At our town hall conversation, on Wednesday evening, September 24, following another delicious dinner provided by Bobby, Jon, the kitchen crew, and the potluck contributions of many generous folks, we discussed: How Do We See Our Future (and Our Future Pastor)? Here is a summary of our discussion.
Our Future is to:
As a congregation, we will begin to step into that new future, with our next pastor, when we meet to elect the Pastor Nominating Committee, this coming Sunday, after worship. The congregational Nominating Committee has been active in prayer and in reaching out to members who would best represent the church in the upcoming search process. I hope to see you on Sunday, in person or online, as we worship the Lord together and follow the Spirit’s leading in the formation of this important committee. All thanks be to God!
Our Future is to:
- Support and Engage with Youth & Young Adults
- Grow and Adapt to New Technologies
- Expand Ministry to Folks Who Participate Virtually or Have Moved Away
- Improve Street Signage for the Many Who Drive By
- Antioch is Growing, Explore Bilingual Ministries – Spanish and Arabic
- Open Church to Homeless Feeding Program
- Focus Prayer on the Future Ministry and Mission of PLPC
Our Future Pastor will be:
- Able to direct, but not do it all
- Leads first by listening, fostering collaboration
- Relatable with all kinds of people
- Weigh pluses and minuses of full or part-time position
- Prioritizes, honors, and organizes the gifts of others
- Trains and equips the ministries of members
- Good sense of humor
- Appreciates, and is comfortable in giving, expressions of love and encouragement
- Respects the values and history of our church
- Able to easily relate to children
- Is gifted and capable as a teacher
As a congregation, we will begin to step into that new future, with our next pastor, when we meet to elect the Pastor Nominating Committee, this coming Sunday, after worship. The congregational Nominating Committee has been active in prayer and in reaching out to members who would best represent the church in the upcoming search process. I hope to see you on Sunday, in person or online, as we worship the Lord together and follow the Spirit’s leading in the formation of this important committee. All thanks be to God!
by Dave Nock
We have seen bad / ugly news across the country in recent weeks. Priest Lake has in the past seen and received threats. (None are recent). So, I wanted to address the topic and offer a level of comfort (reassurance) to the congregation.
First, we have a draft plan Session has reviewed, and a small team is working to facilitate security during services and church events. Through the session, we are updating the plan and will be working with Nashville law enforcement to develop a training plan for the team.
Second, we plan to share the action plan with the congregation offering what to do and proper steps to take if we ever have a situation similar to topics and situations that have been in the news.
We have several exits in the sanctuary that are marked. The area around them is clear. The important part is to exit to a safe location and one that will facilitate safety. Sometimes exiting the building may not be a good idea. You do not want to exit into another problem. The team will offer direction as needed. There have been several documents offered recently from all levels of government that discuss a sequence of - RUN - HIDE - FIGHT. The PLPC team will be trained in how to facilitate this process.
You may also notice a box attached to the wall outside the sanctuary entrance. This box contains a key that will facilitate the Nashville Fire Department and their ability to enter the building if needed.
In doing this we want to help ensure that Priest Lake Presbyterian congregation is safe and we know how to respond in a situation that can lead to a challenging situation.
First, we have a draft plan Session has reviewed, and a small team is working to facilitate security during services and church events. Through the session, we are updating the plan and will be working with Nashville law enforcement to develop a training plan for the team.
Second, we plan to share the action plan with the congregation offering what to do and proper steps to take if we ever have a situation similar to topics and situations that have been in the news.
We have several exits in the sanctuary that are marked. The area around them is clear. The important part is to exit to a safe location and one that will facilitate safety. Sometimes exiting the building may not be a good idea. You do not want to exit into another problem. The team will offer direction as needed. There have been several documents offered recently from all levels of government that discuss a sequence of - RUN - HIDE - FIGHT. The PLPC team will be trained in how to facilitate this process.
You may also notice a box attached to the wall outside the sanctuary entrance. This box contains a key that will facilitate the Nashville Fire Department and their ability to enter the building if needed.
In doing this we want to help ensure that Priest Lake Presbyterian congregation is safe and we know how to respond in a situation that can lead to a challenging situation.
October 14, 2025
Join us for a time of fellowship, food, and connection at our monthly Come to the Table lunch.
Held on the second Tuesday of each month, this gathering is open to everyone—
a place where all are welcome and every seat matters.
To help us prepare, RSVP is kindly requested.
Whether you're a longtime member or visiting for the first time, we’d love to have you join us around the table.
The Menu for October 14th is Poppy Chicken Casserole, Green Salad, Biscuits, and Dessert.
You may sign up in the Narthex or click the link.
Hope to see you there!
Held on the second Tuesday of each month, this gathering is open to everyone—
a place where all are welcome and every seat matters.
To help us prepare, RSVP is kindly requested.
Whether you're a longtime member or visiting for the first time, we’d love to have you join us around the table.
The Menu for October 14th is Poppy Chicken Casserole, Green Salad, Biscuits, and Dessert.
You may sign up in the Narthex or click the link.
Hope to see you there!
LOOKING FOR SOME CRAFT FUN FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS?
Want to try your hand making 2 glass candles? We had fun last year!!!
Christmas-colored sand will be available.
- Saturday class on Nov. 8th @ 10:00am. The candle sizes are a pair of champagne flutes or a pair of wine glasses – you can choose at the class! Sign-up sheet posted in the church hallway Oct. 1st.
- Deadline for the Nov. 8th class will be Sunday, Nov. 2nd. So, first-come-first-served!! Our instructor, Betty Jean (same as last year) is confirmed.
- There is a max of 12 people per class.
- Cost for 2 candles is $25 (cash needed to pay the teacher that day). Attendees should pay me in advance to assure their place, as Betty Jean is providing all the supplies.
- Wear old clothes to protect your good stuff!
- I will have coffee/coffee cake available (my treat!).
Kathy Turk 615.594.5118
