SEPTEMBER 2015 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 9
The Circuit Rider
Asbury United Methodist Church Newsletter
Serving God in the community for over 150 years
September 2015
OUR STAFF
Dear Friends,
Believe it or not, July 1 began our eighth year in ministry. It is
comforting to look back and remember, exciting to look ahead. Where
is God leading us in this next year and beyond? I trust in God to reveal
the plans for us all in God’s good time. Praise the Lord!
As we look at the year ahead, I’m asking for your help and your input.
The Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee (SPPR) and I would very
much appreciate your constructive feedback to assist us in creating a
professional development plan for my continued ministry at Asbury. I
value your continued support and positive thoughts that you pass
along to me and our leadership team at Asbury. Let’s dig deeper! We
would like your thoughtful feedback in regard to areas of my ministry
that you think I do well, and others that would benefit from further
development, additional attention or time, or specific training.
Your feedback will be a valuable tool for our SPPR and I to continue our
work in ministry. I will not be hurt or insulted by comments that you
share. I will not see individual evaluations as they are submitted.
Members from SPPR, led by Joyce Cannon, chairperson, will collect
your completed evaluations, review them, summarize their findings
and present them to me. We will then establish a plan of action and
set priorities for my continued ministry at Asbury.
You will find a copy of the evaluation in this newsletter. Please
complete it and return it to the mailbox in the side door to the church
office or in the SPPR mailbox in the choir room. You can also complete
the evaluation online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AsburyUnited
Pastor
The Rev. Laura L. Galbraith
Secretary & Newsletter Editor
Melissa Gray
Custodian
Bruce Lauzier
Music Director
Michael Coderre
Organist
Jana Ros
Bell Choir Director
Kristen Russo
Nursery Coordinator
Briana Hoffman
CONTACT INFO
Office: 860-584-0529
Fax: 860-584-0520 (call first)
Parsonage: 860-261-4131
Pastor e-mail:
pastorlaura.g@sbcglobal.net
Secretary e-mail:
asburysecretary@sbcglobal.net
Asbury Web Page:
www.asburyumcforestville.com
Thank you for your attention and help with this project!
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90 Church Avenue, Forestville, CT 06010 | 860-584-0529 | www.asburyumcforestville.com
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S E PJTUELMYB W
ER
O RWSOHRI P
S HAI SP SAI S
S TS A
I SNTTASN T S
September 6
Altar Guild
G U SGeriTBeveridge
S E R V I N G Kelly
S CAmadio
HEDULE
10:00 a..m.
Worship Leader
Greeters ............................
Fellowship Hour .................
Altar Flowers .....................
TBD
Geri & Carli Beveridge
Mike & Donna Motyl
September 13
Worship Leader 10:00 a..m.
Greeters ............................
Fellowship Hour .................
Altar Flowers
Pat Sallstrom
Soup Kitchen
Amy Majors
TBD
Education
Betty Topalian
Seniors
8:30 a.m. Worship Leader
Carl Aspland, Donna Motyl, Mike Motyl,
September 20
Worship Leader 10:00 a..m.
Greeters ............................
Fellowship Hour .................
Altar Flowers .....................
Birthday Caller
Ushers
Jim Taylor
TBD
TBD
Chris Wright
Wayne Fuller, Bonnie Emery, Dennis Floyd, Don
Mazerolle, Dick Peterson, Roy DiYulio
September 27
Worship Leaders 10:00 a.m.
Greeters ............................
Fellowship Hour .................
Altar Flowers .....................
