We are imperfect followers of Jesus Christ, continually being transformed by God's love and forgiveness. We are striving to build a vibrant, welcoming community that expresses that love in word and action. Together we will nurture, be nurtured, and bring help and hope to the world.

One of the greatest joys of being a parent in the twenty-first century (though the late twentieth century, too) is the vast number of beautiful story books that help to open the wide world to our children. From bunnies that go to the moon to trains teaching us to say goodnight to magic pencils helping us to see the world differently - there are a myriad of opportunities to open all of our eyes to the ways our bright and beautiful world is made in the image of a God who values wondrous variety.

Speaking of which, one of my all-time favorite books is called, All Are Welcome, by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman. Written about a school in a big city, it speaks of a place where everyone has a place: no matter who they are, no matter where they come from, no matter how they live their lives. And no matter what kind of bread they eat.

Which is why it comes to mind as we begin the month of October.

Every early fall we gather around our Communion Table as our fellow siblings in Christ gather around their Tables to celebrate a feast that was prepared for us. It is not our Table by right, but God's. Nevertheless, Jesus welcomes all who come to join the party already in progress in another place and time, one that will someday go on and on.

One of my favorite authors who was taken from us too soon, Rachel Held Evans, used to say that "the church is God saying 'I'm throwing a banquet, and all these mismatched, messed-up people are invited. Here, have some wine.'"

You have a place here. You have a space here. You are welcome here.

Blessings,

Rev. Janie

The Reformation began far earlier than most people realize?

Almost one hundred and fifty years before Martin Luther mailed in his 95 Theses in Wittenberg, John Wycliffe was a theology professor at Oxford University and a Catholic priest in the 1300s who advocated for the vernacular translation of Scripture for the masses and against the wealth of the church and monasteries. He was posthumously named a heretic.

Meanwhile, in Bohemia, another priest named Jan Hus was heavily influenced by Wycliffe as he himself became the dean of the philosophy department at the University of Prague and a preacher at Bethlehem Chapel in 1402. He openly called out moral problems within the clergy, including the papacy from his pulpit, along with indulgences (the church selling access to heaven), and asking questions about the Eucharist. He was burned at the stake as a heretic in 1415.

We also need to remember the women when we recall the Reformation at the end of the month. They were often working behind the scenes to bolster efforts and sometimes finance better known male reformers.

Marguerite de Navarre was the Queen of the small country in southwest France that allowed her the freedom to be a Protestant and hold court, when she otherwise might have been killed for being a heretic. The sister of the infamous Henry II of France, she was raised and educated alongside her brother. Which meant that she was an excellent author in her own right and corresponded with many reformers including Calvin and Melanchthon, along with providing protection to reformers on the run and patronage as was needed.

Marie Dentiere was an abbess in what is now Belgium when she read the work of Martin Luther and fled to Strasbourg where she married a Reformed priest. After he died, she married a man named Antoine Froment. They lived outside Geneva. From there, she secretly published, The War and Deliverance of the City of Geneva in 1536, which suggested not only the acceptance of Reformed teachings but also equality for women. She cited Scripture to support her claims. Though she supported the work of Calvin, he and his colleagues eventually distanced themselves from her due to her so-called radical views on women's equality.

All this to say, there is far more to the Reformation than many remember. So when we pull out our Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox memes for the end of October - be sure to explore a far more extensive view.

Worship Flowers

Have a special birthday or anniversary you would like to celebrate? Sign-up to bring flowers for Sunday worship now in the back of the Sanctuary!

On World Communion Sunday, October 6, we will take our annual Peace & Global Witness Offering. A gift to the Peace & Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of conflict and injustice across the world. We will retain 25% of this Offering for peacemaking efforts within our own community around Grace. Mid-councils retain an additional 25% for ministries of peace and reconciliation. The remaining 50% is used by the Presbyterian Mission Agency to advocate for peace and justice in cultures of violence, including our own, through collaborative projects of education and Christian witness. More about Peace & Global Witness and the PCUSA.

