Reflections: Past Worship Services

February 2026

Overview

In the Presbyterian Church, February is a pivotal month of transition that bridges the light-filled season of Epiphany with the contemplative journey of Lent, anchored by the Transfiguration of the Lord on February 15 and the arrival of Ash Wednesday on February 18.

This period is deeply rooted in the Matthew 25 vision of social justice, as congregations celebrate Black History Month by focusing on dismantling structural racism and engage in the Souper Bowl of Caring to combat local hunger.

As the liturgical colors shift to purple, the church moves from the “mountaintop” glory of Christ’s revelation into a season of solemn reflection, mortality, and active service to the community.

January 2026

Overview

In January 2026, the Presbyterian Church transitions into the season of Epiphany, focusing largely on the themes of revelation, light, and discipleship.

The month is anchored by the Baptism of the Lord on January 11, marking the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and his identification as God’s beloved Son. Following this, the liturgy shifts to the “Sundays after Epiphany,” where readings from Matthew and Isaiah emphasize the calling of the first disciples and the image of light breaking through darkness.

Practically, this is often a season of new beginnings for congregations as well, as many churches traditionally hold services for the ordination and installation of new elders and deacons to align with the start of the calendar year.

December 2025

Overview

The season of Advent invites us to pause amidst the world’s glittering distractions to rediscover what truly matters, shifting our gaze from chaos to the sacred presence of God breaking into our ordinary lives.

This search for the sacred does not require rejecting the joy of celebration but rather reclaiming its depth, recognizing that holy moments are found not only in formal worship but also in acts of kindness and simple traditions like lighting a candle or sharing a meal.

Our gatherings this season will embody this vision, using music and prayer to create a space where we can slow down, breathe deeply, and listen for the still, small voice of God. As we prepare for Christ’s coming, let us look beyond surface beauty to find that the sacred is shimmering all around us, waiting to be noticed, cherished, and reflected in everything we do.

November 2025

Overview

The month begins with a deep emphasis on gratitude and stewardship, inviting us to receive God’s abundance as grace and respond with joyful generosity.

As the liturgical year draws to a close, our focus shifts toward faithful discipleship and enduring hope, calling us to live with perseverance and readiness between Christ’s first and final comings.

This journey of reflection culminates in Reign of Christ Sunday, a celebration of Jesus’ sovereign rule over creation that unites our praise for his victory with an honest acknowledgement of the world’s ongoing need for redemption.

October 2025

Overview

The month of October opens with a vibrant celebration of global unity and peacemaking, marked by the conclusion of the Season of Peace on World Communion Sunday and the Peace & Global Witness Offering.

This spirit of fellowship extends into a season of conscientious advocacy, as the church raises awareness for mental illness, Indigenous peoples, and world hunger, while also uplifting the next generation during Children’s Sabbath. The month’s journey from social witness to theological grounding culminates on October 26 with Reformation Sunday, which, in 2025, invites us to celebrate our Reformed heritage with a special focus on John Knox and the Scottish Reformation.

September 2025

Overview

Culturally, September carries the unmistakable energy of renewal and new beginnings through the back-to-school season, bringing collective possibility, learning, and fresh starts that extend far beyond educational institutions.

When these liturgical and cultural streams converge, they create a unified narrative around transformation through community, where the potter’s house imagery speaks to individual malleability under God’s guidance while the cultural emphasis on education and community rebuilding provides practical frameworks for living out that transformation in relationship with others.

August 2025

Overview

Taken together, August’s gospel lessons can provide an examination of stewardship and giving that calls for reflection on personal motivations, takes us into difficult conversations about what Jesus was willing to give and what Jesus requires of those who follow him, and finally brings us to the words of Peter, the Rock of the Church, “Lord, to whom shall I (we) go? You have the words of eternal life.”

July 2025

Overview

In July, Presbyterian congregations are in the season of Ordinary Time, focusing on spiritual growth and mission. Worship is guided by the weekly scripture readings of the Revised Common Lectionary.

The month’s focus is often on social justice and faith in public life. This includes reflections around Independence Day, an emphasis on welcoming immigrants, and raising awareness about global issues like human trafficking.

June 2025

Overview

In June our worship services include the vibrant celebration of Pentecost, a key moment marking the descent of the Holy Spirit and the empowering of the Church for its mission.

Following Pentecost, worship transitions into Ordinary Time, a season where the focus turns more broadly towards the ongoing journey of faith.

As a result, sermons and services in June explore themes of Christian discipleship, encourage spiritual growth, and guide congregations in discerning how to live out God’s call in daily life and in the wider world, with scriptural readings from the lectionary providing the common foundation for these reflections.

May 2025

Overview

In May, our worship services embrace the spirit of springtime renewal, offering a warm and inclusive atmosphere where everyone is invited to connect with God and one another. Throughout the month, sermons explore themes of growth and new beginnings rooted in the enduring love of God and the vitality of the resurrection, while our music blends traditional hymns with contemporary expressions of faith to inspire communal praise.

Central to our gathering is meaningful prayer—ranging from shared intercession to quiet personal reflection—complemented by opportunities for fellowship and relationship-building after the service. Whether through special events or our weekly gatherings, all are welcome to experience this enriching time of worship and community connection.

April 2025

April Showers Image

Overview

Throughout the month of April, our worship services are immersed in the joyful season of Eastertide, celebrating Christ’s resurrection with an atmosphere of profound hope and victory. This celebratory tone is reflected in the white and gold liturgical colors symbolizing light and triumph, as well as in uplifting hymns and the exuberant return of the “Alleluia.”

Our scripture readings from the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospels provide a foundation for sermons exploring the transformative power of the risen Christ and our call to share the good news with the world. This season of new life is further marked by prayers of thanksgiving, the joyful celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and the meaningful observance of baptisms, all inviting us to live into the promise of Christ’s victory over death.