First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck
Pastor Leanne's Message for the month of July 2025:
(1Corinthians 10: 3-13) No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
There is an old and oft quoted saying that goes: “God will never give you more than you can handle.” In a way, that’s true – if by it one means that God will be with us through all of our challenges and disasters. I am a firm believer that God never leaves us, and while I don’t think he is bound to make sure trouble does not come our way, God’s love is so rich, so deep and so intimate, we can count on his presence and help as we go through painful situations and the temptations they bring. The Apostle Paul who wrote the above scripture has a funny definition of “a way out.” His idea of a way out is not an escape, but a way through, with gifts of mercy that make pain endurable.
But I do think there are things that are greater than a person is meant to bear. Examples: no parent should ever lose a child. People are not meant to see their loved ones die from war, poverty, or hatred. Many people in this world bear up under pain and sorrows that are unjust and devastating. These other sorrows are soul-breakers – without the presence of God they would overwhelm and destroy us.
But God has given us gifts that will help us bear up, even find new hope and new dreams. First, of course are the promises of scripture which offer us comfort and reassurance. Many of us have found a friend in the Psalmist and the voice of God in the text as we read God’s words. Second, is the church: allies and family whom God has called to pull together:
(Hebrews 12:12-15) 12 “strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. 14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
Scripture tells us that in tough times, God has given us the Holy Spirit which will help us pray when words fail and bear witness to our spirits that God is near. And finally, God gave us Jesus, who could not accept standing by when people suffered – he healed, he touched, he taught, and when the time was right, gave his life and rose from the dead so that the ultimate thing we cannot bear, death, would not have dominion over us.
I know that many of us bear heavy burdens, often quietly and anxiously, and I urge you to lean into the helps God has given to us. And… use your voice, when your needs are not being met, so that the loving people of this church can come to your side and walk with you through your trials. Never fear that God is not listening, or that God is absent. It is impossible for God to watch you bear up in pain and not care. Jesus said it: “in this world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.”
Leanne
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.
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CHECK OUR CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES/SERVICES
First Presbyterian Church
is a Community called to love God through Worship and Prayer, receiving and serving our neighbors with the compassion of Christ, open to new beginnings and the spiritual growth of children, youth and adults.
First Presbyterian Church
214 E. Thayer Ave. Bismarck, ND
Phone: (701) 223-6091
OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Email: firstpresbyterian@fpcbismarck.com
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childcare@fpcbismarck.com OR cccasst@fpcbismarck.com
Here and now
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