Dear Church Family,
 
We know that autumn has officially arrived when the folks from Friends & Servants visit SHCC for their Apples & Fall Flowers Sale!  That visit will take place this Sunday, October 12, on the patio.  All proceeds from the sale go to support the wonderful work of this ministry to at-risk youth in the Puyallup area.  Plan to remain after service to browse through the flowers, make your selections and, of course, select a bag of delicious apples (I can smell the apple pies and apple crisp baking already!).  On behalf of Bill Bowers and the great staff at Friends & Servants, let me say "thank you!" for your support of this ministry.
 
Petrona Kasemeier, our new Director of Children's Ministry, reports that rehearsals are under way and going great in preparation for the Children's Christmas Musical, "Meet Me at the Manger."  The rehearsals take place on Sunday morning from 8:50-10:00a.m. in the Small Auditorium.  In addition, Creative Kids Club had an amazing start to the new season with nearly 80 children present for the first meeting.  Please pray for this community outreach to the children and families of Pope Elementary School which takes place every Wednesday afternoon here at our facility.
 
Women's Ministry will hold a Fall Women's Gathering on Friday, October 17, at 7:00p.m.  The theme for this year's gatherings is "Every Good Gift" - Celebrating the Blessings and Calling of God!  The speaker for this first gathering will be Laurie Laramie.  The leadership of Women's Ministry hopes that these gatherings will give women an opportunity to learn who God created them to be and to gain the courage to step out into His call for their lives!  All ladies are welcome to attend these evenings of teaching, worship, fellowship, food and fun!
 
This Sunday morning there will be a Baptism Class in my office from 9:30-10:15a.m.  This class is for anyone interested in being baptized or for anyone interested in learning more about the meaning of baptism.  Just contact the church office to let us know that you would like to attend.  Then, during the morning service, we will continue with our study in Colossians.  Presently, we are examining the topic of "Relationships" in Colossians 3.  Last Sunday we looked at the relationship of the wives to husbands.  This Sunday we will consider the relationship of husbands to wives.  Getting God's perspectives on these family relationships is essential.
 
In addition, we will be kicking off "Missions Christmas" on Sunday.  This is our yearly opportunity to encourage and thank missionaries by giving them gifts at Christmas time.  At our request they have supplied us with suggestions of gifts for the members of their family.  These suggestions will be available for us to make a selection in the foyer on Sunday.  Please consider picking up 1 or 2 so that you, too, can be a blessing to them!
 
Plan to join us for a great Sunday morning!  Also, Cyndi Stratton will be sharing a report on the recent 4US event.  You will rejoice to hear Cyndi's report on how much was raised for this worthy cause!
 
God bless you!  See you Sunday!