The stable: Where we store our wounds

The Christmas story has an inn and a stable. One is located on the street; the other is out back. One is lit, decorated, and worthy of important visitors. The other sits dark, silent, and used for those things the inn keeper wants out of sight. Both are vivid...

Providing shelter for the season

In the Season of Advent, we look forward to Christmas and remember the story of Christ’s birth. We learn in the gospels about Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem for the census when it was time for Jesus to be born. With no room in the inn, they were desperate for...

The Power of a Prayerful Pause

I’ve noticed as of late that folks have been a little unfiltered, quick to press the send or post button. Is this just in my world or are you experiencing this, too? Some of these messages come from regular sources, others arrive out of left field  with a subject line...

FPC Children & Family E-News: November 20, 2024

  Dear Families, At KDC on November 3rd, we remembered that we are called to be grateful as a response to God’s love and grace. Then, our 3rd-5th graders collectively wrote a Psalm of Thanksgiving. As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to share their words...

Our family’s legacy of joyful noise

Each November, the season of thanksgiving calls us to reflect upon the gifts which we have been given that in turn we may give to others. This year, we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of First Presbyterian Church, and reflecting upon the gifts this community of...

Comfort and joy?

I know, I know, it seems an odd theme for Advent. If we’d left off the question mark, all would be well. But I am not sure that kind of conclusive sentiment would have felt truthful this year. Aren’t we all a bit unmoored this year? Unsure of what might come at us...

Children & Family E-News: November 6, 2024

Dear Families, Here’s what’s coming up!  **Last Call for Parent’s Night Out Registration! PNO is November 16 from 5-8pm. REGISTER HERE by Tuesday, November 12! ____________________________________________________________________________________ This...

The math for the ministry

As we prepare to make our financial commitment to the ministries of our church, I want to begin by saying thank you to the 473 individuals and families who made a pledge this year. Thanks to your generosity, with God’s help and the power of the Holy Spirit, our...

Children & Family E-News: October 23, 2024

  Dear Families, We had a beautiful day at Camp Weaver on Sunday & it was great to see lots of you there! Here’s what’s coming up! ____________________________________________________________________________________ This Sunday, October 27 Sunday...

Warmth, encouragement, and joy

Our annual campaign theme is 200 Years of Blessings: Imagine What Comes Next. Sue Cole from the Stewardship Committee shares her story. In thinking about my favorite blessings from First Presbyterian Church, two very different but extremely important personal events...