Good afternoon. What a special treat worship was today!  We welcomed Tebello Lehloenya, from Lesotho, as our guest preacher. She is an International Peacemaker, invited by the PCUSA Peacemaking program to visit with Presbyterians in the US. Our Children’s Choir welcomed her by performing “Funga Alaphia.”  Those joyous voices, under the direction of Donna Weems, set the musical tone for the Adult Choir’s uplifting performance of “Shut De Do!”  Our choir director Tom Clark and Rachel Stackpole, a Morgantown High School Senior, backed up by two dozen Presbyterian singers, shared the message of how to keep the devil out! They were accompanied on percussion by Ben Lauffer and Martin “Spike” Johnston. Ben and Spike are 2005 graduates of Morgantown High, both of whom currently study music at WVU and march with the Pride of West Virginia. It truly was an uplifting service the included spontaneous applause, cheers, and heartfelt thanksgiving. Thank you, Tebello, Susan and Tom.

Thanks, too, to all the volunteers who worked at the annual Church Work Day yesterday.  Your efforts are very evident and much appreciated. 

Community Pancake Breakfast was sponsored today by an anonymous donor. George and Mavis Grant Lilley, Mary Adamski, Deirdre Maxwell, and Tebello Lehloenya prepared ninety-two meals this morning. Next week's team members are: Joe Evans; Cindy Griffin, Eric Rankin; Ellen and Lucas Trovato; and Jack and Robin Yorty.

Neil Bolyard greeted people as they arrived for worship.  Andy Wiilkins, Ben Solorio, Jake Mullett, and Floyd Phillips served as ushers. Acolytes were Brynn Harshbarger and Lemley Mullett. Two hundred and seven people attended the service. Twelve visitors and nine University students joined us. Visitors were from Morgantown, Westover, and Grove City, PA

The Scripture lessons for the morning were Romans 6: 1-6 and Luke 13: 2 – 9.

In our prayers this week remember: Clif Booth, Melanie Booth-Butterfield’s father, recovering from a serious fall, Suzanne Gainer’s brother, Bud, who suffered serious stroke, Randy Reyer, who fell Saturday and will be undergoing some tests, Cathy Samuel recovering from hip replacement surgery, Jack Lindsay, Jake Mullett, Bill Overbey and JoAnn Richardson who are undergoing cancer treatment, David Rothrock, Bill Cummings and Nate Thomas who are at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Pastor Nominating Committee members as they seek God’s guidance in the search for our new pastor; military personnel who are in harm’s way and their families, members who are at nursing homes and/or shut in: Garnet Flinn, Kit Haines, Mary Jo Hughes, Mildred Ludlum, Audrey Morton, Margaret Nesius, Grace Sangston, Kathleen Shultz, Ed Skriner and Connie Worrell. Joy were expressed by Tom Clark for the percussionists who joined us and for the presence of the German exchange student he and Solee are hosting.

All visitors and newcomers to First Presbyterian Church are invited to an Inquirers’ Class from 5:00-6:15pm. Childcare will be provided. The class is an opportunity to get to know members of the church and other newcomers, learn about the Presbyterian Church, its history, beliefs and government. It is also a chance to learn about the specific activities and mission of this congregation. The last class will be held today.

Do you have a favorite book? On Tuesday, October 25th, at 11:30am, Brown Baggers will tell about theirs at their meeting in Westminster Hall. Everyone is welcome to come and join in. Parking is in the front row of the Forest Avenue lot.

Jake Mullett, decked out in his grandfather’s sixty year old overalls, straw hat and bandanna, invited everyone to come to the Fall Fun Festival, planned for this Saturday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m. Try out your Halloween costume, put on your favorite fall sweater, or pull out your most comfortable jeans and flannel shirt, and join in for great food, fellowship and fun! The Fellowship Committee will provide baked ham, rolls and beverages.  Please bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share.

Next Sunday, October 30, is Reformation Sunday.  We will once again embrace our Presbyterian heritage: by recognizing and honoring all those who have been members of First Presbyterian for fifty consecutive years or longer.  Nelda Evans, who joined our church on April 6, 1955, and Virginia Wertman, who joined October 2, 1955, are the two most recent additions to this group.  Don’t forget to wear your tartan or plaid! 

"Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends" will begin Monday, October 31st, from 7-8:30pm. This is a class for separated or divorced individuals that will continue for 10 weeks.  The class focuses on helping individuals take charge of their lives through learning and applying new life skills. Dr. Mavis Grant-Lilley, Dr. Scott Mizes and Mary Beth Korf will facilitate the classes, which will be held at First Presbyterian Church.  There is a $25 charge for the classes, plus the cost of the books used. Scholarships are available. Call 292-0029 or email RebuildersFPC@yahoo.com for information or to pre-register.

The Morgantown Mall will again offer a night of private shopping for the benefit of community agencies at The Magical Night of Giving on Sunday, November 6th, from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. The Mission Committee is selling tickets to benefit the Shack Neighborhood House. Contact Mary Adamski and Judy Werner to purchase a $5.00 ticket.