Pathfinder

  When we gathered as a session at the end of April, we began with prayer and spent time reflecting on what it looks like to be a healthy church. In our study of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship , the authors keep emphasizing: if a church is going to be a place where people can be honest about their lives, that kind of vulnerability has to be modeled by its leaders. It isn’t something we can ask for if we aren’t willing to live it ourselves. We then moved into the sanctuary and took time to pray. We walked through the room, pausing in different places and praying for people where they sit each Sunday. For me, that was a needed moment. I realized I mostly sit in the front corner. And while I recognize faces and I know names, I don’t always know which names belong to which faces—especially those behind me. In that moment, I was able to more effectively pray for those who sit in proximity to where I normally sit. It was a simple reminder that being the church means we move toward ...

  You have to admit that Mother Nature has a sense of humor. I find her teasing us with the thought of Spring actually happening this year kind of comical. Sometimes things that have always been a certain, predictable way can suddenly, and without warning, change their pattern and in the process, ours also! Almost makes you want to look up into the sky and shout, “C'mon!” even though you know that is nothing more than a futile exercise. When things are out of our control, there are other options. We don't have to solve every problem. We just have to recognize it as a problem and rely on our faith and belief in God to figure out how to deal with it. Most times the best action is none; the recommended approach, patience! Lao Tzu, a Chinese philosopher during the 6 th century BC, wrote, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished”. While we're waiting on her to sashay her way into full Spring, always remember that the Deacons are present and working on behalf...

  We had a great spring workday on May 2. The trustee workdays wouldn’t be complete without an “all hands” effort. Folks from the congregation came in and did jobs to get us ready to open up the building for the warmer season. Brian Burch put a new railing on fence at the Barkley Ave parking lot, removed brush, and trimmed trees. Jordon Dennis did a great Spring clean-up; we are blessed to have him as our groundskeeper! Jim Stott and Joe Lohret’s toilet repair at the “Yellow house” proved to be successful. When we received our water bill, the water usage was dramatically reduced from over 3600 cubic ft to less than 50. Thanks Jim and Joe. We found a contractor that is willing to help us with the new kitchen hood inspection (mandated from the county fire inspection). This normally would cost around $800 a year but we were fortunate to get a reduced rate. You might see the sticker on the side of the hood; it must remain there. We applied for and received an ongoing donation of paper ...

  Shepherds & Servants: How Christ Orders His Church At our February Session meeting we revisited Scripture’s teaching on the two biblical offices— Elders and Deacons —and why they matter for the health of our church. Elders are called to spiritual oversight: prayer, teaching, and shepherding the flock with character and maturity. Deacons lead us in practical mercy: meeting needs with hands‑on care and encouraging generous service. Together, these roles help us follow Jesus with both wisdom and compassion . We also celebrated a joyful moment: Session approved believers’ baptism for Sam and Jonah Seeger . Please join us in praying for them as they publicly profess faith in Christ and for all who are exploring the gospel in this season. Two simple ways to help the body right now: we’re praying for a Children’s Ministry Coordinator and a few additions to the music team (a drummer and a bass guitarist would be a gift). If the Lord is nudging you—or if you’d like to learn...

  With the cooperation of the USPS, most of you will more than likely have this month's Pathfinder in hand prior to Easter Sunday. I'll take that timetable and use it to wish you all a somewhat early, blessed Easter! Acknowledgment that Christ willingly gave up his life for us in a brutal and painful manner; and then, a mere three days later, resurrected from the dead to summarily re-balance the world order by forgiving its sins and definitively defeating death, is the faith that forms and defines the collective, passionately beating heart of Christianity. While we celebrate these amazing gifts that Father God has bestowed upon us, we ought to also take away a realization that we, as Christians, have a reciprocal obligation to help keep our world in the state that THE resurrection returned it to.          In an article on the website Christianity.com, Brian G. Hedges, lead pastor for Fulkerson Park Baptist Church in Niles, Michigan wrote: “The res...

  It’s that time of year when we start our annual inspections.  Last month the fire protection system was inspected, a sensor was repaired and the battery backup was replaced.    Soon the elevator and stair lift will be inspected, along with the fire extinguishers.  This year we will add the kitchen hood to the mix since its now mandated by county code enforcement who will be in to check the building as well.  Last year the “Kitchen committee” requested that we put an outlet in the floor under the banquet serving area to help with warming and crock pots – we finally completed that request.  With Fuel prices up, it reminds us to keep watch on the thermal boundaries, and secure lights when not in use. Folks have been doing a fantastic job of conserving and we thank you.  Finally, we plan on having a “Trustee Workday” May 2 nd , with a rain date of May 9 th . The trustee workdays wouldn’t be complete without an all-hands effort. Here we invite the co...

  The other night, my wife and I had a fight. It was loud enough that the 2 oldest kids heard us upstairs (or they snuck down and sat on the stairs, I’m not sure which- I was busy fighting).     When my wife went upstairs after the fight, she was met by the two of them. They expressed their concern to her. She told them, “We disagree sometimes. We fight sometimes. But neither of us is going anywhere.” My 12-year-old responded, “That’s what I told Lily.”      The next morning, my son and I sat down to read the Bible and pray together and I asked, “Did you hear us fighting last night?” “Yes,” he replied, “But I know everything’s ok.” And I said, “Yeah. It is. Sometimes, mommy and I fight. Just like sometimes you and I fight, but you and I aren’t going anywhere either, are we?” “No.” he said. “And I love you, right?” I asked. “Yes.” he said. “When I got upstairs, I had to say sorry to mommy,” I told him. “Because I was wrong.”     We would rather our...

  What’s your next step? At Argyle Presbyterian Church, we exist to make disciples who make a difference. Being a disciple of Jesus means following where he leads us. And what is the next step that you might take as you follow him? Here are some ideas: 1.              Get Baptized. Baptism is a gift from God to his people. In Acts 2, Peter says, “ Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” If you have never been baptized (you only get baptized into the name of the triune God once), this is a gift that Christ commands you receive. At APC, we baptize babies and we baptize adults. The question for adults pursuing baptism is essentially this; ‘Are you trusting in Jesus for salvation and are you desiring to, by his grace, follow him in obedience?’ If you can answer yes to that question, it is time for you to get bap...

  Each January your Session holds an extended meeting over two days to pray, study, reflect, and get our hearts aligned for a new year of ministry. It’s always a meaningful time for the Session, and I want to share a few highlights with you. We spent time in God’s Word—especially in Titus —and were reminded again how much we depend on His grace. Themes of repentance, encouragement, and perseverance kept surfacing. Pastor Bryan led us in prayer that our love, steadiness, and endurance would grow as we serve the church family. We also shared our praises—like the growth among young families, strong fellowship, faithful studies, generous service, and the many ways God is at work in our community. And we shared our laments—the losses and illnesses, the people we miss seeing, the needs of our town, and the places where we long for more connection and spiritual courage. These honest conversations always shape the way we pray for you. We reviewed ministries, talked about hospitality ...