I am looking forward to joining you all in worship this Sunday, in-person or online. Our scripture texts will be Genesis 12:1-4 (God’s call to Abram and Sarai to leave their homeland and go to the land that the Lord will show them) and John 3:14-17 (For God so loved the world…). We will celebrate communion too. Since the next time that we’ll celebrate communion will be on Easter Sunday, April 5, this will be the only time during Lent that we will receive the Lord’s Supper. May the Lord bless us each, as well as our church, as we come to the table on Sunday.
I want to thank all the worshippers who joined us on Ash Wednesday, last week, for our special evening service. I was honored to lead the sacred time together, apply the ashes, and remind each of us that in every season of life, we are beloved children of God. God’s promises, God’s saving love in Jesus Christ, never run out, never end. No matter what. See you on Sunday.
I want to thank all the worshippers who joined us on Ash Wednesday, last week, for our special evening service. I was honored to lead the sacred time together, apply the ashes, and remind each of us that in every season of life, we are beloved children of God. God’s promises, God’s saving love in Jesus Christ, never run out, never end. No matter what. See you on Sunday.
What are you going to hang on a tag?
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:
Let this be a simple act of surrender — a symbol of trusting God to carry what we cannot.
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
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
A Two-Way Street
from Dave Nock
But first, last week’s message was to reflect on Lent
Lent
Pause
Reflect
Connect
Pray
From now until Easter
This week I want to discuss a two-way street. Not one that cars and trucks drive on, but one that we use every day to communicate with. We communicate with family, with friends, neighbors and so on, every day. We walk up to someone, “Hi, how is your day?” Are we really asking, how is your day, or is just something to say in passing? Do we really want an answer?
Two-way communication is sharing and talking followed by listening. In fact, if we really care, listening is more important.
Disaster response and recovery requires a lot of listening. We must listen to understand what happened and what resources may be needed in order to respond effectively to assist others. To some extent, much like what we say to little kids, “Do you have your listening ears on?”
Many of us go into transmit mode and when we do, we can’t listen. Much like the above Lent message, let’s listen and reflect on what we hear, that way we will connect better.
God listens but let’s reflect on what he is telling us. God is on that two-way street with us.
Prayer is a two-way street.
Two-way communication is sharing and talking followed by listening. In fact, if we really care, listening is more important.
Disaster response and recovery requires a lot of listening. We must listen to understand what happened and what resources may be needed in order to respond effectively to assist others. To some extent, much like what we say to little kids, “Do you have your listening ears on?”
Many of us go into transmit mode and when we do, we can’t listen. Much like the above Lent message, let’s listen and reflect on what we hear, that way we will connect better.
God listens but let’s reflect on what he is telling us. God is on that two-way street with us.
Prayer is a two-way street.
What a little mouse learned on a big weekend
by Percy Churchmouse
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 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?
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 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.
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.
“A moment of joy and easy conversation in the kitchen — friendships deepening over shared stories and laughter.”
“Linda Tozer guiding the ladies through a time of reflection, insight, and shared grace.
“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
“Sharing conversation and connection in the Lake House kitchen — a simple moment of fellowship that made the retreat feel like family.”
“A sweet snapshot of sisterhood — the kind of embrace that reminds us we’re never walking this journey alone.”
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.
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.
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:
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