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The Pastor’s Desk

Hello All,

As much as we think of January as the official “beginning“ of new things, September and the advent of autumn bring their own new beginnings to many of our lives. The new school year has begun for parents, teachers, and kids. Bible study and the Presbyterian Women groups have started up again here at the church. And as the new season begins, we say goodbye to summer and look to the painted leaves of the trees and cooler weather (not to mention the Campfire Cold Brew from the Main Cup)!

Each year around this time, I tell myself to pause and to stop and smell the roses. To take time and to notice the splendor of creation that is so apparent in this season and to let that move me to prayerful reflection. As good as my intentions may be, I inevitably end up busier than expected! By the time I suggest Kelli, “Let’s take a trip to the Breaks Interstate Park this weekend to see the leaves!“ we realize the leaves have already fallen and the trees are bare! After summer where things slow down, our calendars often begin to fill up again just when we want to take a moment to take in the scenery!

As I was reading through one of my favorite prayer books earlier this week, I found a prayer by 15th-century spiritual writer Thomas ‘a Kempis that really spoke to that increased sense of busyness that often overshadows my need to rest in God and to make time to slow down. The prayer is below. I hope it is a blessing to you as it was for me this month. If so, may it be your prayer too this season!

Resting in God

Grant me, O most loving Lord, to rest in you above all else - above all creatures, above all health and beauty, above all glory and honor, above all power and dignity, above all knowledge and cleverness, above all riches and art, above all fame and praise, above all sweetness and comfort, above all hope and promise, above all gifts and favors that you can give, above all happiness my mind can feel, above all that is not in you, O God.

Anything you bestow on me or reveal to me is too small and unsatisfying if I do not see you in it. For surely my heart cannot truly rest, or ever be fully contented, unless it rest in you. Amen.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Scot Robinson

Worship Committee

Lectionary Readings for: October

October 4: World Communion Sunday

  • Exodus 20: 1-4, 7-9, 12-20

  • Matthew 21: 33-46

    October 11:

  • Exodus 32: 1-14

  • Matthew 22: 1-14

    October 18:

  • Exodus 33: 12-23

  • Matthew 22: 15-22

    October 25:

  • Deuteronomy 34: 1-12

  • Matthew 22: 34-46

Worship Assistants for 2026

Ushers for October: Betsy Smith & Teresa Davis
The names of the Deacons listed
first of every month is the Head DEACON for that month. They are also in charge of their Flock who will attend Cedar Ridge Service at the first Sunday of the month.

Sunday School starts at 10:00 AM

Worship Service starts at 11:00 AM

Liturgist for October is Jim Swinford

Communion Preparer for October: Teresa Davis

There will be Cedar Ridge Service on October 4 at 2:00 PM. Rev. Scot will assist with the service.

Flock Snowy Owls- Deacon: Betsy Smith

Members: Ed Smith, Huck & Tammy Bruce, Logan Bruce, Jim & Betsy Clyde, Tom & Sue McKee, Jim McKee, Colby McKee, Bill & Debbie Selin, Don & Nancy Loppnow, Justin & Maggie Newcomb, Tim & Emily Curtsinger, Mason Curtsinger

Education & Nurture Committee

October

Birthdays:

October:

3: George W Rose

4: Hazel Cooper

5: Kelsi Caldwell

Alice Kolbe

Aaron Williams

7: Joe Rosenbaum

8: Tina Swinford

9: Janet McCauley

Jane Thomas

10: Ann Selin Dorsey

Herb VonGruenigen

11: Jim McKee

12: Darwin Root

14: Rachel Riddell

15: Theresa Cook

17: Susan H Rose

Mary Ann Taylor Hall

19: Mike Wachter

25: Luke Bradford

26: Amanda Wright

Emily Curtsinger

Mike Davis

28: Brandi Brewer

29: Ed Smith

Anniversaries:

October:

1: Michael & Tonya Beasley

5: Kent & Taylena Burgan

11: Allen & Maria Blankenship

17: Keith & Cindy Moore

21: Gene & Marilyn Richie

25: Devon & Katherine Williams

The prayer concerns listed below are prayed for during the morning worship services. The Education and Nurture Committee provide a card for the congregants to sign. These prayer cards will be mailed to people for whom we pray. If you are adding a name to our concerns list, please provide the address to the church office. The church will be responsible for mailing the card. Please remember to sign the cards before or after worship. They are placed in the narthex of the church.

