A New Chapter Begins at Priest Lake Presbyterian Church
Let's show our support for Rev. Derek.
On Saturday, November 7, the Presbytery will gather for its regular quarterly meeting at Franklin First Presbyterian Church. As part of the day's business, the Committee on Ministry (COM) will examine and vote on the approval of Derek to serve as a pastor within the Presbyterian Church (USA) and continue his ministry with the family of Priest Lake Presbyterian Church.
We would love to have a strong showing from the PLPC family to support Derek on this important day. If you are able to attend, please plan to arrive by 10:30 a.m.
Your presence will be a meaningful expression of encouragement as Derek takes this next step in his ministry with our congregation. Please keep Derek, the Presbytery, and this process in your prayers.
We would love to have a strong showing from the PLPC family to support Derek on this important day. If you are able to attend, please plan to arrive by 10:30 a.m.
Your presence will be a meaningful expression of encouragement as Derek takes this next step in his ministry with our congregation. Please keep Derek, the Presbytery, and this process in your prayers.
Prepare for the upcoming season
by Dave Nock
As an emergency manager planning and preparedness are the basic framework of being ready when the need arises. The bottom line of preparedness is knowing your risks and then planning mitigation measures to reduce that risk.
So, what is the winter weather risk for Middle Tennessee.
This is a bit like looking into a crystal ball and determining the outcome. Better yet the Farmers Almanac. The NOAA Climate Prediction Center seasonal outlook issued October 15 indicates roughly a 33–40% probability of above-normal temperatures across all or nearly all of Tennessee for December 2026–February 2027. For precipitation, most of Tennessee is currently in the equal-chances category, meaning there isn't a strong seasonal signal favoring above-, near-, or below-normal precipitation. Importantly, NOAA Climate Prediction Center explains that its seasonal outlooks describe probabilities of temperature and precipitation departures from normal.
So, best guess – we will have winter. My guess, we will have freezing rain, we will have some snow, we will have cold weather, transportation will be disrupted, and there may be power outages. There you have it.
For the average person or the average family, we have to understand the risk. What hazards or threats could occur? Who and what could be affected? What consequences would matter most? Where are the vulnerabilities? Where do we except risk? The answer to this is specific to you, and what is important to you and your family.
Ask yourself this question - Can our family safely stay home for several days if the roads are hazardous and the power goes out?
That is why we plan. Planning and preparedness are about thinking ahead before a problem becomes a crisis. In emergency management, planning establishes what needs to happen, while preparedness develops capabilities, relationships, and resources needed to make that plan work. So, what is needed for the average family. It is better to think about these preparedness questions now while there is time. Don’t do it when the weather folks say snow is in the forecast. Remember when the weather folks use the “S” word, milk, bread and eggs disappear from grocery shelves.
So, what do we need? We might include protecting life and property, maintain essential services, and communicate. That would be the emergency manager in me. Preparedness means developing the ability to respond to, and recovery (or be resilient) to a situation or in this case a weather threat. At the household level, for example, Ready.gov Build A Kit recommends maintaining emergency supplies such as water, food, communications equipment, first-aid supplies, medications, and important documents. Keep the following things:
Practice Heating Safety: Understand safe heating practices and how to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Working carbon-monoxide detectors and a fire extinguisher. Do you have a safe, appropriate backup heating strategy?
Stay Safe During Power Outages: Learn what to have on hand and how to prepare for temporary loss of electricity. Prepare for losing electricity and communications. Think through what uses electricity and have a back up plan. – Cell phone, flashlight, radio etc.
Medications and health – Have – prescriptions, first aid kit, if you need it medical equipment, eyeglasses, infant care items or senior care items.
Winterize the vehicle - Each family vehicle should have a small emergency kit containing items such as – ice scraper, cell phone charger, water, flashlight, first aid kit, warm clothes and a blanket.
Have a family plan - Supplies aren't enough. Everyone should know, how will we communicate? Where will we go if the house becomes unsafe or too cold?
Who checks on elderly or vulnerable relatives? Who takes care of pets?
What happens if family members are separated when the storm begins?
Check on Neighbors: Learn how checking on older adults and neighbors can help keep our community safe during winter emergencies.
The goal is to help you take practical steps at home to help you feel more confident and prepared for the winter months ahead. Think of planning as a component of preparedness, and preparedness as a component of resilience. And take care of each other.
