Pathfinder

  Carpets cleaned - As we told you last month, we scheduled ALL-Pro to clean the carpets in August. Our former carpet cleaner, Brad Patch, served us very well for many years decided to retire. All-Pro sent us two representatives that cleaned the carpets in one day. So far, the feedback has been good, and we look forward to working with them in the future. Heating Zones conservation – during the winter months we use environmental controls and isolation to manage our heating systems for the best comfort and economy. Please keep the following doors closed while the building is not in use: McLean Hall divider, downstairs and upstairs classrooms main doors, the office door, the multipurpose room door, and the sanctuary doors. If EACH area is tempered differently, not following the signs and procedures can be costly. If you’re in charge of a Bible study, or event please make a point to close the appropriate doors when finished. Also, of you use the kitchen please be sure to turn off t...

  I would like to start with a sincere and heartfelt thank you to all of you who reached out to comfort and console me over the loss of “My Boy”, Skippy. Those of you who knew him know that he and I were pretty much joined at the hip. When he'd hear me pick up the car key he'd jump up and give me that “am I going?” look...and he usually did, just like all of the dogs who have graced my life up to now. On occasion, I have been known to joke that, “I get along better with, and care more for, most dogs than I do a lot of people”! That's because I don't just 'have a dog', we bond! God has blessed me with some of the most amazing dogs over the years and I bonded with and was in awe of each of them for their individual traits, personalities and wonderful souls. Skippy turned out to be all that each of his predecessors was and more! In Genesis 1, verse 28 God tells man to “... Have dominion over the fish of the seas, over the birds of the air, and over every livin...

  On September 17, the session members met for our monthly meeting. After opening in prayer and approving the July minutes, much of the evening focused on needs within our congregation and community. Many of the situations discussed are deep, often sad or even frightening. Some names are familiar to me and others less so. We bring them before the Lord because we feel the weight of these burdens. God tells us He cares for His people, and we have seen His love and care at work in our own congregation. Prayer for the needs of our church is a regular highlight of our meetings. Session also advanced practical work for the months ahead. A nominating committee has been formed and will begin its work in the coming month to identify leaders for various roles. Budget planning will soon be underway. These steps help equip the church to continue caring for our congregation and reaching our community with the hope of the gospel. Please join us in praying for one another—for those who are ...

 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 ...

  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 ...

  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

  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)...

  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...

  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...