Each church decides where their “mission” efforts and dollars will go. A church in Pennsylvania initiated “Fresh Start Loads of Love”, a laundry outreach program to those in the community who were struggling, and covering the expenses of a laundromat was a challenge on many levels. The program was partially funded by a grant from the Presbytery, using a part of their portion of the Peace and Global Witness Offering as well as the congregation’s portion. Rev. Caroline Vickery says, “We know that Jesus makes it clear that how we treat the vulnerable is how we treat Jesus…our laundry out ..read more

  Presbyterian Women is collecting for Newborns in Need during the month of September. Newborns In Need is a charity that specializes in the needs of babies facing health or economic crisis In St. Louis. It is a local and national nonprofit organization.  New and gently used baby items such as bibs, booties, burp cloths, hats, onesies, socks, sweaters, and undershirts, sleepers, blankets, baby wash, wipes and diapers are accepted and may be placed in the Pac n Play by the PW table.  Monetary donations are greatly appreciated. Make checks out to Newborns In Need and ask for a t ..read more

  CENTERING PRAYER   It says in the Bible, O God, that you created the world through your Word. Your Word is powerful, but so are our words. They can heal, create a smile, be a declaration of love; they can also hurt and destroy a sense of self-worth. Give us your wisdom, God of the Word, so we use our words to build up and not to destroy. Amen.     CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 19)   Look at the heavens! They are shouting the glory of God. The days and the nights declare the magnificence of God’s creative works Their voice goes through all the earth and their words reach t ..read more

James 3:1-12 Taming the Tongue 3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants t ..read more

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Daily Readings for Friday, September 13, 2024 Morning Psalms 51; 148 First Reading Job 29:1, 31:24-40 Second Reading Acts 15:12-21 Gospel Reading John 11:30-44 Evening Psalms 142; 65 Jesus, Good Shepherd of the sheep, by whom the lost are sought and guided into the fold: Feed us and we shall be satisfied, heal us and we shall be whole, and lead us that we may be with you, with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Almighty God, by grace alone you ..read more

  CENTERING PRAYER Generous God, you are my maker and I trust in you. Surround me with your favor today that I may hear the cry of those in need and share my resources with the poor; in the excellent name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.   CALL TO WORSHIP   Give thanks to the Lord, for God is good. God’s steadfast love endures forever. Be strong; do not fear! God is with us. The Lord will come to save us. Let us worship our God together.   PRAYER OF CONFESSION   God of favor, we have not been true to you.   You have chosen the poor in ..read more

 James 2:1-10, 14-17 Favoritism Forbidden 2 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen ..read more

“A Season of Peace” begins September 1 and concludes October 6, World Communion Sunday. The Peace and Global Witness Offering (previously the Peacemaking Offering) will be collected during that time. This year is the 40th anniversary of this offering, which was approved by the 192nd General Assembly in 1980. Whenever the church gathers for worship, we are assured of Christ’s peace. We celebrate that we are connected, we are loved, and we are not alone. Through participation in the Peace and Global Witness Offering, our congregation is extending Christ’s peace throughout our community and our ..read more

 CENTERING PRAYER   Almighty God, in Christ you show us the way, reveal your truth, and offer us everlasting life. Keep our eyes upon you, that we may see your path more clearly, know your truth more fully, and receive your life more abundantly; through Christ who dwells with you and the Holy Spirit in eternal glory. Amen.     CALL TO WORSHIP (Psalm 61)   Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I; for you are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me ab ..read more

 John 15:1-17 The Vine and the Branches 15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in m ..read more