Rev. Ruth Morrison led a 9-11 remembrance service while also welcoming back families and friends from summer travels and activities.

Celebrations and remembrances

While Sunday, Sept. 11 was the official opening of another year of Sunday School and a return of many families and friends from a summer of activities, it also was a time to reflect on the 10-year anniversary of terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and western Pennsylvania.

Rev. Ruth Morrison kept both thoughts at the forefront while leading two services and then taking part in a potluck lunch that offered everyone an opportunity for an extended and much-welcomed fellowship. It also was a Sunday for reunions, particularly for the brief return of longtime church and administrative council member Paula Eisenhart, who attended the second service after traveling from Florida for a Saturday wedding in Massachusetts.

Stephen Bither

One of the most poignant moments on this Sept. 11 was Stephen Bither playing “Try to Remember” from the musical “The Fantasticks” — his personal tribute to “the kind of September, when life was slow and oh, so mellow.” A long silence filled the church when was Stephen finished.

Boodie Mitchell is leading a seven-week Adult Education Class, focusing on a book written by Desmond Tutu and his daughter.

Sunday also introduced the first week of a new Adult Education class, led by Boodie Mitchell and focusing on the book “Made for Goodness,” written by Desmond Tutu and his daughter Mpho. The weekly class will continue through October and will be held each Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Sunshine Room. 

Laura Young Connelly led the first week of Sunday School.

Sunday School was back in session for the new year, the first week of which was led by Laura Young Connelly. Sunday School once again this year will be organized by three superintendents: Laura, Ruth Dufresne, and Carol Hubbard. Laura enjoyed a large and active class during her Week One session.

A potluck lunch was well-attended by new and older members of the congregation.

Following the two morning services, Boodie’s Adult Education Class and Laura’s Sunday School session, everyone gathered in Fellowship Hall for an extended gathering and potluck lunch. As had been the whole morning, it was a time for reflection and celebration — an occasion well received by all.

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Big brother Jasper was proud to show off sister Serafina.

Sunday School was filled with attendance and participation.

Laura and Lucas Lefebvre closely followed the Sunday School lesson.

Katie Connelly and Mariah Higley were both readers of the Sunday School lesson.

Megan Connelly was one of many who had answers to the Sunday School lesson.

Mark McDowell and Margaret Braun did some catching up after a summer of activities.