Jennifer Arndt

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The Cornerstone
Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church, September 2020 300 E. Simpson St., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-697-0351 * mechpresby.org
`Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than
clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ~ Matthew 6:25-27 Beloved Children of God,
I spend a good portion of my early morning "newspaper" time reading emails from a variety of news sources, some of them specifically COVID-19 related. It can admittedly get a little overwhelming. I do keep an eye out for quirky and fun things, and that seems to balance things out a bit. If you read the Saturday e-newsletter I often include a link to some silly thing that helped take my mind off of 2020's challenges (for a little while anyway).
Recently this headline in more than one periodical caught my eye: Birds in San Francisco Started Singing Differently in the Silence of the Pandemic Shutdown. According to a study in Science, the noise in urban San Francisco dropped to levels not seen since the 1950s. This caused the white-crowned sparrows to lower the volume of their tune and in turn offer a more intricate tune.
One of the things I miss the most from the way we used to worship together is the singing. Whether it was a hymn we all know and love, or that time we sang White Christmas during the worship service, I really miss the sound of our voices blending together (I even miss seeing the folks who stood up but didn't sing).
As we live into loving and protecting our community and our neighbors, I wonder how that will change our song for the better. Perhaps now we must proclaim our love of God and discipleship by singing a more complex tune. Things that feel familiar and easy--attending church on Sunday, connecting with one another, dropping off donations, bringing tithes and offerings--require an extra step or two. Our tune becomes more complex because we have to commit to a different worship format, make a phone call or send a card, check the time for drop offs, and mail in the offering.
And yet, the impact we can make on our hearts and in our community is larger and louder than it has ever been before.
Separation from all of you is hard. I miss church "the way it used to be" so deeply, there is an ache in my soul on Sunday mornings. It's hard not to feel like our song has been cut off. But just like the whitecrowned sparrow in San Francisco, we can adapt and even change our tune so that the world will be blessed by the new song we choose to sing.
Peace be with you,
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FALL IS HERE!
Apple Cider ~ Pumpkin Patches ~ Cooler Weather And our Christian Education program is coming back in full swing!
Of course, things are looking a bit different , but we are just as jam packed as ever! Here's a glimpse of our youth calendar:
Virtual Youth Center: We have our very own online Youth Center. Click Here: http://bit.ly/MPCyouthcenter There
you and your teen will find all sorts of resources and info. The Youth Center will change frequently so be sure to bookmark it and return frequently.
Confirmation: Confirmation class will start on Oct. 4th at 11am. As a reminder: Confirmation is for those in 6th-8th grade. Youth Read Along: Some of the youth have expressed interest in sharing in a read along so we will be reading, The Hate
U Give by Angie Thomas. Our first meeting is 10/4 in the Church parking lot at 4pm.
Chopped Youth Edition: On Sunday, October 11th, 1pm-3pm you will be able to pick up your mystery box and partic-
ipate in our very own Chopped! What is Chopped? You pick up your box of mystery ingredients, and then using those ingredients and anything already at your house create an appetizer, dinner, or dessert: chef's choice.
Sr. High Sunday School: Cathay Snyder and I are working on a letter and form for our Sr. Highs. We want to create a
Sunday School with their help. So, keep checking your mail and we'll hopefully have more info soon.
Tuesday Nights w/ MPC: Our ministry for all ages on the 1st and 3rd Thursday is coming to Zoom and Facebook Live!
On Oct. 6th join us for our Applalooza. We will have a very special Chopped episode. We are asking everyone to make your favorite apple dish to enjoy during our meeting and send the recipe to Mark for our very own apple recipe book. Oct. 20th we'll have some gourd fun.
He Brews: Our online men's bible study is starting on Oct 15th at 7pm! And We'll continue to meet the 3rd Thursday of
the month. If you're interested, please let me know!
Untapped Conversations: This is for anyone 21 years and older. We are also moving to Zoom, and we'll meet the 4th
Thursday of the month starting on Oct. 22nd at 7pm. This is a chance to catch up and get to know the people of MPC. Again, if you are interested let me know!
Pastor Mark
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Sunday School is Back in Session!
