OUR MISSION is to love and praise God, love and nurture our church family, and love

and serve our neighbors,

   through worship, prayer, fellowship, education, hands-on work, financial support

    and compassionate care,

     in order to follow Jesus and make known the Kingdom of Heaven.

OUR VISION is to be a grace-filled family of faith sharing Christ’s love with all.

OUR VALUES:

• Glorify God: Glorify and praise God through worship, discipling, sharing faith

and serving with love

• Show Compassion: Compassion expressed as care and concern for all
• Share Hospitality: Inclusive hospitality through welcome, acceptance and fellowship
• Nurture Relationships: Nurture relationships through respect, support and communication
• Steward God's Gifts: Faithful stewardship of all God's gifts

September 28, 2025



"The Soldier's Prayer"

One of the blessings of being a lectionary-based church is the opportunity our sermons give us to explore meaningful psalms and themes. This Sunday, we will focus on Psalm 91, often called the Soldier's Psalm or Soldier's Prayer. Filled with military imagery and assurance of God's divine protection, this psalm has been cherished by members of the armed forces and law enforcement. 

Psalm 91 is especially meaningful for Randall and me because our daughter serves in the United States Navy. We also know we have members whose grown children serve in the armed forces and we hold them in prayer. Sunday's sermon will include a brief exegesis, historical accounts of how Psalm 91 has been used, and a final reflection on how praying Psalm 91 can help us develop a resilient, 'sticky' faith. 

Join us in Worship this Sunday!

Pastor Lisa

Traditional Service at 9:00 am

The Gathering at 11:00 am

Fourth annual Blessing of the Animals Drive-Thru! Saturday, October 4^th, 1 pm to 3 pm

Youth, volunteers and Pastor Lisa will be at the church to pray over your animals. All creatures are welcome! Dogs must be on leashes; cats, birds and reptiles in carriers or cages, and horses, goats, etc., in trailers. Participants drive up to the entrance of the Gathering Place, where people will be stationed to greet you and your pet and pray. Each animal will receive a special laminated prayer and a bag of goodies! 

As we have done in years past, we are taking up an animal food collection for our local no-kill shelters. For more information about the event, email Pastor Lisa at lisa@silverspring.org. If you would like to volunteer day of, please contact her as well.

Peacemaking Offering on October 5th

As we enter the Season of Peace, let us pursue what makes for peace. On Sunday, October 5th, World Communion Sunday, we will collect the Peacemaking Offering that will enable us to help contribute to civic well-being and make an impact for the common good in a variety of sectors within our local communities, our country and beyond. This offering will help ensure a path of peace and well-being for everyone. The PCUSA’s 50% of the offering goes to support the work being done by Presbyterians across the globe. The Carlisle Presbytery will use their 25% of the offering to support peacemaking work in our region. This year our 25% of the offering will go to the Christian Churches United Women’s Shelter to purchase beds. When we all do a little, it adds up to a lot.

In honor of World Communion Sunday, the Worship Committee is inviting you to sign up to bring a food to

share from the country of your heritage. The signup sheet will be in the Gathering Place. Come one, come all to enjoy ethnic foods on Sunday, October 5th between services!

It's Back! The Annual Trunk- or-Treat Event! Boo!



Christian Education is excited to announce our 2025 Halloween Spooktacular, Trunk-or-Treat! This year's event will be on Sunday, October 26th, from 4 pm to 6 pm, in the parking lot beside the gym. There will be candy galore as we welcome our church family and also invite our community into our church family for fun, fellowship and candy! We also want to invite the congregation to come at 3 pm that Sunday and set up your vehicle or a table and decorate it and participate. Candy will be provided, costumes are encouraged! The congregation is invited to help by donating candy to the cause. Look for the large, decorated container in the Gathering Place this Sunday. If you want to donate a bag of candy, make sure that the individual pieces are wrapped, please, meaning no loose jellybeans, for example. Blessings.

