by Rev. Bill Gupton
We have arrived at what, for me, is the most exciting time of the church year. Our annual Ingathering / Homecoming Sunday on the last Sunday in August marks a new season in the life of our congregation – a busy season indeed, which is replete with choices, options and opportunities to meet and connect with others, and with this very special and unique religious community we call Heritage.
In just the next few weeks, there will be shared meals (our monthly second-Sunday potluck lunch, our monthly first-Wednesday evening potluck dinner, Tuesday healthy lunches, and a new addition to our offerings: a monthly fundraising dinner, in September to be held at the Ciolinos’ home on the evening of September 10!). There will be music (the return of our Choir, joined by new Music Director Sherry McCamley, as well as a special wine-and-cheese piano concert of original music put on by our own Bruce Bowdon on September 16). Women of the church can gather for singing (Sing Out Sisters on the second Tuesday evening of the month), books and conversation (the Women’s Book Club on the third Wednesday of the month), and culminating with the perennially popular Women’s Retreat (September 22-24 at Hope Springs).
Our Board has initiated a year of more focused and intentional fundraising – but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun doing it! In addition to Bruce Bowdon’s concert and the aforementioned monthly fundraising dinner, if you like pizza (and who doesn’t!), Heritage will receive 20% of your purchase price when you get a slice or a pie at Lucy Blue Pizza (near the church on Clough Pike) on either September 13 or 14, between 4 and 8 p.m., if you simply mention “Heritage Church.”
But wait, there’s more! On the last night of September – Saturday, September 30, to be exact – it’s the Return to Fall of our wonderful Church Auction and Fall Festival. This is a fun-filled night for all ages that is not to be missed. Oh, and did we mention it’s to benefit the church operating budget?
By my count, including Sunday worship services and other ongoing events, you can connect, in person, with your Heritage friends, new and old, at least 21 of the 30 days of September. And in these times in which we live, might that not be just what your heart and soul need? Huzzah!
See you at church!
Rev. Bill
September 2023.
Image: Rev. Bill Gupton.