In this Sunday’s worship service, as we remember, and give God thanks for, the saints we’ve known on All Saints Day, our opening hymn will be "For All the Saints". This is one of my favorite hymns! I can recall the tune from way back in my childhood; it was sung in church during one of the first funerals I ever attended. Every time I sing that one most remarkable phrase – “We feebly struggle, they in glory shine” – faces of loved ones who are now with the Lord, rush into my mind and bring tears to my eyes. My maternal grandmother, widowed at an early age, with two young daughters at home. My mother, facing her daily health struggles and increasing frailties with faith before dying at 95. Church members I’ve loved and visited, courageously living through the most arduous of life’s battles, clinging for life to their faith in Jesus. All who now in glory shine. While we feebly struggle. How real is that: both the shining and the struggles! Just as the saints all persevered through struggles in their lifetimes. Their faith still shines, undiminished and unforgettable, in our memories and in illuminating the trail through, and beyond, our own struggles. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Well friends, it’s that time again—the last Sunday in October, when we gather at the site of the old log cabin for our annual bonfire. Come about an hour before sunset, and you’ll find the fire pit glowing, hot dogs roasting, and s’mores ready to be toasted. It’s a family-friendly evening filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of fellowship that warms the heart as much as the fire warms your hands. Bring a chair, bring a friend, and let’s make some memories together.
This Sunday!
Looking to Get Crafty for the Fall?
Want to make a Christmas Gift or two?
Join the fun on November 8th ~ 10am
- 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!).
Percy’s Corner
“Squeak-tacular Thanks!”
Oh my whiskers, what a wake-up call I had on Wednesday! I was snuggled in for a cozy morning when the rumble of a tractor shook me awake. What was going on at that time of the morning? I peeked outside and saw Seth Sadler hard at work in the church yard! He was pulling up old fence posts and taking down the garden fencing that we don’t use anymore. And guess what? That old fencing is being recycled—how clever! Thanks to Seth's hard work, the church yard looks amazing and will be extra beautiful for the bonfire this Sunday evening. If you see him, give him a BIG THANK YOU for all his effort and care. He made everything look amazing!
Need a mid-week lift?
Join us every Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. in the sanctuary for our new Prayer and Praise service.
It’s a time to pause, reflect, and recharge your spirit in the middle of a busy week.
Whether you’re seeking peace, encouragement, or just a quiet moment with God, this gathering is for you.
Want to know more? Reach out to Emily Hale or Natalie Inman—they’d love to share details!
It’s a time to pause, reflect, and recharge your spirit in the middle of a busy week.
Whether you’re seeking peace, encouragement, or just a quiet moment with God, this gathering is for you.
Want to know more? Reach out to Emily Hale or Natalie Inman—they’d love to share details!
The Test and Fear
by Dave Nock
I had a great conversation with Bill Dwyer after church a couple of weeks ago. We discussed testing. How Satan tests us and the temptations set before us. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all high light the temptations of Jesus during his 40 day fast. Matthew 4:4 – the stones and bread -Jesus quoted Scripture: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4).
How we react to temptations we see daily or the fear we experience are decisions we make. How we react to temptation and fear is a human decision. As I discuss with my students many times of the course of a semester, our actions are based on what we learn over our lifetime. The environment we are raised in, the world as we view it and the beliefs we have developed over time. This all shapes us, drives us and how we respond.
Fear is a powerful and primitive emotion connecting individual emotions, psychological and physiological critical reactions for survival. But let’s turn this into a positive discussion. Fear is an acronym. For some FEAR is “forget everything and run” – or “false evidence appearing real”. Satan presents false evidence. Ignore him. FEAR is “face everything and rise”. “Don’t be afraid” or “Fear not” appears in the Bible over 365 times. 365 days in a year are 365 opportunities. These are opportunities to rise. A test is not a temptation. It is an opportunity to rise.
Priest Lake Presbyterian has an opportunity to rise. Let’s make it happen.
How we react to temptations we see daily or the fear we experience are decisions we make. How we react to temptation and fear is a human decision. As I discuss with my students many times of the course of a semester, our actions are based on what we learn over our lifetime. The environment we are raised in, the world as we view it and the beliefs we have developed over time. This all shapes us, drives us and how we respond.
Fear is a powerful and primitive emotion connecting individual emotions, psychological and physiological critical reactions for survival. But let’s turn this into a positive discussion. Fear is an acronym. For some FEAR is “forget everything and run” – or “false evidence appearing real”. Satan presents false evidence. Ignore him. FEAR is “face everything and rise”. “Don’t be afraid” or “Fear not” appears in the Bible over 365 times. 365 days in a year are 365 opportunities. These are opportunities to rise. A test is not a temptation. It is an opportunity to rise.
Priest Lake Presbyterian has an opportunity to rise. Let’s make it happen.
Sunday November 9, Is food for thought sunday. Please remember the blessing box when you are grocery shopping this week
Living Generously - 2026 Stewardship Update
November 11, 2025
Gather with us for a comforting, seasonal meal full of warmth and flavor:
You may sign up by clicking on the link below or at the table in the Narthex
- Coffee-rubbed, slow-roasted pulled pork – tender and infused with a rich, smoky spice blend prepared by Kathy Turk
- Creamy mashed potatoes – buttery and smooth from Chef Bobby
- Seasonal vegetables – a colorful mix of Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, prepared with by Wendy Yarnall
- Dinner rolls – soft, golden, and ready to complement every bite
- and to finish it off Classic banana pudding – made by none other than Wendy!
You may sign up by clicking on the link below or at the table in the Narthex
Session Highlights – September 14, 2025
- Finance: Reviewed financial updates; planning to reapply for the Hunger Grant.
- Worship: Choir rehearsals resumed; search continues for Choir Director and Pianist.
- Congregational Life: Planning fellowship events; added a new kitchen mixer; outreach to visitors and shut-ins continues.
- Christian Education: New curriculum purchased; Wave Country Sunday School Day was a success.
- Property: Approved building rental agreement policy.
- Mission: Ongoing Bible collection and Blessing Box support.
- Pastor’s Report: Discussed future worship resources and pastoral planning; Explorers Class scheduled for Sept. 21.
- Other Business: Approved October 5 congregational meeting to elect Pastor Nominating Committee; began Elder Nominations process; initial 2026 budget draft approved
- Stewardship Month: Elders will share about stewardship of service each Sunday in October.