So, what is the winter weather risk for Middle Tennessee.
This is a bit like looking into a crystal ball and determining the outcome. Better yet the Farmers Almanac. The NOAA Climate Prediction Center seasonal outlook issued October 15 indicates roughly a 33–40% probability of above-normal temperatures across all or nearly all of Tennessee for December 2026–February 2027. For precipitation, most of Tennessee is currently in the equal-chances category, meaning there isn't a strong seasonal signal favoring above-, near-, or below-normal precipitation. Importantly, NOAA Climate Prediction Center explains that its seasonal outlooks describe probabilities of temperature and precipitation departures from normal.
So, best guess – we will have winter. My guess, we will have freezing rain, we will have some snow, we will have cold weather, transportation will be disrupted, and there may be power outages. There you have it.
For the average person or the average family, we have to understand the risk. What hazards or threats could occur? Who and what could be affected? What consequences would matter most? Where are the vulnerabilities? Where do we except risk? The answer to this is specific to you, and what is important to you and your family.
Ask yourself this question - Can our family safely stay home for several days if the roads are hazardous and the power goes out?
That is why we plan. Planning and preparedness are about thinking ahead before a problem becomes a crisis. In emergency management, planning establishes what needs to happen, while preparedness develops capabilities, relationships, and resources needed to make that plan work. So, what is needed for the average family. It is better to think about these preparedness questions now while there is time. Don’t do it when the weather folks say snow is in the forecast. Remember when the weather folks use the “S” word, milk, bread and eggs disappear from grocery shelves.
So, what do we need? We might include protecting life and property, maintain essential services, and communicate. That would be the emergency manager in me. Preparedness means developing the ability to respond to, and recovery (or be resilient) to a situation or in this case a weather threat. At the household level, for example, Ready.gov Build A Kit recommends maintaining emergency supplies such as water, food, communications equipment, first-aid supplies, medications, and important documents. Keep the following things:
- Water: about 1 gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation.
- Several days of nonperishable food that require little or no cooking and a manual can opener
- Foods appropriate for children, older adults, allergies, or special diets
- Extra pet food and water if applicable
Practice Heating Safety: Understand safe heating practices and how to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Working carbon-monoxide detectors and a fire extinguisher. Do you have a safe, appropriate backup heating strategy?
Stay Safe During Power Outages: Learn what to have on hand and how to prepare for temporary loss of electricity. Prepare for losing electricity and communications. Think through what uses electricity and have a back up plan. – Cell phone, flashlight, radio etc.
Medications and health – Have – prescriptions, first aid kit, if you need it medical equipment, eyeglasses, infant care items or senior care items.
Winterize the vehicle - Each family vehicle should have a small emergency kit containing items such as – ice scraper, cell phone charger, water, flashlight, first aid kit, warm clothes and a blanket.
Have a family plan - Supplies aren't enough. Everyone should know, how will we communicate? Where will we go if the house becomes unsafe or too cold?
Who checks on elderly or vulnerable relatives? Who takes care of pets?
What happens if family members are separated when the storm begins?
Check on Neighbors: Learn how checking on older adults and neighbors can help keep our community safe during winter emergencies.
The goal is to help you take practical steps at home to help you feel more confident and prepared for the winter months ahead. Think of planning as a component of preparedness, and preparedness as a component of resilience. And take care of each other.
Questions from the Top Shelf: My Interview with Pastor Derek
from Percy Churchmouse
After conducting a completely official and highly professional inspection of Pastor Derek's office, I discovered a mystery box, Superman, a tiny green creature named Grogu, a spaceship, and enough books to keep a mouse occupied for several winters.
Naturally, I had questions.
The Mystery Box
The first thing that caught my eye was a large yellow Mystery Box.
"Pastor Derek," I asked, "when I walked into your office, I found Superman, Grogu, a mystery box, and a spaceship. Which of these best represents your personality?"
Without hesitation, he chose the Mystery Box.
Apparently, he loves mystery, questions, imagining new things, and stretching the imagination. I found this answer encouraging. As a mouse who routinely investigates ceiling tiles and unattended snack tables, I also appreciate a good mystery.
Games, Friendship, and Stories
I also learned that Pastor Derek became hooked on gaming through Dungeons & Dragons.
When I asked what he enjoys most about gaming, his answer wasn't dragons, treasure, or heroic battles. It was the people.
