Pathfinder

 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...

  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. ...

  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...

  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 ...

  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 ...

During the period of time between AD 85 and 90, the disciple John wrote his first letter (1 st John) from Ephesus. His purpose was to guide Christians back to the tenet of Christ's command to love God and each other.   Over a decade earlier, in AD 70, Jerusalem had been destroyed scattering Christians in every direction of the Roman Empire. In fact, by the time John penned his letter Christianity had already endured over a generation filled with persecution and waning commitment. In Chapter 4, John cuts right to the heart of the matter by reemphasizing that, “...God IS love.” (verse 8). He punctuated that truth in verse 9 by reminding the church that God sent his only son into this world so, “...that we might live through Him” . It is, however, Verse 11 that drives his point home and the one that I wanted to build on: “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another”. That is a practice AND a concept that the faithful of APC embrace and live. It is what drives ...

This year, the trustees welcomed Brian Burch and Duane Flower to the crew. The “Pew crew” de-waxed and vacuumed all of pews. Thanks to Kim, Chase & Astrid Atkins, Gabe Johnson, Barry Karhan, and Jenn Gonzales for their hard work removing the wax that gets dripped during the candle light service. The downstairs toilet project was completed after thorough research and development by Mark Boyce and his son. Duane Flower painted the floor, and Mary Ellen Bain added the finishing touches by painting the areas that required sheet rock work. The new toilet works great and we ask that everyone takes care to flush only toilet paper in all of our toilets. Joe Lohret and Jim Stott replaced the toilet at the yellow house with a more efficient modern unit. We met February 19th and discussed our projects and planned maintenance for the year. Lou Hoffis for the Trustees

  We ran out! For our most recent fellowship dinner we had two large pots of sauce and two large pots of noodles and both of them ran dry! I love that so many of you showed up for a meal on a Tuesday night (and, fortunately, we had extra sauce and extra noodles that helped cover the spread). It was a wonderful time and I don’t think anyone left hungry. We are planning another fellowship meal for Tuesday, February 10 at 6:15pm. It will be a carry-in crockpot meal. If you want, pick your favorite crockpot recipe and bring it in. We would love to have you join us. Look for a sign-up list in the weeks ahead.           Some of you have been attending APC for a few months now. We would like to get to know you better and offer you a chance to get to know us. On Saturday, February 21, from 9-1, we will be offering a new members class. During this class we talk about what our church believes, it s history, and what is required to become a membe...

  Much to my parents' chagrin, mostly my mom's, I was always curious and highly inquisitive about things that presented a challenge to my knowledge and imagination. That said in introduction, I have remained that person who wants to know more when a concept or a particular subject nudges my curiosity. Saint Valentine is one such subject so I went looking. Turns out, “yes Virginia, there really was a Saint Valentine”... and he was Italian! More accurately he was an Italian doctor who later became a Catholic priest in third century Rome and, as a collateral effect of his ministry, inadvertently inspired the inception of what became known as Valentine's Day. According to author Whitney Hopler, communications director at the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being at George Mason University, “Saint Valentine is the patron saint of love. Believers say God worked through his life to perform miracles and teach people how to recognize and experience true love.” Valentine f...

  Trustees serving in 2025 were Ken Bain, Mark Boyce, Jordan Tuttle, Joe Lohret, Scott Burnham, Scott Lufkin, Guy Wilson, Jim Stott and Lou Hoffis. In 2026, we welcome Duane Flower and Brian Burch to the team. We would like to thank Ken Bain and Jordan Tuttle for their service as they rotate off the board. We are very fortunate to have people who like to do things that others don’t find appealing. Here our friend, Mark Wohlleben, helps us to keep bees, mice, and bats in check. Our friend Barry Karhan takes care of all of the cardboard recycling. The friends of the trustees, “Kitchen committee” and various “Trustee emeriti” continue to keep stuff stocked, stored, uncluttered, and clean. In the coming weeks we hope to have a couple of aged and broken toilets replaced.

  This past fall was a blur. It is hard to believe that we are already putting out the welcome mat for 2026. I am so grateful for all those who taught our Sunday school classes this fall and those of you who started Bible studies this year or joined Bible studies for the first time. It is obvious that the Lord is doing something in our community and I am so grateful to partner with you in that work.           Laurie McWhorter and Lou Hoffis did a wonderful job connecting with women and men in our congregation. I am amazed at all the creative ways the women found to come together and encourage each other in the Lord this year. In 2026, Laurie is stepping down from her role as Women ’s Ministry Coordinator. I am very grateful for how she hit the ground running with this position and continued to encourage the women in our church in all the things that they felt called to do. When Lou and Laurie and I got together, I invited them, not to ...

  As we look to the year ahead, we give thanks to the Lord for raising up women and men to serve His church. We also want to express our gratitude to the nominating committee for their faithful work in discerning and presenting the following nominations for congregational leadership: Session (Elders): Bob Black, Jereme Randles Deacons: Judy Liddle, Kate Griffin, Linda Burch Trustees: Brian Burch, Duane Flower Please join us in praying for these brothers and sisters as they prepare to step into their responsibilities. Leadership in Christ’s church is a joyful calling and a weighty stewardship. Let’s surround them with encouragement, practical help, and steady prayer. How You Can Pray ·       Wisdom & Discernment: That the Lord would give clear minds and unified hearts as they make decisions for the good of the congregation. ·       Servant Hearts: That each leader would reflect Christ’s humility and love in every...