JANUARY 2026 NEWSLTTER
Pastor’s Pondering
Happy New Year!
As we enter the year 2026, we do so with grateful hearts and renewed hope in God’s gracious leading. At the beginning of this new year, I would like to remind us of an essential truth: we are called to be united in the same mind and the same purpose so that our church may truly be the church God desires. Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, and we are members of Christ’s body. The church belongs to God alone. Therefore, the revival and growth of the church are not merely programs or goals—they are the will of God, the command of Jesus Christ, and the marvelous work of the Holy Spirit.
As we look ahead to a year of renewal, I would like to encourage our congregation to commit together to three key practices.
1. Embrace a positive and faith-filled mind: Let us enter this year believing that all things are possible with God. A negative spirit—whether in words, thoughts, or actions—cannot coexist with the faith God desires from us. Scripture teaches that we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Such confidence does not come from us but is cultivated through prayer, worship, and fellowship, where God shapes our hearts and fills us with hope.
2. Renew our commitment to worship: The church must remain centered on worship, and our Christian lives should reflect the same priority. God seeks true worshipers, and God alone is worthy to receive our praise. Without worship, we cannot fully honor or please God. When worship is at the center of our lives, our service, relationships, and ministries are rooted in the presence and guidance of God.
3. Express Christ’s love through genuine fellowship: Fellowship is the extension of worship. In worship, God speaks to us through the Word; in fellowship, we live out that Word with one another. Jesus taught that when we love one another, the world will recognize us as Christ’s disciples (John 13:35). Encouraging one another, caring for one another, and walking alongside one another—these are essential acts of fellowship that God uses to strengthen and grow the church.
As we begin the journey of 2026, let us commit ourselves to cultivating positive and faith-filled minds, embracing worship-centered living, and nurturing Christ-like fellowship. When we do so, we can be assured that our lives will bring joy to the heart of God, and God will continue to renew, revive, and grow our church according to God’s good will.
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—think about such things.” — Philippians 4:8
From Pastor Sarah Lee
January Schedule of Events
New Year's Day
📅 Thursday, November 1st, 2026.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
🍞 Holy Communion
📅 Sunday, January 4th – During Worship: Come to the Lord’s Table and share in the sacrament of grace.
Epiphany of the Lord-January 6th
📖 Stone Bible Study
📅 Wednesday, January 7, 14, 21 & 26. Join us as we dive back into God’s Word together.
Baptism of the Lord- January 11th
Christmas Decoration
We will take down the Christmas decorations on Sunday, January 11, following the worship service. All helping hands are welcome!
📝 Session Meeting
📅 Tuesday, January 13th at 1PM
🎶 Stone Choir Rehearsal
📅 Sunday, January 4th, 11th and 18th
Lift your voices in praise!
🔔Handbell Choir Rehearsal
📅TBA Call Nancy: 315-782-3934
Join us in making joyful music.
Fellowship & Sunday Community January 18
Please join us after worship for our Sunday Community Fellowship. You are welcome to bring a dish to share, or your own lunch if you choose, but it is not required. We will provide a light lunch, coffee, and beverages.
📝 Annual Meeting 2025
The annual meeting will be held on February 8th, following the worship. Please submit all the Committee’s Reports by January 25th, 2026
For 2026, it will be $46.00. Keep in mind when you are making your stewardship giving.
January 04
Second Sunday of Christmas
Jer. 31:7-14, Ps. 147;12-20, Eph. 1:3-14; John 1: (1-9) 10-18
January 06
Epiphany of the Lord
Isa. 60: 1-6, Ps. 72; 1-7, 10-14; Eph. 3:1-12; Matt. 2:1-12
January 11
Baptism of the Lord
Isa. 42:1-9, Ps. 29; Acts 10:34-43, Matt. 3:13-17
January 18
2nd Sunday after Epiphany
Isa. 49:1-7, Ps. 40:1-11; Cor. 1:1-9, John 1:29-42
January 25
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
Isa. 9-1, Ps. 27:1, 4-9; 1 Cor. 1:10-18; Matt. 4.12-23
If you or someone you know would benefit from 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
Bird Club: will meet on Wednesday, January 14th, from 7 PM to 9:30 PM
Quilters Group: will meet on Thursday, January 1st, and Saturday and January 10th, from 9AM to 4:30 PM
North Country Quilters Guild: will meet on Saturday, January 17th, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
North Blend Chorus: will meet on Mondays, January 5th,12th, 19th, and 26th from 6:45PM to 9:45PM
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
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