Prayer Cards

Starting on Sunday, October 13, we will have our new "prayer cards" available in the pews for you to write a short note of encouragement, caring, or even joy to your friend or neighbor to let them know that you are thinking of them. Once you do, you can simply place it in the offering plate and the office will mail it for you as the week begins.

Want to send a note to someone not connected to the congregation? Not a problem - just be sure to leave an address on the back of the card.

We look forward to surrounding one another with even more love and care in the days and weeks to come!

 If you're able to spare some non perishable items, please give to help stock up Grace's Blessing Box by the sanctuary entrance. Your donations have helped numerous people in our community.

Grief Groceries & Gift Cards

Ever had surgery? Ever lost a loved one? Ever been through a major trauma? Ever given birth or adopted a baby?

Then you will know why this new project is so important!

Our Deacons are heading up a new program to ensure that when someone is going through one of those crazy moments in life, they have everything they need (even when they say they don't need anything at all).

We are looking for a few good humans who are willing to be on a short list to purchase groceries for our members and friends when they go through just such a time as we have mentioned above. If you would be willing, please contact Christina Fenstermacher or Sandy Winston.

We are also looking for a few good humans to donate gift cards to DoorDash, GrubHub, InstaCart, Walmart, Target, and other easy places to get takeout to have on hand to help out those who might be facing such a time. If you would be willing to add to the stash, simply purchase a gift card and drop it off at the office to be placed in the safe.

Thank you for supporting our church family in their time of need!

Billy Beard, Shannon, Joe, Charlotte & Mia Carper, Bob Hedicke, Mildred Helm, Hope Jackson, Pete McMillan, Mary Province

1st - Eyram Mantey
11th - Drew Hernandez
16th - Avelina Fenstermacher
20th - Janie McElwee-Smith, Mark Norbeck
25th - Bob Good
26th - Sophia Adams, William Fenstermacher, Addysen Norbeck
27th - Cory Ruebush
29th - Bonnie Pyke
31st - Emmalee Burr

Thank you to everyone who helped out with Desert Bloom Montessori's Fall Festival!

Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, October 13

@ 4:00 p.m.

On the Green

Halloween Town in El Paso

Saturday, October 19

4:00 - 9:00 p.m.

El Paso County Coliseum

We will meet at the church at 3:30 p.m or you can meet us there.

Wear your costume and join us for a scary good time!

Kirking of the Tartans

Sunday, October 20

***If your family has any Scottish roots, please let the office know what clan you hail from so we can include you in the roll call. By Wednesday, October 16. Thank you!

Reformation Sunday

October 27

Celebrate our forebears as we remember our creed Reformed and always reforming according to the Word of God.

Thank you to our PNC and their helpers for a wonderful Pastoral Installation!

Elder of the Month: Kelly Hernandez
Deacon of the Month: Mark Norbeck

Session met for its stated meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Here are some of the highlights of what was discussed:

• Approved offering the PCUSA Giving Catalogue to the Grace Children so they can choose what the September Noisy Offering will go to

• Approved the addition of "Prayer Cards" for mutual congregational support beginning on Sunday, October 13 when the Offering Returns

• Approved Rev. McElwee-Smith attended "Wee Kirk" (Small Church) Conference at Montreat, October 20-23

• Approved withdrawal of $50,000 from Texas Presbyterian Foundation Funds to cover previously approved expenses of painting the building and the pastor's moving expenses

• Updated the job description for the Building & Grounds Committee

• Approved Kirking of the Tartans and paying for the

  Empypre Pipes & Drums on Sunday, October 20 from Fall Planning Crew

• Approved "Spark Activate Faith" Curriculum by Sparkhouse-Augsburg Press for October & November Children's Sunday School

Rev. Janie McElwee-Smith

Pastor

Brandy Adams

Office Administrator

Brittney Williams

Music Director

Patricia Provencio

Pianist

Michael Rodriguez

Custodian

Maribel Wongwui

Childcare Director