The Day of Epiphany, when Jesus and his family were visited by the magi, was on Tuesday this week: January 6. On Epiphany, we celebrate the light that they carried, from their visit, which then spread throughout the world. On Sunday, we will celebrate the baptism of Jesus, who we now recall not as an infant but as an adult. In the Christian liturgical calendar, which condenses the earthly life of Jesus into a few short months – from his birth on December 25 to Easter on April 5 to his ascension into heaven on May 14 – we leap forward from his early childhood to his full adulthood in five calendar days this year: January 6 – 11! The Christmas decorations are taken down, Silent Night has been sung, and Jesus is now ready to begin his ministry!
Also on Sunday, the two active members of the church, elected last Sunday by the congregation to serve as ruling elders – Michael Blaustone and Nathaniel Jennette – will be ordained and installed as ruling elders. In following generations-old church tradition, after Michael, Nathaniel, and the congregation affirm their covenant with God and one another by answering constitutional questions, they will be ordained by the laying on of hands, as I lead us in prayer. In the laying on of hands, all previously ordained ruling elders and ministers of the Word and Sacrament will be invited to come forward, place a hand upon the shoulders of Michael and Nathaniel, or upon the shoulders of someone who has their hand upon them. This is an ancient practice for blessing new ministries that stretches back to Biblical times. Person to person, hand to hand, generation after generation, to this very day, the church has been led by faithful leaders, guided by the Holy Spirit.
As we welcome Michael and Nathaniel to their new ministries, we thank Thywill Amenya and Natalie Inman for their faithful and inspired leadership as they both complete their terms as ruling elders on the session.
See you on Sunday!
Also on Sunday, the two active members of the church, elected last Sunday by the congregation to serve as ruling elders – Michael Blaustone and Nathaniel Jennette – will be ordained and installed as ruling elders. In following generations-old church tradition, after Michael, Nathaniel, and the congregation affirm their covenant with God and one another by answering constitutional questions, they will be ordained by the laying on of hands, as I lead us in prayer. In the laying on of hands, all previously ordained ruling elders and ministers of the Word and Sacrament will be invited to come forward, place a hand upon the shoulders of Michael and Nathaniel, or upon the shoulders of someone who has their hand upon them. This is an ancient practice for blessing new ministries that stretches back to Biblical times. Person to person, hand to hand, generation after generation, to this very day, the church has been led by faithful leaders, guided by the Holy Spirit.
As we welcome Michael and Nathaniel to their new ministries, we thank Thywill Amenya and Natalie Inman for their faithful and inspired leadership as they both complete their terms as ruling elders on the session.
See you on Sunday!
Your Voice Matters—Help Shape Our Future
The Pastoral Search Committee would love to hear your thoughts on the qualities you hope to see in our next pastor. Haven’t filled out the survey yet? Just contact the church office, and we’ll gladly send one to you. Your input, along with prayer and discernment, will help guide us as we follow God’s call for our church family. Thank you for being an important part of this journey!
Noise
by Dave Nock
How much noise do we all have in our daily lives? Yes, I am talking about what we hear – but also what we see and read. We are bombarded with news, email, junk mail (snail mail). Every marketer wants our attention (actually, they just want our money).
Kenny Chesney sings the song “Noise”. Without violating copyright rules - The song critiques how modern life is overloaded with constant distraction—media, politics, phones, and nonstop chatter. Chesney sings about how all this “noise” drowns out what really matters, including dreams, relationships, and meaningful conversation. The chorus emphasizes trying to be heard and find clarity in a world overwhelmed by sound and chaos.
So, what really matters? What really matters to you? To your family? To the community?
Each of us answers this question differently. And that is ok. What matters to each of us is different. But we need to understand the noise and filter it out, block it and focus on what matters to us.
God matters, the teachings of Jesus matter, the lessons in the Bible matter. How we treat each other matters.
The Bible is remarkably clear and consistent: God calls us to treat each other with love, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and respect. These aren’t optional virtues—they’re presented as the core evidence of a life shaped by God. In Mark we read - “Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Mark 12:31.
Let’s filter the noise and focus on what matters.
Kenny Chesney sings the song “Noise”. Without violating copyright rules - The song critiques how modern life is overloaded with constant distraction—media, politics, phones, and nonstop chatter. Chesney sings about how all this “noise” drowns out what really matters, including dreams, relationships, and meaningful conversation. The chorus emphasizes trying to be heard and find clarity in a world overwhelmed by sound and chaos.
So, what really matters? What really matters to you? To your family? To the community?
Each of us answers this question differently. And that is ok. What matters to each of us is different. But we need to understand the noise and filter it out, block it and focus on what matters to us.
