This has been a busy week at Sparta Presbyterian, but of course, they all tend to be. A week ago the women met for an inspirational meeting with Catherine McGrady, who shared her passion for Christ’s mission to the world. She will be living in Africa for a year, and will certainly have many stories when we next see her and hear from her.
Last Thursday we enjoyed a most informative Town Meeting, with Sam Marshall, our Presbyter. He was very helpful in outlining the mission of the Salem Presbytery, as well as the efforts of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Having recently returned from the General Assembly in Minneapolis, he shared with us his observations of the church at large, and the direction of its ministry.
Then yesterday, September 31st, the interim ministers of Salem Presbytery met in Clemmons for a very helpful workshop, led by Dr. Bill Christian. The topic was Congregational Wellbeing, with emphasis on how we honor each other. From the workshop I am inspired to share with our Session a Church Family Strength Profile. I am asking the Session members to plan for a few moments at our September 13th meeting, to grade our congregation. It will be an enlightening exercise.
We can never ignore the gifts our family members bring to this church. I want to thank Barbara Joines for the hours she devoted to the outside flower beds. Barbara has a “green thumb” and no one is better suited for beautifying our church. Thank you! And to Art Ebright, who spent days repairing and replacing the damaged wall in the lower passageway. It was in worse shape than we originally thought, but thanks to Art’s persistence, it is now better than new.
As we move into the Fall Season, we naturally plan for the winter season. It brings to mind the end of the year, the annual meeting in January, and the shift in leadership in the life of the church. Some of you will be asked to serve on the Session. It is a major responsibility, and I ask all of you to prayerfully consider the opportunity. In saying that, I also want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, the service and talents provided by those who have served on the Session for the past few years.
A word about worship! In recent weeks we have been keeping track of our worship attendance. I want to thank Randall Hanes for counting each week. We do not want to become legalistic, but attendance is a barometer, of sorts. Our Presbytery expects us to do this, and so we do it. Our response is to encourage one another to be regular in worship, and in the process to become more child friendly, beginning some sort of Sunday School during the sermon period. Your comments and/or volunteering, will be appreciated.
In the meantime, each one of you is appreciated. As a pastor, I simply want to thank you for your faithfulness. Your love, your commitment and your service are the ingredients for sharing the Gospel of Christ.

Pastor Bob Matthias

What a perfect week for the Alleghany County Fair. Our grandchildren were with us to enter their photos, etc. at the 4-H Building. What excitement to see many children entering fruit, vegetables, artwork and every conceivable homemade item. Hopefully, all of them will receive a ribbon to give them encouragement for life and living.

As I think about it, that is the role of the church, their schools and their homes. How can we best leave all our lessons of life to the next generation? We do it by being the church however we can—by being positive, loving and kind. As we sat in the livestock pavilion, talking with friends and waiting for the horse competition to begin, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that Sarah Leys was THE judge for the horse competition. Of course, she has much experience, but we are still proud of her. She knows horses and knows how they show well.

We will attend the fair daily, and hope all of you will consider doing the same. It is our way of supporting an event that will become bigger and better, only as we make it so. That is how the church thrives as well. This week we have an opportunity talk and listen as Sam Marshall, our General Presbyter, comes for a Town Meeting. We have scheduled it for 7:00 p.m. in the Church. If you have questions about your local church or our national organization, Sam is the one to ask. Plan to be with us.

This Sunday is a fifth Sunday of the month, with the Gospel about the invitations to a wedding banquet. It is much more than etiquette, it is about honor—the honor we bring to our Lord and our faith, and the ultimate honor given to each of us at the resurrection. The theme is: “How We Are Honored!”

Also this Sunday, we are all honored as David and June Piley are formally received as members of Sparta Presbyterian. It is always a joy when our church can become more effective in its ministry through the talents and gifts of new members. We welcome them to our family!

Please keep in prayer our students who have left for college and for their parents who miss them dearly. Next week I will send out addresses so we can all drop a note to them from time to time.

We thank all of you for sharing at the 4th Sunday Potluck. A number of you have been enamored with Anne Mackey’s recipe for Cornbread Layered Salad. She was kind enough to send it to me, and so it is—on to you. Enjoy it, and thank you Anne!

Have a great County Fair Week!

Pastor Bob Matthias

Although last Sunday was an ominous lesson of storm clouds and strife, this Sunday provides a different slant, one of promise and hope. Jesus had to answer his critics with what could be done on the Sabbath. The final sentence of the text puts it all in perspective with the words, “The entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.”
In our life in the church, I try to keep my perspective at viewing all the wonderful things people do in the name of Christ. I especially want to acknowledge the selfless work of Art Ebright, who has been faithful cleaning out mold and mildew and rebuilding a rotten wall in the lower passageway. Art has done many things for the church, not even expecting thanks or praise, but he is always available to do these thankless jobs. Art, I thank you and the whole church thanks you for your commitment.
I also want to thank George White for leading us as the Clerk of Session. No one cares more for his church and its mission than George White. He is a modest man with great commitment to the Presbyterian Church and he cares deeply for all its members. I would like to ask all of you to show your appreciation to George in your own personal way.
Next week there are several important events for your calendars. On Wednesday, August 25th, the Presbyterian Women are meeting at 5:00 p.m. Catherine Mc Grady, a young woman from our church, will be sharing her experiences with Harvest Helpers, a mission venture to Mali, Africa. Women are invited to gather, and to bring a salad to share.
On the very next day, August 26th, our Presbyter, Sam Marshall, will be with us to hold a Town Meeting in the church. Everyone is encouraged to attend to discuss the work and mission of Sparta Presbyterian Church. We honor our Lord by taking an interest in our spiritual home. So, join us in this vital visioning session.
Having said that, I am listening to the mowers of Steve Stolt as they buzz around the back of the church. This is also our physical plant, and we need to take care of it. There are many opportunities to spruce up, i.e. trim bushes, pull weeds and tidy up. In particular, I notice the flowerbeds in the front and at the walnut tree. If any of you are so inclined, make a difference by jumping in.
Our home is a buzz with preparations for the County Fair. This year Matthew is entering a gigantic sunflower and a beautiful photo of his friend, Wells Shoemaker. Lauren has yet to make her choice of entry. I look forward to the celebration of the annual harvest!
In closing, listen to Paul’s words to the Ephesians. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Eph. 6:10-11)

Pastor Bob Matthias