Pastor’s Pondering

“Strength for Every Season”

One of my favorite Bible verses is, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

These are the remarkable words of the apostle Paul, written not from a place of comfort or security, but from prison. Though Paul endured persecution, suffering, and danger throughout his ministry, his life overflowed with thanksgiving, joy, hope, and unwavering faith in Christ.

We live in a world that often speaks the language of fear and uncertainty. A reporter once surveyed newspapers and media over a ten-year period and discovered that the phrase “at risk” appeared hundreds of times more frequently than before. Listening to the news, one might think our world has become unimaginably dangerous overnight. We hear words such as “not enough,” “uncertain,” and “insecure.” If headlines alone told the whole story, we might hesitate to step outside our front doors.

Certainly, life brings real challenges and genuine concerns. Yet fear has a way of making life feel smaller rather than fuller. Paul’s testimony points us in a different direction. His confidence was not rooted in easy circumstances, guaranteed comfort, or worldly success. His strength came from Christ Jesus.

Paul knew hardship firsthand. He faced imprisonment, rejection, hunger, and countless trials. Still, he discovered a deeper truth: God’s grace is sufficient, and Christ’s strength is greater than any obstacle. His life was defined not by fear, but by faith; not by scarcity, but by the abundance of God’s grace.

As we enter June and the beginning of summer, many of us look ahead with hopes, plans, and perhaps a few worries. We cannot control every circumstance, but we can trust the One who walks with us through them all. The Christian life is filled with blessing in Christ Jesus. The risks and uncertainties of this world do not have the final word. In God’s hands, challenges can become opportunities for growth, compassion, and renewed faith.

Summer is also a season of growth. Farmers and gardeners nurture the soil in hope of bearing fruit, trusting that patient care and God’s provision will bring a harvest in due time. In much the same way, our faith grows as we trust Christ through every season of life. God uses both sunshine and rain to deepen our roots and strengthen our spirits.

So may we enter this season with Paul’s joyful confidence, seeking not only to fulfill our plans and hopes, but also to bear the fruit of faith, love, and perseverance. Rather than asking, “What if things go wrong?” perhaps we might ask, “How might God work through this moment?” Through Christ who strengthens us, we are given courage to live faithfully, gratefully, and abundantly.

May God fill your June with peace, strength, and joyful hope.

Grace and peace,

From Rev. Pastor Sarah Lee

June 2026 Meetings and Events

Holy Communion: Join us for The Lord’s Supper during our Sunday Worship Service on June 7.

The Session Meeting will meet on Tuesday, June 16, at 10:30 AM.

Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 21. Let’s honor and celebrate all fathers! Wish them all a happy and blessed day.

Fellowship Luncheon will be on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21.  You may bring a dish to share if you would like but your presence is most important.

Stone Bible Study will be each Wednesday in June at 12 PM

Choir Rehearsals will be held on Sundays, June 7, 21, & 28 at 10:00 AM except June 14.

Handbell Rehearsals will be each Wednesday in June from 5-6 PM.

Baptism & Membership: If you or your children wish to be baptized or becoming members of our church, please speak with the pastor.

CHURCH FACILITY USE IN JUNE

Northern Blend Chorus meets Mondays June 8, 15, 22, from 6:30-9:30 PM, and Sunday on June 28, at 12:30-3:30 PM.

Garden Club meets on June 3rd from 6:00-9:30 PM.

Quilting Group will meet Saturday, June 13, at 9:00 AM- 4:30 PM.

June 2026 Lectionary

June 7 (Proper 5)

Semicontinuous

Genesis 12:1–9

Psalm 33:1–12

Romans 4:13–25

Matthew 9:9–13, 18–26

Sunday, June 14 (Proper 6)

Semicontinuous

Genesis 18:1–15 (21:1–7)

Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19

Romans 5:1–8

Matthew 9:35—10:8 (9–23)

Sunday, June 21 (Proper 7)

Semicontinuous

Genesis 21:8–21

Psalm 86:1–10, 16–17

Romans 6:1b–11

Matthew 10:24–39

Sunday, June 28 (Proper 8)

Semicontinuous

Genesis 22:1–14

Psalm 13

Romans 6:12–23

Matthew 10:40–42

Pastoral Care

If you or someone you know, would like 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 (315-788-5630),

 or Pastor Sarah Lee:

Call/Text:  315-788-8286

 or  Email:

pastorsarahleespc@gmail.com

June 2026 Birthdays

Christine Dear            June 1

Hannah Lee               June 7

Ron Zeller                   June 8

Roger Young             June 9

Patricia Abbott           June 13

Star Hutcheon            June 21

Dawley DeMar           June 23

Melissa Hutcheon      June 30

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READERS

A sign-up sheet is placed on the kitchen counter Sunday dates if you would like to read that Sunday’s selected scripture readings.  We need volunteers who would like to read the Scripture Readings for our worship services.

Urban Mission Food Pantry

In the hall is a shopping cart to place your food donations which will be brought to the Urban Mission.

Please ensure items are not expired, are unopened or damaged or leaking cans and no glass jars.

Thank you for your continued generosity!

Flower Sign Up Chart

If you would like to contribute sanctuary flowers, a sign-up chart is located on the hallway bulletin board.  The cost is $16.  Thank you for helping beautify our worship services to contribute this service.

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 2027

Roxanne Young

Bob Siver

Stuart Price

Class of 2028

Maxine Perkins

Chris Dear

Jeannie Greenwood

Stone Presbyterian Church

140 Chestnut Street Watertown, NY 13601

315-788-5630 (Office)/ 315-788-8286 (Pastor)

Sunday Worship 10:45 AM

E-mail:  Stonep@centralny.twcbc.com

Website: stonepreschurch.com

Facebook:  Stone Presbyterian Church