Pathfinder

  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.        ...

  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...

  With appreciation – Thank you to all of the folks who helped out at the POTE workday. We completed all the work we planned and then some.  It was definitely an all hands on deck effort. Scott Lufkin completed a very clever repair on the Barkley and Main stone post. 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. Each area is tempered differently and not following the signs and procedures can be costly. Trustee work event – Saturday November 1st at 8 a.m. The trustees will sponsor the fall work day to help get the church ready for winter. Lou Hoffis for the Trustees

  Naming the most busy month of the year for the church is not easy. Christmas and Easter certainly come to mind. But September definitely makes a case for itself. And this year will be busier than most.           We are ramping back up. Sunday school and choir have been on hold for the summer, but they begin again. The praise team has been taking the month of August off, but we will see them in September. Many of the familiar faces that have been sporadic in the summer with vacations, travel, and trips to the lake or mountains are seen more frequently again. And our summer book discussion will continue into September for a few weeks as well.           On top of this, our nominating committee begins it s work as does our budget committee. And this year our church is hosting Presbytery at the end of the month.           We are planning to beg...

  The APC Session met on July 31, 2025, beginning with a study from Emotionally Healthy Discipleship and prayer. The session noted ongoing health concerns within the congregation and acknowledged recent ministry activities, such as Vacation Bible School and Young Life Camp in Saranac. APC will host the upcoming Presbytery Meeting on September 26–27, providing opportunities for members to support and serve those who participate in the Presbytery meeting.    Information about volunteer roles will be shared by the organizing committee. The session recognized the contributions of Brian Wells, Jr during his internship and noted that he is scheduled to preach on August 17. We are thankful for others who will be preaching and ministering the word including Russ MacNeil who preached on August 10. Vacation Bible School was attended by more than 80 children.   We are thankful for those who attended and those who served.   The time was fun and a good opportunity f...

  Trustee work event – Saturday September 6 th at 8 a.m. The trustees will sponsor a working party to help get the church in tip top shape for the upcoming Presbytery meeting that we are hosting at the end of September. There will be jobs for everyone and refreshments will be served.                                          Lou Hoffis for the Trustees

            As I write this month’s entry, we are part way through VBS. The energy of VBS is such a wonderful thing to be a part of. It is a delight to see volunteers from high school and senior saints working together to share the story of Jesus with our young people. Our opening and closing sessions are being led by Brian Wells Jr. He is doing a tremendous job getting us started on the right foot. His skits with his dad are playful and goofy and the kids love it. All the hours that were given to decorating the church have really made it a special place to be. Our kitchen team is crafting simple, delicious meals and no one leaves McLean Hall hungry.           It is hard to believe we are entering August already. The summer has, once again, flown by. In the month of August, we are going to be looking at “On The Incarnation” together on Thursday nights at 7pm. You can join us via livestream...

  The trustees have several small projects in the making like plumbing upgrades, old stone fence repair, brush removal, and power washing the vinyl siding on the yellow house and church addition. We had a contractor repair the AC unit in the office which in the end was more economical than anticipated. On that note, we still work daily to do our best to keep all of our spaces comfortable, safe, and as economical as possible. It’s an ongoing process to keep things cool or warm enough depending on the season. We need everyone’s help turning the lights off and securing the doors when we leave. We do however have a team of people who are primarily responsible for setting the thermostats and building conditions. If you have concerns about anything to do with building and grounds, please let me know and the Trustees will do their best to address it. Reminder: We are still looking for a contractor to help fix the Steeple peak and weathervane. We are going to eliminate commercial clean...

  In the popular 1963 song “Lazy Days of Summer”, Nat King Cole sang: Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer Those days of soda and pretzels and beer... Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer You'll wish that summer could always be here ! Like most others the Deacons are also taking time to enjoy our lazy, hazy, crazy summer days with family, friends and acquaintances and as such there is not much to report this month. We are still aware of and monitoring situations and circumstances that would require our response but for the most part we're taking a little time off. We wish each of you a blessed, enjoyable and active summer. Be a child with your children and grandchildren. Join them in their annual respite from the rigors of school and have some fun with them. Psalm 127, Verses 3-5 reminds us: “ Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is...

  In a recent sermon I mentioned that you all are a generous group. I wasn’t just saying that. I have quite a few examples just from the recent month. We took up an offering in May for those affected by the tornados in Missouri and for the team going to Western North Carolina in the fall. That offering total was $1787.22 and was evenly divided between those causes. The deacons hosted the Hawaiian shirt day in mid-June for VBS Bibles and we raised $851.57. A woman’s Bible study had already donated $151.25 for Bibles; that’s a total of $1002.82 for Bibles. That would buy far more Bibles than we can use. So, after conferring, we decided to give half of the money to Young Life because bus expenses are high. The shirt sales with the Argyle logo raised $1068.91for Young Life, but more won’t hurt. And like I said, this is just the last month or so. I didn’t even mention the money raised at the CROP walk. Thank you again for your generosity. I am proud of you for these kindnesses.  ...

