Yesterday, May 14, 40 days after Easter, was the Day of Ascension. It is when we celebrate the ascension of the Lord into heaven (Acts 1:1-11). When Jesus went up into heaven, his followers were left behind, on earth. Waiting; for ten days, until the Day of Pentecost, 50 days after Easter (on May 24, this year). Theologian Karl Barth named this 10-day waiting period, without Jesus and before the Holy Spirit came, the “significant pause”. What did his followers do, during this “significant pause”? In Acts 1:14, we read “all were united in their devotion to prayer.”
That is one particular spiritual practice I find so evident in Priest Lake Presbyterian Church: devotion to prayer. Your first instinct when you hear that someone is hurting or going through a tough stretch, is to pray. This week, we’ve all been praying for Phil, and Bonnie. I hear people, so often, say: “I’m praying”. In Bobby Binns weekly prayer time, on Facebook: “we’re praying”. In our Sunday morning prayers for everyone on the prayer request list, along with others who are on our hearts, this church prays. This church is united in prayer. Life may deal us, personally or as a church, with a significant pause. Between questions and an answer. Between medical tests and the report. Between treatments and evaluations. In the uncertainty before clarity comes. In information gathering before the big decision is made. As one, or two, of our loved ones receive hospice care. With Jesus up in heaven, before the Spirit makes its presence known. Priest Lake Presbyterian Church, just like those early disciples, prays. We may never know how important our prayers are, or how valuable they are in the lives of the ones you prayed for. It’s what we do. It’s who we are. We are the church, the body of Christ. We pray, and it matters. Thank you, for all your many, many prayers
That is one particular spiritual practice I find so evident in Priest Lake Presbyterian Church: devotion to prayer. Your first instinct when you hear that someone is hurting or going through a tough stretch, is to pray. This week, we’ve all been praying for Phil, and Bonnie. I hear people, so often, say: “I’m praying”. In Bobby Binns weekly prayer time, on Facebook: “we’re praying”. In our Sunday morning prayers for everyone on the prayer request list, along with others who are on our hearts, this church prays. This church is united in prayer. Life may deal us, personally or as a church, with a significant pause. Between questions and an answer. Between medical tests and the report. Between treatments and evaluations. In the uncertainty before clarity comes. In information gathering before the big decision is made. As one, or two, of our loved ones receive hospice care. With Jesus up in heaven, before the Spirit makes its presence known. Priest Lake Presbyterian Church, just like those early disciples, prays. We may never know how important our prayers are, or how valuable they are in the lives of the ones you prayed for. It’s what we do. It’s who we are. We are the church, the body of Christ. We pray, and it matters. Thank you, for all your many, many prayers
We give thanks for the life of our dear friend and charter member, Phil Hereford, who died peacefully this morning after a period of declining health. Phil was part of the foundation of Priest Lake — steady, faithful, and deeply woven into the life of this congregation. His presence, his stories, and his quiet generosity have shaped our community for decades. We hold his family and all who loved him in our prayers as they navigate this season of loss. Information about his memorial service will be shared once plans are finalized
Motivation
by Dave Nock
What is your motivation? What inspires you? For me, now that I have time to reflect on the things I have done, learned, and observations made – my motivation is to inspire the next generation. Having had a 20-year career in the military and now 25 in emergency management, I am working to set the stage for another generation. Not all career paths are easy to see. Not all career paths are easy to follow. Those that have been down the path have to show the light and share insights, lessons and observations.
Don’t follow – Lead. Leaders should offer council, advice and guidance.
I may have said this before, but my favorite verse from the Bible is - Proverbs 15:22, from the Old Testament, “Plans fail when we have no counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.”
We can help the next generation succeed by offering advice, counsel and motivation on the path to take. I firmly believe that leaders need to offer advice and counsel. It is not always taken but at least offer it. Silence is the same as not doing anything. Share what motivates you, advise, and lead.
Don’t follow – Lead. Leaders should offer council, advice and guidance.
I may have said this before, but my favorite verse from the Bible is - Proverbs 15:22, from the Old Testament, “Plans fail when we have no counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.”
We can help the next generation succeed by offering advice, counsel and motivation on the path to take. I firmly believe that leaders need to offer advice and counsel. It is not always taken but at least offer it. Silence is the same as not doing anything. Share what motivates you, advise, and lead.
Men's Breakfast
Saturday
May 16, 2026
9:00am
calling all those who can speak....
Serving as a worship leader on Sunday morning is a privilege.
Even more, it is an honor.
We welcome new faces and voices up here in that role.
If you would like to explore this opportunity, please see Tom Tozer.
There is a brief training session but no final exam.
Please take advantage of this opportunity.
Even more, it is an honor.
We welcome new faces and voices up here in that role.
If you would like to explore this opportunity, please see Tom Tozer.
There is a brief training session but no final exam.
Please take advantage of this opportunity.
May 20, 2026
5:30 - 6:45pm
We will continue reading Chapter 1
Love Beyond Reason
Pages 11-28
All Ladies are welcome to join at any time!
Love Beyond Reason
Pages 11-28
All Ladies are welcome to join at any time!
Food for Thought
Every second Sunday
Thanks to the generosity of our church family and donations from Compton’s Foodland, our Blessing Box is flourishing, and our surrounding community is expressing their gratitude.
