"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11: 28
It’s Labor Day Weekend, like there’s never been a Labor Day weekend before…because, 2020! On Labor Day, we celebrate the American workforce by giving many people a day off. It’s a weekend we celebrate the end of summer, with cook-outs and backyard parties, a last dip in the pool, and maybe even sleeping in.
There are probably less of us traveling to the lake or squeezing in one last trip to the beach, but it’s my observation that this year, despite the increased time we are spending at home, many people are more in need of a day off than ever before. Whether your are employed and working, unemployed and seeking a job, retired, working from home, or doing the work of parenting, it is my prayer for you this weekend that you hear Jesus’ call from the Gospel of Matthew, and take it seriously this weekend. “Come to me, all you are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
From this scripture, hear this: rest and sabbath isn’t going to come to you. You’ve got to show up for rest and sabbath. There will be plenty of things you could get done this weekend. You will have to choose to set your burdens down, to find the rest Christ gives you. In Wayne Muller’s book Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in our Busy Lives he writes “Sabbath requires surrender. If we only stop when we are finished with all our work, we will never stop, because our work is never completely done. With every accomplishment there arises a new responsibility…Sabbath dissolved the artificial urgency of our days, because it liberates us from the need to be finished.”
Whatever you need to finish, don’t. This weekend, find at least one full day to stop, breathe, and be. Jesus isn’t going to finish what’s on your list for you, but he will certainly be present with you in your time of rest.
With the peace of Christ,
Rev. Jennie Sankey
Pandemic Task Force Update:
Your task force met this past Sunday and has been monitoring the health data and CoVID numbers for our county, surrounding counties, and the state of Georgia. While large groups and indoor gatherings are still not recommended, these leaders are hopeful that we will be able to move forward with some "baby steps" sooner rather than later. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support of this Task Force and your Session. Watch for a detailed update following the Session meeting next Sunday, September 13.
Notice of Upcoming Special Events and other news:
Communion Sunday: September 6
We will celebrate communion during worship this Sunday. Be sure to gather your elements - bread or crackers and juice or wine, or truly whatever you have at home. We celebrate apart, but we trust the Spirit unites us in this sacrament with one another and with the whole community of faith throughout history and around the world.
Virtual Coffee Hour: Sunday, September 6
On Sunday, September 6 we will host another Virtual Coffee Hour immediately after the 11 am worship service. Join your church family on Zoom for casual conversation with a variety of people. Say hello to old friends, and get to know some new faces! Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81114247955?pwd=WHFFcHEvVThIWjdZNEpaZlpQUDdTZz09
Small Group Opportunities in September
September small groups start next week. Each group meets via Zoom over four consecutive weeks, each week building upon the previous week. Information for each group was sent on Thursday to those who made a request to join.If you responded but did not receive the Zoom details(tip: check your 'Spam' and 'Promotions' folders), or would like to join one of the small groups, you can still be involved. Contact Marianne via email, office@pleasanthillpc.orgto be added to the appropriate group.
Exodus Bible Study Tuesdays September 8, 15, 22, and 29 at 12:00 pm
Leader: Pastor Jennie
Bring lunch (to your computer) and share in on a good old fashioned Bible study on the book of Exodus, during our August-September sermon series, "Through Heaven's Eyes."
Mental Health and Mindfulness Thursdays September 10, 17, 24, and October 1 at 7:00 pm
Leader: Laura Ware
Join PHPC's in-house LPC Laura Ware as we learn to utilize mindfulness skills to stay healthy during the current state of our world. Feel confident and empowered as we experience the mind and heart the Lord gave each of us as we draw closer to peace and the Holy Spirit within us.
Read Along with Pastor Katie Wednesdays September 9, 16, 23, 30 at 7:30 pm
Leader: Pastor Katie
Read along and discuss Virus as a Summons to Faith: Biblical Reflections in a Time of Loss, Grief and Anxiety by Old Testament Professor Emeritus, Walter Bruggemann. If you'll be joining this group, go ahead and purchase the book to arrive by the time of the first meeting. It is available at Wipf and Stock Publishers, Cokesbury and Amazon.
Men's Breakfast: Friday, September 11
The Men's group will have its monthly breakfast - but virtually - on Friday, September 11th. We'll meet via Zoom for some fellowship, a breakfast of your choice (since you'll be making it at home!), and a devotion. We'll start at 7:30 am and end between 8:30 and 9:00 am. Hope you can make it!
PHPC Men's Breakfast Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88560090097?pwd=d0NIbTBPYUZYd2x2b2l6aStVbjdsQT09 Meeting ID: 885 6009 0097 Passcode: 922079 One tap mobile:
+19292056099,,88560090097#,,,,,,0#,,922079# US (New York)
+13017158592,,88560090097#,,,,,,0#,,922079# US (Germantown) Dial by your location:
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
Meeting ID: 885 6009 0097 Passcode: 922079
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kQxXvN91V
Need to come to the church building? Wear your mask!
For the safety of our staff who need to do essential work onsite at PHPC’s campus, please plan to wear a mask if you need to come inside the building while someone else is there. A sign is posted on the door to remind you, and there is a basket of disposable masks inside the lobby if you forgot your own. Thank you for your courtesy!
Friendship Pad
Just a reminder to please use the online Friendship Pad on our website to record your attendance at worship, no matter what time or day you watch the service. We'd love to know you are worshiping with us.
Schedule of PHPC events and connection opportunities this weekend and through next week:
SUNDAY, September 6 at 11:00 am: Virtual Worship Service
All are welcome to participate in our worship service at 11 am.
Join us virtually via the PHPC online worship page: https://www.pleasanthillpc.org/phpc-live/ (Please remember to sign the new online Friendship Pad before or after the service.)
SUNDAY, September 6 at 12:00 pm: Virtual Coffee Hour Immediately after Sunday's 11 am worship service, come join your church family on Zoom for casual conversation with a variety of people. Say hello to old friends, and get to know some new faces! Zoom Meeting Details: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81114247955?pwd=WHFFcHEvVThIWjdZNEpaZlpQUDdTZz09
(You do not have to have a Facebook account to watch. Follow the link and find the post on the page. Please note you may need to refresh the page until the post shows up.)
Adult Church School Classes Offered
Our adult church school classes are ongoing. If you’re looking for a way to learn and grow in faith, check out the class descriptions and contact information on our website. All three meet virtually on Sunday mornings from 9:40-10:40 am.