Adult Forum and Sunday School

The Adult Forum and Sunday School will meet on Sunday, September 28th. This week we will conclude our study titled "Running with Jesus", by Anne Graham Lotz. We finish our discussion about the life and perseverance of Jesus Christ and how we can be closer to Jesus. This class is for adults from 19 to 99, come and learn, come and discuss!

Youth Church meets this Sunday

Come and join us in Room 112, downstairs with music, for a Christian Education lesson, crafts and games. See the new set up for the room and new portraits painted just for our Sunday School room. Also, get a chance to see our new interactive television which we will use for lessons and games. Parents and grandparents are welcome to attend. This class is for children from starting in 1st grade and above!

Preschool Sunday School this Sunday

We will begin in Room 112 and then separate across the hall. This class is for children under the age of 1st graders. Parents and grandparents are welcome to attend. See you on Sunday!

Intergenerational Choir coming again soon!

The Intergenerational Choir is preparing to start rehearsals again in October with a new Director. We will again practice on Sunday mornings, from 10 am to 10:10 am in Room 112.

Attention Sanctuary Choir Members (and those interested in singing with us!)

We meet on Wednesday evenings for rehearsal at 7:00 pm in the choir room. If you wish to become a member of the choir, you are welcome to attend a rehearsal to learn more about us and/or reach out to Tracy Wieseman at tracy@silverspring.org. Christmas Cantata practices begin Wednesday, October 8, with regular choir rehearsal from 7 pm - 8 pm and cantata rehearsal from 8 - 8:45 pm.

Gathering Video for this Week

This week's Gathering video is from a new contemporary Christian group, The Belonging Company featuring Hope Darst. The song is called "The Mighty Name of Jesus". It talks about the hope we have in Jesus, no fear, just power. The blood of Jesus Christ is on the doorframe on our life, and we do not need to fear the enemy when it comes near. Come and enjoy it at 10:55 pm, before the service or stay after the Benediction and enjoy the encore.

Ushers Needed

If you are looking for a way to volunteer at Silver Spring and you attend the 9am Sunday Service, then you can help by being an usher. We provide directions and you can select the date that works best for you. Please call or email Priscilla to put your name on the Usher Volunteer List. You will be contacted by email with directions and the schedule.  Thank you from the Worship committee.  

Wednesday Afternoon Bible Study meets on October 1st

We meet every Wednesday in the Parlor at 1:00 pm. The group will be studying a book called "The Book of Signs", by Dr. David Jeremiah. This class is for adults from 19 to 99. Come and learn, come and discuss. For any questions, please contact Carolyn Dorward.

Monday Afternoon Bible Study - October 6th

All are invited, come and join this unique study. We meet 1 pm to 3 pm, every other week. We will continue a new study of Revelation as we watch sessions by Reverend Gary Hamrick, from Leesburg, Virginia. Come and learn, come and discuss. This class is for adults from 18 to 99!

Another New Ministry from SSPC Youth: Update!

The SSPC Youth and CORE members have a second new ministry here at SSPC called our Laundry Ministry. A large container is in the Gathering Place for your quarters every time you pass by. When we get about $25 or more in quarters, the youth takes them to a local laundromat and gives them to patrons as outreach and taking our love for each other into our community. We appreciate the congregation's support of our efforts and as always, your prayers.

Young Adults Christian Education Group, the Pathfinders!

CE and young leaders from SSPC started a new group for young adults over 18. We recently held our first Bible study at the church last Saturday, and will continue once a month through December. For information, please contact Ty Headley.

Young Families Christian Education Group

We meet one Sunday a month with young families for lunch and discussion. All interested families can contact Scott Pepperman at puppytrainer52@aol.com or 717-389-5100 for more information.

Storyboard Ministry

The SSPC Youth started a new ministry called the Storyboard Ministry! Here is how it works: The Youth have an easel in the Gathering Place with Post-it notes and markers. Fill out a Post-it note with a prayer request or hope (no names, please) and each Sunday we will collect the requests and pray for them at our CORE meetings. Whatever is on your heart, put it on the storyboard and we will pray for each request.

