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VIEW FROM THE MANSE 2.0

 In the book of order (an instructional manual of sorts for congregations in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church), Ruling Elders are called “to watch over the spiritual welfare of [the] congregation.” As a session, we have been talking about how we can do this better. One of the options that has worked well in other churches is to assign ministries of the church to an elder. This would lead to each ministry being checked in on regularly to see what people serving in that ministry need. If more volunteers were needed, this elder would help the leadership recruit for that ministry. If the ministry needed more funds, this elder would communicate that need to the rest of the session. If you were serving in that ministry and you needed direction or care, you would come to this elder first, knowing that they were familiar with your ministry and were committed to helping you. If you have suggestions about how these ministries can improve, even if you are not part of the ministry, this is ...
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SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

  We pray this newsletter finds you well as we enjoy the blessings of the summer season together. Below are several updates and encouragements from our recent Session meeting. Psalm 8 Devotion During our July Session gathering, we reflected together on the beauty and depth of Psalm 8. This psalm lifts our eyes to the majesty of God and the wonder of His creation: “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” We were reminded of God’s glory displayed in the heavens and of the remarkable place He has given humanity within His creation. We encourage everyone to spend time reading and meditating on Psalm 8 this month as a source of worship, awe, and gratitude. Prayer & Support for Our Church Family This month, our Session spent time praying for the needs of our congregation and the ministries of our church. Please join us in praying for: • Members experiencing sickness, physical challenges, or ongoing medical needs • Strength and encouragement for ...
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TRUSTEES

  The Trustees continue to complete projects under the radar and behind the scenes. We are very fortunate to have folks who show up and get things done. This includes both past and present trustees. All of our annual inspections are done with the exception of the elevator. We have a new inspector who is trying to fit us in. Our former carpet cleaner Brad Patch, who served us into his 80s, has retired. We got a quote from ALL-Pro to complete this work. It is hopeful that they can make it fair week to get this done. We hope to complete some preventative stonework, drainage work and exterior painting. If you feel compelled to jump in and lend a hand, please contact Joe or myself. If you see something you think needs attention let a trustee know. The trustees are Brian Burch, Mark Boyce, Jim Stott, Duane Flower, Scott Lufkin, Guy Wilson, and Co-chairs Joe Lohret and Lou Hoffis. Lou Hoffis for the Trustees
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DEACONS' CORNER

  I have always embraced the fact that I am a girl dad...and granddad, and brother, and uncle! I will frequently joke that I am “awash in a sea of estrogen”, but the truth is I relish the responsibility of raising Christian women and teaching them how to navigate safely and successfully in a world skewed disproportionately towards males and rife with misogyny, sexism and violence towards women and girls. If you search the Bible for verses addressing fathers and daughters, you will find that they are slim or none. Any verse dealing with parenting either refers to “children” as a group or “sons” specifically. If you have a teaching bible the commentary will inform you that, although the verse specifies sons, daughters are “implied” to be included. World renowned mystery author Agatha Christie, whose books have sold more than two billion copies, is considered the best-selling novelist of all time. From my perspective, her take on paternal love for daughters (or granddaughters et al)...
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VIEW FROM THE MANSE 2.0

  Have you ever had a dream that was laden with anxiety? I recently had a dream that a service which I was responsible for was a disaster. Everything was going wrong. It was a disaster. And it felt so real. I woke up with relief. None of what I had just dreamed had happened. But my mind was working on my worries while I slept. Maybe you have had similar dreams? An interview where you show up unprepared. A surprise test you didn’t know was happening. Sometimes these dreams are windows into our minds and hearts. They are revealing to us our anxieties. I was recently reminded of two quotes that I would like to think about together in light of this: “If you know how to worry, you know how to meditate” Jim Berg “Worry is praying to yourself.” Andrew Wilson           In his book, A Heart Aflame for God, Matthew Bingham discusses our branch of the Christian tradition, the reformed branch, and the tools central to growing in Christlikeness...
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SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

  Session met on May 21 and spent meaningful time in prayer, lifting up the needs of our congregation and community. Our discipleship discussion centered on emotionally healthy discipleship—encouraging greater vulnerability, listening well, and prayer that points people toward Christ. Several areas of church life were discussed, including preparation for a New Member Class on June 6 and plans to receive new members in June. Elders also began discussing how to better support ministry areas through clearer points of contact and shared responsibility. In missions, Session approved sending $2,200 to support a church plant in Burlington, Vermont, and will continue discussion next month on additional support for Young Lives volunteers. Looking ahead, we noted upcoming events including VBS the week of July 20 and the next communion service on June 7. We are grateful for God’s continued work in our church and look forward to how He will guide us in the weeks ahead. Ray Jenks fo...
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Trustees

  The Trustees successfully purchased and installed a new stove Kitchen stove. The Kucht Professional grade stove is 48-in wide, has 8 burners with two ovens one 4.2-cu ft and one 2.5-cu ft . There is a removeable grill plate that can cover two burners. We put a thermometer in the oven so you can verify the temperature. The old stove was donated to the Argyle Fire Department who helped us remove the old one and install the new one. Directions to the new stove are on the Kitchen counter or you can search the model number Kucht CNG481. During a trial run we noted an approx. 15 minute pre-heat with favorable cooking results. We had a few pop-up projects. Jim replaced a cellar window at the Manse. Joe responded to an upset with water from a Dehumidifier. During the last storm we had to pick up from the damage it left behind. The repair of the AC unit in the office area was completed in April but was put to the test in June during a hot spell and it appears to be operating fine. ...
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Deacon's Corner

  Winston Churchill once said , “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” I see the “making a life” portion of that quote as actually referring to two distinct lives. Obviously, the attribute of generosity is a positive reflection of the type of people we are as individuals, and as such contributes to the spiritual enrichment of our own lives.   However, sometimes the life that is “made” is that of the recipient of the spontaneous generosity. It is this particular aspect that is the standout in the Deacons' highly successful Hawaiian Shirt fundraiser on June 21. The multicolored, island shirt motif added a festive atmosphere to the annual APC strawberry shortcake social in honor of our amazing music leaders. The result was the raising of exactly $1,000 that will go to the transportation of Young Life Campers to and from camp in Lake Placid. Which brings me to that second “made” life. Each of you who donated to reach that amazing total have made...
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View From the Manse 2.0

  Summer is nearly upon us! Some of us have been waiting many months for sweaty, barefoot mornings in the garden and hot afternoons on the porch. We are so grateful for the changes that come with this season. We might watch some baseball or go swimming. We have some vacations planned and some family picnics in our future and we are excited.           As the season changes, may I make some suggestions as to how you might continue to grow spiritually this summer?           First, stay in the Word. Some of you are in Bible studies that take a summer break. And while I am glad that you have a little latitude in your schedule now, may I encourage you to find time to be in the Bible on your own? Read a short book of the Bible over and over this summer. Or get to know the pastoral epistles inside and out (1 & 2 Thessalonians; 1 & 2 Timothy, and Titus). Download an app that will guide you ...
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Session Highlights - June 2026

  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 ...
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