I hope you had a good summer, in spite of the rains and flooding August brought us. I, for one, I am looking forward to getting back into a “routine.” I had a great summer, but with all the traveling I did, I'm ready to turn into a “homebody” for a while. There is quite a bit that I miss that
is a part of our regular calendar during the school year. I'm looking forward to familiar ministries and programs (and maybe some new ones). Consider yourself invited to plug into any of the ministries and activities that will be starting up again.

Of course, Sunday School will start again, the Sunday after Labor Day weekend. With classes ranging from children to adult, there's something for everyone. For the adult class, we'll wait for the first Sunday to meet, and we'll consider a variety of options, depending on what the group is interested in. Regardless of the material we choose, the format will still be one of openness and discussion, with no questions considered “stupid” or “off limits.” The class for the young people will be continuing, and we are counting on some special activities, too, for the youth.

Choir is starting again! We practice on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 to 8:30. There are no auditions; it is more important that you have a heart to praise God than a voice that's, well, let me put it this way – since I'm allowed to sing in the choir, we don't insist on professional singers. . . .
Talk to Joy Barnett if you have questions about the choir or just show up on Wednesday if you want!

Perhaps you play a musical instrument. I'm really hoping that we use the musical variety that exists in our church for the worship services more. Anyone interested in occasionally having a church orchestra? Talk with Art Datillo or Joy Barnett or me about playing your instrument in worship services. If you don't, be prepared – I'll talk to you if I find out you play an instrument! Are you interested in a Bible Study? The men meet for breakfast once a month on Saturday mornings, and there has been a Women's Bible Study that meets twice a month on Thursday evenings.

Since the Women's Thursday night group has pretty much reached it's maximum size, I'm asking around to see if there is enough interest to start a second Women's Bible Study. It can meet once or twice a month, on an evening (to accommodate those who work) that works best for
the group, and it can meet at the church or in a home – it's up to the group to decide. Talk to me if you are interested in being part of a second Women's Bible Study. Or, perhaps there is enough interest from both men and women to start up a mixed group. Or, something different – let me
know what you think!

There are opportunities for outreach and also to participate in a variety of ministry areas in the life of our church. One ministry we actively support is Crossroads, a ministry with school children. Perhaps we're ready to grow in our ministries of outreach – maybe ESL or GED classes would be an option (did you know that approximately 37% of the households of Hanover Park do not speak English as their primary language?) or, we might think of something else. Here are the names of a few folks who moderate committees – feel free to talk with anyone. And, be prepared for any of them to approach you, inviting you to help out! Any of these ministry areas can use both occasional help and regular participation; depending on your time and interest, there's something for everyone!

Worship – Art D
Communications – Bridgit G
Evangelism – Alexander A
Discipleship – Stella C
Buildings & Grounds – Irene M
I hope you had a good summer, and here's to a great fall!