​​             APPLE DUMPLINGS (AND PIES)
Old Union will continue its long-standing tradition of selling freshly-made apple dumplings at the Mars Applefest on October 7.  Join us the day before (Friday, October 6), to be part of the apple dumpling gang!  Work will begin at 8AM and should conclude before lunch.  We need apple peelers, mix-makers, and dough-spreaders.  On the job training is provided, and there’s something for everyone!  If you can’t come during the morning, a second group of volunteers will begin work at 3:00 in the afternoon to make apple pies.  We are also seeking donations of supplies and cash to increase our profits from this sale.  Proceeds will benefit the General Fund.
 
         WHY GIVE TO THE GENERAL FUND?
As you plan the contributions you make to support our church, consider giving to the General Fund.  When you give to the General Fund, not only are you supporting the church’s budget, but you provide our congregation’s leaders with the flexibility to designate money where it is most needed.  If, on the other hand, you give to support a particular cause or project, your money must be used in that way, even if there’s already plenty of money for that project and there’s a greater need elsewhere.  But in whatever way you choose to give, remember that you are providing important support for our work in Christ’s name!
 
           WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
Some churches celebrate communion every week.  Some share the Lord’s Supper every month.  Some gather at the table once a quarter.  But on the first Sunday of October every year, Christians around the world and from many traditions agree to share the Lord’s Supper on the same day, as a sign of our unity in Christ.  Please plan to join us this year on October 1!
 
Choir practices have already started, but it’s not too late to join us!  If you’d like to sing for the cantata but not be part of the weekly choir, we welcome you as well.  Speak with Shelley Z. to learn more.
 
Each year, the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster County puts on incredible productions of Bible stories.  We are considering having a dinner theater series, in which we share a meal and watch a production together.  Stay tuned for more information!
 
The nominating committee is at work to identify the people God desires to serve him through our church in special ways, such as serving session or being a deacon.  Please pray for their work and seek God’s guidance if you are invited to serve.
 

Thanks to Vanessa K., for serving as the chair of our finance committee!  Vanessa is stepping down temporarily from this role while Josh is receiving surgery and treatment for his colon cancer.  Please continue to pray for Josh, Vanessa, Payton, and Rylie.
 
Please speak with Don C. if you are interested starting a men’s group for our church.
 
                PRAYER CARD PROJECT
Since 2015, Old Union has received 154 prayer requests through our Prayer Card Project.  Each request has been passed along to a congregation member to pray over for a week.  Thanks to each of you who are part of this outreach ministry!  However, the number of requests that we receive has dwindled down to about one request per month.  Has the time come to conclude this ministry?  Do you think it is still helpful as it is?  Would you like to help re-invigorate it?  Speak with Mary Rae T., chair of the Mission and Outreach Committee, with your thoughts.
 
Mark your calendar! Josh H., our mission co-worker in Ghana whom we support financially and with weekly prayer, will visit Old Union on Thursday November 16 at 7:00!
 
                CWS CLEAN-UP BUCKETS
Church World Service, a cooperative venture of several denominations, provides assistance to refugees and disaster victims across the nation and around the world.  One of the resources they provide a “clean-up buckets:” a five gallon bucket filled with supplies that you would need if you were cleaning up after a disaster such as a flood, hurricane, wildfire, or tornado.  We are collecting donations for clean-up buckets, which cost $75 each.  For every dollar you give, the church will match your gift with funds from the Mission Endowment Fund, up to $8,000.  Mark your donation “Clean-up Bucket.”
 
Plans for Old Union to host an after-school program for students from Mars Area School District are currently awaiting a provisional license from the state Department of Health and Safety.  If plans are approved, the program will be held in the church basement, and will generate monthly income for the church.  The hope is to begin this program in January.  Please pray for this new opportunity for our church to reach out to the community!
 
    MISSION OF THE MONTH: THE LIGHTHOUSE
The Lighthouse Foundation is a Christian outreach organization meeting the needs of impoverished individuals and families in northern Allegheny and Butler County.  Located in part of the former Middlesex Elementary School building, the Lighthouse operates the largest food pantry in Butler County, and provides other food programs as well.  The Lighthouse also offers transitional housing for people to move out of homelessness, provides emergency financial assistance and long-term finance training, and provides transportation for people to get jobs.  Several Old Union members are very involved as volunteers at the Lighthouse, and half of the monthly “Pickle Project” offering goes to support the Lighthouse.  Learn more at thelighthousepa.org.

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