Palestine United Methodist Church celebrated homecoming Aug. 26. The congregation welcomed Ryan Balmer to lead the morning worship service. Balmer used scripture from Ephesians 4:31-32, Luke 6:37 and John 21:15-17 with his message titled “Freedom of Forgiveness… It’s okay to not be okay.”

Immediately following the morning service, a covered dish luncheon was shared in the church fellowship hall.

The week following homecoming, Palestine celebrated revival with the Rev. Dan Joseph speaking each night. The congregation enjoyed messages and special music during the revival services.

On Sept. 2, Pastor Kevin McCormac led the worship service with his message “God’s Goodness.”

McCormac used scripture from Genesis 12:1-20 and 22:1-8. The congregation observed Holy Communion during the service.

The Sept. 9 worship service was led by McCormac. The title of his message was “Who Am I?” and scripture reading came from Exodus 3:1-16.

Senior Citizen Sunday will be observed on Sunday. During the morning worship service, secret congregation members will be honored. A covered dish luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall.

IllumiNATIONS East fall event will be Sept. 28-30. Please let Tom Biby or Hillari Thompson know of any members of the community who need work done around their home or if you would like to volunteer to help on a work site.

Volunteers are needed for children’s church for October. See Joyce Hathcock to volunteer.

The church food pantry is in need of canned vegetables and fruit.

The Love Thy Neighbor ministry of Palestine UMC can be reached at lovethyneighborpumc@gmail.com or call 704-690-4940. Visit www. palestineumc.org for more information about Palestine United Methodist Church.

September Birthdays

1 – Anthony Hathcock, Phillip Whitley; 3 – Tony Hall; 6 – Doug Blalock; 8 – Kinsley Calloway, James Lowder; 11 – Katie Drye; 12 – Susie Bowers; 25 – James Hathcock; 29 – Karisa Forsythe, Debbie Drye.

September Anniversaries

3 – Brent and Leigh Ann Owens; 7 – Karen and David Burgess; 14 – Danny and Wanda Griffin; 22 – Larry and Elaine McCroskey.

Upcoming Events

Sundays – EPIC 4:12 meets at 5 p.m. in the church parsonage.

Sundays – GLOW meets at 5 p.m.

Sept. 16 – Senior Citizen Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Covered dish luncheon to follow in fellowship hall.

Sept. 19 – Love Thy Neighbor group will meet at 7 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

Sept. 22 – Love Thy Neighbor will host BINGO day at Matthew’s Place beginning at 2 p.m. Snacks and prizes are needed. Please see any member of the group for more information.

Sept. 28-30 - IllumiNATIONS weekend. Please see Hillari Thompson or Tom Biby for more information.

Sept. 30 – Palestine UMW Fifth Sunday Luncheon immediately following the morning worship service. Donations accepted for a meal of pot roast, potatoes, corn, green beans, rolls, dessert and beverage.

Oct. 3 – Home Alone meal will be served at 4 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

Oct. 4 – Palestine United Methodist Men will meet at 7 p.m. at Blue Bay Seafood Restaurant.

Oct. 4 – Palestine United Methodist Women will meet at 7 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

Oct. 9 – Palestine Pals group will meet at 11:30 a.m. at Rosebriar Restaurant.

Oct. 10 – PUMC board meeting at 7 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

Community Prayer Concerns

Julie Crisco; Johnsie Herlocker; Robi Cagle’s brother Mike; Amber Johnson and her third grade class; Mason Morton; Mitch Russell; Blanche and Larry Barbee; Dianne Conner’s friends Mike and Teresa; Lewis James; Marry Ann and Robert Brantly; Kevin Helms; Helen Adams; Johnny Hall; Jef Ferris; Nancy and Lanny Cranford; Carroll Flack; Scott and Linda Keeter; Wendell Drye; Sherrill and Betty Drye; Kristie Crayton; Rita Lomax and family; Harry Bost; Maggie Hinson and family; Rodney Armstrong; Tom Luther; Harold Thompson; Jean Thompson; Jody Johnson; Ed Harris; Betty Crisco; Kim Bara; Taylor Bayner; Lucy Helms and family; Robin Helms; Kate Drye; Jed Drye and Richard, Layla and River; Lori Robbins; Jan Furr; Brandon Braley; Jewelia Hutton; Robert Thompson; Jace Kinley; Dennis Baynard; Joey Drye; Mildred Efird; Joyce Hathcock’s mother Lorene; Doris Beverly; Joey Hatley; Robi McSwain; Rick Bean; Lynn Myers; Earl Oakes; Robi Cagle; Ricky and Etta Hopkins; Jeremy Watkins; Patty Hendrex; Burrell Maner’s sister; Darrell and Jane Creed; Tony Hall; Nellie and Leroy Tucker; Linda Fraley and family; Felicia Medlin; Mac Drye; Donovan; family of Keith Drye; family of Grace Hatley; family of Jonathan Morris; family of Kevin Kubacki; family of Rodney Morgan; Nick Rochester; Don Heafner.