Kaitlyn's mom, Erin, is very involved in the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida and will be participating in the "Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk" on October 15.  For more information on "Cruisin' with Kaitlyn" click here.

We had a wonderful day on Sunday with The Rev'd Dr. Reggie Kidd as our guest preacher.  You can listen to Reggie's sermon here   

At our Sunday breakfast we were blessed with the presence of a number of our Maitland first responders as our guests of honor.  Our scout troop, 625, presented the Color Guard and led us in the pledge of allegiance as a way of honoring both our guests and those who gave their lives ten years previously during the terrorist attacks.  The senior scout, Eric, shared a wonderful reflection that I want to share with you:

"Today we recognize and remember the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.  We Remember because to forget would be careless; to forget would be dishonorable; to forget would be disgraceful.

We remember the heroes of that horrific day: the firefighters, who defied selfishness to save others; the police officers, who rescued strangers eve at their own peril.  We remember the brave men and women aboard Flight 93, who brought down their plane to keep others from harm.  We remember the nurses, the doctors, the ministers, and countless volunteers, who risked not seeing their loved ones so that others might have that chance.

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor

Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones

And pray for the ones who don't know?

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble

And sob for the ones left below?

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor

In a crowded room did you feel alone?

Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?

Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes and not go to sleep?

Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages

Or speak to some stranger on the street?

Did you go to a church and hold hands with strangers

Did you stand in line and give your own blood?

Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family

Thank God you had somebody to love?

The other night, at our weekly Boy Scout meeting, I asked them to reflect on how September 11 had shaped their lives, and one young man wrote this:

'When 9/11 happened I was in Kindergarten and remember being pulled out  of school.  I also remember them showing the towers being crashed into over and over again.  I did not fully understand what had happened, but years later my parents explained to me what had happened and the sacrifice of life that had been given.  To this day I am grateful for the people who gave their lives and mourn for the people who died in the towers.'

Let us not become hateful in our pain, but strive to help each other.  Scripture tells us to share our grief with one another: rejoicing with those that rejoice, and weeping with those that weep.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind." 

AMEN 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 and

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

in the Parish Hall

Needed items in clean, usable condition: Linens, dishes, glassware, pictures, frames, DVD, VCR, CD, electronics, small appliances, coffee table books, cookbooks, antiques, jewelry, patio, garden, collectibles, clothing of all sizes, children's items, toys, sports equipment, all household items (except large furniture) No books except those listed please.

Drop Off: Please drop off donations commencing the week of September 12 during office hours.

Sale Set Up & Pricing: Monday, September 19 thru September 29. 9:00 am until? Sign up to help or just drop in.

Volunteers Needed: Commencing Sunday, September 4 there will be a sign-up sheet after services.

Thanks so much for participating!

Free Parking: we will offer free parking for the Maitland Arts Festival again this year.  The entrance will be manned on Saturday by volunteers handing out flyers advertising the Rummage Sale, Historic Chapel Tours, and Blessing of the Animals.  Jay Nicolle is coordinating parking. 

Free Water: we will be handing out free water on Saturday - donations of water would be gratefully received!

Bake Sale: Instead of a food booth this year we will have a bake sale - if you love to bake, we'd love to include your confections in the bake sale!

Historic Chapel Tours: Friday, September 30 from 10:00 am to Noon.  Saturday, October 1 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Charlotte Everbach is coordinating the Chapel tours.