For the week ending October 2, 2026


Foundations

by Dave Nock

Are we on a solid foundation? When you first look at this question, I am sure you are thinking - building, structure, bricks, cement, frame etc. The kind of thing that would get the sessions property elders attention. Let’s define what I am addressing. A solid foundation is a strong, reliable base—whether in construction, relationships, leadership, faith, or personal growth—on which something durable can be built. At its core, it means stability, strength, and long-term reliability. The question describes a base that is trustworthy, stable, and capable of maintaining and supporting future growth.

The conceptual question of a solid foundation is asking about leadership, relationships, faith, resources and abilities. Having strong principles and values. Building trust and maintaining strong relationships. Having a clear path for the future and ability to prepare for the challenges we will find in the future. Sharing knowledge, skills and abilities with others in order to grow and develop those around you. Having and sharing a grounded spiritual understanding that helps all see and understand a worldly perspective.

In this context, a solid foundation means you’ve built something on truth, clarity, discipline, and stability, not on fear, confusion, and wishful thinking. In order to go forth and do the things we wish to do as a person, as a family, as a congregation: we must have a solid foundation.


Isaiah 28:16

Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation.



A gentle reminder that God lays the foundation we build on: strong, steady, and trustworthy.

The first Sunday in October is World Communion Sunday. It is a day to use the Lord's Supper, our common meal, to remember that the Church is one body. But it's not always clear how to celebrate this occasion within our individual churches.

World Communion Sunday Reminds Us: We are United by Faith. For many of us, on this Sunday will be celebrated as World Communion Sunday. It is a reminder that though we worship locally, we are part of a larger body, a body that is united not by race, ideology or politics, but by our faith in Jesus.

But what exactly does that look like?

How can we actually be in communion with our neighbors? Or our neighbor congregations? And how do we do so in such a way that we can honor our Lord while holding to our convictions?

Do we see the person on the other side as "the enemy," or at the least, our adversary?

So how can each of us be committed to truth, but also as deeply to our communion with God and each other? How can we hold in tension our deepest convictions with our call to be one in Christ?

Perhaps it begins by dwelling upon the truth signified by the common elements of bread and wine. That before we loved anyone, before we cared for anything, before we developed any of our deeply held beliefs, we were loved by God.

Not an emotional, self-serving love, but the divine, sacrificial love we see in Jesus. The love of the one who, on the night before he died, invited his followers to take the bread and wine together as a symbol of their unity. And then called them to find a way to be together in the mess of everyday life and discipleship.
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How to Celebrate World Communion Sunday by Stuart R. Strachan, Jr. / Founder and Executive Director, The Pastor’s Workshop; from his blog dated Sept 28, 2022

Thanksgiving turkey boxes

The Mission Committee is planning to prepare 25 Thanksgiving boxes to bless families in our community and congregation. Each box will include everything needed for a full Thanksgiving Day meal — including a turkey.

We will begin collecting donations October 11 and continue through November 20. You may donate food items or contribute financially toward the purchase of turkeys.
A donation box will be located in the narthex, along with a list of all items included in each box. You may also email the church office to receive a copy of the list.
For more information, please see Nathaniel Jennette or any member of the Mission Committee.
TURKEY BOX SHOPPING LIST
Instant potatoes (family size), Canned yams, Cranberry sauce, Canned corn, Canned peas or green beans
Instant stuffing, Canned/Jarred gravy, Baked goods (pie, cookies, brownies, etc.), Rolls, Turkeys (10 – 12 lb.)
Foil roasting pan, Banker boxes (for packing)

Join us as we begin a new season of study

John Ortberg’s
Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them —

Starting Wednesday
October 7th 

Chapters 1 & 2
Pages 13 - 43

Every woman is welcome to join us as we begin a new season of study together. We meet on the first and third Wednesday evenings.
The side door by the ramp opens at 5:15 PM, and those first few minutes are filled with warm greetings and catching up. At 5:30, we enter a quieter space as we share our confidential prayer requests — words held only within the group and later summarized in an email to those present so we can remember one another in prayer.
By 6:00, we turn to our new book Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them, opening its pages together with curiosity and grace. It’s a time for honest conversation — insights, questions, surprises, and even disagreements — and you’re welcome whether or not you’ve read ahead.
We end at 6:45 with a group prayer, lifting up the needs shared and the wisdom we’ve gained.

Come to the Table Lunches are back!

Tuesday October 13 ~ 11:30

We’ve missed gathering around good food and great conversation — and now it’s time to pull up a chair again! Come to the Table returns on Tuesday, October 13, bringing back the warmth, laughter, and fellowship we’ve all been craving. We will have Chili/Soup, Cornbread and of course, Dessert!

Sign up in the narthex or simply click below to reserve your spot. Bring your appetite and your stories — there’s always room at the table!

Food for Thought Sunday — Every Second Sunday at PLPC

At Priest Lake Presbyterian Church, the second Sunday of each month is more than just another date on the calendar — it’s Food for Thought Sunday, a simple but powerful way our congregation helps keep the Blessing Box stocked for neighbors who rely on it.

The Blessing Box has become an essential lifeline in our community. Families facing tight budgets, seniors on fixed incomes, and anyone who finds themselves in a tough moment can stop by and pick up what they need, no questions asked. Every can, box, and jar placed inside is an act of quiet compassion that ripples far beyond our church walls.

The Blessing Box grocery list includes: canned green beans, canned peas, canned corn, canned soups and chili, boxed mac & cheese, spaghetti sauce and noodles, canned fruit, crackers, peanut butter, instant oatmeal, and canned meats such as tuna and chicken.

Whether you bring one item or a whole bag, your contribution matters. Together, we’re helping ensure that no one in our neighborhood goes without the basics. Thank you for giving so generously and for being part of this ministry of everyday kindness.