Heidi Borkowski
TBD
Heidi Borkowski & Gardner Wright
Geri Beveridge, Ann Morin
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
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Marilyn
G UCarol
S Nye
T SERVING
H EMayD U L E
Terry Plantamuro
Dale Wadowski
Jesse Trafton
Wilda Gibson
Melissa Wojcik
Melissa Buonafede
Jared Linn
Vickie Jose
Logan Segui
Carl Aspland
Sherri Fletcher
Caroline Ranucci
Norma West
Carolyn Michaud
Faith Lockhart
Donald Mazerolle
Arthur Rindfleisch
Matthew Mauriello
Jeffery Deprey
Jamie Garcia
Julio Gomez
Connor Sivers
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Wayne Nye
Avery Ranucci
Roger Vose
Brianna Denski
Donna Frank
Joe Lowrey
Cameron Gray
Dale Avery
Heather Boucher
Anna Clevenger
Lu Maringola
Tyler Holcomb
Jennifer Spirito
Alyssa May
Bradley Gray
Nathan Johnson
Brandon Labadia
Dylan Whillock
Gregory Johanns
Denise Krom
Laura McBaine
Tyler Bajjo
Tyler Cannon
Brian Hagan
The deadline for the October
Circuit Rider is
Sunday, September 13th.
Please leave all articles in the
mailbox
in the church office or
e-mail them to:
asburysecretary@sbcglobal.net
________________________
We are looking for individuals
and families to greet on Sunday
mornings before the 9:00 am
worship service. We are also in
need of Coffee Hour Hosts and
Hostesses after the worship
service.
Please use the sign-up sheets
on the bulletin board in Wesley
Hall and help us continue this
ministry.
In Our Thoughts and Prayers…
Dena Devino, Edie Nelson, David & Barbara Wheeler, Paul Tibbitts, Pat
Sallstrom, Tom Myers, Sr., Sally Petit, Bonnie Maskery, Carl Aspland,
Elsie Lyons, Edward Coloske, and others who have needs of which we
may not be aware.
If you wish to be listed in the bulletin and newsletter for prayers, please call the
church office at 860-584-0529 or e-mail us at: asburysecretary@sbcglobal.net.
If you wish to relate prayer needs to the prayer chain, please call Phyllis Petit at
860-589-6059 or Mernie Whitcomb at 860-583-5373, or e-mail Pastor Laura at
pastorlaura.g@sbcglobal.net. Please keep your call brief, and be aware of the
privacy rights of the person(s) for whom you are requesting prayers.
On May 31st, five young adults were confirmed into
the Asbury family: Zachary Butler, Mika Coderre,
Jonathan Pierce, William Pierce, Dylan Whillock.
Susan Burton passed away on May 23, 2015 A
funeral service was held on May 28, 2015 at O’Brien
Funeral Home.
Asbury member, Lucille Hamel, passed away on
June 5, 2015. A celebration of Lucille’s life was held
at Asbury on June 13, 2015.
Xabier Aramburu Bechert was baptized on July 26th
at Asbury. His parents are Jon Aramburu and Molly
Bechert. His grandparents are Bill and Kim Bechert,
and his great grandmother is Marilyn Bechert.
Kensi Jane Staggers was baptized at Asbury on
August 23rd. His parents are Christian and Aimee
Staggers. His big brother is Landon. They make
their home in Forestville.
Asbury member, Shirley Nelson, passed away on
June 8, 2015. A funeral service was held at Asbury
on June 11, 2015
Merry Elizabeth Fray passed away on July 30, 2015.
A funeral service was held on August 7, 2015 at
O’Brien Funeral Home.
William Buckley passed away on August 15, 2015.
A celebration of William’s life was held on August 22,
2015 at St. Joseph Cemetery.
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90 Church Avenue, Forestville, CT 06010 | 860-584-0529 | www.asburyumcforestville.com
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Thank you from Asbury Members
Dear Asbury Parishioners,
Thank you for your concerns and prayers while
my mom, Betty, had foot surgery. Thank you also
for visiting her at the rehab facility. She was
delighted to have visitors.
May God bless you all,
Donna Szydlo
Dear Asbury,
Just a note to thank you for the Teddy Bear
Ministry. My granddaughter gave me a white
bear after my eye surgery. He sits on my bed.
Keep up the good work
Blessings,
Mary Barker
Thank you to the Trustees
Dear Asbury,
I would like to extend to you my sincerest thanks
for awarding me an Academic Scholarship. This
money from the Trustees of Asbury UMC will come
in very helpful as I head to college in the Fall.
