In worship this Sunday, I will continue my November sermon series on spiritual resources which we often overlook. Our scripture texts will be Psalm 131 (all 3 verses) and Romans 8:26-30.
See you Sunday.
Things to think about:
- If God really works all things together for good, where can we find God’s goodness at work today?
- What does it take, on our part, to recognize and contribute to the divine goodness in our lives?
- How can we enjoy a sense of closeness and peace in our relationship with God, like the writer of Psalm 131 describes?
See you Sunday.
Let's ROCK!
On Sunday 11/16/25, immediately after Worship,
the Take 5 Sunday school class (20-40-ish age class)
will be hosting a rock painting party.
We plan to paint BRIGHT and COLORFUL rocks with a QR code on the bottom that directs people to the PLPC online app. As you know, the PLPC App contains a great deal of information about our church, including SS and Worship start dates. Once the rocks are painted and appropriately sealed, we will scatter the rocks around the PLPC area and in other spots near the church. Our hope is to find some rock curious folks who might be looking for a church home. We are also looking at this to promote some intergenerational activity among our church family. The plan on the 16th will be for all participating to chip in on pizza for lunch. Nothing fancy!
This is for ALL AGES!!!!! We will be done by 1:30 pm. More info will follow during church on 11/9/25 and next week.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to anyone in the Take 5 Sunday School class!
Winter Weather
by Dave Nock
Well, we went from beautiful fall weather to welcoming a winter blast of Canadian air. As I ramble on this topic we have snow flurries dancing through Middle Tennessee. As many of you are aware, PLPC has a planning document for addressing severe situations, this does include severe weather. (By the way – by the time this is published – the weather may be back in the 70s.) Winter can and does generate severe weather. The church office will most likely be closed before travel conditions become dangerous and will not reopen until the environment is safe. The best thing to do for these situations is to prepare beforehand.
First, for church events, if there are weather situations where schedules have to change, there will be a message to the congregation via text from the office and on the PLPC Facebook page. During a service we will be watching weather situations, so the congregations’ members will be aware prior to departing the church.
Some other actions to be aware of:
Home Preparedness
• Insulate pipes: Prevent freezing and bursting by wrapping exposed pipes and sealing drafts.
• Check heating systems: Service furnaces, and clean chimneys.
• Space Heaters: Test them, keep them away from curtains and other flammable items, shut them off when you are not in the room and before you go to sleep.
• Stock essentials: Keep extra blankets, batteries, flashlights, and a backup heat source.
• Prevent ice dams: Clean gutters and ensure attic insulation is adequate.
• Serious Cold: 15 to 0 degrees and below: Leave a sink faucet dripping. Moving water will help pipes from freezing.
Vehicle Readiness
• Winterize your car: Check antifreeze, cold weather windshield washer fluid, battery, brakes, and tire tread.
• Emergency kit: Include jumper cables, blankets, snacks, water, flashlight, and a shovel.
• Fuel up: Keep your gas tank at least half full. More weight in the car can help with traction.
• Drive smart: Slow down, increase following distance, and avoid cruise control on icy roads. Give some distance to allow for longer stopping distance. If you don’t have to go out, don’t. Wait for conditions to improve.
Family & Community Safety
• Create a communication plan: Know how to reach each other if separated.
• Know your neighbors: Check on elderly or vulnerable individuals during storms.
• Stay informed: Watch your local TV weather forecasts. Be aware of what is happening.
• Plan for power outages: Have backup lighting, food, and a way to stay warm.
Travel & Work Contingencies
• Flexible schedules: Allow for remote work or delayed starts during storms.
• Alternate routes: Know detours in case of road closures.
• Cancel non-essential travel: Especially during blizzards or ice storms.
Emergency Planning
• Review your emergency plan and include shelter-in-place
• Practice fire safety: Winter heating is a leading cause of house fires—keep flammables away from heat sources.
• Prepare for extended disruptions: Have 3–7 days of food, water, and medications on hand. Not suggesting being a prepper – but having a few things that allow you to not have to go out is a good thing for winter planning.
The Bible emphasizes preparedness as a mark of wisdom, faithfulness, and spiritual vigilance. Proverbs 6:6–8 – “Go to the ant… she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” Preparation is a trait of wisdom, modeled even in nature.
