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A Weekly Updte from Grace Presbyterian Church
Morning Poem
 
Every morning
the world
is created.
Under the orange
 
sticks of the sun
the heaped
ashes of the night
turn into leaves again
 
and fasten themselves to the high branches—
and the ponds appear
like black cloth
on which are painted islands
 
of summer lilies.
If it is your nature
to be happy
you will swim away along the soft trails
 
for hours, your imagination
alighting everywhere.
And if your spirit
carries within it
 
the thorn
that is heavier than lead—
if it’s all you can do
to keep on trudging—
 
there is still
somewhere deep within you
a beast shouting that the earth
is exactly what it wanted—
 
each pond with its blazing lilies
is a prayer heard and answered
lavishly,
every morning,
 
whether or not
you have ever dared to be happy,
whether or not
you have ever dared to pray.
 
- from Dream Work by Mary Oliver 


Mary Oliver died on January 17th of this year but her words are alive and well.
 
Her poetry, a sheer illumination of the natural world, grants us the heart-sight to see our simple place within it. No wonder so many people call her poetry “soul food”; in addition to helping us to see the world around us, she also helps us to feel it, to listen to it, and to be softened by it.
 
Holly’s currently in Delaware (where it’s 50 degrees!) officiating a friend’s wedding, so Hazel and I have sat together on our front porch the last couple of mornings—coffee in hand, blanket across my lap—glorying together over the sun’s humble rising. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of El Paso sunrises and sunsets. God bless the Sun City. And God bless each of you as you tend to the responsibilities and privileges of living between sunrise and sunset. If you’re like me, they’re many—Presbytery meetings today and tomorrow, appointments, lunch dates, a wedding to officiate on Saturday, and, of course, Sunday to prepare for. But in whatever else these hours may bring, I will, like Mary Oliver writes, “dare to be happy” and “dare to pray”—for you, for me, for this beautiful world, and for the humble hope of new beginnings.  
 
Phos hilaron,
 
Kaci
The Mission team will be collecting slightly used winter coats, jackets and blankets for the homeless, beginning this Sunday, October 13th. Please look in your closet and storage areas for these gently used items. There will be a large  box provided at the entrance of the fellowship hall for your donations.
Thank you!
Cowboy Style Worship at Grace!
Sunday, October 20th at 10am

 
Put on your boots and direct your horses over to Grace Presbyterian Church (8001 Magnetic.) for a unique worship service on Sunday, Oct. 20th!

We will have this special worship in the Fellowship Hall at Grace.  Worship music will be led by the El Paso Cowboy Gospel Band along with a casual and joyful service and liturgy.

Service will be followed by a beef brisket lunch--We invite all who are able to bring a country side to share. Questions? call Bill or Dianna Rose
Give the gift of Gratitude!
While you're out shopping for your Cowboy Luncheon side dishes, you can also help feed the hungry this Thanksgiving by purchasing a gift card (or two).

This Thanksgiving, you can give thanks by helping to feed the needy in our own community. From now thru October, the Food Pantry will be collecting $10 Gift Cards to be given to the families that we serve in a Thanksgiving Food Basket. We are asking for gift cards to any local grocery store in the amount of $10 each. If it is easier for you to give $10 cash, we’ll buy the cards for you! Cards or money can be donated in the church office. As always, we thank you for your kindness, support, and continued prayers! 
 
Trunk or Treat will be Oct 26. from 6-8. Spiritual Development is asking each committee or organization to contribute in some way and information went out to leadership.  We invite all church members to attend and bring friends, and if you would like to individually participate in planning, please see the sign up sheet in the fellowship hall or attend the Spiritual Development meeting during team meets.  

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Preemptive Love is a non profit, international, faith based organization that works with refugees and other marginalized communities.  They recently released a short film about their origins and work in the Middle East.  Join Meredith Flory Oct 13 at 6 PM in the fellowship hall for a viewing party and to hear about their new projects working with shelters in Juarez.  Feel free to bring a blanket, pillows or PJs to get cozy and she will have apple cider.  
THURSDAY 10/10
5PM - Hand Bells
6PM - Youth Group
6:30PM - Quilters

SATURDAY 10/12
4:30PM - Wedding

SUNDAY 10/13
10AM - Worship
11AM-Fellowship Hour
11AM - Confirmation Class
3PM-NA of El Paso

MONDAY 10/14
Office Closed

TUESDAY 10/15
6AM-#GraceB4Work
6:30PM-Scouts

WEDNESDAY 10/16
10AM - Food Pantry
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