Sincerely,
Emma Avery
Asbury UMC Board of Trustees and Congregation,
Thank you so much for your gift of the
scholarship. It was greatly appreciated. As I get
ready to leave for school, it has greatly helped me
in purchasing my books for the semester. Again,
thank you for your kindness and support that I have
received throughout the years at Asbury. It truly
means a lot.
Thank you,
Michaela Amadio
Asbury Scholarship Committee,
Thank you for awarding me an Asbury
Scholarship. I plan to apply the money to the
tuition at Roger Williams University. This is a big
help towards college expenses. Your generosity is
greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Melissa Buonafede
Dear Asbury,
Thank you to everyone for their cards and
prayers during my recent surgery. They certainly
helped a great deal as I am doing great and hope
to be back in church very soon. Thank you again.
God bless you all,
Sally Petit
Dear Asbury,
Our heartfelt thanks to Pastor Laura and all of
you who offered prayers on behalf of our
daughter-in-law, Lisa Peterson, as she went
through the very intricate removal of a cancerous
tumor at Dartmouth Medical Center. She is happy
to be at home now, hurting, but feeling ever so
thankful for God’s grace in her life.
She may soon be scheduled for chemo treatment
as a precautionary measure. But in the meantime,
husband Rick, Lisa and their four children give
prayers of thanks, as we do, too.
Dick & Claudia Peterson
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To the Trustees and members of Asbury,
Thank you for awarding me an Academic
Scholarship. I will be using the money to purchase
some very expensive books for my last semester at
Tunxis.
Sincerely,
Bradley Gray
Asbury UMC,
I would like to take the time to thank you for the
academic scholarship. I could not be more
appreciative. I will use this money towards paying
for books and also my tuition. Once again, thank
you!
Sincerely,
Kerri Guglietta
Thank you letters were also received
…from Girl Scout Troop 66554 for the use of
Asbury for their meetings
…from Church World Service for the monetary
donations from offerings taken for the Blankets
Program and the Tools of Hope Program..
Welcome to our new Sunday school study program for our classes K – 5 called Holy Moly.
It is a fresh and fun look at the Old Testament.
RALLY
DAY
Sunday, September 13th
at 10:00 a.m.
All Church Pot Luck Picnic
immediately following the
10:00 am Worship Service
on September 13th.
Bring a dish to share
and your own lawn chairs.
And Bring A Friend!
Our older classes will use the Echo program with creative stories the students can relate to
and which encourages dialogue and creating their own stories.
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90 Church Avenue, Forestville, CT 06010 | 860-584-0529 | www.asburyumcforestville.com
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FELLOWSHIP
Save The Date
September 1
@ 5 pm - Wendy’s Fundraiser
September 6
Last Summer Sunday Worship
Service
No Sunday School
September 7
Office Closed For Labor Day
Sent by Audrey Kasakowski
A single guy decided life would be
more fun if he had a pet. So he went
to the pet store and told the owner
that he wanted to buy an unusual
pet. After some discussion, he finally
bought a talking centipede, (100legged bug), which came in a little
white box to use for his house.
He took the box back home, found a
good spot for the box, and decided
he would start off by taking his new
pet to church with him. So he asked
the centipede in the box, "Would you
like to go to church with me today?
We will have a good time." But there
was no answer from his new pet.
again, "How about going to church
with me and receive blessings?" But
again, there was no answer from his
new friend and pet. So he waited a
few minutes more, thinking about
the situation.
The guy decided to invite the
centipede one last time. This time he
put his face up against the
centipede's house and shouted,
“Hey, in there! Would you like to go
to church with me and learn about
God?"
This time, a little voice came out of
the box, "I heard you the first time!
I'm putting my shoes on!"
This bothered him a bit, but he
waited a few minutes and then asked
Sunday, September 13th
Early Service at 8:30 a.m.
Second Service at 10:00 a.m.
Sunday School at 10:00 a.m.
Nursery Care is available during the
both services.
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September 13
Circuit Rider Deadline
@ 10 am – Rally Day
@ 11 am – All Church Picnic
September 14
@ 5:30 pm – Church Council
September 26
@ 5:00 pm – Chicken BBQ
September 30
@ 6 – 8:30 pm – Disciple II
October 6
@ 5 pm - Wendy’s Fundraiser
COMING THIS FALL…
Disciple II to the Asbury Library near you.
