WORSHIP IN SEPTEMBER
During this time of pandemic, protests, division, wildfires and storms, some are turning to the book of Revelation and are speculating that the End Times are at hand.  But Revelation is so much more than a prediction of the future.  This fall, our sermons will survey this confusing, sometimes frightening, but powerfully hopeful book of the Bible.  Each week, we’ll consider a different portion of the book and focus on a specific passage for deeper reflection.
Sept. 6 - Chapter 1: "The Prophet's Call"
Sept. 13 - Chapters 2-3: "The Seven Letters"
Sept. 20 - Chapters 4-5: "A Vision of Heaven"
A guest preacher will join us on September 27, when our pastor will be on vacation.
 
                FOUR WAYS TO WORSHIP
During these times of COVID-19 precautions, Old Union offers four ways to participate in our Sunday worship services.
1. Join us in person.  Please wear a mask, practice social distancing, use hand sanitizer, and touch as few surfaces as possible.  In order to reduce the number of people in the room, half of us will be in the sanctuary and half of us will be in the fellowship hall, participating by simulcast.  You can find more information further down in this newsletter.
2. Worship on-line through the church’s Facebook group.  You will need to join the group in order do so.  During the service, feel free to post greetings, prayer requests, and comments.
3. Worship by telephone, if you do not have Internet access or use Facebook. Join us at the beginning of the worship time by calling 605-468-8003, access code 627725#.
4. Watch the service later, if you’re not able to join us on Sunday morning.  You’ll be able to find a recording of the full worship service on our Facebook group, and you can find the sermon on the church’s YouTube channel.
 
             CHANGE IN WORSHIP TIME
On September 13, Old Union’s worship service will begin at 10:30 instead of 10:00, so that Sunday School can meet before worship.  Make a note of this change!
 
             GROUP WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Until COVID-19 restrictions change, we are worshiping in person in two groups.  Here’s the schedule for where to meet.  Contact your shepherd or the church if you don’t know which group you’re in.

September 6
Fellowship Hall (Group 1)
Sanctuary         (Group 2)

September 13
Sanctuary         (Group 1)
Fellowship Hall (Group 2)

September 20
Fellowship Hall (Group 1)
Sanctuary         (Group 2)

September 27
Sanctuary         (Group 1)
Fellowship Hall (Group 2)

             WORSHIP AS YOU WORK
We will continue Old Union’s tradition of “worshiping as we work” on September 6, the Sunday of Labor Day weekend.  Help us celebrate the gift of productivity and purpose by wearing your work clothes to worship, whether “work” for you means earning a paycheck, attending school, caring for children, or taking care of chores in your home, yard, or garden.
 
              SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES
We are planning to continue our church’s pattern of beginning Sunday School the Sunday after Labor Day (September 13).  A socially distanced class for children will meet in the basement, and a class for adults will meet either in the sanctuary annex or the fellowship hall.  Classes will begin at 9:30, and end in time for 10:30 worship.
 
As long as COVID restrictions are in place, the choir will not be able to resume.
 
 

                 
The pastor will be on vacation September 24-30.  Watch for information about whom to contact if you have a pastoral need during this time.

                A BIG THANK-YOU
Thanks to everyone who has been attending worship in person, for complying with our guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety.  We would not be able to hold in-person worship without your cooperation.  Please only attend in-person worship if you feel comfortable doing so, and if you are feeling healthy and are not a risk for COVID exposure. 
 
Sign up in the lobby if you’d like to read Scripture for one of our upcoming worship services.
 
Old Union will need a new treasurer by the end of this year.  Is God calling you to this form of service?
 
Thanks to everyone who helped us support CHOSEN (Christian Hospitals Overseas Securing Equipment Needs) by donating footwear!
 
                 NEW SOUND SYSTEM
Most of our new sound system was installed in the sanctuary in August.  (The choir microphones and the livestream camera are on back-order.)  You will notice a great improvement in the quality of sound during our services, and we now have the capability to do things we’d never dreamed of before.  Thanks to those of you who made special contributions to help pay for this improvement.  We have also used funds given in memory of loved ones, and we received a $1,000 technology grant from the synod.  We hope to receive a $2,000 grant from the presbytery as well.  The General Fund will cover any shortfall.
 
                        CAR CRUISE
Come and enjoy a fresh outdoor event! The third annual OUPC Car Cruise will be on September 19th, 10AM-2PM, (no rain date). Monetary donations for food accepted and can be given to Lorene W.. Proceeds will go towards the church’s sound system.
 
             RADA FUNDRAISING EVENT
RADA Cutlery fundraising sale will run from now until October 18.  Pick up your catalog and order blanks in the lobby.  You will also see some samples in the lobby as well.  Start thinking now about potential Christmas gifts!  Questions? Ask Sally P..  Make checks payable to Old Union Presbyterian Church, with RADA written in the memo section of the check. Return orders with payment to Sally or Lorene W..
 
Because Mars has cancelled the 2020 Applefest, we will not be making and selling apple dumplings this fall.
 
Plans for an October Discovery Day event will be postponed until spring.
 
      RETAINING WALL AND BACK PORCH
At press time, work has been progressing well on replacing the retaining wall and back porch of the “old” church building.  This project will help us avoid major problems in the future and will make our basement space safer and more usable.
 
​​​​                      BLOOD DRIVE
Old Union Church will host a blood drive on Tuesday, September 15, 12:30 PM - 06:00 PM.  Go to www.redcrossblood.org/give if you would like to sign up to donate.  We are also looking for four volunteers to assist with registration.  Speak with Peter if you're interested.

​The pastor is continuing to post video devotions every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2:00.  You’ll find them live on the church’s Facebook group, with YouTube recordings available later.  You find links to the YouTube videos on the church’s website.
Old Union Presbyterian Church | 200 Union Church Road, Mars, PA 16046
​724-538-8672 | OldUnionChurch@gmail.com
200 Union Church Road, Mars PA 16046