God matters, the teachings of Jesus matter, the lessons in the Bible matter. How we treat each other matters.
The Bible is remarkably clear and consistent: God calls us to treat each other with love, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and respect. These aren’t optional virtues—they’re presented as the core evidence of a life shaped by God. In Mark we read - “Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Mark 12:31.
Let’s filter the noise and focus on what matters.
January 13, 2026
Come to the Table Luncheons Are Back!
We’re excited to gather again on Tuesday, January 13 for good food and even better fellowship. Bring your appetite and your friends! This month’s menu features tender Pork Loin, creamy Hashbrown Casserole, savory Green Beans Almondine, Fresh Salad, and Wendy's Banana Pudding for dessert to finish. Let’s start the new year around the table together!
You may sign up in the narthex or click here to email your reservation.
We’re excited to gather again on Tuesday, January 13 for good food and even better fellowship. Bring your appetite and your friends! This month’s menu features tender Pork Loin, creamy Hashbrown Casserole, savory Green Beans Almondine, Fresh Salad, and Wendy's Banana Pudding for dessert to finish. Let’s start the new year around the table together!
You may sign up in the narthex or click here to email your reservation.
You are invited to Take a Walk with the Women of the Gospels and Let Jesus Light Your Path (Psalm 119: 105)
Join the women of Priest Lake Presbyterian Church for our Annual Women’s Retreat at Camp Widjiwagan, 3088 Smith Springs Road, Antioch, TN 37013.
Registration starts at 8:30 AM on Saturday, January 24, with the retreat ending at noon on Sunday, January 25.
The program includes icebreakers, scripture studies on key Biblical women, small group discussions, meals, crafts, games, walks, and a closing worship service.
Attend as your schedule allows—$50 for one day or $80 with overnight accommodation. We look forward to this time of fellowship and spiritual growth.
FAQ:
What to wear? Casual weekend attire, please be comfortable.
What about food? Meals are provided, but we welcome desserts and snacks
What to bring? Overnight accommodations are minimal. Plan to have one or two roommates. There are twin size beds with sheets, a pillow, and a blanket. Some of us bring our favorite pillow and quilt with us.
How many people generally attend? We usually have 20-25 women on the first day with 10-12 women staying overnight.
Other questions? Please contact Maureen Meyer m-myr@live.com 615-974-6102
Registration starts at 8:30 AM on Saturday, January 24, with the retreat ending at noon on Sunday, January 25.
The program includes icebreakers, scripture studies on key Biblical women, small group discussions, meals, crafts, games, walks, and a closing worship service.
Attend as your schedule allows—$50 for one day or $80 with overnight accommodation. We look forward to this time of fellowship and spiritual growth.
FAQ:
What to wear? Casual weekend attire, please be comfortable.
What about food? Meals are provided, but we welcome desserts and snacks
What to bring? Overnight accommodations are minimal. Plan to have one or two roommates. There are twin size beds with sheets, a pillow, and a blanket. Some of us bring our favorite pillow and quilt with us.
How many people generally attend? We usually have 20-25 women on the first day with 10-12 women staying overnight.
Other questions? Please contact Maureen Meyer m-myr@live.com 615-974-6102
The Shroud of Turin Material Witness
A PRESENTATION BY APOLOGIST AND AUTHOR DOUG POWELL
EXPERIENCE THE MOST STUDIED ARTIFACT IN THE WORLD THROUGH AN EXACT REPLICA AND OTHER REPRODUCTIONS
The Science • The History • The Theories
Wednesday, January 28th, 6:30 PM
Priest Lake Presbyterian Church
The Shroud of Turin has captivated the imagination of Christians since appearing in Europe in the 1300s. The mysterious image of the man on the
cloth has defied explanation despite extensive scientific examination that give it the reputation as the most studied artifact in history.
The vast majority of the scientific evidence indicates it is a first century burial cloth.
Yet, controversy and confusion surrounds the radiocarbon test that dated the cloth to the Middle Ages.
And since then, the Shroud is off limits to further testing. But there is also historical evidence, art history evidence, and its
correspondence to another cloth - the Sudarium of Oviedo. What does it all mean and what’s the best way to understand it? Come find out!
cloth has defied explanation despite extensive scientific examination that give it the reputation as the most studied artifact in history.
The vast majority of the scientific evidence indicates it is a first century burial cloth.
Yet, controversy and confusion surrounds the radiocarbon test that dated the cloth to the Middle Ages.
And since then, the Shroud is off limits to further testing. But there is also historical evidence, art history evidence, and its
correspondence to another cloth - the Sudarium of Oviedo. What does it all mean and what’s the best way to understand it? Come find out!