Wine tasting group

On Friday, September 26 at 4:00, the wine tasting interest group will meet at the Winery at the Long Shot Farm at 1925 McClures Gap Road in Carlisle. It's in a beautiful, quiet country setting and when we were there last year it seemed to be a hit. They will have a table set up for us for our usual appetizers/desserts to share and you can order a flight of wine or a glass of whatever you'd like to try. If you are interested, please sign up on the sheet by the parlor. If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Bell at belljen000@gmail.com.

Fall Faire – Saturday, October 25

4 weeks until the Fall Faire!

•  WHITE ELEPHANT: Items can be brought to the church hallway starting Sunday, October 5. 



**New This Year: Donation Times will be limited to certain hours. Please drop off your boxes, labeled and sorted into categories, (housewares, glass, toys, Christmas) during the following times:

• Sundays from noon – 2:00, starting Oct. 5
• Weekdays from 9:00- 2:00 starting Oct. 7
• Wednesday Evenings from 5:00-7:00 pm starting Oct. 9

NO BOOKS WILL BE ACCEPTED THIS YEAR. NO FRAMED ART. Also, no linens, clothing, suitcases, electronics or large pieces of furniture. We must adhere to these guidelines so the limited number of volunteers can process them. 

•  Fall Fair Boutique: The Gathering Place will be set up like a Boutique.  We will need donations of handmade items, art, stitchery and wood. Finer White elephant treasures will be incorporated with handmade items in enticing displays. Also, a Pantry will be featured where we will sell your homemade jellies, jams and food gift items. Think about getting together with some friends to make pre-packaged soups, small gift baskets of pantry items, spices, sauces, cookie mixes or roasted nuts to package. Small, potted house plants & succulents will be accepted, NO PERENNIALS this year.

•  Christmas Corner: Don’t forget about donating Christmas decorations, decorative items, ornaments, table toppers for our festive Christmas area.

•  Toys: A complete Children’s room will feature all your donated toys, games and play items.

•  Silent Auction: The Silent Auction is an important part of this very festive event and fundraiser for SSPC. As in years' past, we are requesting that each committee provide an item for the Silent Auction, which is held in the Gathering Place. This item can be a basket of goodies ((coffee basket, spa gasket, services basket, etc.), a special service or tickets to a show, a vacation rental, or original artwork by our esteemed artists at SSPC (Greenleaf and Karkuff!) We are asking that the value of the item be anywhere between $25 - $100. We'd like some baskets - items worth around $25, some around $65, some around $100. Artwork, Vacation rentals and services will be priced differently. Please have everything at church by Friday, October 17th with your items in presentation form, and a description and value attached. Early bird bidding will begin after church on Sunday, October 19th. 

•  Food, food, food: Soups, lunch food, sticky buns, apple dumplings, pies, baked goods will all be for sale for eating onsite or take out. We will need donations of baked goods and pies, so sign up!

SIGN UP BOARD - All this will only happen when you volunteer! A large Sign Up Board will be placed in the Gathering Place on Rally Day so you can plan on where you can help out the most.  

We are looking forward a great event providing Family-focused Fun!

Earth Care Fall Tip:

If your garden produced many vegetables, make sure to preserve them for the winter. Canning is a long time favorite for this, but if you do not want to take the time, be sure to freeze the vegetables. Drying them is another alternative and less time consuming. For additional information see: https://earth911.com/home-garden/forever-food-7-ways-to-preserve-your-garden-harvest/

Happy Birthday!

If you are celebrating your special day in October, we wish you a very Happy Birthday!!!

Click HERE for the October birthday list.

Annual Christian Churches United (CCU) Banquet - October 3rd

Join CCU at the Blue Jeans Banquet, their annual United in Love Event. Leave the suit and tie or dress at home and attend in your favorite blue jeans! Our congregation is a member church in CCU, a partnership of churches working together to share Christ's love with those facing homelessness, poverty and incarceration. The event is Friday, October 3rd at 5:30 pm at Harrisburg Area Community College. For more details visit www.ccuhbg.org/bjb.html.

