February 2026 Reflections: Past Services

February 22, 2026 – First Sunday of Lent – “Seeking: Who Will You Listen To?”

Overview

On the morning of February 22nd, the congregation gathered to observe the First Sunday in Lent with a reflective and deeply meaningful worship service.

After a special Time with the Children led by Joel Morien and the reading of Psalm 32, the choir shared a beautiful anthem titled “Seek the Lord.” Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, Pastor Katie Estes delivered an insightful sermon titled “Seeking: Who Will You Listen To?”, which challenged attendees to tune out worldly distractions and focus on God’s truth.

The service concluded with the affirming words of the Apostles’ Creed, a joyful dedication of offerings, and the stirring verses of “Amazing Grace,” sending the congregation into the week renewed, blessed, and encouraged to serve with praise and joy.


February 18, 2026 – Ash Wednesday

Overview

The congregation gathered for a deeply moving Ash Wednesday service that balanced solemn tradition with a sense of profound peace. As the service began, the sanctuary was filled with the hauntingly beautiful harmonies of a choir quartet, whose Taizé songs invited everyone into a state of quiet meditation.

A central moment of the evening occurred during the imposition of ashes, where attendees came forward to receive the symbolic mark of repentance and mortality. The atmosphere remained contemplative and inclusive throughout, providing a gentle space for reflection as the community entered the season of Lent together.


February 15, 2026 – Dixieland, Pancakes & Praise – “Experiencing Awe”

Overview

Relive the joy of our “Dixieland, Pancakes & Praise” celebration held on Sunday, February 15, where we marked our 150th Anniversary in spectacular style. This special service featured the spirited music of the NEW Dixie Ramblers, filling the sanctuary with a rocking Dixieland sound before we transitioned into our Congregational Meeting.

The video captures the vibrant worship and the warm community atmosphere that continued into our Mardi Gras-themed pancake breakfast, complete with Pelkin’s porkies and homemade maple syrup, creating a morning of faith, food, and fun that truly honored our history.


February 8, 2026 – “The Politics of Saltiness”

Overview

What a powerful reminder we received during worship yesterday! Pastor Katie Estes led us through “The Politics of Saltiness,” challenging us to live with integrity and caring as we step out into the world.

From the stirring notes of “Christ, Be Our Light” to the moment of passing the peace, it was a beautiful morning of connection and renewal. We left with a charge to be the salt of the earth—adding flavor and preserving the good in our community. 🧂🌍

Thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special thanks to Joel Morien and our musicians for guiding our hearts.


February 1, 2026 – “Already Blessed”

Overview

Our worship service on February 1, 2026, was a centering experience that called us to embrace humility and the “upside-down” wisdom of God’s kingdom. Led by Katie Estes, the service focused on the theme “Already Blessed,” drawing from the profound truths of the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 and the timeless call of Micah 6:8 to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly.

The morning was rich with liturgy and music, featuring the choral anthem “Ubi Caritas” and moving organ selections by Charles Piroye and Healey Willan. A central highlight was gathering at the Lord’s Table for Communion, where we were reminded that God’s strength is perfected in our weakness.

It was a powerful time of renewal that sent us back into the world recommitted to serving others with thankful hearts.