Welcome Provisional Pastor

My name is John McGill, and for the next six weeks, I will be serving Harrisburg UMC as your provisional pastor . I wanted to share a short letter of introduction and let you know that while I am sadden by the circumstances that have brought us together, I am glad to join with you in this season of ministry. I look forward to getting to know you and the ministries of Harrisburg UMC.

Just a little bit about myself: I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky (go UK!), last went to school at United Theological Seminary for my DMin, and have been part of the Western North Carolina Confer- ence for over 25 years. I have experience in youth ministry, church planting, and most recently finished nine years as the Lead Pastor at Waxhaw UMC. Currently, I am in extension ministry serving church leadership through teaching and training in emotional intelligence. If interested, you can learn more at my website: WeDoEQ.com. My family still lives in the Waxhaw area and consists of Anita, my wife of 26 years, and our three children: Rachel who is 23, Jaya (22), and Isaac (20).

I hope to meet many of you over the next few weeks and hear your stories. If you need to reach me, feel free to e-mail (JMcGill@wnccumc.net), text, or call (828.234.2063). This coming Sunday, September 8th, will be my first Sunday up front in worship. Come on out, I’d love to meet you.

Even though we will not have too much time together, I believe that God has incredible, eternal plans for Harrisburg UMC, and I am privileged to play my small part. Thank you for letting me join in the journey.

Blessings to you and yours,

Pastor John

Acolyte Training will be Sunday September 8th at 3:00pm in the Sanctuary. You must be at least a 2nd grader, but anyone older can be an Acolyte also. Please contact: Sue Heffron – 704-975-8729 or ncheffrons@carolina.rr.com if interested and/or have any questions.

Should. you not be able to be here on Sept. 8th, contact Sue Heffron

Fall is around the corner and that means it’s

Baking time

The United Women In Faith has just freeived a new shipment of Happy Home Flavoring. Price $6 a bottle

Flavor Alvailable: Dark Vanilla, Clear Vanilla, Clear Almond and Lemon. Contact Clydia Seymour or any member of United Women in Faith.

They also sell RADA Knives. RADA Knives In stock: Tomato Slicer, Regular Paring Knife, and Utility Knife

It is Time for Safe Sanctuary Training!

We will be holding Safe Sanctuary Training on September 8 at 10:00 am or at 12:15 pm in the Sanctuary. We have adopted a few new changes in our policy, and if you have not been trained in the past few months, you will need to come to one of the trainings. Also, many of you need to be back ground checked once again, so I will be sending you notices from Verified First, so that you can easily complete the background information securely online. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at rsmith@harrisburgumc.org or call the church!

All persons working with children & youth must be Safe Sanctuary Trained.

Thanks!

Pastor Richard

Why Do We Need Four Ushers at Each Service?

Having four ushers at each service ensures that we can provide a welcoming experience for everyone on Sunday morning. Here’s how it works:

• Main Door (2 Ushers): Two ushers are stationed at the main door to greet everyone, open the door, and, if a visitor arrives, one usher can personally guide them to the Sanctuary, ensuring they feel comfortable and cared for from the moment they step inside.
• Narthex Door (1 Usher): One usher is positioned at the Narthex door, welcoming those who enter through this entrance and assisting them as needed.
• Office Door (1 Usher): The fourth usher is placed at the office door, which leads to the handicap parking, making it essential for us to have someone there to assist anyone who may need extra help.

Call for Volunteers

We are in need of volunteers to usher once a month. By having four ushers for each service, we can ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels welcomed and cared for. Your participation will make a significant difference in our church community. Please consider joining us in this important ministry. To learn more contact: Sarah Barclay at sarah.podd@gmail.com> or Call the church office 704-455-2311.

Kids Quest

Building a Christian

Foundation for our Kids

There a few categories for Kids Quest. Basically all Sunday morning programs for children ages 0 – 5th grade are part of Kid’s Quest.

Kids Quest Nursery – The nursery is open to children 0 – 2 years old.

Kids Quest Preschool – Ages 3 -4, 10 am in Room #10.

