First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck

Click here to view our WORSHIP SERVICE
from Sunday, November 2, 2025
10:00AM service
(please make sure the video is not muted)

Pastor David’s Message for the month of November 2025:

Greetings First Presbyterian Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
(Ephesians 1:2)

This often used, and beloved greeting from Paul the Apostle he wrote in his letters to congregations and to people to whom he ministered. Letters of encouragement and hope he directed to them in their varieties of needs and challenges, as well as in their victories and celebrations.

I write to you now as a pastor of yours from the past who will be filling in as best as possible during Pastor Leanne’s medical absence. You and I will partner together once again—in worship and prayer, in pastoral care for each other, in administering the logistics of the church, and in serving our loving God in whatever ways called upon. And ours will be a ministry-partnership, surrounding in prayer Pastor Leanne, daughter Audrey, and the whole church family.

I truly am glad to be invited to serve—hoping to be helpful during these several months that are before us. I have explained to family and friends that I will be “wintering” in North Dakota this year. After all, how much “retirement” can a person handle: relaxing, travel and vacation, fun and entertainment, home projects, hobbies—all at one’s own pace. How much “self-guided living” (being one’s “own boss”) can a person take!

It’s hard for me to believe that it has been over seven years since we have shared ministry together (since 2018). During that time much life has happened -

I’m sure for us all. For me:

- Employment: some local pulpit supply, 2020 Census work, “stocking shelves” during Covid, Brenda “catching up” to me, retiring also (now we’re together all the time!).

- Travel: including Jamaica, Hawaii, Alaska; Cooperstown, NY (for Joe Mauer’s Hall of Fame induction); plus, trips visiting family in Southern California, South Carolina, and Brooklyn, NY.

- Family: a grandson was added to the three granddaughters in NY; and my brother Doug was taken

from us by cancer earlier this year.

- Hiking and snowshoeing: continues wherever my boots take me—in Minnesota, sometimes North Dakota, mostly in the Pacific Northwest, as long as my hiking buddy out there and I can walk (so far, so good…mostly).

- Health: mostly good, but showing age-wear and tear

(that’s another story).

- Home projects: continually.

- Time with friends: fortunately.

- And…the brightest highlight of 2025 for Brenda and

me has been the celebration with family and friends of

our 50th Wedding Anniversary in May!
We truly are grateful for God’s abundant blessings!

There are just a few limitations “built-in” to our time together, such as: previously scheduled events (visiting grandchildren in New York over Thanksgiving; and a couple of calendar commitments in Minnesota). Also, a Presbyterian Board of Pensions stipulation is that

work be limited to “20 hours/week” (for you and me to mutually and congenially navigate).

Otherwise, our task as we love and serve God,

and one another, is to:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

and give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you and me.”

Peace of Christ be with you!
Pastor David Reiter

2025 SCHOLARSHIPS

The Scholarship Committee of First Presbyterian Church is pleased to announce the availability of a limited number of scholarships for our church community.

To be eligible for consideration to receive a scholarship,

a student must be an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck

or must have been an active participant in the

life of First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck for at least three years.

The awards are given for students at any level of study beyond high school.

Four years is the maximum for receiving scholarships: these need not be consecutive years. Graduate students may apply for scholarships,

providing they are within the four year maximum.

The deadline to apply is Friday, May 16, 2025

ARE YOU WILLING TO HELP?

We encourage you to continue to love your neighbor well at this time. Hebrews 13:16 challenges us to “dowhat is good and to share, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”Thank you for being the Church.

WAYS TO GIVE:

For those who are unable to worship with us in church, here are a few ways that you can continue to give:

1. Online bill pay with your banking institution.

2. Click on the "Give Now" button above to donate today.

3. Mail checks to First Presbyterian Church, 214 E Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501.

SECURE METHOD TO DONATE Now Available!!
Click on the button below and donate!

Click here to download the 2025 Scholarship Application

Click here to view the BULLETIN for Sunday, November 2, 2025
10:00AM service

We welcome you all to come worship

You can visit us at 214 E Thayer Ave. or

tune in at 10:00am Sunday to our Live Feed on Facebook

CHECK OUR CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES/SERVICES