We’re excited to host our neighbors, Watermark Books, twice in the month of September. On Tuesday, September 24, at 6:00 pm, we welcome National Book Award finalist Sarah Smarsh in conversation with Sarah Bagby for a ticketed event in celebration of her new book, Bone of the Bone: Essays on America by a Daughter of the Working Class.

The following Monday, September 30, at 6:00 pm, bestselling author Kwame Alexander will be here to celebrate his newest release, Black Star, the second book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Door of No Return trilogy.

We need greeters starting at 5:15 pm each day and a clean-up team to break down the Great Room after these events. Sign up through the church office or contact Martin Burch at marburch@mygpc.org or 684-5215.

Thanks to all who contributed to the August Yellow Bag collection, which supports our own Jacob’s Learning Ladder school. Your contributions will help JLL kick off the new year with some new items to help the students learn.

Looking ahead, we will be collecting hygiene items for Simply Hygiene in September. Soap, toothpaste, shampoo, feminine items, diapers, and baby wipes are just some of the items needed. Look for barrels around the church in September to drop off your donations.

How are you wired when it comes to spending time with other people? Are you more comfortable when everyone in the group thinks and believes in the same way, or do you thrive on diversity in thought and beliefs? Join Steve for the Pastor’s Study, a seven-session experience on engaging and embracing the spectrum of diversity in a church that exists in a Red-and-Blue World. On Wednesdays, September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 16, 23, and 30 from 9:30 am-11:00 am in the Steamers Room, join others who love one another and are learning how to talk and live in diversity, all the while finding their unity in Jesus and valuing the expression of ideas that cover the full spectrum of diversity. We’ll be using a book written by one of Steve’s Covenant brothers, Jack Haberer, as a resource for the study. Pick up a copy of Jack’s book, Swimming With The Sharks, at your favorite bookseller. Let’s be lifelong learners together.

There is one worship service this Sunday, September 15, at 10:30 am in the Sanctuary, followed by a potluck lunch and Town Hall Meeting in the Great Room. Baked Potatoes will be ready, so bring a topping or salads to go alongside.