For the week ending February 27, 2026




The Lenten Tree of Life: A journey toward renewal

As we enter the season of Lent, the bulletin board outside the church office features “The Lenten Tree of Life” — a bare, brown tree. The tree symbolizes a quiet transformation that begins long before we can see it. Throughout Lent, we will watch this tree slowly “come to life,” reminding us that God works within us in the same way: gently, patiently, and often before we even notice. We invite you to pause, reflect, and visit the board each week as we journey together toward Easter.

There are two ways to participate in the "growing" of the tree.

"Laying Down our burdens" - THE STONES

During these early weeks of Lent, you are invited to lay down what weighs on your heart.
Take a stone and, in a word or short phrase, write:
  • Something you are letting go of
  • A burden you are releasing to God
  • A habit, worry, or heaviness you are giving up for Lent
When you are ready, gently place your stone at the base of the Tree of Life.
Let this be a simple act of surrender — a symbol of trusting God to carry what we cannot.

"Lord, Grow Something New in Me" - THE TAGS

As Lent unfolds, God begins planting new life within us. You are invited to take a tag and write:
  • A practice you hope to take on
  • A gift you pray God will grow in you
  • A hope, intention, or prayer for new spiritual life
Hang your tag on the branches of the Tree of Life as a sign of growth, renewal, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

from Dave Nock

Lent

Pause

Reflect

Connect

Pray

From now until Easter

In Ways we may never know 

Jennifer Taormina

I wanted to share with you something Pastor Ray and I experienced on Wednesday afternoon.
We are both quietly working in our offices when we were interrupted by the doorbell ring. Ray jumped up and answered the door. I could hear him talking to someone in the hallway then he opened my office door and introduced me to a lady that appeared to be in her 50’s named Kathrine. At first, I thought she was here to ask for some sort of assistance and Ray brought her in so I could give her some information on different resources available in the area. Instead, she surprised both of us. Kathrine was here to give Priest Lake a donation. She briefly told us about some of the things she and her family had faced over the past few years. She mentioned at one point when she and her daughters were homeless, they were allowed to stay in the old cabin! She told us that if it wasn’t for the Blessing Box they “may not have made it”. Kathrine said that she and her 7 grandchildren were doing a lot better now and that she needed to give back.  
I wanted to share with you this brief encounter with Kathrine because the love and caring the PLPC family has for people reaches far beyond these walls. It is important to PLPC that we share Christ love in every way we possibly can. By doing so, we (YOU) touch lives in ways that we may never know.

Women's Bible Study
Wednesday March 4, 2026
5:30 - 6:45

Questions Jesus Asked by Magrey Devega
Chapter 4 Pages 67 - 90
What do we live for?
God is calling us to take our cross, follow Jesus,
and discover the truest, fullest life that God intends for us.

 All ladies are welcome to join us at any time. We meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
The side door by the ramp is unlocked by 5:15. There is always some chit chat and hugs as people arrive and by 5:30 we settle in with our prayer requests.  We keep these prayer requests confidential, and we don’t discuss them with our friends or family.  I write a summary of the requests and share them in an email only to the people who were in that room at that time.  A written summary is intended to help us remember our stepsisters in our daily prayers.
By 6:00 we turn our attention to the book that we’re reading.  It’s a time to share our insights, questions, things we like, and things we might disagree with.  You are welcome to come even if you haven’t read the current chapter of the book.
At 6:45 we close with a group prayer, lifting up the prayer requests shared at the beginning.

2025 Financial Summary and 2026 Budget Presentation from the Annual Congregational Meeting

For those who could not attend this past Sunday’s congregational meeting, I am providing a condensed summary of the information presented.
PLPC ended 2025 with a net profit.  Please see the table below.
CategoryActual BudgetedVariance
Income$174,362$179,733-$5,371
Expenses$146,212$177,992-$31,780
Net Income$28,150$1,741$26,409

Several factors lead to this unexpected income: the pianist position was not filled with a permanent staff member, after Noah Rice’s resignation, the Choir Director position has been filled on a voluntary basis, reduced spending of $3,464 in our Ministry Areas/Committees and our pastoral support was on a part-time basis filled by a Commissioned Ruling Elder and an Interim Pastor who is currently retired from full-time ministry.

Please refer to the table below for a comparison of 2025 actual income and expenses versus the 2026 budgeted income and expenses.
Category2025 Actual2026 BudgetedVariance
Income$174,362$163,349-$11,013
Expenses$146,212$170,564+$24,352
Net Income (Shortfall)$28,150-$7,215-$35,365

As we have incurred a major expense in 2026 to replace an 18 year old HVAC unit, PLPC’s reserves and savings will be drawn down further if this expected shortfall for 2026 is not covered.  Please prayerfully consider how you can help rebuild our reserves.

As always, I am available if you have any questions or concerns about the budget and PLPC’s finances.
David Sadler, Interim Treasurer

Clear the clutter and give back!

1 - Put it on the calendar
2 - Start "Spring Cleaning"
3 - Bring it to Compton's

March 14th
9am - noon

On March 14 from 9 am - noon Compton's Foodland will host the District 29 "Clear the Clutter and Give Back!" day.
Got bulk trash? Piles of papers to shred? Old clothes ready for a new home?
Here's what's happening:
  • Free Bulk Trash Drop-Off - Clear out oversized junk items
  • Free Document Shredding - Protect your information and declutter
  • Clothing Donations to ThriftSmart - Give gently used clothes a second life
Calendars
Calendar
Special Events
Well friends, I’ve just returned from a delightful weekend at Camp Widjiwagen — and let me tell you, my little mouse heart is still full.
The Ladies Retreat may have had a smaller crowd this year (thanks to that pesky ice storm), but the spirit was anything but small. About fifteen wonderful women gathered, and from my cozy perch near the fireplace, I watched something beautiful unfold.
On Saturday morning, Linda Tozer helped everyone step into the sandals of the woman at the well — the one who met Jesus and gave Him water. I could feel the hush in the room as hearts opened to that moment of grace. Then came the taco bar! Oh my whiskers — fresh veggies, savory fillings, and enough options to make even a picky mouse swoon.
After lunch, Linda shared the story of the woman with the alabaster flask. I saw tears and smiles as the ladies reflected on her bold love and devotion. Some ventured into the woods for a peaceful walk (I waved to my lake cousins while they scurried through the leaves), while others stayed back with Nancy Loudermilk to craft stunning wall hangings from old bits and baubles. Who knew forgotten jewelry could become such treasures?
Dinner brought three kinds of soup — yes, three! — plus taco leftovers, and the evening was filled with laughter, deep conversation, and more crafting. I tucked myself in early, but I heard the joy echoing well into the night.
Sunday morning arrived with the aroma of coffee (even mice appreciate a good brew), and the message was about Martha and Mary. The reminder to slow down, to be instead of always do, settled into every heart like a warm blanket.
Before heading home, each lady received a handmade prayer candle — fragrant, beautiful, and full of meaning. I tucked one into my satchel (don’t ask how), and I’ve already placed it beside my nest.
I’ve marked my calendar for next year’s retreat — January 30–31, 2027. I wouldn’t miss it for all the cheese in Tennessee.
Until then, I’ll be scurrying around PLPC, reminding everyone that even in small gatherings, God shows up big. And yes — God is still faithful.

“From old jewelry to new beauty — the ladies crafted treasures that sparkle with love and story.”
“The ladies of PLPC shining bright at Camp Widjiwagen — and yes, I scurried through the room just after this photo was taken.” — Percy