In July, Old Union led a team of 26 volunteers from seven churches (including six from Old Union) on a mission trip to Texas to rebuild homes for people affected by last year’s hurricane.  Join us for worship on September 9, when they will speak about their experiences.
 
The pastor will be on vacation September 13-19.  Rev. Scott B., director of PRISM (Pittsburgh Region International Student Ministries) will be our guest preacher on September 16.
 
The General Fund has $2.100.00 available to cover our church’s budgeted expenses.  Last year at this time it had $7,300.00.  Now that the mortgage is paid off, please consider contributing the money that you had been giving toward the Building Fund to the General Fund instead.
 
An anonymous donor has recently given Old Union Church stocks worth approximately $25,000, to be used for the maintenance and future repair of the fellowship hall.  With the donor’s consent, the session is planning to use some of this money to install acoustic ceiling tiles in the fellowship hall.  This will make it easier to hear in the hall, and will increase the usefulness of our space.  The remaining money from the sale of the stock will be invested for future work in the hall.
 
 This Advent season, Old Union will offer a daily devotional and prayer guide for the season of preparation for Christmas.  Please speak with Peter if you would like to contribute a poem, prayer, story, or thoughts for one of the days.
 
                             GROW
GROW (Get Renewed on Wednesday) is a mid-week program that Old Union shares with two other churches.  Each Wednesday children, youth, and adults gather, 6:00-8:00, for a meal, fellowship, singing, and classes for each age group.  This fall’s session will begin on September 26, with the theme of the Trinity.  Old Union has been asked to host this fall session, but in order to do so we will need volunteers to help with the meal.  Please speak with Peter if you would like to lend a hand for one or more Wednesdays.
 
                      YOUTH GROUP
Old Union is making plans for a shared youth group with Crestview Presbyterian Church in Callery and Plains Presbyterian Church in Cranberry Township.  Once a  month the group will meet for Bible study and group building, and once a month they will engage in mission and fellowship activities.  The first event will be September 30: a scavenger hunt in Pittsburgh with other youth from across the Presbytery.  We welcome all 6th-12th graders to join us!
               

 On September 2, weather permitting we will worship outside in the pavilion. Feel free to bring a seat cushion, folding chair, or blanket!
 
Valencia Presbyterian Church is beginning a quilting group that will meet for the first time on Saturday September 15.  Please call 724-625-9509 for more information.
 
 OPEN HOUSE & MORTGAGE BURNING PIG ROAST
On September 9, Old Union Church will invite the community to an Open House and Mortgage Burning Party, to celebrate being debt-free and to welcome those who want to celebrate with us or who may be looking for a church home.  The worship service will be designed for people who may never have gone to church.  Mission team members will speak about the recent trip to Texas during the service.  Following a worship service designed to welcome our guests, we’ll have a Pig Roast picnic.  The church will provide the meat, drinks, and paper products.  If you are able, please bring a side dish.  Weather permitting, the picnic will be in pavilion, and we will have volleyball games in the fellowship hall.
We have set a goal of 150 people to attend this special event.  We encourage you to invite people with a connection to our church, or someone who may be looking for a church home.  And please pray for the Spirit to make this a great day in the life of our church!
We are collecting door prizes for a drawing for our guests.  If you would like to donate something, please put it on the table in the conference room.  We are accepting everything from gift cards to homemade items.
 
                     DISCOVERY DAY
Plans are developing for our October 13 Discover Day, which will focus on the theme of Servanthood.  Special guest speakers will be Lisa G., director of serving at First United Methodist Church in Butler, and Dave D., retired executive presbyter from Shenango Presbytery.  Mark your calendar and watch for more information soon!

Starting Wednesday, September 5th at 7:20 pm, the choir will meet in the sanctuary to lift up out voices with praise and thanksgiving to God.  Spreading God's word through song is a powerful way to connect Him with others and to share the blessing of music He has given each of us.  As we begin preparing anthems for upcoming church services, we invite you to join us and enjoy the fun, laughter and fellowship we share at practice each week.  All are welcome!  No auditions or experience necessary.  Always a comfy seat and a friendly face to greet you!  For more information, please see Cindy M.

Old Union Presbyterian Church | 200 Union Church Road, Mars, PA 16046
​724-538-8672 | OldUnionChurch@gmail.com