First, for church events, if there are weather situations where schedules have to change, there will be a message to the congregation via text from the office and on the PLPC Facebook page. During a service we will be watching weather situations, so the congregations’ members will be aware prior to departing the church.
Some other actions to be aware of:
Home Preparedness
• Insulate pipes: Prevent freezing and bursting by wrapping exposed pipes and sealing drafts.
• Check heating systems: Service furnaces, and clean chimneys.
• Space Heaters: Test them, keep them away from curtains and other flammable items, shut them off when you are not in the room and before you go to sleep.
• Stock essentials: Keep extra blankets, batteries, flashlights, and a backup heat source.
• Prevent ice dams: Clean gutters and ensure attic insulation is adequate.
• Serious Cold: 15 to 0 degrees and below: Leave a sink faucet dripping. Moving water will help pipes from freezing.
Vehicle Readiness
• Winterize your car: Check antifreeze, cold weather windshield washer fluid, battery, brakes, and tire tread.
• Emergency kit: Include jumper cables, blankets, snacks, water, flashlight, and a shovel.
• Fuel up: Keep your gas tank at least half full. More weight in the car can help with traction.
• Drive smart: Slow down, increase following distance, and avoid cruise control on icy roads. Give some distance to allow for longer stopping distance. If you don’t have to go out, don’t. Wait for conditions to improve.
Family & Community Safety
• Create a communication plan: Know how to reach each other if separated.
• Know your neighbors: Check on elderly or vulnerable individuals during storms.
• Stay informed: Watch your local TV weather forecasts. Be aware of what is happening.
• Plan for power outages: Have backup lighting, food, and a way to stay warm.
Travel & Work Contingencies
• Flexible schedules: Allow for remote work or delayed starts during storms.
• Alternate routes: Know detours in case of road closures.
• Cancel non-essential travel: Especially during blizzards or ice storms.
Emergency Planning
• Review your emergency plan and include shelter-in-place
• Practice fire safety: Winter heating is a leading cause of house fires—keep flammables away from heat sources.
• Prepare for extended disruptions: Have 3–7 days of food, water, and medications on hand. Not suggesting being a prepper – but having a few things that allow you to not have to go out is a good thing for winter planning.
The Bible emphasizes preparedness as a mark of wisdom, faithfulness, and spiritual vigilance. Proverbs 6:6–8 – “Go to the ant… she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” Preparation is a trait of wisdom, modeled even in nature.
Women's Mid-Week Bible Study
Wednesday November 19, 2025
5:30 - 6:45 pm
The Christmas Letters, by Magrey R . DeVega. We are going to learn the deeper meaning of the Incarnation as seen through the epistle lessons: Romans, First epistle of John, Philippians, and Colossians. Getting a head start on Advent should give us time for learning more about the Incarnation of the Son of God and then in December we will have space for Nativity scenes, angels, music, shopping, Santa Claus, cooking, and decorations. Chapter 3pages 71-98Fully HumanJoy in HumilityPhilippians Chapters 1 - 4
PLPC has been blessed with a small army of talented, dedicated people who keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. To show our gratitude, Session has voted to continue our yearly Staff Gift Program.
We’ll be collecting donations November 23 through December 14, and gifts will be divided among 10 staff members and distributed on December 21.
Here’s how you can give:
- Online: Through SubSplash—make sure the fund field is set to Staff Gift.
- By Check: Write Staff Gift on the memo line.
- Cash: Place in an envelope labeled Staff Gift.
Bonnie Shapbell - finance committee
They give us FREE money!
Kroger Community Rewards = FREE Money for PLPC!
Supporting Priest Lake Presbyterian has never been easier! Every time you shop at Kroger, they’ll donate to PLPC—at no extra cost to you.
Here’s how:
Supporting Priest Lake Presbyterian has never been easier! Every time you shop at Kroger, they’ll donate to PLPC—at no extra cost to you.
Here’s how:
- Link your Kroger Shopper’s Card to your digital account.
- Select Priest Lake Presbyterian Church (The Church's code is PC816) as your organization.
- Shop and swipe your card—Kroger does the rest!