Momma Mia!
June 9th
Is the Last Come to the Table for the Season
Menu
Lasagna
Green salad
Garlic bread
dessert
Art of Belonging
Unveiling June 6
If you have seen our food pantry, you know the chain-link fencing is not so attractive. We wanted a way to bring the community together to create art that would not only beautify our space, but would convey through art that all belong here.
On March 21, the community gathered at The Branch of Nashville for a special event, Art of Belonging Day. Throughout the day, people of all ages came together, not just to paint, but to share stories, culture, and a sense of connection through art. Artists included one of our English students, a muralist from Afghanistan, a local senior in high school, and a local high school art teacher, and our social work interns Ximena and Ann. The project was funded by a Metro Arts Thrive Grant.
At the end of the day, the space was filled with more than just artwork; it included identities, connections, and stories. Art of Belonging Day turned from an occasion to a community experience that strengthened ties within the community and served as a reminder that there are several ways to feel, express, and create a sense of belonging.
On Saturday, June 6 at 9:00 AM, we unveil the final paintings, recognize the artists who contributed their talents, and celebrate the beautiful diversity of our community. You are welcome to join us. We would love to share this moment with you.
Thank you for being one with us in in our mission of creating a community where everyone can belong and thrive.
On March 21, the community gathered at The Branch of Nashville for a special event, Art of Belonging Day. Throughout the day, people of all ages came together, not just to paint, but to share stories, culture, and a sense of connection through art. Artists included one of our English students, a muralist from Afghanistan, a local senior in high school, and a local high school art teacher, and our social work interns Ximena and Ann. The project was funded by a Metro Arts Thrive Grant.
At the end of the day, the space was filled with more than just artwork; it included identities, connections, and stories. Art of Belonging Day turned from an occasion to a community experience that strengthened ties within the community and served as a reminder that there are several ways to feel, express, and create a sense of belonging.
On Saturday, June 6 at 9:00 AM, we unveil the final paintings, recognize the artists who contributed their talents, and celebrate the beautiful diversity of our community. You are welcome to join us. We would love to share this moment with you.
Thank you for being one with us in in our mission of creating a community where everyone can belong and thrive.
3 horizontal-section Entertainment Center for sale
Hand built by Kathy Turk's brother, David Urion, in No. Carolina - solid
White Oak customized entertainment center.
Dimensions: 6ft. tall by 8 ft. wide, 3 horizontal sections, smoked glass door inserts, different drawer types.
Our woman's group is going to repaint the room and replace the unit with a couch to accommodate more women for our Wednesday night bible study (and other groups), so I've been asked to find another home for it. It is valued at $6,000 and can be taken as a charitable donation to Priest Lake Presbyterian Church. The real costs will be (because of its weight) its' take-down of 3 heavy pieces at PLPC, at least 3-4 strong men with a ladder, and transporting by trailer or truck (with plenty of padding) . I will make myself available to answer any questions and help direct the take-down of this piece, so you know the 3 sections.
Kathy Turk (615/594.5118) kathy.turk47@gmail.com
White Oak customized entertainment center.
Dimensions: 6ft. tall by 8 ft. wide, 3 horizontal sections, smoked glass door inserts, different drawer types.
Our woman's group is going to repaint the room and replace the unit with a couch to accommodate more women for our Wednesday night bible study (and other groups), so I've been asked to find another home for it. It is valued at $6,000 and can be taken as a charitable donation to Priest Lake Presbyterian Church. The real costs will be (because of its weight) its' take-down of 3 heavy pieces at PLPC, at least 3-4 strong men with a ladder, and transporting by trailer or truck (with plenty of padding) . I will make myself available to answer any questions and help direct the take-down of this piece, so you know the 3 sections.
Kathy Turk (615/594.5118) kathy.turk47@gmail.com
Ecumenical Pride Worship
June 3rd - 6:30pm
Sponsored by New Covenant Christian Church, West End United Methodist Church, and Vine Street Christian Church.
West End United Methodist Church is hosting the event this year on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:30 pm. WEUMC has a beautiful space for worship and fellowship, and plenty of parking! We are also excited to welcome Rev. RJ Robles to the pulpit for this service. Rev. Robles (they/he) is a queer and trans Afro-Puerto Rican Disciples of Christ minister, devoted to co-creating healing practices and rituals for trans people. They seek to continue the strong legacy of trans people of color organizing and mobilizing mutual aid and collective care that supports trans liberation in our lifetime.
There are many way in which you can participate. Contact Rev. Wesley King for more information at 205-344-2834 or wesley@vinestreet.org
West End United Methodist Church is hosting the event this year on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:30 pm. WEUMC has a beautiful space for worship and fellowship, and plenty of parking! We are also excited to welcome Rev. RJ Robles to the pulpit for this service. Rev. Robles (they/he) is a queer and trans Afro-Puerto Rican Disciples of Christ minister, devoted to co-creating healing practices and rituals for trans people. They seek to continue the strong legacy of trans people of color organizing and mobilizing mutual aid and collective care that supports trans liberation in our lifetime.
There are many way in which you can participate. Contact Rev. Wesley King for more information at 205-344-2834 or wesley@vinestreet.org