Join us on Sunday mornings as we begin the 2020-21 Sunday School year on Zoom! There are opportunities for everyone. Check it out: Elementary Sunday School @ 9AM--It's our Whirl curriculum for All Kids from toddlers through 5th grade. We'll discuss the weekly Bible story, see what our Whirl Friends are up to, and think about what we can do throughout the week to live out God's Word. Confirmation Class @ 11 AM--6th-8th graders Senior High Class--9th-12th grade. More information coming soon for time and start date. Joyful Hearts--Adult Women--currently studying the Book of Esther. Dave Petko Class--Adults--currently studying Romans. The Thoughtful Christian--kicks off the year on October 11 at 11:15 am with Race & the Church an opportunity to learn and be in conversation about the church's role in racism and anti-racism. This will be a safe place for conversation, questions, and will be guided by materials from the PCUSA's Next Church. For more information on any of these classes or Zoom links, contact Cathay Snyder, C.E. Director, csnyder@mechpresby.org or 717-671-0351
Ways to Worship with MPC
Worship Premieres at 10am Sunday Mornings Watch on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mechpresby.org/ Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCaJzmPxSUDpTvZAsCSNfcEg
- You can re-watch worship at any time after 10am on Sunday Watch on Zoom: us02web.zoom.us/j/7176970351
- The meeting ID is the church phone number.
Listen to the Worship service by calling at 10am Toll Free: 1-877-853-5247 OR 1-888-788-0099 - The meeting ID is the church phone number.
If you would like a DVD of the worship service please contact Angie Stevens in the church office.
Outdoor Worship at 5:30pm in the Church Parking Lot Join us for a 20-30 minute Evening Prayer service in the church parking lot. Please sign up either by contacting the church office or by using Time to Sign Up: https://www.timetosignup.com/mpchurch/folder/8436/ We ask that you:
- Bring your own chair(s). - Wear a mask at all times. - Social distance at least 6' from one another. - On October 4, please bring Communion elements (bread, juice).
Phone-a-Devotional Looking for a quick pick-me-up? Call 717-896-0131 for a brief word from Pastor Kathryn. The message usually changes on Saturday.
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A Message from Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Women (MPW)
Have any of you been missing the wonderful MPW fundraisers over the past six months? How about the Rummage Sale, the Bake Sale, the Soup Sale, and the Peach Festival? We have certainly missed the fellowship of planning, preparing, and participating in these events with the MPC congregation and the community. We also greatly miss the income these events have provided which amounted to almost $12,800.00 in the 2019 fiscal year as itemized in the MPC January 2020 annual report. This is certainly a problem facing all volunteer fundraising organizations during these unprecedented times.
MPW fundraisers have a decades long history and this congregation has always supported them faithfully and generously. For this support, we remain blessed and ever so grateful. Perhaps you usually gave mission donations at monthly Bible Study Circle meetings but have not thought to do so since in person meetings are not being held. Or maybe you have purchased pies or soup, bought some fabulous treasures at the Rummage Sales, or treated your family to dinner at the Peach Festival. If you have supported MPW and its mission projects in the past, we prayerfully request that you consider making a donation to MPW so that we can continue to do at least a percentage of our mission giving to MPC, the Mechanicsburg Community and the national PW mission projects both at home and abroad. These projects are listed in the MPC annual report.
Thank you so much for your prayerful consideration to this appeal from MPW. Donations by check should be made out to "Presbyterian Women" and can be mailed to the MPW treasurer:
Preschool Place: Off to a great start
Playful Beginnings had our first day of preschool on September 8th! YAY! All of the usual preparations were made. Additional procedures were created for this year of COVID and we are excited to say it was a great start to the new preschool year! Children were happy to be among old friends and new teachers. Parents were happy to be free, I mean, happy to see their children begin new learning adventures and make new friendships. The teachers were happy and relieved that it was basically like a `normal' start to the year, and the children are taking all new things in stride.
Safe, Happy and Kind is what we want to achieve at Playful Beginnings. We focus on social and emotional growth in a loving Christian environment that prepares children for the world ahead. We want them to know that they are special because God made them. The relationships that are formed in preschool begin to build the foundation of a child's community. It is a joy to be a part of that process in a child's life.
There are five different classes that serve children from toddler age to 5 years of age. They have fun names like Butterflies, Bumblebees, Owls, Fish and Frogs. We have classes from Monday through Thursday, beginning at 9:30 am and ending at 1:30 pm. We are always happy to have volunteers and subs from time to time.
We, the entire preschool staff, cannot properly express how thankful we are for the support of the congregation in all that we do in the preschool program, especially this year. It is a blessing to be part of such a great group of folks, and of course, the mission and vision of MPC.
Grace and Peace, Mrs. Taylor
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Save those aluminum cans!

