ALL ARE WELCOME IN THE CHURCH SCHOOL AT PAYSON PARK CHURCH:
GOD’S GARDEN, Growing in Faith

God’s Garden, Growing in Faith is a welcoming place for the church community and not just for parents and children! Volunteers from the entire church community are needed. Perhaps being with the youth on a Sunday morning could be a way for YOU to help fulfill our mission. “We believe God is calling us to walk in the ways of Jesus Christ and to bear witness to the Gospel through worship and service, empowered by the Holy Spirit.”
Teaching contributes to the faith development of our youth as well as the future of our church. Plus, it will deepen the understanding of your own personal faith.
Teaching in God's Garden is a shared responsibility of everyone, a contribution well needed. Where do you see yourself? Perhaps reading a story in Bible exploration, creating in an art workshop or having fun in a puppet workshop. Speak with Cindy Lou Benson, Christian Education Director, for helpful suggestions and ideas.

Consider Volunteering in the Children’s Ministry Program...
What you do... matters!
Jesus smiles when he sees your ministry
You pass on faith and hope to a future adult
You help children find their voice You change the world — one child at a time
If the Bible were still being written today,
the writers would be writing about the likes of you
As you encourage a child's faith.. You encourage your faith
You get to watch children become friends and followers of Jesus
Jesus is the author and finisher of your faith… and your ministry
Kid’s fingerprints leave a mark on your heart
Children are counting on you If not you, then who?
God has called you
© Group Publishing

FAITHFUL REFLECTIONS:
UPCOMING BIBLE STUDY CLASSES
Beginning in October, a weekly class for Bible study will begin. Led by Lael Atkinson, each session will focus on the gospel text selected for the upcoming worship service, allowing participants to contemplate the week’s theme in an extended manner. Each discussion will be self-contained, so members and friends of the church may attend weekly or as they are interested or able. Dates and times of these evening classes will be announced in the October issue of The Messenger.

Living with the realities of war, we extend our prayers for the world from our Sunday worship services to our daily lives. As we pray for peace for all people, we hold especially close those serving overseas. Payson Park Church member Ben Mailhot and former member Clint Lawler are currently on tours in Afghanistan, and we receive word that they are doing well. Thank you for remembering them and their families in this turbulent time. Cards to Ben and Lynne Mailhot may be sent to 57 Gilbert Road, Belmont, MA 02478

GOOD AFTERNOONS:
WEDNESDAY'S MEETING AT 2:00

Join us as we start our sixth year of meeting each month! “The Good Afternoons” is a group of suppor-tive and inquisitive people who give thanks for the gift of life by sharing tips about caring for the mind, body, and spirit. This month we’ll hear about some of the latest findings in alternative health care in addition to sharing with each other a personal highlight or two from the summer months. Refreshments will be provided, not to mention a good joke or two! Please join us!

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE:
A RAINBOW OF CARING
The Church World Service blanket drive held in connection with Mother’s Day in May took in $815. These familiar gray wool blankets arrive in areas where victims have lost homes, families, and hope. The Tools of Hope Program creates a rainbow of help and hope each time the right tool is placed in the hands of people in need. If it empowers people and brings better tomorrow, it’s a tool of hope! A simple truth: ordinary things that we often take for granted like…blankets, clean water, education, tents, garden tools, seeds – can make a world of difference for people devastated by tragedy, as well as those working to build a better life for themselves and their community. Many congregants were part of this beautiful rainbow of caring. During fellowship hour on May 2 & 9, we had the opportunity to make a $5.00 donation and receive a card to honor someone special on Mother’s Day. Thank you for the generous way in which Payson Park Church responds each year to this mission initiative.
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
I was naked and you clothed me.” Matthew 25