In our service of the Sacrament of the Lord's Table this morning (at 10:00 service) worshipers will be invited and encouraged to come forward from their seating in the pews, approaching the Communion Table by the center aisle, to receive the elements of bread and juice by intinction – tearing a morsel of bread from the common loaf, then dipping that morsel of bread into a common cup, then partaking. Servers will provide the bread and cup to those who are constrained from approaching the Communion Table and remain in their pew seating. With permission of their parent, children are welcome to partake of the Communion.

In keeping with other changes beginning today, our fellowship time will take on a slightly different look. Beverages and very simple snacks will be provided each week in Calvin Hall after the 10 o’clock service, organized by a new Hospitality Committee, consisting of Marjorie and Dan Bulkley, Mary Morris, Patti Lane, Marcia Hunter, and others who may help out from time to time. We will no longer be asking you to sign up for coffee hour, but we welcome others to join this core group, a sub-committee of Parish Life. Do plan to join us for this fellowship event each week, when you’ll have the opportunity to greet visitors as well as talk to friends, old and new.

Make a Joyful Noise!
Do you have musical gifts you would like to contribute to worship? Our Facilitator of Music Ministry, Joanna Lynden, would like to know of your interest. Play an instrument? Perhaps you’d like to offer a solo, or participate with a group of musicians. Like choral music? If your answer is “yes” please leave a note in the church office to indicate your interest (or leave a message on the church office phone, 482-3536), and expect to be contacted in the very near future. An organizational meeting for the new choir will be held on Thursday, October 9 from 7 – 8:15 in Calvin Hall. Hope to see you there!

Peacemaking Offering to be received today. The Peacemaking Offering was created in 1980 to support the efforts of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to live out a deeper commitment to peacemaking as part of our faithfulness to God. Each congregation is encouraged to retain 25 percent of the offering it receives to use for local peacemaking ministries within the church and its community. Twenty-five percent is used by presbyteries and synods, and 50 percent is used by the General Assembly ministries through the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. Our Mission Committee has chosen to give our local 25% to George and Donna Converse and Kathy Oyler’s daughter to be used for their trip to the New Orleans area to help with Katrina relief. They will be joining a group from the Presbytery of the Cascades and traveling to the Gulf Coast in early October. Please give generously to their effort.

You are invited!
An Inquirer’s Class is being formed, and will have its first meeting Sunday morning, October 12th at 9:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. We anticipate the class will meet three or four Sunday mornings, depending upon the number and needs of the participants who initially gather.
What’s an Inquirers’ Class? It is an opportunity for curious minds to explore matters of faith, church, discipleship and what it means to be members of that part of the body of Christ called “Presbyterians.” For some, this class may serve as an introductory course; for others it may be a final step toward formally uniting with the membership of this congregation; for still others, it may serve as a refresher course.
So that we may prepare adequate hand-out materials for everyone who attends, your courtesy in responding to this invitation will be most appreciated. You may indicate your RSVP to the church office phone 482-3536, or by email to presbyashland@yahoo.com.

The 2008 Church Nominating Committee will be meeting on October 8 to propose a slate of five Deacons. Members of the committee are: Elders Barbie Breneiser and Sharon Nelson, Members-at-Large Kathy Campbell and Eleanor Robison, Deacon Ted Sockman, and representing our committees Marilyn Mobley, Amy Patton, Robb Grover, Ilse Forney, Paul Frost, Debbie Pool, and Donna Converse. Please contact any member of the committee or the church office with your suggestions for Deacons to be elected at our Congregational Meeting later in October.

WOW! Movie & Activity Night is back! PARENTS: this is your chance for some FREE TIME. Literally! On Friday night, October 10th, drop your child or children (or babies) off at Calvin Hall anytime between 5 and 8pm, and the youth of First Presbyterian Church will host your children for the evening. Dinner, games, crafts, and movies are all included at NO CHARGE TO YOU. Please join us!

Final plans by your SOAP committee are in the works for the visit of Sharon Johnson on Sunday, October 19 at 12 noon after worship services and coffee fellowship in Calvin Hall. Perhaps you are familiar with her weekly column in the Medford Tribune, “Healthy Aging.” Whether your concerns are personal or for an aging relative, Ms. Johnson will be here to answer your questions. Light refreshments will be served. Bring the family and COME!

Deacons’ Fund envelopes are located in each pew today for those who wish to make contributions to the work of our Board of Deacons in serving the needs of those who approach our church for emergency assistance.

Middle School Mania for the Presbytery of the Cascades will take place on October 17-19 at Canyonview Camp near Silverton, Oregon. We'll worship together, play crazy games, eat good food, make videos, and enjoy some live talent. It'll be a laugh-out-loud good time! If you are interested in going, contact Nikki ASAP!