Dear Friends,
May this first Fall edition of Messenger find you ready and refreshed in the grace and peace of our Risen Lord!
With the new school year beginning and vacations ending, we are inspired to make fresh starts in work and study. Labor Day recognizes and celebrates all people who work in the work force. It was God who first worked through His creation, delighted in His work, and blessed humanity to join Him in His work. To this very day God continues in His work to accomplish His sovereign purpose, the work of redeeming humanity through His Son Jesus Christ. God is looking for co-workers like you and me who will join Him. The local church is where God is enlisting and empowering workers for His Kingdom. As we begin again, let us renew our commitment to work for God and for food that endures to eternal life which Jesus gives and not for food that spoils. And remember, the work we do for God will not be in vain (i.e. the work benefits are out of this world!) This work for God begins as we respond to Christ in faith and follow Him on a daily basis!

Working together for God's Purpose,
Pastor Julia Y.H. Yim
(P.S. Read 1Corinthians 15:58)

CHURCH SCHOOL RALLY DAY: Sunday, September 10, 2006. Sunday school registration will take place and ice cream sundaes will be served in Fellowship Hall following worship. A Ministry Fair will also be featured with information tables highlighting the different church ministries that are available.

50th ANNIVERSARY OF EDUCATION BUILDING: Please join us next Sunday as we remember 50 years of educational ministry of the Church.

CHURCH FAMILY PICNIC: Save the Date - Sun., Sept. 17, 2006 (raindate: 9/24) following Sunday worship. Details to follow.

J.C. CAFÉ: join us September 23rd, 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall. Doors open at 7:00pm; music starts at 7:30pm. Enjoy the energetic and uplifting sounds of the Rich Dieguez Band. This upbeat and popular group have been busy in ministry in the New York area. Suggested donation is $5.00. Coffee and desserts are on the house.

UMW YARD SALE: The UMW is having a giant yard sale again - Sat., Sept. 30th, 9:00am-2:00pm, rain or shine! For further info., see Joyce Aponte.

NEW BEGINNINGS: The following children will be starting 1st grade in the Fall: James Hickey, Katherine Lee, Caroline Williams. Please pray for them as they begin their school days.

CHURCH PICTURE DIRECTORY: Our church is planning a new picture directory. The following two sets of dates have been set for photographs to be taken: Wed., Sept. 27th, 3:00-9:30pm.; Thurs. September 28th, 3:00-9:30pm; Fri., January 12th, 3:00-9:30pm and Sat., January 13th, 10:00am-5:00pm. Please mark your calendars and plan on being a part of our church family directory. More details to follow.

ADVENT BOOKLET: The Membership & Evangelism Committee is asking for your help in assembling an Advent booklet written by the congregation for the congregation. Jesus is the greatest gift, so we'd like to compile a series of witness stories (any format you want - poetry, etc.) about how you came to receive this gift. If a scripture applies, please include. Please give you contribution to Pat DiMassi. Deadline to submit is 10/l.

30 DAYS FOR KYLI: is an opportunity to help take care of Kyli Abbinanti, a developmentally disabled child who is a member of our Church, by taking care of yourself for the month of September. You can participate by sending positive, prayer-filled energy for Kyli. Kyli's uncle John, a fitness professional, was inspired to create and sponsor "30 Days for Kyli" as a means to raise awareness and gratitude for our own well being. It is a spirit raiser. Visit http://theprocessfitness.com/theprocess.html and click on Kyl's logo to find out how you can participate. If you are interested in keeping up to date with Kyli's progress, e-mail Jodi at jkabbinanti@verizon.net and you will be added to the "Kylie Update" list.

FARMINGDALE ADULT DAY CARE PROGRAM: The Adult Day Care Center meets Mon.-Fri., 9:00am-3:00pm at Farmingdale United Methodist Church. The program reaches out in support of families who are caring for the elderly living at home, especially those with physical or cognitive limitations who are no longer able to participate in their normal social groups. This ministry also provides time for family members to make appointments; do shopping; etc. Volunteers are needed. If you have any time or talent to share with our center, we would greatly appreciate your help! Please e-mail fadc@optonline.net or call (516) 293-8928.

CHANCEL CHOIR will start rehearsing on Thursday, September 7th at 8:00pm in the So. Transept.

ALTAR FLOWER CALENDAR: If you wish to have an arrangement placed on the altar in memory of a loved one, please call the Church Office. The cost is $20.

IN NEED OF PRAYERS THIS WEEK: Kyli Abbinanti, Emily Brown, Anna Eustace, Mabel Greenidge, Bob Greening, Peggy Lopez, Ruth Mace, Cliff Mackin, Tom Maldonado, Evelyn Occena, Barbara Simpson, George Weathers, and our troops in harm's way.

OUR STEWARDSHIP UPDATE:
Based on 2006 Pledges

• Where We Are (as of August 27th): $109,971.00
• Where We Should Be: $124,184.90