Pathfinder

  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.        ...

  In the fall of each year, our church leaders engage in activities to determine new leaders within our boards (Trustees, Deacons, and Elders) and work to create a financial plan for the coming year (Annual Budget). These activities are familiar to me, having been involved in both recruiting open staff positions and leading the preparation and presentation of annual budgets and financial plans for my employer. However, there are some distinct differences in how these activities are conducted and the focus, especially regarding the annual budget. First, let me acknowledge that there are many similarities in the budget process. We determine the financial adjustments needed for various reasons, including inflation and program changes. We also use our revenue (or donations/giving in the case of the church) to guide our expenditure budget. However, the differences are more interesting for us to consider. A couple of differences come to mind. Pastor Bryan reminded our boards of one d...

  How many times have you watched a professional athlete and found yourself in awe of their talent and abilities? Like the baseball slugger whose presence at the plate sets the stadium abuzz in anticipation of a crushing home run. Or maybe it’s that hoopster whose performance on the court is a display of finesse, power and agility. Those accomplishments do not happen by chance but instead are the result of deliberate and intense preparation. Yankee home run champ Roger Maris once said, “You hit home runs not by chance, but by preparation”. Former Chicago Bulls sensation, Michael Jordan, took it a few steps farther, warning, “The minute you get away from fundamentals – whether it's proper technique, work ethic or mental preparation – the bottom can fall out of your game, your schoolwork, your job, whatever you're doing”. Preparation is an essential element in all facets of our lives. Here in the North Country November is our time to prepare for winter. Our farmers harvest ...

  Steeple repair – Trustee Scott Lufkin noted some potential water issues in the steeple area. He flew his drone up and captured images and video closeups of the steeple. The images clearly showed that the weathervane has come loose and has worn a cone shaped hole in the top. Two concerns: the weather vane could come loose and fall, and the shape of wear can allow water to funnel into the peak. Out of an abundance of caution, the trustees decided to look for a steeple jack or similar company to check out and repair the steeple. This was not as easy as we thought. Trustee Joe Lohret (who used to manage a Hydro Plant) gave Mike Rozelle owner of Rozelle crane service a call. Mike came to APC and made a proposal to the trustees to remove the weathervane, cover the hole to prevent further damage and assess rehabilitating the steeple. The crane was here Thursday October 23 rd , watch next month for an update on how it went. Multipurpose room – The main floor nursery is now the multi...

            On September 10, Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University. Charlie Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, a political activist, and a vocal Christian. Charlie was most well-known for his online engagement and his podcast. According to some reports, His memorial service on Sunday (9/21) was viewed by 100 million people. I personally had very little exposure to Charlie Kirk prior to his death. I have never listened to his podcast and I have only watched a handful of his video clips.           Argyle Presbyterian Church is not an outpost for any political party, be it Republican, Democrat or any other. I am not a political pundit. There are certainly people who can talk more knowledgeably and capably about politics than I can. My work as your pastor is in Word, sacrament, and prayer. So, what does the Word have to say to God ’s people in the wake of such a public and impactful deat...

As we enter October, the Session is focused on both the spiritual and practical rhythms of church life. Our September meeting included preparations for the upcoming Presbytery gathering, where our leaders and congregation will engage with regional churches and hear ministry updates from across the Presbytery. We are grateful to our congregation and the volunteers who are preparing our facility and serving during this event. We continue to look ahead to fall worship, Sunday School, Bible studies, and ongoing support for missions and congregational care. These ministries reflect the heart of our church — offering presence, prayer, and service in meaningful ways. In facilities news, the Session approved a transition to AllPro Janitorial Service beginning October 6. We’re grateful for the years of service from our outgoing team and for the Trustees’ continued care of our shared spaces. In light of Pastor Bryan’s reflection this month, we’re reminded that the Church’s witness is not m...

  I always look forward to penning the October installment of this column. The gradual but insistent seasonal change from lush to bare, balmy to chilly, bright to cloudy is a cyclical transition that I find fascinating.   But this environmental change is also a metaphor for and a spiritual heads up that our lives may also experience seasons of change...just not as predictable nor as relatively benign as the climate version. Rather, we as humans may experience changes to our otherwise orderly lives that can present difficulty, challenge, disorder and stress. It is during these times that we, as Christians, need to remain acutely aware that God is controlling and orchestrating these changes and expects us to trust that he has a plan and a purpose for every aspect of our lives. Remaining faithful, and aware of His divine providence, will allow us to let go of the old and embrace new opportunities and growth.      “Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes w...