MPC's Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Although we are not "gathering" we are still "gathering" empty aluminum cans

Join us on Tuesday, October 27 as we discuss My Brilliant Friend

(soda, beer, etc). The cans are provided to

by Elena Ferrante, a

Habitat for Humanity to help offset some rich and intense story about two friends, Lila

of their cost. If you have been acquiring the and Elena, growing up in post-WWII Italy.

cans and have a bundle and would like to

have them removed, just call Mike Koste- Our selection for Tuesday, November 24, is
lac (717.732.1202) to arrange for a pickup. The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg. We turn
Also, don't forget to save the tabs off the to a fast-paced and compelling crime thriller cans for recycle for the Ronald McDonald with Lackberg's first novel in this series set in house. Mike can also take these off your her hometown, Fjallbacka, a small tourist town hands and all will be delivered as access on Sweden's southern coast.

permits. Thanks to all and stay safe.

Interested in joining in the discussion? Contact Terry Cornish, tjhc(at)aol(dot)com

LeTtR'sEGEeOt TFoWgAetRhMerTH IN THE TJIoMyEfuOl HF eCaOrVtsID-19
As we swap out our dresser drawers from summer t-shirts,
sleeveless tanks, and denim shorts to fall sweaters, fleece, MWeiaxnwd`inllfblMaenitnrnagevlleesl/,inPpgeletpoaSsBeetori--elinmgSeSempprtbeinemgrbs: eTra1v8ern­ forWainGtereraits nLuontcchanacnedleFdudnueCotonsCerOvaVtioInD. -19.
The reservation is set for 12:45 pm. A signup
sheOetuirs MavPaiClabclehuinrcthhefaGmaitlhyecrianng hAerlepa barnidng warmth and comcutfooffrtdtaotethise cShepiltdemrebneran1d5 adAunltys qoufesStitoonp the Violence by pledaseecocroanttiancgt Rthiceh TTrreoeuto. 7f1W7-6a9r7m-1t6h08w.ith new (or very gently
used) hats, scarves, gloves and mittens, along with a new
request, socks.

The Christmas tree "decorating" collection dates (at the covered portico sanctuary en-

trance) are:

MPC's Book Club

Sundays 10/18, 10/25/, & 11/1 (before and after the outside service)

Wednesdays 10/21, 10/28 & 11/4 (from 4:00pm ­ 6:00pm)

Find us online!

Your continued support of this worthwhile

www.mechpresby.org · Twitter: @mechpresby · Facebook: Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church or Mechpresby Members and
Friends

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CommunityAid moves to Virtual Partnership with MPC
CommunityAid is streamlining their collection process and removing some bins in the community, including the one at MPC. Since MPC became a partner with CommunityAid in October 2018, MPC's Presbyterian Women's Group received $621.07 in checks for clothing donations, rummage sale extras were either picked up by or taken to CommunityAid, and the Mission Committee received 84 "Care cards" with a value of $25 each ($2100 total value). These "Care cards" were given to Alder Health, the Dauphin County Work Release Program, HELP Ministries (through the Tree of Warmth), Stop the Violence, and individuals in need. Although we are losing our bin, we have the opportunity to remain a "Virtual Partner" and will continue to receive benefits based on donations made in our name at CommunityAid collection centers. We will receive $.06 per pound of clothing that is donated and are eligible to receive "Care cards" when we have over 2500 pounds of donations in a quarter. How can you help? Rather than putting your unwanted items in a bin, take your donations of clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. to any drive-up donation center and tell them it is in support of Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church. The donation center nearest to the church is at the CommunityAid Store at 4833 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. Hours for donation drop off are from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday. Please reference the tear-off sheet below for donation information. If you have any questions about the Virtual Partnership,
please contact Renee Breen. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CommunityAid Virtual Partnership: Please credit my donation to:
Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church Virtual Partnership #10372
The Board of Deacons is sponsoring a food drive to help restock the pantry shelves at the Rock Church (Allison Hill Ministry), Harrisburg, which has been serving over 1,000 families monthly in their local community since the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Suggested food items: canned or pouches of protein (chicken or tuna) and canned "green" vegetables (peas, green beans, spinach, etc.) Single food items on the list, a few items in bulk, or Giant gifts card in any amount will bring the joy of food to those in need.
Donated items can be dropped off at the covered portico near the Sanctuary entrance on the following dates: · Sundays: 9/27 & 10/4 before or after the outside evening service (9/27 - service at 6:30, 10/4 - service at 5:30) · Wednesdays: 9/30 & 10/7 from 4:00 ­ 6:00pm
If you have any questions, contact Joanne Neimer at (717) 571-2242 or Mary Love at (717) 686-7614. Thanks in advance for supporting our partnership with Rock Church.
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Mechanicsburg/West Shore
VIRTUAL CROP Walk: Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020

