This Weeks Devotion

In 1 John 1:1-11, the apostle John poetically illuminates the essence of Christianity: communion with God and fellow believers grounded in truth. John emphasizes the tangible reality of encountering Jesus, the Word of Life, who brings eternal life into our midst. As believers, we're called to bear witness to this truth, sharing our experiences of encountering Christ with others.

Yet, John also acknowledges the struggle with sin. He reminds us that walking in the light requires honesty about our imperfections and a humble reliance on God's forgiveness. Through confession and repentance, we experience the transformative power of God's grace, cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

Furthermore, fellowship with God extends to fellowship with one another. Authentic community flourishes when it's built upon the foundation of truth and mutual love.

Today, let's commit to walking in the light, embracing truth, confessing our sins, and cultivating genuine fellowship with God and fellow believers.

Rev. RJ Leek

Head of Staff

Personal Safety – Safety starts with YOU!



Preparation and education are key elements to keeping safe. Become a tough target! Being aware, planning ahead and trusting your instincts can greatly reduce the opportunity for a crime to occur.

Below are some suggestions:

In the Home

1. Install locks on your doors/windows
2. Keep doors locked day or night whether you are home or not
3. Know who is at the door before you open it
4. Keep trees/bushes trimmed
5. Keep key fob near you at night
6. Maintain lighting around house

In the Vehicle

1. Have your keys in your hand as you approach your car
2. Lock your doors when driving and after parking
3. Check the backseat and floor before entering your car
4. Park in well-lit areas
5. Keep a phone in the car
6. Keep valuables out of sight

Social Media

1. Keep passwords strong
2. Keep anti-virus up to date
3. Do not use the same password
4. Customize privacy settings
5. Set up security answers
6. Do not overshare with others

Identity Theft

1. Get a FREE annual credit report – www.annualcreditreport.com
2. Stop prescreened credit card offers from coming to your home – www.optoutprescreen.com
3. Stop receiving unwanted catalogs and other telemarketing mail – www.dmachoice.org

Courtesy of our First Presbyterian Church Risk Mitigation Committee.

Prayers for our church friends:

Dorothy Umstot, Jon Redding, Dunmire family, Foggan family, Bob and Sandy Averitt, Helga Therkildsen, Peggy Haines, Dick Huff, Carol Magoon, Rosemary Purdum, Redding family, Holly Gordon, Milt & Liz Levy, Kent and Joyce Toole, Jeff Smith, Melodie Peters, Sanna Henderson, Dale and Madonna Opdahl, Jean Willette, Peggy Kinder, Bob & Bunny McCarl, Greg Malak, Donna Thompson, Cindy Sellers, Richard Thomas, Bill and Bobbie Anne Bowersox.

These are family and friends of our congregation requesting prayer: 

Jim McDonald (Burrows), Mondesin Mondesir (Slack), Jodi Davis (Leek), Danny Adams, Kris (D. Davis), First Congregational Church (Hall), Joann Moore (Wingate), Gerry Hand (Weller), Caudill family (Leek/Deskins), Steven Palmer (Palmer), Keith Palmer (Palmer), Julie Morrish (Lawrence), Dan Nichols (Nichols), Sharon Johnson (Deskins), Megan Slack (Slack), Karie Murdie (Shoemaker), Karen Anderson (Nichols), Gina Ramsay (Ramsay), Ralph McCann (Young), Paul Gordon (Gordon), Michael Rowland (Malak).

Edwin "Ed" Dunmire

May 22, 1932 - March 25, 2024

Miss Me - but Let Me Go

This poem, by an unknown author, is regularly heard at funeral services. It offers both consolation to the bereaved concerning the person they have lost and encouragement to them to return to their own lives.

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long

And not with our head bowed low

Remember the love that we once shared

Miss me but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone

It's all a part of life's plan

A step on the road to home.

When you re lonely and sick a heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds

Miss me but let me go.

Anonymous