This Sunday, in worship, I’ve selected Biblical texts from the Song of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-10) and the Magnificat, or the Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-55). In this month of change: October. During this season of change: Autumn. As we walk together through this particular chapter in the life of Priest Lake Presbyterian Church: Transition. While we all grapple with life’s changes on a personal level, as well as on a global level, I’ve chosen the words of these two remarkable, observant, courageous, faithful women to remind us of God’s role and purposes during seasons of change. Their God is still our God. The hand of their Creator is just as active, just as glorious, and just as just as our Creator is today, and will be tomorrow. May we see, hear, feel, taste, and smell God’s revealed splendors in our world, both now and in whatever lies ahead. Here is a glimpse I captured by camera, as Robin and I drove through southern Vermont last Sunday.
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.
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.
Murphy's Law
by Dave Nock
What we know as Murphy’s Law - “anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” The famous phrase is widely attributed to Edward Murphy Jr. He was an American engineer involved in U.S. Air Force rocket-sled tests in the late 1940s. After a set of sensors were wired incorrectly, Murphy reportedly remarked that if there are multiple ways to do something, and one leads to disaster, someone will choose that way.
As an emergency manager this thought process can be and should be an important step in mitigation, preparedness and prevention. Murphy’s Law isn’t meant to be fatalistic — it’s a reminder to:
· anticipate failure points
· build redundancy
· test assumptions
· prepare contingency plans
In emergency management, engineering, and leadership (all areas we think deeply about), it’s essentially a call for rigorous foresight: assume the worst-case scenario is possible, and design systems that remain resilient when it happens. Emergency managers need to be considerate of threats and hazards and anticipate actions of nature or failure of systems. We are all human, thus building in redundancy, the testing of plans and assumptions, and the development of contingency plans are efforts to mitigate Murphy.
Then there is Sod’s Law. If something can go wrong, it will — and usually at the worst possible time. The modification of thought processes comes from British humor or reference to the unlucky “sod” that had something happen.
Let’s apply some mitigation, planning, preparedness and prevention to actions and keep Murphy and Sod in the humor category.
As an emergency manager this thought process can be and should be an important step in mitigation, preparedness and prevention. Murphy’s Law isn’t meant to be fatalistic — it’s a reminder to:
· anticipate failure points
· build redundancy
· test assumptions
· prepare contingency plans
In emergency management, engineering, and leadership (all areas we think deeply about), it’s essentially a call for rigorous foresight: assume the worst-case scenario is possible, and design systems that remain resilient when it happens. Emergency managers need to be considerate of threats and hazards and anticipate actions of nature or failure of systems. We are all human, thus building in redundancy, the testing of plans and assumptions, and the development of contingency plans are efforts to mitigate Murphy.
Then there is Sod’s Law. If something can go wrong, it will — and usually at the worst possible time. The modification of thought processes comes from British humor or reference to the unlucky “sod” that had something happen.
Let’s apply some mitigation, planning, preparedness and prevention to actions and keep Murphy and Sod in the humor category.
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.
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)
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)
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 Cincinnati Chili, Ham and Cheddar Chowder, Cabbage Beef Soup, Gluten-Free 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!
We will have Cincinnati Chili, Ham and Cheddar Chowder, Cabbage Beef Soup, Gluten-Free 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!
Percy's Fall Survival Guide
"Do not trust cinnamon!"
1. Acquire a Sweater Immediately
“Step one: SWEATER. I don’t care if it’s knitted, crocheted, quilted, or stolen from a scarecrow. If I am not wrapped in fabric by October 1, I begin to wilt like a neglected houseplant.”
2. Prepare for Leaf Ambushes
“Leaves will fall. They will fall everywhere. They will fall on YOU. They will fall on ME. They will fall on the pastor’s car with malicious intent. Stay vigilant. Crunch responsibly.”
3. Establish a Pumpkin Perimeter
“Pumpkins multiply. No one knows how. One day there are three, the next day there are seventeen and one of them is wearing a hat. I recommend forming a defensive pumpkin circle around your home. It won’t help, but it looks festive.”
4. Beware of Cinnamon
“Cinnamon is a liar. It smells friendly, but it attacks the sinuses without warning. I sneezed so hard last year I briefly achieved flight. Do not trust cinnamon.”
5. Stockpile Snacks Like a Dramatic Woodland Creature
“You will need:
“I once entered a corn maze and emerged three hours later with a new worldview and a deep distrust of agriculture. If you must enter one, bring a buddy system, a flashlight, and a farewell letter.”
7. Prepare for Sweater Weather Mood Swings
“Fall is emotional. One minute you’re sipping cider, the next minute you’re crying because a leaf fell ‘in a poetic way.’ This is normal. I recommend carrying tissues and blaming everything on ‘seasonal vibes.’”
8. Respect the Bonfire
“Bonfires are warm, cozy, and perfect for roasting snacks. They are also dramatic divas who crackle loudly for attention. Do not feed them marshmallows directly. They get smug.”
9. Accept That Pumpkin Spice Will Win
“You may resist. You may fight. You may declare yourself ‘above it.’ But pumpkin spice will find you. It will appear in your coffee, your lotion, your laundry detergent, and possibly your dreams. Accept your fate.”
10. Embrace the Chaos
“Fall is messy, crunchy, spicy, windy, emotional, and slightly unhinged. Just like me. Lean in.”
“Step one: SWEATER. I don’t care if it’s knitted, crocheted, quilted, or stolen from a scarecrow. If I am not wrapped in fabric by October 1, I begin to wilt like a neglected houseplant.”
2. Prepare for Leaf Ambushes
“Leaves will fall. They will fall everywhere. They will fall on YOU. They will fall on ME. They will fall on the pastor’s car with malicious intent. Stay vigilant. Crunch responsibly.”
3. Establish a Pumpkin Perimeter
“Pumpkins multiply. No one knows how. One day there are three, the next day there are seventeen and one of them is wearing a hat. I recommend forming a defensive pumpkin circle around your home. It won’t help, but it looks festive.”
4. Beware of Cinnamon
“Cinnamon is a liar. It smells friendly, but it attacks the sinuses without warning. I sneezed so hard last year I briefly achieved flight. Do not trust cinnamon.”
5. Stockpile Snacks Like a Dramatic Woodland Creature
“You will need:
- Apple slices
- Pumpkin bread
- Emergency candy corn
- A backup emergency candy corn
- A third candy corn you pretend is ‘for guests’ I do not apologize.”
“I once entered a corn maze and emerged three hours later with a new worldview and a deep distrust of agriculture. If you must enter one, bring a buddy system, a flashlight, and a farewell letter.”
7. Prepare for Sweater Weather Mood Swings
“Fall is emotional. One minute you’re sipping cider, the next minute you’re crying because a leaf fell ‘in a poetic way.’ This is normal. I recommend carrying tissues and blaming everything on ‘seasonal vibes.’”
8. Respect the Bonfire
“Bonfires are warm, cozy, and perfect for roasting snacks. They are also dramatic divas who crackle loudly for attention. Do not feed them marshmallows directly. They get smug.”
9. Accept That Pumpkin Spice Will Win
“You may resist. You may fight. You may declare yourself ‘above it.’ But pumpkin spice will find you. It will appear in your coffee, your lotion, your laundry detergent, and possibly your dreams. Accept your fate.”
10. Embrace the Chaos
“Fall is messy, crunchy, spicy, windy, emotional, and slightly unhinged. Just like me. Lean in.”
Reminder
Wednesday October 14, 2026
4 pm
More Fall fun!
