Welcome. We hope this site will help you learn more about us and our witness for Christ. We strive to recognize and nurture the Christ in ourselves and each person that we encounter along the way. Our church is a thriving community of believers, and lovers of the word of God. First Presbyterian Church has a long tradition of outreach and service to its members and the community. We hope you will join us for service on Sunday to experience for yourself the fellowship of Christ.

 

                              

                  July 23, 2017                
Rev. Tim Soule 


 


                                "Good Pain?"

                               

 


    

 

 

 

 

Monthly News
SOULE SEARCHING
I have been thinking a great deal about prayer this summer. I chose to register for Pastor’s School
this summer because one of the lecturers was teaching about the relationship of faith and science.
Her lectures were outstanding and filled with good insights about what science is learning and
teaching us about our universe and world. We
are part of a wonderful and mysterious creation that keeps on expanding. As we learn more about creation we discover even more that we need to
study and try to understand. The Creator is awesome. God’s design is exquisite. God’s power is
creative and immense!
However, as good as these lectures were, it was the other two classes on prayer that really touched
my soul. The first class was on the history of prayer. We studied some of our faith’s giants in prayer and how they prayed. We took time each day to practice prayer as they did in their life. It was a good reminder that many before us have prayed and their prayers have taken on a variety of forms. These varieties of prayer appeal to different people or to new life circumstances that call for new ways to approach God with our praises and concerns. So what works for some may not work for others, but there are enough ways to pray that most can find a method that will sustain them in this important spiritual discipline.
The second class on prayer was practicing new ways to pray. We, as pastors, can get stuck in our
ruts of prayer and some encouragement to try something new and be given direction and time to
practice it can be a gift. I called Debbie one evening during the school and told her this class was
like being at church camp. That day we had spent time studying a small area of the campus lawn and to look into that plot as deeply as we could to see not only what was there but also to see where God might lead us in our souls. I was surprised by my connection with the Lord in this practice. I learned also that what we teach at summer camp or on a church retreat or a Sunday school class can have a lasting impact if it is put into practice.
Since returning to work I have found myself using some of these new prayer practices as I pray for
you, the church, our community and the world. Prayer is, as John Calvin taught, “the chief work of
faith, the essential thing every Christian is called to do, no matter whatever else he [or she] is called
to do.” Nothing is more foundational for our life in Christ than to converse with our Maker, Redeemer and Guide.
If you are interested in studying and practicing these different forms of prayer with me, drop me an
email or give me a call, perhaps God is calling us together for an adventure in prayer.See you Sunday when we bring our whole selves in prayer before God in worship.

Blessing

Tim

 
 
JOIN US IN WATCHING
 
“THE SHACK”
 
The movie "The Shack" will be shown in the fellowship hall at our church on Sunday, July 9th at 5:30.
Tim will moderate the discussion following the movie.
Popcorn will be provided. Please bring your own drink. Cushion chairs will be used but if you would rather bring a lawn chair you are more than welcome to.
Members and friends of 1st Presbyterian are welcome to invite guests See  July 2017 Leaven-

 

 JOHNNIE CASH PATRIOTIC TRIBUTE
Join members and friends of First Presbyterian Church for a dinner and show by Bill Forness as he entertains at a show “Johnny Cash Patriotic Tribute” on Saturday, September 9th. The event will be held at the Heritage Center, 109 Delaware. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. with the show at 7:30 p.m. Dinner and show will cost $25, show only is $15. All membership and outreach committee mebers plus Arlene will take your reservation and money. Checks may be payable to the Heritage Center. Please sign up in the month of June, as the Heritage Center has reserved three tables of 8 for us.

 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
This year’s Vacation Bible School will center on the theme of Healthy Bodies, Healthy Communities, Healthy World and will take place July 25, 26, and 27 from 5-8pm. A light meal will be provided each night with Tuesday night’s meal being the Community Meal. The children will assemble upstairs for a lesson and songs followed by outdoor activities, crafts, and small group discussion. We are excited to welcome children aged 4-12 (3 years old if potty trained). See July 2017 Leaven
We are looking for interesting pictures of the life of First Presbyterian Church to use in a brochure for legacy gifts. Pictures of people, worship services, kids and children programs, music programs, the building and building windows, mission activities (community meal, Back Pack Buddies, ESL etc.). Please contact Carl Johnson or the Church office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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