Fall ROAR Mission Trip - Revised

The ROAR mission trip to Asheville, N.C. has been canceled due to a lack of volunteers for that effort.

However, the Mission Committee has scheduled a ROAR at Home mission week for the week of Monday, October 06 through Friday, October 10, 2025. We will work on various maintenance tasks on the church buildings, the church campus, and the Retreat Center. There may also be some off campus projects. The work days will be 8:30 am to 4:00 pm or as the project requires.

This is a good opportunity for those who cannot take a whole week for a mission trip to volunteer for a day or two to help maintain the beautiful buildings and campus SSPC has been blessed with for generations.  If you are interested in being part of the October ROAR At Home Team or need more information please contact Terry Reed at 717-766-2714, tsreed@verizon.net, or see Terry at church.

New Hope Ministries

Needs for September include: Boxed 'Helpers' (hamburger, chicken, tuna), cereal, salad dressing. Donation bins are located by the Chapel. Thank you for your support to this local ministry!

CORE Youth Group

There is Core this Sunday from 4:30 pm - 8 pm. This Sunday the Core Youth are going on a hike! We are meeting at the Core Room at 4:30 PM and going to spend time in nature with one another. After the hike we will go to Al's pizza for some dinner. We will be back at church before 8PM.

Next Saturday, October 4th we have the world famous Blessing of the Animals! From 1PM-3PM. If any youth would be interested in helping out please reach out to Austin Shoop at austin@silverspring.org, or at 717-919-6161. 

Core will meet again on October 5th from 6PM-8PM. There will be a lesson, fellowship, and of course time for games!

Mark your calendar for the Crop Walk coming up on Sunday October 19th. Core has a donation page to raise money to fight local hunger. If you would be so kind as to donate what you can, Austin, and the youth would appreciate it greatly. The link is below.

https://events.crophungerwalk.org/crophungerwalks/team/core-youth-group

CORE is from 6 pm to 8 pm in the CORE room, downstairs at the church in the Preschool on most Sundays. CORE is open to all youth from sixth grade to twelfth grade. CORE is about fellowship, service and Christian Education. Come and join us at our next meeting!

Prayers of healing and comfort:

Forrest Adams, Gail Bumsted, Kris Carpinello's parents, the Arborgasts, Elizabeth Bentzel, Debbie Bitting, Bob Buyers, Betsy Eichelberger, Margaret Glockner, Ron Kutz, Pat Langdon, Jan Larson, Roy McLain, Pat Miller, Bill Moore, Rick Pierce, Ruth Stoll, Nancy Thomas

Prayers for Sympathy: Family of June Duke, Art Glockner for the death of his brother.



Prayers for our Military Members & First Responders: Olivia Chase, Jacob Flenner, Wyatt La Pointe, Justin Ledvina, Josiah Scandle, Chloe Scott


Here is information for Roy McLain:

Roy McLain
c/o Joyce Gustafson

336 Palomino Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601

Joyce's number: 717-201-4860

Husband Bill: 717-201-4820

Thank you

To all of my Silver Spring Family, I want to thank you all for your prayers, cards and words of encouragement following my knee replacement surgery. I feel truly blessed that recovery is going well and attribute it to all of SSPC’s Prayer Warriors.

With gratitude, Bill Moore

GIVING OF YOUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS ELECTRONICALLY:

1- Direct Link to our Website:

https://onrealm.org/silverspring/-/give/now



2- If you’d like the church to set up contributions for you, please complete and return the attached form by clicking here.

For questions, please email Diane Rabold, Business Manager, at dianer@silverspring.org.



Please Note:

To submit information for the weekly announcements, please email Priscilla in the church office by Thursday morning. Please note that we reserve the right to edit articles due to space and can only publish information directly related to church-sponsored events.