 Walk on Nov. 1st or any day before that suits your schedule.  Walk in solidarity with the poor, either on your own or with your immediate family. Choose your own
route: in your neighborhood, do laps around our church or the mall parking lot, stroll on a walking trail  Invite friends, neighbors and family to support you as you raise money to feed the hungry through New
Hope Ministries, Mechanicsburg Meals on Wheels and Church World Service.
Join our church's team by REGISTERING and DONATING on-line at https://www.crophungerwalk.org/ mechanicsburgpa
For more information, contact: Mike Kostelac, 717.732.1202, Team Captain for MPC

Mechanicsburg/West Shore Crop Walk Hoss's Nights
We are excited to team up with Hoss's Steak and Sea House in Mechanicsburg to support the 49th Annual Mechanicsburg/West Shore Crop Walk. If you have a desire to enjoy a great meal, just print the below de-
sired coupon for the day you wish to either dine-in or take-out. Your support is greatly appreciated.
MPC ENCOURAGES YOU USE THE TAKE OUT OPTION.
Hoss's will donate 20%* or 25%** of your total check paid to CWS/CROP.
*To qualify for the 20% payout, our group must have a minimum of $300.00 in total pre-tax food and beverage sales. ** To qualify for the 25% payout, our group must have a minimum of $1,200.00 in total pre-tax food and beverage sales. This applies to a one-day, single location, pre-scheduled event. The purchase of gift cards
is not included as part of your organization's community fundraising totals.

COUPON: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020

61 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg 17055

You must PRINT this COUPON and present it when ordering for it to benefit the CROP Walk

From: Hoss's Community Night <commnight@hosscorp.com>

Cc: "18@hosscorp.com" <18@hosscorp.com>

Group # 123686

Subject: Hoss's Community Night

COUPON: Friday, Oct. 2, 2020

61 Gettysburg Pike, Mechanicsburg 17055

You must PRINT this COUPON and present it when ordering for it to benefit the CROP Walk

From: Hoss's Community Night <commnight@hosscorp.com>

Cc: "18@hosscorp.com" <18@hosscorp.com>

Group # 123747

Subject: Hoss's Community Night

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The Reverend Mark Allio, Associate Pastor, celebrated 9 years of service on September 1. Please join the Church Staff Committee in congratulating him and extending its thanks and appreciation for his devotion and energy in guiding and enriching the lives of many young people. We are especially grateful and thankful for Mark's efforts and creativity in preparing our inspiring online worship.
.Many heartfelt thanks to all of the people who have reached out to us with prayers, meals, cards, and phone calls in the wake of my Mom's passing. It has brought much comfort knowing that you care. Love, Carrie Allio
Heartfelt congratulations to Ron and Nancy McNeel who celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on September 22.
We extend our Christian love and sympathy to the family of Betty Voss, who joined the Church Triumphant on August 30, and to Joann Pare and family for Bob Pare who joined the Church Triumphant on September 12. Blessed are those that meet the Lord face to face.
The second Sunday in October is Pastor Appreciation Day and all of October is celebrated as Pastor Appreciation Month.
The celebration was established in 1992 with the mission of uplifting and encouraging pastors, missionaries and religious workers. In recognition of the dedication of MPC pastors
and staff, please join the Church Staff Committee in extending our praise and thanks
to Pastor Kathryn, Pastor Mark, Cathay Snyder, Mark McKeever, Karen Taylor and
Angie Stevens. Praise God for your tireless energy and devotion! Thanks to all of you for all the ways you lead and
guide MPC.

We need music for our
online worship services!!!
All you have to do is record yourself (hold your phone sideways) and then text your recording to Pastor Mark at 814-2210468. If it's a bigger file than will text, email him, mallio(at)mechpresby(dot)org and he will help you get them to him.

Save the Dates!
Tuesday Nights Return via Zoom & Facebook Live
It's Tuesday Nights with MPC
10/6, 6 PM: Applalooza!--Make your favorite apple dish and join us for our very own "Chopped" episode as MPC's staff prepare their favorite apple dishes. Send your recipes to Mark (mallio@mechpresby.org) as we publish our own apple recipe book..
10/20, 6 PM: Fall Fun with Pumpkins & Gourds: How do you fix a broken gourd? With a pumpkin patch! Join us for some fun fall crafts, games, and other ideas.
Watch the e-newsletter and our Facebook group for more information & Zoom link.