He talked about friendships, sharing stories with friends, and laughter. The more he explained, the more it sounded familiar. After all, church is a little like that too. We gather together, share our stories, build friendships, and laugh together along the way.
An Interesting Guest List
Next, I posed a very important question.
"If you could invite three people from the Bible to game night, who would they be?"
Pastor Derek didn't have to think long.
Peter made the list because, in Derek's words, "he says stupid things." Noah was invited because "he'd bring the drinks." Jael earned a seat at the table because "she knows how to fight."
The chosen game would be Fiasco, a storytelling game where things rarely go according to plan. After hearing the guest list, I suspect things would get out of hand almost immediately.
As a professional observer of church life, I would definitely watch that game unfold from a safe distance.
Adventures Beyond PLPC
While examining Pastor Derek's bookshelf, I noticed authors like Tolkien and C.S. Lewis and wondered where he would travel if he could visit any fictional world.
His answer surprised me.
"Today? The Star Trek Universe; Strange New Worlds."
When I asked why, he explained that in Star Trek they always seem to have enough. Enough food. Enough resources. Enough opportunity to explore, learn, and discover.
As a mouse who frequently worries about whether there will be enough snacks after fellowship hour, I found this to be an excellent answer. It also explains why there's a spaceship in his office.
Why He's Here
Of all the answers he gave, this one may tell us the most.
When I asked what he's most excited about as he begins ministry at PLPC, Pastor Derek didn't talk about sermons, meetings, or office furniture.
Instead, he said he's looking forward to getting to know people and sharing life and laughter together.
That sounds less like a job description and more like the beginning of a relationship, which seems like a good place for a church family to start.
Lightning Round
Favorite drink? Dr Pepper Zero.
Night owl or early bird? Night owl.
Favorite board game? Any cooperative game where everyone works together
Favorite superhero? Green Lantern.
Favorite game-night snack? Something hearty that won't leave "stuff" on your fingers. Finger sandwiches and pinwheels are among his favorites. Apparently sticky fingers, game pieces, and cards are a troublesome combination.
Then came the most important question.
"If Grogu and Percy were left alone in your office for an hour, who would cause more trouble?"
Pastor Derek answered immediately.
"Grogu."
His reasoning was concerning.
According to Pastor Derek, Grogu would try to eat me. This would likely lead to a very heated discussion between the two of us, especially if snacks were involved. He seemed quite certain that neither Grogu nor I would be willing to share.
For the official record, I would like to state that I am perfectly capable of sharing snacks. The issue is whether Grogu is capable of sharing snacks. Based on the evidence currently available, I remain skeptical.
Percy's Final Report
After completing my investigation, I can confirm that Pastor Derek enjoys mysteries, stories, imagination, friendships, laughter, cooperative adventures, and asking big questions. The Mystery Box in his office may be the perfect symbol after all.
Most importantly, he seems genuinely excited to get to know the people of PLPC and share life and laughter together.
I think we're going to enjoy having him around.
Naturally, I had questions.
The Mystery Box
The first thing that caught my eye was a large yellow Mystery Box.
"Pastor Derek," I asked, "when I walked into your office, I found Superman, Grogu, a mystery box, and a spaceship. Which of these best represents your personality?"
Without hesitation, he chose the Mystery Box.
Apparently, he loves mystery, questions, imagining new things, and stretching the imagination. I found this answer encouraging. As a mouse who routinely investigates ceiling tiles and unattended snack tables, I also appreciate a good mystery.
Games, Friendship, and Stories
I also learned that Pastor Derek became hooked on gaming through Dungeons & Dragons.
When I asked what he enjoys most about gaming, his answer wasn't dragons, treasure, or heroic battles. It was the people.
He talked about friendships, sharing stories with friends, and laughter. The more he explained, the more it sounded familiar. After all, church is a little like that too. We gather together, share our stories, build friendships, and laugh together along the way.
An Interesting Guest List
Next, I posed a very important question.
"If you could invite three people from the Bible to game night, who would they be?"
Pastor Derek didn't have to think long.
Peter made the list because, in Derek's words, "he says stupid things." Noah was invited because "he'd bring the drinks." Jael earned a seat at the table because "she knows how to fight."
The chosen game would be Fiasco, a storytelling game where things rarely go according to plan. After hearing the guest list, I suspect things would get out of hand almost immediately.
As a professional observer of church life, I would definitely watch that game unfold from a safe distance.
