Monday and Tuesday this week were both days of unexpected blessing for me. Nothing out of the ordinary happened either day, both were quite ordinary, but the weather was unexpectedly beautiful for this time of year. I could open the windows and enjoy a walk in the sunshine among the bright and colorful leaves.
Unexpected blessings are just that. They come when we least expect them and sometimes if we’re not careful we might miss them. Busy lives and a noisy world often distract our attention. I know I’m guilty of being distracted all too often. I don’t have any magic solution to this problem. I guess we just have to pay attention and practice gratitude as much as possible.
This week we observed Veterans Day, remembering and honoring all the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces. If you haven’t, take a moment to thank a veteran, express gratitude for their service and your freedom.
We are facing challenges here in this country and around the world: a pandemic, political discord, racial injustice, and economic uncertainty. We can and should do the hard work of healing our wounds. This doesn’t mean we just go along to get along, it means we commit to something bigger than ourselves: the common good. Perhaps we can take our blessings, maybe especially the unexpected ones, and share them for the benefit of all.
Peace & Prayers,
Pastor Tony
Scroll down for news, announcements, and worship documents for Sunday.
THIS SUNDAY, SERVING IN WORSHIP: Reader:Charlie Thompson
Ushers: Bill Beck; Rita Beck; Rick Line; Fred Seltzer
Vocalist: Steve Walker
Camera: Joe Shane
Recorder: Ray Thomas THIS WEEK, IN OUR PRAYERS: * for the church:Krislund Camp * for the congregation (at random): Bruce & Kathy Mulvey; Jarl Uilkema THIS WEEK, IN THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH: Tuesday, 7 PM Session meets
Wednesday, 6 PM Prayer Community meets
Wednesday Advent Devotionals due to office
NEXT SUNDAY: The Rev. Bill Beck will preach.
NEXT SUNDAY, NOV. 22 -- 2020 PW THANK OFFERING RECEIVED
During worship next Sunday, the annual Presbyterian Women (PW) Thank Offering will be received. If you cannot attend worship in person, you can still support this special offering by mailing a donation to the church office (2A N. Hanover St.) over the next week or two.
Note: Please make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church,
with "Thank Offering" on memo line.
Open the insert below for more info on some of the worthy national and international organizations that will receive grants. A "Minute for Mission" will be presented during worship next Sunday (22nd). THANK YOU!
Without YOU, there can be no 2020 Advent Devotional! Please consider participating in this effort by going to this link to sign up: https://www.timetosignup.com/firstpres/sheet/1306174; or simply call or email the office to let us know which date you have selected. Once you have a date, choose one or more of the listed scriptures to write about; write a brief devotional (plus a prayer); and get it to the office in whatever format is simplest for you by Wednesday, Nov. 18 (at the latest). Then, on the First Sunday of Advent (Nov. 29), we will begin to enjoy these daily devotionals.
One of the traditions that will be forced to “take a break” this Advent/Christmas season here at First Presbyterian is our annual purchase of poinsettias to adorn the sanctuary, enjoy at home, and deliver to shut-in’s. :-( But, alas, creative minds have come up with a wonderful substitute. :-)
In lieu of buying "real" poinsettias, the Deacons and Elders suggest that we make a monetary donation ($10 per “virtual” poinsettia) that will go to The Salvation Army -- whose annual Christmas Kettle Bells drive is negatively impacted this season by a lack of bell-ringing locations due to COVID-19. A loss in this major fundraiser will severely hinder their ability to serve the neediest members of our community.
What WILL stay the same is that when you make a donation, you may give it IN HONOR OF or IN MEMORY OF a loved one, and as usual, those dedications will be listed in a bulletin insert to share with the congregation. This effort will continue through Christmas.
On behalf of The Salvation Army, we hope you will participate!
Your Board of Deacons & Your Elders
As the calendar moves toward Thanksgiving, it is that time of year in the church calendar to think about how we can give back to God. To that end, 2021 stewardship materials are in the mail to you! Before returning your pledge card to the church (Dedication Sunday, Dec. 6th; or by mail), please pray about what God would have you give to His church in terms of time, talent, and finances. Thank you!
Pastor Lorenz
& the Stewardship & Finance Committee
Members of the Congregation, Ministers
The Rev. Anthony D. Lorenz, Pastor
The Rev. Jon A. Black, Pastor Emeritus
Debby Madden, Educator Emerita
Arthur Thompson, Organist
Ron Richcreek, Music Director
Avis Allen, Administrative Secretary
Chuck Adler, Sexton
