November 30, 2025 – Advent Sunday – “Sacred Time”
Overview
On Sunday, November 30th, the congregation gathered to celebrate the First Sunday of Advent, focusing on the theme of Hope. The service began with gathering music, followed by a warm welcome, announcements, and a Generosity Moment. The Advent candle of Hope was lit as the congregation sang “Christ, Be Our Light.”
Through a responsive Call to Worship, worshippers were invited to embrace the Advent spirit of watchfulness and readiness. A hymn and a unison Prayer of Confession acknowledged the distractions of the season and asked for God’s forgiveness and renewed awareness. After a moment of silent confession, Words of Assurance proclaimed God’s nearness and the promise of new life. The congregation then sang “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” and shared the Peace of Christ.
A Time with the Children offered a meaningful message for the younger members, followed by a Prayer for Illumination. Scripture passages from Romans 13:11–14 and Matthew 24:36–44 were read, grounding the service in themes of awakening and anticipation. The choir enriched the worship with the anthem “Rejoice! The King Shall Come.” Pastor Katie Estes preached a sermon titled “Sacred Time,” encouraging the congregation to recognize God’s presence in every moment.
November 23, 2025 – Christ The King Sunday
Overview
It was a joy to gather together this past Sunday, November 23, to celebrate Christ the King Sunday and the close of the liturgical year.
We worshiped with hearts full of gratitude, reflecting on God as our refuge, our strength, and our kin.
Sunday’s Highlights: 📖 Sermon: Pastor Katie Estes delivered a moving message titled “Christ our Kin.”
🏛️ Sesquicentennial Story: Lisa Olson shared a special moment from our 150-year history.
🧒 Time with Children: Led by Joel Morien.
🎶 Music: We lifted our voices to “Crown Him with Many Crowns” and enjoyed special music by Jeffrey Blesch.
Thank you to everyone who served, sang, and worshiped with us!
November 16, 2025 – “Living The Dream”
Overview
Central Theme: The service is thematically centered on the promise of renewal and God’s creation of “a new heaven and a new earth.” This is established by the primary scripture reading, Isaiah 65:17-25.
Praise & Confession: It moves into a responsive Call to Worship and a Prayer of the Day, followed by a communal Prayer of Confession, silent reflection, and Words of Assurance.
Word & Response: After a “Time with the Children,” the service focuses on scripture with a Prayer for Illumination, the reading from Isaiah, and the sermon. The congregation responds with a hymn and a unison Affirmation of Faith.
Thanksgiving & Sending: The service concludes with the Prayers of the People, an offering, a Prayer of Dedication, and a final hymn, before the congregation is sent out with a responsive Charge & Blessing.
November 9, 2025 – Commitment Sunday – “A Light and a Blessing”
Overview
This service was designated as Generosity Commitment Sunday, with a central theme of gratitude, faithfulness, and the dedication of gifts and pledges to the church’s mission.
Sermon & Scripture: Pastor Katie Estes delivered the sermon “A Light and A Blessing.”
The main scripture readings were Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 and 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17. Special Features: A Sesquicentennial Story was shared by Chris McNitt. Joel Morien led the Time with the Children.
Special music included the prelude “Fairest Lord Jesus,” an arrangement of “On Eagle’s Wings,” and the offertory “All Good Gifts.”
Thematic Focus: The “Generosity Commitment” theme was woven throughout the service. This was most evident in the Affirmation of Faith, which focused on faithful stewardship, and the Prayer of Dedication, where the congregation dedicated their gifts and pledges “for the future glory of your church.”
Liturgy & Worship: The service followed a traditional Presbyterian order, featuring responsive calls to worship and blessing, a unison Prayer of Confession with Words of Assurance, Passing the Peace, and Prayers of the People, including the Lord’s Prayer. The congregation participated in several hymns, such as “Come, Thou Almighty King” and “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken.”
November 2, 2025 – All Saints’ Day – “Of Saints & Swimming
Overview
This worship service from November 2, 2025, is a thoughtful observance of All Saints’ Remembrance combined with the celebration of Holy Communion. The service begins with a responsive Call to Worship, where the congregation gathers to remember “the company of the faithful” and the saints who have shaped their faith.
Following a Prayer of Confession and Words of Assurance, the central message, “Of Saints & Swimming,” is delivered by Pastor Katie Estes. The sermon is based on the day’s epistle reading, 2 Thessalonians 1: 1-4, 11-12.
A dedicated All Saints’ Remembrance segment is included to specifically honor those who have passed. The service then transitions to the sacrament of Communion, featuring a responsive Great Prayer of Thanksgiving, the Lord’s Prayer, and the sharing of the bread. Throughout the service, the theme is supported by congregational hymns, including “For All the Saints,” “Come, Share the Lord,” and “Give Thanks for Those Whose Faith Is Firm.”
The service also features a Time with the Children led by Joel Morien and a Generosity Moment from Jane Bies.