Joys and Prayer Concerns

Concerns:

Peace in USA,
Flood Victims of the Flooding in Nepal, Victims of the recent Earthquakes around the world, Peace for the world, Mission Personnel

Joys:

Betsy Clyde feeling well enough to morning worship, some of our grandparents expecting new grandbabies

Cedar Ridge -

Elmer Smith

A -Pat Arnett (Kelli Robinson’s grandmother)

B -

Teana Crum Baisden (friend of Sherri Williams), Joan Bowen (Sherri Williams’ Mother), Sarah Damron Brown

C -

Betsy Clyde

D -

E-

F -

Sheila Preece Frey, Travis Frye, Cassie Fryman, Eden Fryman (great niece of Tammy Bruce)

G -

H -

Juanita Herrington, Kari Howie (Lorilyn Howie-Kipphut’s sister-in-law)

I -

J -

Brayden Jude, Julie Bowen Jude

K -

John Kirk, Cindi Kupar, Rev. Greg Kupar

L -

M -

Matt Marsh, Candy Mitchell

N-

O-

Rev. Schuyler Olt

P -

Bill Probus ( Moved to Versailles )

R -

S -

Lincoln Snyder (Myrna Slade’s son-in-law), Gwendolyn Rose Smith (Ed & Betsy Smith’s Granddaughter), Mickie Smith (Friend of Boyd Marx)

T -

V-

Hinkston Vaughn

W -

Jan West (sister of Jill Rosenbaum), C. E. Wilson (brother-in-law of Debbie Cooper)

Administration & Finance Committee

Cynthiana Presbyterian Church - Congregational Offerings and Expenses:

For August:

August 2026 Congregational Offerings - $21,219.10

August 2026 Expenses - $30,375.78

Fellowship and Membership Activities

Weekly Bible Study:

Please join us for our weekly Bible study group! It meets on Thursdays at noon until 1:00 PM here at the church. As the group has just finished studying the Old Testament, Pastor Scot is going to take a scenic route through the Apocrypha? Are these books helpful for study and inspiration? Why do some Bibles include these books while others don’t? Join us for a Bible study exploring these questions alongside these fascinating books that stand between the Old and New Testaments! This study will take us through several books of the Apocrypha while also exploring their historical context. All are welcome!

Reading Between the Wines:

We will meet on Wednesday, October 7 at Pike Street Winehouse at 6:00 PM. Pre-order your food, pick your book, and come on down!!! This is always fun.

Believe it or Not Book Club:

We will meet on Tuesday, October 20 at noon at The Main Cup. The book for October is: Kin by Tayari Jones.

Everyone has something to contribute. The book for November is: Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth. (There are always copies of the chosen book floating around. If you are having trouble finding a copy, check with Meg or Tallu.)

The Main Cup Report

The Main Cup News:

The September mission for the coffee shop was the Harrison County High School Band. Sales and donations (including a portion of Christy Calder’s yoga class) totaled $867.80 for the band!!!

The October mission of Friday, October 2, is for the Middle School Band. Come out to help them make more than the High School!!!

The Main Cup Board meeting is Wednesday October 28, at 6:30 pm on ZOOM.

Mission’s Committee

For October the item for the Food Pantry is: Spam or Treet

You can drop off items for the Food Pantry at the church on Monday through Friday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Thank you to everyone who donates to the Food Pantry!

The End of the Month Meal for October is Saturday the 31st, beginning at Noon. If you have been thinking about hosting, there are plenty spots open on the sign up sheet!

Presbyterian Women News

Anna Myers McKee Circle:

The AMM Circle will meet October 7, at 10:00 AM at the church.

Presbywebs

The Presbywebs Circle will meet on October 13 at 7:00 PM at the church. Meg Ammerman has Lesson #2, Tallu Smith is the hostess, and the devotion will be given by Tallu Smith.

Presbywebs met on September 8th at the church. Peanut Butter Pie, a charcuterie tray, and punch were enjoyed by all. Pledges and Least Coin were collected. Everyone signed cards for shut-ins. We were reminded of upcoming events such as Harvest in Harmony planned for September 20. The end of the month meal was discussed. Great news! Jackie Burrel has volunteered Indian Creek Christian Church to serve two of the meals. The snack bag program will continue with Phyllis Case purchasing the items and the youth Sunday school class filling the bags. Members were encouraged to attend the fall meeting of the Transylvania Presbytery Women’s Fall Gathering. Members signed up for the monthly lessons, hostess, and devotions. Tallu shared our first lesson “Unity in Christ, Wisdom of God“. She gave a lively program about what the Christian walk boils down to - JESUS!!! All interested in Bible Study are welcome to join our group. We would love to have you!

Backpack Fundraiser:

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 25 at 5:30 PM for a chili cook-off, supper, and carved pumpkin auction. MEN are invited to enter their best chili. After tasting each chili, vote for your favorite with CASH! The chili with the most money will be declared the winner. Others are invited to bring carved pumpkins to be auctioned off. Members are asked to bring cookies or sandwiches. A sign-up sheet will be on the bulletin board. All proceeds will go to the Backpack Program for the children of Harrison County. Please make checks to Presbyterian Women and note for the Backpack Program. Bring your friends and pumpkins for a night of great fun and food!

The Presbyterian Women would appreciate your assistance throughout the year by collecting cancelled stamps from your mail. The stamps will be collected and turned into Transylvania Presbytery for the “Stamp Out Hunger“ program in our area. There is a box for collection on the table in the chapel outside of the church office. Thank you so much for helping in this much needed program.