‘The heavens declare the glory of God.

The skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:1,14b)

Dear Friends,

There is a phrase that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. So far, though it appears that March is going to come in like a lamb with some warm weather. I can only hope that the reverse will not be true because Easter comes on the last Sunday of March. We will just have to wait and see.

There are plenty of scientists out there who can try to predict the weather but, in the end, we just have to say “things happen” when they run out of scientific explanations. The Psalmist, though, is clear that everything that we see and everything unseen was created by our Almighty God. When something happens that cannot be easily explained by science, the scientist is befuddled. Many scientists have moved from being an atheist to believers in Creator God after all other possibilities fail. Those who cannot bring themselves to believe in a higher power, simply say, “Well it must have always been here.”

In a book entitled, Magic Soup, Typing Monkeys, and Horny Aliens Rom Outer Space: The Patently Absurd Wholly Unsubstantiated and Extravagantly Failed Atheist Origin Myth by Evan Sayet (a strange title to be sure), the author states, “If you are of the belief that science has answered all of the Big Questions of creation and design, and, in having done so, has left the God of the Bible in the pile of discarded superstitions, folklore, legends, and myths of the past, you could not possibly be more mistaken.”  

When a scientist cannot come up with a valid answer, they simply say “things happen”, but the author says that this is an admission that there is simply no reasonable scientific explanation can be given.

When we can look beyond science, we realize that the universe and everything in it-matter, energy, space, and time-had a beginning somewhere and somehow. This reminds me of the question, which came first, the chicken or the egg? Steven Meyer, says that “Clearly matter and energy could not have caused themselves to come into existence before they existed.” I wonder if he would agree then that we could not have an egg if there was not a chicken first. If you think back to the creation story, God created the animals. They were not embryos or amoeba that formed over time, The only conclusion that can be reached is that there had to be a Creator, someone who could make something out of nothing. Amazing yet paradoxical for those who cannot see beyond the material.

Throughout the year and especially during Lent, we may struggle with the Big Questions. We try to figure out why things happen the way they do, whether it is through the understanding of nature or humanity, and most times we must admit that there are answers beyond our ability to grasp. It is then that we begin to open our hearts and minds to the reality that there is something bigger and greater than mere humans. It is then when we fall to our knees and lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving to a Creator and Redeemer who loves us more than we could ever imagine.

May we help those who do not believe to see God in the miracles o this world, especially in the miracle of resurrection this Easter.

I thank God for you,

Pastor Kathy Nealand

Mark your calendars: Get ready for Twists and Turns! Vacation Bible School will take place July 21-25th. Twists and Turns is a fantastical celebration of games of all kinds. From classic tabletop games to video games and more, kids will play their way through VBS while learning that Jesus guides them through all of the twists and turns of their lives. Even when they mess up, it's never game over.

Donations Needed

We need donations for egg fillers! You can bring in nut free candy or prizes for our upcoming Easter egg hunt. Please bring it into the office or to Jeanette Armstrong.

Each Easter Season our church is beautifully decorated by talented people in our congregation. The result of their work adds immeasurably to our enjoyment of this lovely time of the year. In years past, many families and individuals have contributed generously toward the cost of the decorations.

If you would like to make a donation, please use this form and return it to the church office.

2024 Directory will be printed this week. If you have any last minute corrections of changes let Sara by calling or emailing the office by Tuesday afternoon.

Per capita fee in the Presbyterian Church USA and its subgroups like our church this year is $35.90 per member. You will find a special envelope in your offering box marked for this per capita donation. For more information about the Presbyterian Church USA Per Capita visit this website: PC(USA) OGA (pcusa.org)

This Sunday begins a new tradition at FPC. On family Sundays our children's message will end with Sacred Art time for children. The children will be dismissed to the back of the parlor for an art project related to the scripture of the day and some light discussion. This time will hopefully help kids engage with the material a bit deeper than what we have been doing.

Our Free Little Pantry is always in need of restocking! You can help by donating food, toiletries, even socks are needed. For food donations please bring items that do not need extra ingredients and are easy to open. Many of those who are blessed by this food do not have access to can openers and extra ingredients.

Our Free Pantry was built and decorated by our wonderful youth and kids. There is a box located by the north door where you can drop off your donations