Esther Pennington, 291-2629
High Bridge celebrated its 255th anniversary with at least 200 in attendance. Dr. Tom Camden gave a presentation about the early history of the church and the surrounding area and small town called Springfield on Saturday. Also taking part in the service on Sunday were Aaron Black, Hattie Myers, Scott Hannah, and John McCoy. There was a catered meal on the lawn after the service. Betsy Shepard and Gayle Tolley were presented with a bouquet of roses for all their months of hard work to organize this celebration. Former pastor Glenn Coleman and wife Cynthia attended on Saturday. There were many other former members of the church that we were so happy to see!
The four Sundays leading up to our anniversary celebration, Dwinnie Shafer had children providing the children’s sermon. Two weeks ago, our children’s message was a letter by Bryant Reid to the church titled “a letter from a dear member by Bryant Reid.” It was read by Josee Armentrout, and Harley Armentrout read selected scriptures. This past Sunday, Esther Pennington was featured and answered the pastor’s questions about church and Sunday school when she was small. She also talked about her experiences teaching children’s Sunday school as an adult.
New and returning college students from High Bridge are Nicole Black (Mary Baldwin University), Miller Jay (Blue Ridge Community College), Peyton Jay (Purdue Global), Katherine Lotts (Old Dominion University), Andrew McCoy (Campbell University), Addie Suter (Virginia Western Community College), Cole Tackett (Mountain Gateway Community College), Lee Vest (Virginia Western Community College), Jackson White (MGCC).
Today the men’s bible study meets downstairs in the fellowship hall at 5:30.
Oct. 5 is Communion Sunday and there will be a short congregational meeting after church to nominate deacons and elders for the class of 2028.
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, the evening circle meets with Marie DeVito at 6 p.m. Bible lesson will be led by Ruth Ann Parsons.
The afternoon circle meets Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. with Connie Powell.
Sympathy is extended to the family of Kay Ginger of Stoner Hollow. She passed away on Sept. 20 and her funeral was on the 25th at Harrison’s. She was a member of the class of 1953 at Natural Bridge High School.
The Presbyterian Women’s third quarter mission is the Natural Bridge Elementary School clothes closet. Needed clothing includes underwear, shorts, pants (no jeans), and tennis shoes sized 11-4. Items can be left with Betsy Shepard or dropped off in the narthex.
The Natural Bridge Food Pantry will open promptly at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, and close at 11 a.m. We ask that our supporting churches and friends to donate dried beans and rice.