Beginning on Wednesday September 30th, a new Disciple class will be starting. This 32week study offers a deeper look into Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts, highlighting the
rhythm of coming to God and going for God, approaching all of life as opportunities for
faithful witness and service.
The class will be from 6-8:30 PM. on Wednesday evenings. Please see Bill King for more
info and to sign up for the class. There is also a sign-up sheet in Wesley Hall. You can
also reach him at bhjbking@yahoo.com or 860-518-6987.
Plainville United Methodist Church
Peach Shortcake Festival
56 Redstone Hill, Plainville, CT
Friday, September 4th 10 am to 4 pm
Donation: $4.00
Delivery Available for orders of
10 or more
Pick up orders or eat in at the church
Contact Greg Michaud 860-793-9590
or church office 860-747-2328
Join us at Wendy’s of Bristol
on 1247 Farmington Ave.
Tuesday, September 1
Tuesday, October 6
from 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Stay and enjoy fellowship or get
take out. Ask to have your
receipt put in the Asbury UMC
basket! We receive 20% of all
sales made! Proceeds are split
between apportionments and the
Backpack Program.
.
Williamson Painting
that Hung on the old Organ
Our Historian, Karren Grayson is
looking for any pictures of the
painting that was hung on the old
organ.
According to a letter dated June 1,
1951, in the historian’s files, the
painting “interferes with its full tonal
functions and its continued presence
there can prove detrimental to the
organ itself”. It was recommended
that it be taken down and returned
to the artist and donor of the
painting, Mrs. Harry Williamson.
If you have a photograph of the
painting or any information on it,
please contact Karren at 860-2614533.
Crochet and craft classes will start
again on September 22nd at 9am.
All are welcome! From beginner to
advance crafters, come and enjoy
working on projects together. Most
supplies are provided. Our first
projects will be for the Yankee
Peddlar Fair. For more information
call Pat Sallstrom 860 261 4148.
Can You Help?
The group Stitching for Shelters &
Interfaith Stitchers is in need of
supplies and talent. This group
makes and donates many items to
many in need in Bristol. The clients
of Meals For The Needy benefit
greatly from their generosity. Items
they make are hats, scarves,
mittens, small quilts and tote bags.
They are in need of yarn for the
hats, scarves and mittens and
material for the small quilts and tote
bags. Also, if you crochet or knit or
sew and have some free time, they
would love to have you work with
them. If you have items to donate
or time to help, please contact
Cheryl Yetke at 860-589-7744 or by
email at: c.yetke@hotmail.com
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90 Church Avenue, Forestville, CT 06010 | 860-584-0529 | www.asburyumcforestville.com
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Yesterdays at Asbury
September 25, 1873
The Methodist Society purpose to have cushions for all the seats at
church.
Karren Grayson, Asbury’s Historian
will be publishing each month in the
newsletter a series entitled,
“Yesterdays at Asbury”. It is a
recollection of our history from the
Bristol Press and the Bristol Library.
The information was first collected as
part of the 125th Anniversary
celebration.
The information is courtesy of the
Bristol Press and the Public Library.
It is reproduced as it was originally
presented.
Rev. A.M. Allen, formerly of this place, and builder of the church, died
in New Britain last Saturday and was buried Tuesday afternoon.
Rev, C.H. Buck of New Haven officiated. Many from this place
attended the funeral. He was a graduate of the Biblical Institute at
Concord, N.H. He was a true Christian – a zealous hard-working
man, and built five Methodist Churches in his day. Such selfsacrificing men are seldom appreciated in life; but after death their
loss is felt. “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
September 25, 1879
If you have…any pictures or
A temperance lecture at the church by the Rev. Mr. Mains of Bristol
was advertised to come off Tuesday evening, but for some reason
the speaker failed to put in an appearance.
documents from Asbury’s past,
please contact Karren Grayson.
