We are pleased to report to you that we will be welcoming Fr. Patrick Malloy as Theologian-in-Residence, and will be expanding his role in our community.  Fr. Malloy will be in charge of Adult Christian Formation, and will be among us 1-2 Sundays each month, and on all Feast Days in the Church Year, and will again celebrate the Paschal Triduum with us in the Spring.   In addition to being among us a teacher, Fr. Malloy will assist as priest and pastor, by participating in leading worship on the weeks that he is in residence, and providing Pastoral Care.  Fr. Malloy's expanded role in the coming program year is made possible by two unrestricted gifts to our parish budget, and the leadership of a creative and forward-thinking Vestry.

Plan to join us this Sunday, September 15th for a Parish Picnic in Parish Hall immediately following the 10 am service, to celebrate the joys of community, and the change of seasons in our common life.  Burgers, hot dogs, beverages, and dessert will be provided.  Please bring a side dish or salad to share.

We are excited to begin confirmation preparation with grades 7-8.  Confirmation Class will begin this Sunday at 9 am, and will meet weekly in the lounge on the 2nd floor of the Parish Office building.  Your daughter or son is welcomed and encouraged to participate in this program, even if she or he is uncertain about confirmation at this time.  It's normal and healthy to struggle with belief, and we welcome doubters!   In the past, confirmation preparation has been a two-year program at our parish, but we have decided to make it a one-year course, and will offer it annually.   We hope this will be easier for most families, and this will make confirmation preparation an ongoing reality in our community.  For more information or to learn more about the class, please contact Mother Susan at rector@sjotm.org or Debbie Hennel at dhennel@aol.com.

All Sunday School children (Pre-K through 6th Grade) should meet in the chapel at 10am.  After a welcome, song, and prayer, students will move on to the classrooms listed below. 

Classroom Times and Locations:

*  Pre-K/Kdg at 10:00 amClassroom #4

*  Grades 1/2/3 at 10:00 amClassroom #3

*  Grades 4/5/6 at 10:00 amParish House Lounge 

Want to know what Outreach does?  Do you know of a worthy local cause Outreach should consider?   Would you or your children like to volunteer for one of our community service projects or be a member of the Outreach Committee?  Join us at the Annual Picnic this Sunday, September 15th at 11:15 am.   Outreach Committee members will be there to talk about current and future projects and to hear your ideas.

All are welcome on Thursday, September 19th at noon for the Ladies' Luncheon at the home of Jane McKnight, 257 Douglas Road in 

Far Hills.  Bring a sandwich and enjoy reconnecting after the summer; beverages and dessert will be provided.  Please RSVP to Jane at 908-647-6371.  We hope to see you there.

Next Sunday we welcome the Rev. Kenneth Ironside, a retired Presbyterian pastor, and our Rector's Father; Pastor Ironside will be our guest preacher at the 10:00 service.  

 The Treble Choir is open to all boys and girls, grades 2 through 8.  This Choir is open to all parish families and their friends in the community.  They sing with the Parish Choir on the first Sunday of the month during the 10 am Eucharist.  Rehearsals will be on Sundays after the 10 am service in the Choir Room.  The first rehearsal is on September 22nd at 11:15 am.  For more information email Rick Morgan.

Children ages 10 and older (or in the 5th grade) are welcome to become Acolytes, where they will serve at the 10 am Sunday services and other festival services.  The servers, who will assist Mother Susan during the liturgy, will receiving training on all aspects of serving at the altar.   For more information please call Robin McKeon at 908-204-9799.

In celebration of Saint Francis' Day, we will have a service for the Blessing of Animals on the Chapel steps on Sunday, September 29th 

at 1 pm.  All creatures, great and small, are welcome to attend with their owners.

New This Year -  Purchase Art Show Preview Party Tickets Online.

Be the first to preview all of the wonderful art work, while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and wine.  Tickets prices range from $40 to $200. Click here to purchase tickets online for the Preview Party on Friday, Preview Party on Friday, October 18th from 6-9 pm.

Stop by to tidy up the Memorial Garden and surround every Thursday at 4:30 pm.   Giving a little of your time by sweeping, weeding, and such will help to keep this lovely area at its best.  Refreshments provided. For school-aged kids, Community Service hours will be given.