I wants everyone to know that the church office will be closed on Monday, September 7 for Labor Day. I hope our PLPC family enjoys a restful long weekend and finds a little renewal in the pause — even church mice appreciate a quiet day to recharge. And why bother cooking dinner? Come enjoy some great BBQ at the Annual Labor Day Cookout? I'll happily let someone else do the grilling!
Public Speaking
by Dave Nock
Paul … a Role Model for Worship Leaders
The PLPC weekly liturgist or worship leader is the congregational orator with the task of sharing the word of Christ with those gathered to worship. The liturgist is the public information officer who helps deliver the order of worship to the congregation and create a worshipful atmosphere and experience.
The Apostle Paul was a master at public speaking. The effectiveness of public speaking is measured by a successful public information message being shared and understood by the public. Success isn’t about sounding polished — it’s about changing behavior. Thirteen books of the Bible are attributed to Paul. In all, he wrote and spoke to share the word of Christ. Paul changed behavior.
Donna and I have stood on the rock (as attributed to history, an outcropping overlooking Athens, Greece) where Paul shared the word of Christ with the Athenians. He was not successful in Athens, therefore, there is no book (or letter) in the Bible that is addressed to the people of Athens. In the case of the Athenian leadership, I have no doubt that Paul was timely and accurate expressing the word of Christ. The issue was that the audience did not understand and may not have been receptive to this new and developing religion. Keep in mind Athens was named after Athena, a Greek Goddess.
The PLPC worship leaders do not have to be a St. Paul. They do, however, have to volunteer and share their time and talents to start and complete the process. And it should be viewed as an honor. The sharing of the message with accurate, timely and understandable information builds trust within the congregation. The clarity of the message … the accuracy of the message ... and the smooth flow of the order of worship help with the understanding of the message. The message needs to be clearly actionable, so the congregation knows what to do (sit, stand, sing etc.). The credibility and trust come from the recognized authority … the worship leader.
If you wish to participate as a PLPC worship leader, please contact the church office or leave a note in the attendance pad on Sunday. It is an honorable calling.
The PLPC weekly liturgist or worship leader is the congregational orator with the task of sharing the word of Christ with those gathered to worship. The liturgist is the public information officer who helps deliver the order of worship to the congregation and create a worshipful atmosphere and experience.
The Apostle Paul was a master at public speaking. The effectiveness of public speaking is measured by a successful public information message being shared and understood by the public. Success isn’t about sounding polished — it’s about changing behavior. Thirteen books of the Bible are attributed to Paul. In all, he wrote and spoke to share the word of Christ. Paul changed behavior.
Donna and I have stood on the rock (as attributed to history, an outcropping overlooking Athens, Greece) where Paul shared the word of Christ with the Athenians. He was not successful in Athens, therefore, there is no book (or letter) in the Bible that is addressed to the people of Athens. In the case of the Athenian leadership, I have no doubt that Paul was timely and accurate expressing the word of Christ. The issue was that the audience did not understand and may not have been receptive to this new and developing religion. Keep in mind Athens was named after Athena, a Greek Goddess.
The PLPC worship leaders do not have to be a St. Paul. They do, however, have to volunteer and share their time and talents to start and complete the process. And it should be viewed as an honor. The sharing of the message with accurate, timely and understandable information builds trust within the congregation. The clarity of the message … the accuracy of the message ... and the smooth flow of the order of worship help with the understanding of the message. The message needs to be clearly actionable, so the congregation knows what to do (sit, stand, sing etc.). The credibility and trust come from the recognized authority … the worship leader.
If you wish to participate as a PLPC worship leader, please contact the church office or leave a note in the attendance pad on Sunday. It is an honorable calling.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
(we are skipping the 3 Thursday in August)
5:30 – 6:45 PM
Our next gathering will continue Life Changing Love by John Ortberg as we explore Chapters 11 & 12 (pages 184–211), which bring this wonderful book to its conclusion. This week’s themes — “God Searches for Hiding People” and “The Ragged God” — invite us to reflect on the ways God meets us in our most vulnerable places and draws us toward grace.
Come ready for thoughtful conversation, shared insight, and the joy of finishing this study together.
Come ready for thoughtful conversation, shared insight, and the joy of finishing this study together.
The next book we will be reading is also by John Ortberg.
It is Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them.
Bring a favorite dessert to share — homemade or store‑bought, all are welcome
Upcoming Stuff to put on your calendar
Saturday, August 29, 2026
9am - Noon
District 29 Community Cleanup and Bulk Item Drop-off
There will be bulk-item drop-off in the parking lot of Compton's Foodland (2808 Old Smith Springs Road)
There will be bulk-item drop-off in the parking lot of Compton's Foodland (2808 Old Smith Springs Road)
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
9am - Noon
PLPC Volunteer Day at The Branch
Click here to Register on-line to volunteer
Questions: Amy Aviles or Jeff Binns
Click here to Register on-line to volunteer
Questions: Amy Aviles or Jeff Binns
During the Summer months, the Branch is fortunate to have lots of volunteers...such as community organizations and youth groups doing service projects. But once school begins, The Branch struggles to get enough volunteer help during the week. That's where churches like ours can really pitch in. Come lend a helping hand and see where some of our mission dollars go to directly serve our community.
Talk to Amy Aviles about how to get involved
Talk to Amy Aviles about how to get involved
Monday, September 7, 2026
Church Office Closed
LABOR DAY
LABOR DAY
DON'T FORGET THE
BAR-B-QUE!
BAR-B-QUE!
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
7:00pm
Choir Practice Resumes
Enter down the ramp/ side door to the Education/SS Classrooms
WE WELCOME NEW VOICES!
More info - Amy Aviles
Enter down the ramp/ side door to the Education/SS Classrooms
WE WELCOME NEW VOICES!
More info - Amy Aviles
OCTOBER
Come to the Table
Resumes October 13 - 11:30 am
More Info Soon
Resumes October 13 - 11:30 am
More Info Soon
NOVEMBER
Annual Church Bonfire
November 1, 2026
More information to Come
November 1, 2026
More information to Come