September 15, 1904
The Rev. and Mrs. Calvin B. Ford of Milford will celebrate the fiftieth
anniversary of their marriage today, September 15th. This village was
display cases and boards in the
Bro. Ford’s first charge, and he preached his first sermon here
Narthex. Karren changes them
Sunday, June 23, 1854. He was a student of Wesleyan University at
frequently, and are a wonderful way
that time. At the request of the people he labored with them during
to connect with the past.
the winter, and the next conference year returned here as their
conference preacher, and with his bride, boarded at the home of the
late Edwin Bunnell. The church was organized with 15 members. In pleasant weather during the summer the grove
south of E.N. Welch’s house was used, and stormy Sundays the services were held in the hall over Deming’s store. It
was a very hard year, as about every firm in the place failed. (Deming’s Store, in later years became Steve’s
Package store- it stood on the corner of Stafford and Washington; it was torn down in order to straighten the roadway)
Deming’s store also served as a meeting place for the Swedish congregation prior to the building of their church.
Don’t forget…To check out the
September 29, 1904
Mr. W.E. Sessions gave a very interesting address on his trip through England and Scotland to a large audience in
the Forestville Methodist Episcopal Church on Tuesday evening, and exhibited many pictures representing scenes
visited. Rev. J.T. Hamilton presided and introduced the speaker. During the evening selections were sung by Mrs.
Henry Ashton, Mrs. Roscoe Hotchkiss, Mrs. George Angerbower and Miss Alice Carpenter.
September 6, 1929
The Asbury M.E. Church School picnic will be held tomorrow at the Camp Ground. All those planning to attend are
asked to bring their own lunch. The Church School committee will furnish only the lemonade and ice cream.
September 17, 1929
It is planned to resume the Church Calendar on a subscription basis. If a sufficient number of adherents are
interested enough to subscribe, the calendar will be secured again. The pastor is taking the names of subscribers.
September 21, 1954
The newly elected officers of the Woman’s Society of Christian Service Auxiliary were installed at a candlelight
ceremony last evening at Asbury Methodist Church. They were: Miss Ethel Manchester, president; Mrs. Merlin
Andrews, vice-president; Mrs. Richard Bough, secretary; and Mrs. Arthur Groth, treasurer.
Mrs. C. Vaughn Annis led the devotional service after which there was a social hour with Mrs. Jack McCabe in
charge, assisted by Mrs. Robert Cleveland and Mrs. Wilber Roys.
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Are You Ready? Is this the year when you finally…
Lace up your sneakers and join us every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 – 6:30 pm for an
hour of feeling better, stronger and healthier? This fitness class has been running almost
consecutively for 15 years and taught by the same certified fitness instructor, Linda Stein,
CPT.
The class progresses according to the needs of the group. At the very least you will feel
stronger and sleep better. At the most, you may lose weight and get healthier. Mostly, this
class will help you make small changes that will lead to a lifetime of improved health. Unlike
typical 6 or 8 week programs, this class will help you turn exercise into a lifestyle change.
The class is a total body workout, using light weights, resistance bands, and chairs.
Personal yoga mats are required.
Classes are held at Asbury on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. beginning on
September 15th. There is a fee of $5.00 per class. For more information, please contact
Linda Stein at: ljstein6@gmail.com
CHICKEN BARBEQUE
September 26, 2015 From 5 – 7 p.m.
SEPTEMBER
God’s Wise Word
Proceeds will provide weekend food for children in need in the Bristol School System
through The Back Pack Program


Tickets will go on sale September 6th after worship service in Wesley Hall
Limited number of tickets will be available in the church office.
Adults $12.00, Children 12 and under $5.00, Children under 3 Free
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Menu: Chicken BBQ, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, Corn Bread, Three Bean Salad,
Lemonade, Iced Tea, Dessert
There will be tables inside as well as outside for your dining enjoyment. Feel free to bring
your lawn chair, and/or fire pit for a relaxing evening after dinner, sitting outside enjoying
each other’s company.
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Your donations of desserts would be greatly appreciated. We are also looking for glass
salad dressing bottles or canning jars. Please contact Karren Grayson at 860-261-4533 for
more information.