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LET'S CELEBRATE DON HOPPER'S 40 YEAR OF SERVICE WITH MPC!!
On Sunday, June 7, 2020, the Church Staff Committee had planned to celebrate Don Hopper's 40 years of service as treasurer for MPC upon his retirement. Well, we all know how that turned out! There was no church service that day nor had there been any service since mid-March due to Covid-19. Because we do not know when the next in-church service will be, the Committee has decided to recognize Don's service with this article and provide church members with the opportunity to honor him.
Don began his employment with MPC as Treasurer on June 1, 1980, hired by the Reverend Jay Walters. Since then he has worked with three other MPC pastors, Tom Schmidt, Rick Sweeney, and Kathryn Johnston. He also worked with four Associate Pastors, Don Potter, Stephen Choi, Myrtle McCall, and Mark Allio. And there were several interim pastors during his 40-year employment.
During his tenure as Treasurer, Don prepared 480 monthly financial statements for the Session, assisted the Finance Committee with 40 annual budgets, and prepared an unknown number of quarterly and annual financial statements for MPC members.
There is no doubt that most, if not all church members knew Don, or discussed their financial statement or annual pledge with him at least once during his 40 years at MPC. If you attended the 8:15 service, you also know that he and his wife, Ginny, occupied the last pew on the pulpit side of the church.
There are many good comments about Don ­ "he had a treasurer's head with a pastor's heart", "he was kind and helpful to people as well as comforting", "he has a true passion for human beings", "loved meeting people of all backgrounds", "he is honest, has a high degree of integrity, and has a genuine care and commitment to this congregation". He is one of a kind and he will be missed.
If you would like to recognize Don's 40 years with MPC, you can Honor him with a gift to his college alma mater, Westminster College. Contributions can made by check, payable to MPC with "Don Hopper" in the memo line, and sent to the church at 300 East Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. If you prefer you can contribute through "Online Giving" on the church's web page, mechpresby.org. Click "Online Giving", the "Online Donation Page" will open. Scroll down to "Additional Donations" and find"-Memorial Fund". Add the amount you wish to donate and write Don Hopper in the space provided. Assure the correct amount is listed in "Total". Click on "Continue" and complete the remaining form with your personal information. Check "I am not a robot" and then "Process"!
ENJOY YOUR RETIRMENT, DON!!!! YOU EARNED IT.
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OCTOBER 2020

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

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2

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8 PM Church Check-In

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9 AM Elem. Sunday School Joyful Hearts Dave Petko Class
10 AM Online Worship 11 AM Confirmation Class 11:15 AM Thoughtful Christian 4 PM Youth Group Read Along
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9 AM Elem. Sunday School Joyful Hearts Dave Petko Class
10 AM Online Worship 11 AM Confirmation Class 11:15 AM Thoughtful Christian 2 PM Highway Clean-up
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9 AM Elem. Sunday School Joyful Hearts Dave Petko Class
10 AM Online Worship 11 AM Confirmation Class 11:15 AM Thoughtful Christian 5:30 PM Outdoor Worship

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7 PM Committee Night
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9 AM Elem. Sunday School Joyful Hearts Dave Petko Class
10 AM Online Worship 11 AM Confirmation Class 11:15 AM Thoughtful Christian

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7 PM Session

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9:30 PW Circle 1 Noon PW Circle 2 6 PM Tuesday Nights w/ MPC 7 PM PW Circle 3

1 PM Pastor's Bible Study

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14

15

1 PM Pastor's Bible Study 7 PM He Brews

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10

16

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7 PM Youth Group Chopped Watch Party

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6 PM Tuesday Nights w/ MPC 1 PM Pastor's Bible Study

7 PM UnTapped Conversations 7 PM Youth Group

8 PM New Member Class

Zoom Game Night

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7 PM Book Club

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1 PM Pastor's Bible Study

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8 PM Church Check-In

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7 PM Youth Group Strange Story Watch Party

Cornerstone Mailing

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED October 2020
MPC Mission Statement
The Mission of the Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church is to glorify and serve God as a community of believers, and to bring people into the transforming presence and power of Jesus Christ through:
· Worship ­ Worship expresses our love for God through praise, prayer and proclamation.
· Christian Education ­ Christian Education invites us to risk opening our minds to transforming possibilities.
· Christian Nurture ­ Christian nurture puts a human face on God's Love. · Mission Calling ­ Our ministry to others sets our feet in Christ's footprints. · Welcoming the Stranger ­ Welcoming everyone into a relationship with God, not
just into our building. In order to be faithful to this Mission, we will be:
· A welcoming, diverse and hospitable community of faith, · Committed to open communication within the community of faith, and · Willing to risk our time, talent and financial resources trusting in God's faithfulness
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