Pathfinder

  Much to my parents' chagrin, mostly my mom's, I was always curious and highly inquisitive about things that presented a challenge to my knowledge and imagination. That said in introduction, I have remained that person who wants to know more when a concept or a particular subject nudges my curiosity. Saint Valentine is one such subject so I went looking. Turns out, “yes Virginia, there really was a Saint Valentine”... and he was Italian! More accurately he was an Italian doctor who later became a Catholic priest in third century Rome and, as a collateral effect of his ministry, inadvertently inspired the inception of what became known as Valentine's Day. According to author Whitney Hopler, communications director at the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being at George Mason University, “Saint Valentine is the patron saint of love. Believers say God worked through his life to perform miracles and teach people how to recognize and experience true love.” Valentine f...

  Trustees serving in 2025 were Ken Bain, Mark Boyce, Jordan Tuttle, Joe Lohret, Scott Burnham, Scott Lufkin, Guy Wilson, Jim Stott and Lou Hoffis. In 2026, we welcome Duane Flower and Brian Burch to the team. We would like to thank Ken Bain and Jordan Tuttle for their service as they rotate off the board. We are very fortunate to have people who like to do things that others don’t find appealing. Here our friend, Mark Wohlleben, helps us to keep bees, mice, and bats in check. Our friend Barry Karhan takes care of all of the cardboard recycling. The friends of the trustees, “Kitchen committee” and various “Trustee emeriti” continue to keep stuff stocked, stored, uncluttered, and clean. In the coming weeks we hope to have a couple of aged and broken toilets replaced.

  This past fall was a blur. It is hard to believe that we are already putting out the welcome mat for 2026. I am so grateful for all those who taught our Sunday school classes this fall and those of you who started Bible studies this year or joined Bible studies for the first time. It is obvious that the Lord is doing something in our community and I am so grateful to partner with you in that work.           Laurie McWhorter and Lou Hoffis did a wonderful job connecting with women and men in our congregation. I am amazed at all the creative ways the women found to come together and encourage each other in the Lord this year. In 2026, Laurie is stepping down from her role as Women ’s Ministry Coordinator. I am very grateful for how she hit the ground running with this position and continued to encourage the women in our church in all the things that they felt called to do. When Lou and Laurie and I got together, I invited them, not to ...

  As we look to the year ahead, we give thanks to the Lord for raising up women and men to serve His church. We also want to express our gratitude to the nominating committee for their faithful work in discerning and presenting the following nominations for congregational leadership: Session (Elders): Bob Black, Jereme Randles Deacons: Judy Liddle, Kate Griffin, Linda Burch Trustees: Brian Burch, Duane Flower Please join us in praying for these brothers and sisters as they prepare to step into their responsibilities. Leadership in Christ’s church is a joyful calling and a weighty stewardship. Let’s surround them with encouragement, practical help, and steady prayer. How You Can Pray ·       Wisdom & Discernment: That the Lord would give clear minds and unified hearts as they make decisions for the good of the congregation. ·       Servant Hearts: That each leader would reflect Christ’s humility and love in every...

  As a direct result of having been designated to pen this article each month, I have a distinctly unique observational perspective on the activities of the church's various groups, and the participation of its congregants, in pursuit of our goal of “making disciples who make a difference”. Within that context, I am ever impressed with the selfless enthusiasm of our members to give generously and willingly to the Deacons' and other groups' various charitable endeavors. According to the website “Bible Study Tools”, when the Apostle Paul penned the Book of Romans in roughly AD 56 or 57, his primary theme was “God's plan of salvation and righteousness for all humankind”. In chapter 12, Verse 13 of that book he wrote: “Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” As we enter a new year, it is admirable that as a church this is what we do! On the 7 th of December the Deacons turned McLean Hall into a welcome station for over 170 visitors who ...

  Someone recently made the comment that I look tired. That may be because of poor sleep in recent weeks. But in all likelihood, it is just that there are a number of hard, sad situations in the life of our church right now. It is a privilege to be your pastor and be present with you through these difficult seasons. Praying with Jesus for you all is a sweet calling. But this seems to be a common occurrence as we approach the end of the year and the season of Advent; more sadness, more darkness.           Advent is the season in the liturgical calendar that begins the year. It is time between times. We approach the birth of Christ in a manger while anticipating the return of Christ (what we frequently refer to as his second coming). And it is in this season that the church lives its life. Fleming Rutledge writes, “Advent is the season that, when properly understood, does not flinch from the darkness that stalks us all in this world. Adv...

  Steeple repair – Rozzell crane service helped us remove the weathervane and capped off the peak preventing water intrusion. We were able to complete this task safely and in half the expected time. November work day – Thanks to all who helped on our work day. We were able to button up the building and put finishing touches on a lot of tasks thanks to the help of a great crew of women and men. Water leak at Yellow house – Ellen brought it to our attention that the yellow house water bill seemed extremely high. When you think about it, there should be little or no water usage since its rarely occupied. The Trustees contacted the Argyle water commissioner and we investigated. The meter is working fine, but we determined that the upstairs toilet must have been leaking. We adjusted the water level and plan to replace the toilet with a more modern and efficient fixture. Heating Zones conservation - As we said last month we use environmental controls and isolation to manage our...

  We Deacons would like you to keep a few dates in mind, working our way up to Christmas, starting with the Annual Argyle “Country Christmas” on December 7 th . Once again APC will be a welcoming stop on the hay wagon circuit offering snacks and beverages to visitors as well as family activities like decorating cookies, craft projects and singing carols with our choir. We will also offer an informative tour of the church. On December 14 th we will run a fund raiser with a twist on our successful Hawaiian shirt event by hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Wear your ugliest sweater for bragging rights and add a donation. And finally: Calling All Bakers...on December 21 st we will be accumulating your cookies to prepare trays to deliver to our Friends at Home as well as the Fire Department, DPW, and Rescue Squad. Please leave them in the kitchen marked “deacons”. The Deacons wish you all the most blessed holiday season and a Merry Christmas. The Lord your God in your mids...

  A few times throughout the year, the elders, deacons, and trustees take the time to meet together. This is important for our church because we want our leadership team working together and we want to have a common culture across the church.           During our October meeting we celebrated those who are cycling off our boards. When you are elected for one of these positions, you are elected for a 3-year term, with a good chance that you will be invited to serve for a second term.           Ellen Fullerton and Ray Steidle are cycling off the session after serving for 6 years each. They both came on session shortly after Steve and Kim moved to Texas. It is hard to believe that 6 years have passed. They both had the privilege of serving during some unfamiliar waters (pastoral transition and COVID) and I am grateful for their steady leadership.        ...