Adventures Beyond PLPC
While examining Pastor Derek's bookshelf, I noticed authors like Tolkien and C.S. Lewis and wondered where he would travel if he could visit any fictional world.
His answer surprised me.
"Today? The Star Trek Universe; Strange New Worlds."
When I asked why, he explained that in Star Trek they always seem to have enough. Enough food. Enough resources. Enough opportunity to explore, learn, and discover.
As a mouse who frequently worries about whether there will be enough snacks after fellowship hour, I found this to be an excellent answer. It also explains why there's a spaceship in his office.
Why He's Here
Of all the answers he gave, this one may tell us the most.
When I asked what he's most excited about as he begins ministry at PLPC, Pastor Derek didn't talk about sermons, meetings, or office furniture.
Instead, he said he's looking forward to getting to know people and sharing life and laughter together.
That sounds less like a job description and more like the beginning of a relationship, which seems like a good place for a church family to start.
Lightning Round
Favorite drink? Dr Pepper Zero.
Night owl or early bird? Night owl.
Favorite board game? Any cooperative game where everyone works together
Favorite superhero? Green Lantern.
Favorite game-night snack? Something hearty that won't leave "stuff" on your fingers. Finger sandwiches and pinwheels are among his favorites. Apparently sticky fingers, game pieces, and cards are a troublesome combination.
Then came the most important question.
"If Grogu and Percy were left alone in your office for an hour, who would cause more trouble?"
Pastor Derek answered immediately.
"Grogu."
His reasoning was concerning.
According to Pastor Derek, Grogu would try to eat me. This would likely lead to a very heated discussion between the two of us, especially if snacks were involved. He seemed quite certain that neither Grogu nor I would be willing to share.
For the official record, I would like to state that I am perfectly capable of sharing snacks. The issue is whether Grogu is capable of sharing snacks. Based on the evidence currently available, I remain skeptical.
Percy's Final Report
After completing my investigation, I can confirm that Pastor Derek enjoys mysteries, stories, imagination, friendships, laughter, cooperative adventures, and asking big questions. The Mystery Box in his office may be the perfect symbol after all.
Most importantly, he seems genuinely excited to get to know the people of PLPC and share life and laughter together.
I think we're going to enjoy having him around.
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.
UPDATED shopping list
The shopping list for our 25 Thanksgiving food boxes is nearly complete.
TURKEY BOX SHOPPING LIST
Canned corn
Canned/Jarred gravy
Turkeys (10 – 12 lb.)
Foil roasting pan
Banker boxes (for packing)
* Rolls
* Baked Goods (pie, cake)
Canned corn
Canned/Jarred gravy
Turkeys (10 – 12 lb.)
Foil roasting pan
Banker boxes (for packing)
* Rolls
* Baked Goods (pie, cake)
The Food Donation Box is in the Narthex
Watching hope grow
This week, I've spent a lot of time watching.
I've watched people stop by to welcome Pastor Derek. I've watched conversations linger in the hallways. I've watched old friends reconnect and new relationships begin to form. There has been a feeling of anticipation around the church, as if everyone is waiting to see what God will do next.
As I watched, I was reminded that hope is rarely restored all at once. More often, it grows quietly. It grows in conversations, in prayers, in acts of kindness, and in people choosing to show up for one another. Before we know it, what once seemed uncertain begins to feel full of possibility.
Our stewardship theme, Gathering Hearts. Restoring Hope., isn't just something we're talking about this fall. It's something we're living. And for that, this church mouse is grateful.
I've watched people stop by to welcome Pastor Derek. I've watched conversations linger in the hallways. I've watched old friends reconnect and new relationships begin to form. There has been a feeling of anticipation around the church, as if everyone is waiting to see what God will do next.
As I watched, I was reminded that hope is rarely restored all at once. More often, it grows quietly. It grows in conversations, in prayers, in acts of kindness, and in people choosing to show up for one another. Before we know it, what once seemed uncertain begins to feel full of possibility.
Our stewardship theme, Gathering Hearts. Restoring Hope., isn't just something we're talking about this fall. It's something we're living. And for that, this church mouse is grateful.
Sunday November 8th
Our Blessing Box has been serving many neighbors lately, and supplies are running low.
As you come to worship, please consider bringing non-perishable food items.
We are especially in need of peanut butter, crackers, pasta, spaghetti sauce, and canned meat in addition to the regularly stocked items listed below.
