Pastor’s Pondering

Throughout the Bible, the story of the Israelites reflects our own spiritual journey. From Genesis onward, we see God guiding them, just as the same God guides us today. Like the Israelites, we struggle to follow God’s ways, often stumbling in our faith. Their challenges remind us of our own.

God gave the Bible not only to the Israelites but to all who belong to God. If we believe we are God’s people, then Scripture is our foundation and guide. God shaped the Israelites—and shapes us—to share God’s salvation with the world. Through the Bible, we learn who we are, why we live, and what God calls us to do.

Despite God’s faithfulness, the Israelites often forgot God. Even after being freed from slavery in Egypt, they doubted, complained, and turned to idols. They built a golden calf, worshiped false gods, and ignored the prophets who urged them to return to God.

We are spiritual descendants of Abraham, and like the Israelites, we sometimes take God’s blessings for granted. While we may not worship golden calves, we allow money, success, or comfort to replace God in our hearts. When new struggles come, we forget God’s past faithfulness and let worry take over.

Fear and doubt can keep us from following God’s call. Instead of trusting the Lord, we rely on jobs, governments, or our own abilities. Some of us practice religion without true devotion, going through the motions but struggling to maintain a real relationship with God.

Yet God is patient. The story of Israel teaches us the importance of repentance, faith, and devotion. Instead of repeating their mistakes, we should remember God’s faithfulness, trust God’s plans, and walk in obedience.

During Lent, we reflect, repent, and prepare our hearts for Easter. Soon, we will celebrate the hope of the resurrection. Even in our darkest moments, God offers new beginnings. Jesus is risen! Because Christ lives, we have hope. Let us grow, be transformed, and renew our faith in Christ, our Savior. Amen.

From Pastor Rev. Sarah Lee

April 2025 Schedule of Events

• Holy Communion: Join us for The Lord’s Supper during our Sunday Worship Service on April 6th.

• Session Meeting will be held on April 15th at 1:00 PM.

• Palm Sunday is on April 13th, marking the beginning of Holy Week on April 13th.

• Maundy Thursday: Join us for a Maundy Thursday Service on April 17th at 5:30 PM.

• Good Friday is on April 18h, and The Great Vigil of Easter is on Saturday, April 19th.

• Easter Sunday: April 20th

• Easter Continental Breakfast at 9:30 AM following the Easter Sunday Worship at 10:45 AM.

• One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering will be collected through April 20, 2025, to support hunger relief, disaster response, and community development. Join Presbyterian worldwide mission in sharing God’s love with our neighbors in need.

• Stone Thursday Community: Our newly formed Stone Thursday Community will meet on Thursday, April 24th, at 5:30 PM. This group will gather monthly at the church, and all are welcome-especially young people and families. Childcare will be provided.

• Presbyterian Women will gather on Thursday, April 24th at 11 AM.

• Baptism & Membership: If you or your children wish to be baptized or join our church, please speak with a Session member or the pastor.

• Sanctuary Flower Sign-Up Chart: Sign-ups will now be once a month. Available dates for 2025: June 15, August 3, September 14, October 12, November 30, and December 14.

• THE COST OF SUNDAY FLOWERS INCREASE: Now $16.00

• Choir Rehearsals: Sunday at 10:00 AM  on April 6, 13, 20. No rehearsal on April 27.  The Choir will sing during worship on Easter Sunday, April 20th.

• Handbell Choir Rehearsals: Each Wednesday from 5:00 - 6:00 PM. 

• Bible Study will meet each Wednesday at Noon throughout April.  This month’s reading is 1 & 2 Chronicles.

April 2025 Anniversaries

• April 26: Corey & Shelly Reed

• April 26: Donald & Debra Sholett

Pastoral Care

If you or someone you know would appreciate a visit or need support, please feel free to reach out. We’re here for you, and it would be a privilege to connect with you.

To arrange a visit, please contact the church office or Pastor Rev. Sarah Lee.

Call/Text: 315-788-8286

Email: pastorsarahleespc@gmail.com

Ruling Elders on the Session

Class of 2026:

• Kathie Strader

• Linda Rohde

Class of 2027:

• Roxanne Young

• Bob Siver

Class of 2028:

• Maxine Perkins

• Chris Dear

• Jeannie Greenwood

Clerk of Session:

• Chris Dear

April 2025 Lectionary

April 6

• Isaiah 43:16-21 and Psalms 126

• Philippians 3:4b-14

• John 12:1-8

April 13

Palm/Passion Sunday

• Palms: Luke 19:28-40 and Psalms 118:1-2, 19-29

• Passion: Isaiah 50:4-9a and Psalms 31:9-16

• Philippians 2:5-11

• Luke 22:14-23:56 or Luke 23:1-49

April 17

Maundy Thursday

• Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 and Psalms 116:1-2, 12-19

• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

• John 13:1-17, 31b-35

April 20

Easter Day

• Acts 10:34-43 or Isaiah 65:17-25 and Psalms 118:1-2, 14-24

• 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 or Acts 10:34-43

• John 20:1-18 or Luke 24:1-12

Easter Evening

• Isaiah 25:6-9 and Psalms 114

• 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8

• Luke 24:13-49

April 27

• Acts 5:27-32 and Psalms 118:14-29 or Psalms 150 or 2 Kings 7:1-16 and Psalms 2

• Revelation 1:4-8

• John 20:19-31

Use of Church

• Northern Blend Chorus meets on Mondays April 7, 21, & 28 from 6:45 to 9:45 PM and a Sunday meeting on April 13th from 12:30 to 3:30 PM.

• Garden Club meets on Tuesday, April 2nd from 6:00 to 9:30 PM.

• North Country Bird Club will meet on Wednesday, April 9th, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM

• Quilting Group meets on Saturday, April 12th from 8:30AM to 4:30 PM.

• The Quilt Guild will meet on Tuesday, April 15th, from 6:15 to 9:00 PM