MAY 2025 NEWSLETTER
Pastor’s Pondering
Happy Mother’s Day!
On this special day, we celebrate and honor the women who have nurtured us with tender hearts and steadfast love. While God’s love far surpasses even the deepest human affection, it is often through our mothers—and fathers—that we first encounter God’s divine compassion. A mother’s care reflects God’s own tenderness: protective, nurturing, and unwavering.
Years ago, a touching country-western song, Roses for Mama, told the story of a man who chose to send flowers to his mother rather than visit her on Mother’s Day, prioritizing his own plans. At the florist, he met a young boy who wanted to buy roses for his mother’s grave but didn’t have enough money. The man was moved by the boy’s devotion and helped him. Watching the boy later lay flowers at his mother’s grave stirred something deep in the man’s heart. He returned to the florist, canceled the delivery, and chose instead to visit his mother and give her the flowers in person. It’s a powerful reminder to cherish our loved ones while we have them.
In honor of mothers everywhere, I’m reminded of a beautiful reflection that captures the distinction between a woman and a mother:
A woman’s beauty may fade, but a mother’s radiance endures. A woman seeks to be noticed; a mother seeks for her children to shine. A woman’s heart may be swayed by the winds, but a mother’s stands firm in the fiercest storm. A woman may love for beauty’s sake; a mother sees beauty through love. What a woman may attempt, a mother often accomplishes through grace and strength. A woman finds joy in being loved; a mother finds joy in giving love. A woman may leave when her heart is restless; a mother seeks peace and reconciliation. There are many women in the world—but only one mother in your life. (Author Unknown)
Just as God’s love never fails, a mother’s love often echoes God’s enduring faithfulness. We may sometimes question whether we are doing enough for our children, but we can take comfort in knowing that God calls us to love unconditionally, to persevere in grace, and to seek God’s wisdom daily.
This Mother’s Day, let us give thanks to God for the gift of our mothers. Let us cherish their sacrifices, honor their faith, and speak words of love and gratitude that echo into eternity. Thank you, Mom—today and always.
From Rev. Pastor Sarah Lee
May 2025 Schedule of Events
Holy Communion
Join us for the Lord’s Supper during our Sunday Worship Service on May 4.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11. Let’s celebrate and honor all mothers—wish them a joyful and blessed day!
Presbytery Meeting
The Presbytery will meet on Tuesday, May 13.
Session Meeting
The Session will meet on Friday, May 16 at 1:00 PM.
Fellowship Luncheon
Join us for a time of fellowship and food in Friendship Hall on Sunday, May 18, immediately following worship.
Stone Thursday Community
Our newly formed Stone Thursday Community will meet on Thursday, May [insert date] at 5:30 PM. This monthly gathering welcomes everyone—especially young people and families. Childcare will be provided.
Presbyterian Women
The next gathering of the Presbyterian Women will be on Thursday, May 22, at 11 AM.Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed on Monday, May 26. Let us remember and honor those who gave their lives in service.
Ascension of the Lord
We will observe the Ascension of the Lord on Thursday, May 29.Baptism & Membership
If you or your children are interested in baptism or church membership, please speak with the pastor or a Session member.
Urban Mission Food Pantry Donations:
Thank you for your continued generosity! When donating, please ensure items are not expired, have unopened packaging, are not in glass jars, and cans are undamaged and not leaking.
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/ pastorsarahleespc@gmail.com
Flower Sign-Up Chart
Would you like to contribute sanctuary flowers for an upcoming Sunday?
The sing-up chart is located on the hallway bulletin board and ask Chris Dear or the pastor for any questions.
Thank you for helping beautify our worship space with your heart.
May 2025 Anniversary
Rev. Sarah & Sang Lee- May 29
Church Facility Use- May 2025
Northern Blend Chorus
Mondays: May 5, 12, 19 | 6:45 PM–9:45 PM
Sunday: May 25 | 12:30–3:30 PMGarden Club
Wednesday, May 7 | 6:00 PM–9:30 PM
Plant Sale: Saturday, May 24 (at the church)North Country Bird Club
Wednesday, May 14 | 7:00 PM–9:00 PMQuilt Guild
Saturday, May 17 | 9:30 AM–3:00 PM
Tuesday, May 20 | 6:15 PM–9:00 PMQuilting Group
Saturday, May 10 | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
May 2025 Lectionary
Sunday, May 4
Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:1–6 [7–20]
Psalm 30
Revelation 5:11–14
John 21:1–19
Sunday, May 11
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 9:36–43
Psalm 23
Revelation7:9–17
John 10:22–30
Sunday, May 18
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 11:1–18
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1–6
John 13:31–35
Sunday, May 25
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 16:9–15
Psalm 67
Revelation 21:10, 22—22:5
John 14:23–29 or John 5:1–9
Thursday, May 29
Office of Theology and Worship, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 2
Ascension of the Lord
Acts 1:1–11
Psalm 47 or Psalm 93
Ephesians 1:15–23
Luke 24:44–53
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
Stone Presbyterian Church
140 Chestnut Street Watertown, NY 13601 (315) 788-5630
Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 A.M.
Pastor, Rev. Sarah Lee, Call/Message/Text 315-788-8286
Church Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
E-mail: Stonep@centralny.twcbc.com
pastorsarahleespc@gmail.com
Website: stonepreschurch.com
Facebook: Stone Presbyterian Church
