FEBRUARY 2026 NEWSLETTER
Pastor’s Pondering February 2026
In an age of rapid technological change, the calling of Christians is more important than ever. We give thanks to God for the tools available to us today, including artificial intelligence, which may assist certain aspects of church life and ministry. Yet God’s saving and sanctifying work is never carried out by technology, but through God’s people by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture reminds us that human wisdom, intelligence, and ability are not sufficient to know God or to bring salvation. In God’s wisdom, God chose a way the world often considers foolish—the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ—to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:25). The church is founded not on human innovation, but on God’s Word and the work of the Spirit.
Therefore, it is essential for the church to remember the nature of its calling. While updated technology may be used wisely to support ministry, it can never replace the communion of saints. God has chosen to work through people—called, gathered, and sent—rather than through machines. True ministry requires discernment, repentance, humility, and love, all of which are formed through prayer and shared life in Christ.
The ministry of the church is not merely the sharing of information; it is the sharing of life. When God’s people pray with those who suffer, sit with the grieving, encourage the weary, and walk alongside one another in faith, they participate in God’s work in ways no technology can replicate. Such ministry flows from worship, fellowship, and faithful presence, reflecting the compassion of Christ among the body of believers.
As the church looks to the future, let us make wise use of technology while continuing to gather together, encourage one another, and do so all the more as we see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). Let us pray more earnestly, study the Word of God more deeply, and care for one another more faithfully, sharing the gospel with love, humility, and confidence, trusting God to bring growth in God’s time. Blessed be God Day by day! Amen.
Pastor Sarah Lee
February Schedule of Events
🍞 Holy Communion
📅 Sunday, February 1st – During Worship: Come to the Lord’s Table and share in the sacrament of grace.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee meeting will be held on Sunday, February 1, after worship
📖 Stone Bible Study
📅 Wednesday, February 4, 11 and 25th at noon. There will be no bible study on Ash Wednesday. Join us as we dive back into God’s Word together.
📝 Annual Congregational Meeting 2025:
📅 February 8th after worship
📝 Session Meeting
📅 February 17th, at 1PM.
🎶 Choir Rehearsal
📅 Sunday, February 1, 8, 15, 22nd at 10AM
Lift your voices in praise!
🔔 Handbell Choir Rehearsal
📅 February, Wednesdays. TBA. Call Nancy Boynton
Join us in making joyful music!
Fellowship and Sunday Community
February 15th
Please join us after worship for our Sunday Community Fellowship. You are welcome to bring a dish to share if you choose, but it is not required. We will provide a light lunch, coffee and beverages.
📖 Baptism Class
If you or your children wish to be baptized or join our church, please speak with a session member or the pastor.
In February, we plan to hold a baptism class for two adults and two children (dates TBA).
Ash Wednesday
February 18, at 5:00 P.M.
Join us for this holy service as we prepare our hearts for the season of Lent.
February 2026 Lectionary
February 01
4th Sunday after Epiphany
Mic.6:1-8 & Ps.15; 1 Cor.1:18-31; Matt. 5:1-12
February 08
5th Sunday after Epiphany
Isa.58:1-9a(9b-12) & Ps. 112:1-9(10); 1 Cor. 2:1-12(13-16); Matt. 5:13-20
February 15
Transfiguration of the Lord
Ex.24:12-18 or Ps.99; 2 Pet. 1:6-2; Matt. 17:1-9
February 18
Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isa. 58:1-12 & Ps. 51:1-17; 2 Cor. 5:20b-6:10; Matt. 6:1-6, 16-21
February 22
1st Sunday in Lent
Gen. 2:15-17; 3:1-7 & Ps. 32; Rom. 5:12-19; Matt. 4:1-11
Groups Using Church
Garden Club and Bird Club will not meet in February of 2026.
Quilters Group: will meet on Saturday February 14th from 9AM to 4PM.
North Country Quilters Guild: will meet on Saturday, February 21st from 9AM to 4PM.
North County Blend: will meet on Monday February 2nd, 9th and 16th from 6:30PM to 9:30PM. They will meet February 22nd at 12:30PM.
February 2026 Birthdays
Chris Hyde-Hall February 04
Sang Lee February 11
Marti Montovani February 11
Bob Wallace February 11
Sarah Lee February 12
Kerstain Rieves-Rouda February 22
Adam Rouda February 24
Patricia Tyrell February 25
Bruce Tyrell February 27
February 2026 Anniversary
Robert & Debbie Siver
February 19
Flower Sign Up Chart
Please sign up on the flower chart to help glorify the sanctuary on Sundays, the price is $16.
After worship, the flowers may be taken to share with newcomers or shut ins.
Pastoral Care
If you or someone you know would be blessed by a visit or some support, please don’t hesitate 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 (315-788-5630)
or Pastor Sarah Lee: Call/Text: 315-788-8286
Email: pastorsarahleespc@gmail.com
Worship Ministers
Pastor
The Rev. Sarah Lee
Organists
Chris Hyde-Hall
Ghilyana Dordzhieva
Choir Director
Jeannie Greenwood
Handbell Choir Director
Nancy Boynton
Ministry Assistant
Kerstain Rieves-Rouda
Ruling Elders on the Session
Class of 2026
Linda Rohde
Class of 2027
Roxanne Young
Class of 2028
Maxine Perkins
Chris Dear
Jeannie Greenwood
Clerk of Session
Chris Dear
140 Chestnut Street Watertown, NY 13601
315-788-5630/ 315-788-8286
Sunday Worship 10:45 AM
E-mail: Stonep@centralny.twcbc.com
Website: stonepreschurch.com
Facebook: Stone Presbyterian Church
