set-up the day before and serve the day of. Organized, detail-oriented person desired. Interested, call the Church Office (620-241-1109).

Church Cancellation

In the event of severe weather or a catastrophic event:

listen to local radio KBBE 96.7

watch rolling banner on bottom of screen on TV Channel 12

check KWCH Channel 12 website CLOSED list and the church Facebook page

When personnel can get to the office, an All Church Email will be sent.

2018 Month – to Date Financial Report