Yankee Peddlar Fair turns 95 this year!
It's never too early to start talking about our largest fund raiser, Asbury's Yankee Peddlar Fair.
There will be much to do, and many hands are needed to help with the success once again
this year. Currently we are looking for the following items to be donated:
Cookie Jar Room: Measuring cups/spoons, Cookie jars, Baking pans, rolling pins, whisks,
wooden spoons
We are also looking for Grandma's Attic type items, all things "Kitcheny/Bakery" as well as
small wooden crates.
There are many ways to get involved with our fair, so please consider contacting anyone from
the YPF committee members listed.
Stacey Rich - Peddlar's Grille
Pat Sallstrom - Ye Old Craft Shop & Decorating Committee
Heidi Borkowski & Gardner Wright - Auctioneer Gallery & Apple Pies
JoAnn Bacon & Wanda Nestico - Country Bakery
Amy Majors - Cookie Jar
Karren Grayson - Soup Kettle
Debbie Bechert - Apple Fritters
Geri Beveridge - Decorating, Vendors/Artisan, Set Up, Clean Up, Vendor service, Advertising
Dave Barry & Wayne Bacon - Cemetery boxes
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ForCTan06010
application
for a booth, please
call the church office.
90 Church Avenue, Forestville,
| 860-584-0529
| www.asburyumcforestville.com
9
ASBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER
Worship Services at 8:30 and 10:00 AM Fellowship Hour at 11:00 AM
Sunday
6 Communion, Dial A
Prayer Collection, No
Sunday School
Monday
7
Office Closed
Labor Day
9:00 AM Last Summer Worship
Servide
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
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2
3
5:00 PM Wendy’s
6:00 PM Girl Scouts 10:15 AM Seniors
6:00 PM Stephen
Ministry
6:30 PM Tai Chi
Saturday
4
5
11
12
6:00 PM TOPS
8:00 PM AA
7:30 PM Chancel
Choir
8
9
3:30 PM Soup
Kitchen
6:00 PM Girl Scouts 6:00 PM TOPS
8:00 PM AA
Friday
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8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Civic Fundraiser
In Wesley Hall
6:30 PM Tai Chi
7:30 PM Chancel
Choir
3:00 pm - Wedding
13 Rally Day, Return to
Regular Worship Hours
9:00 AM Adult Sunday School
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5:30 PM Church
Council
5:00 PM Exercise
Class
7:30 PM NA
6:00 PM Stephen
Ministry
6:00 PM Girl Scouts 9:00 AM Bible Study 6:00 PM Girl Scouts 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
TOPS in Wesley
6:30 PM Tai Chi
10:15 AM Seniors
Hall
7:30 PM Chancel
5:00 PM Exercise
Choir
Class
6:00 pm – Bell Choir
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6:00 PM TOPS
11:00 AM Pot Luck Picnic
6:30 PM Boy Scouts
8:00 PM AA
Circuit Rider Deadline
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21
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9:00 AM Adult Sunday School
7:00 pm – American 9:00 AM Crochet
Class
Legion
5:00 PM Exercise
Class
7:30 PM NA
6:00 pm – Bell Choir
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9:00 AM Adult Sunday School
7:30 PM NA
6:30 PM Tai Chi
10:15 AM Seniors
7:30 PM Chancel
Choir
5:00 PM Exercise
Class
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5:00 – 7:00 pm
Chicken BBQ
6:00 PM TOPS
6:30 PM Boy Scouts
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9:00 AM Crochet
Class
6:00 PM Disciple II
9:00 AM Bible Study 6:00 PM Girl Scouts
6:00 PM Girl Scouts 10:15 AM Seniors
5:00 PM Exercise
Class
6:30 PM Tai Chi
6:00 pm – Bell
Choir
7:30 PM Chancel
Choir
5:00 PM Exercise
Class
6:00 PM TOPS
6:30 PM Boy Scouts
8:00 PM AA
10
25
6:00 PM Girl Scouts 9:00 AM Bible Study 6:00 PM Girl Scouts
8:00 PM AA
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