  The trustees have a couple of projects ahead that we want you to be aware of. The downstairs bathroom has been giving us trouble for a while. It had chronic clogging and overflows. It seems it’s worn out and we think we know why? When we would break it down to clean it out, we found baby wipes and chlorox wipes in the grinder assembly. We consulted with a master plumber and other resources to find that: Clorox wipes/baby wipes should not be flushed down the toilet. Even if they are marketed as "flushable," they can cause significant problems for your plumbing and the sewer system. These wipes don't break down like toilet paper and can lead to clogs and backups in your pipes, as well as larger issues in the sewer lines and wastewater treatment facilities. We are going to eliminate commercial cleaning wipes from the inventory and ask that everyone throw baby wipes and the like in the garbage. The steeple at the weather vane requires work. Scott Lufkin flew his drone u...

  July is a magical month in the minds of many, especially to us as Americans. It is the end of the school year for our youngsters and the beginning of the mixed emotions of graduation excitement and angst over facing life choices for our seniors. Families are readying for vacations. Our farmers are busy planting, the hay fields already sheared for first cut and, that magical, patriotic, picnic, barbecue, parade and fireworks day is upon us once again. In June's edition we told you that APC was entering a float into Argyle's annual fourth of July parade to promote VBS. Mary Ellen Bain took the lead on this project and in her words… “ Our VBS 4th of July float will be a preview of, and an invitation to, a week of learning to trust Jesus. The scene will be a ranger camp at the base of a mountain range in the Northern Arctic… complete with fish, log cabin, eagles and perhaps a caribou or two. Coordinating with the parade's theme of everyday heroes ‘True North’ leads us to se...

  The APC Session held its regular monthly meeting on June 19, 2025. We began with a time of study, reflecting together on Emotionally Healthy Discipleship . A key takeaway from our discussion was this important truth: for the Church to grow in maturity, each of us must pursue our own spiritual growth. It's a reminder to us all that healthy discipleship begins with personal transformation. Our prayer time focused on lifting up the many physical needs within our congregation. We continue to pray for healing and strength for those facing health challenges, trusting in God's sustaining grace. We’re grateful for APC's generous participation in the outreach offering collected during the month of May. Your faithful giving is helping extend Christ’s love beyond our walls. Session also approved the purchase of a Blackstone Grill, which we look forward to enjoying together during upcoming fellowship events—including church picnics and Vacation Bible School. Good food and joyf...

  I have made a point in recent weeks of drawing attention to the fact that, in the liturgical calendar, Lent is the season that leads to the season of Easter (or Eastertide). Easter Sunday begins the Easter season and is 49 days long; 7 weeks and 7 Sundays- it is a week of weeks. Laurence Stookey writes, “Christ is fullness heaped upon fullness, and so can be symbolized by seven times seven.” If 7 is the number of perfection, Jesus is wholly perfect. He is the image of the invisible God.           And the 50th day, Pentecost (Pentecost literally means fiftieth day) Sunday, is the beginning of a new creation or a re-creation. On June 8 this year we will celebrate Pentecost (feel free to wear red if you remember). It is on this day that the church was born. It is on this day that we celebrate the Lord bringing together a people for himself.           We will be spending our Sunday mornings ...

  Thank you to all who participated in our spring workday. We had a great turnout, and we were able to complete our list of projects quickly. The church is now ready for spring and summer. We will be scheduling another workday for early September in preparation for hosting Presbytery, on September 26-27.

  The APC session meeting for May 2025 began with a joint meeting with the deacons and trustees, where we reflected on the Great Commission from Matthew 28 and its connection to our Church Purpose of "Making Disciples who Make a Difference" and the mission of the EPC. We discussed updates from the recent Presbytery meeting and our plans to host the September Presbytery at APC. We want to encourage the congregation to pray for, support and participate in a couple of activities that we are excited to see added to our work as a church in 2025. The first initiative is a Saturday learning opportunity for our Church and our community on estate and funeral planning. The second opportunity is to engage in disaster relief efforts through financial support.   We plan to provide help to some families impacted by tornados that impacted St. Louis and support the APC team that is planning a trip to work on the hurricane recovery in North Carolina.   We also reviewed the plans for our s...

  “Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.” Song of Solomon 2:12 In spite of Mother Nature's best efforts to fool us, we really have transitioned from Winter to Spring and, finally, into Summer! Since each season seems to have its identifying “signature day” it is fitting that, as a society, we celebrate parents with the coming of the warmer and more fruitful times of the year. In May, as Spring awakens the earth with the blossoming of flowers and crops and the renewal of life to both our landscapes and the animals that inhabit them, we acknowledge and celebrate our mothers...the greatest creators and nurturers of life within our culture. And this month, amid the warmth and strength of the summer sun, we will celebrate the protectors and providers of that culture by honoring our fathers on June 15 th . We Deacons have chosen to capitalize on Fathers' Day by marking it Hawaiian Shirt Day...a fun way to recogniz...