Teachers: Carolee Barber & Nicole Clauser

Class will be filled with Music, Bible Story, Activity, Snack & Free play

Kids Quest Elementary – 10 am Room 11 Kindergarten – 5th Grade

Kids Quest Worship – Ages 3 – 1st Grade, Meets in room #13 on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th Sundays. The first Sunday of the month is communion and the children will stay in Worship.

9 am – Learning about Worship, 11 am – Godly Play

Kid’s Quest Elementary will meet in the fellowship hall this Sunday with their families. Join us as we sing, learn, meet new friends, and have fun.

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Kid’s & Kid’s Quest Parents.

September Kid’s Quest Bible Verse is Galatians 5:22 – 23. Take a minute and review the Fruits of the Spirit as a family.

Actually we all need to memorized these instructions on how to be whether young, old and in-between.

Sunday, Sept. 15th, 22th & 29th Kids Quest will meet in Room #13. Just Kids.

We”ll see the Grown-ups again on Oct. 6th

Key Inventory

Trustee are doing a Church Key Inventory. Should you have a church key of any kind please email: administration@harrisburgumc.org

Include your name, the number and letter on your key. We are diligently working to provide a safe church environment for all. A few problems have occurred with doors being unlocked. Please help us to get our inventory correct.

Thank you. This is a big undertaking and we appreciate your quick response.

Thank you, Trustees

Homecoming Sign up to help

Did you know that Church homecomings have been held in North Carolina since colonial times, offering people a sense of communal pride, renewal, shared history, and fellowship with other church members and with God. And that is exactly what Harrisburg UMC will be doing on Sept 29th.

Standard practice of homecoming is visiting or former pastor and covered dish meal. Rev. De Hillyer will be preaching at both worship services and the traditional Covered Dish will start at 12:15 p.m.

In order make this a successful and relaxed event for all we need everyone to participate. Use the Sign up Genius below to volunteer. Remember the theme is 1962

Sign up https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D44A4A723AAFE3-homecoming#/

Details about Room in the Inn

HUMC, along with St. Thomas Aquinas, Newell Presbyterian, and Advent Lutheran, is preparing for the 2024-25 Room in the Inn season, starting December 2nd. These churches will host 10 unhoused Neighbors every Monday night (plus Christmas Eve) during the winter months, providing shelter and care for 12 hours.

Here’s the flow of the evening:

• 4pm: Volunteers set up the gym and kitchen.
• 5pm: Pick up Neighbors from Roof Above.
• 5:15pm: Adjust bed arrangements.
• 5:30pm: Dinner and pillow treats are delivered.
• 5:45pm: Neighbors arrive and settle in.
• 6pm: Dinner is served, with seconds and thirds available.
• 6:30pm: New clothing is offered, with access to a clothes closet.
• After Dinner: Neighbors shower, watch TV, and relax.
• 10pm: Lights out.
• 5am: Wake-up call, coffee, and breakfast.
• 6am: Neighbors depart, receiving lunches and gift cards if needed.
• 7am: Volunteers finish cleaning up.

This cycle repeats for 18 nights. Volunteer opportunities will be available in November. Meanwhile, donations of sports bras, women’s bikini underwear, and men’s boxer briefs are needed.

This weeks

Opportunity House Menu:

Order by Sun., Sept. 8th

Fresh bowl again this week in a microwavable bowl

The Fall menu is here and soups are back🍂🍁

*Chicken Burrito Bowl with Chipotle Sauce(on the side)(ground chicken, rice, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, chili powder, ketchup, black beans and corn) chipotle sauce(greek yogurt, sour cream, chipotle in adobe sauce, garlic, lime juice and honey) and pico de gallo sauce on the side: $10/bowl

*Chicken Noodle Soup(olive oil, garlic, onions, celery, carrots, chicken, chicken bouillon, bay leaves, parsley, egg noodles, salt and pepper): $10/quart

*Pumpkin Muffins( flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, eggs, pumpkin, canola oil and vanilla extract)

• To order, contact Joyce Hudgins at 336-813-3393 by phone or text.
• Orders accepted through Sunday, September 8th by 8pm for delivery or pick up Fri., Sept., 13th.
• Delivery is Friday morning and pickup is in the HUMC kitchen from 12:30-1pm. Entrance is at the Fellowship Hall door. There is a sign. Ring the doorbell.

Thank you for your support of the homeless ministry!