First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck
Pastor Leanne's Message for the month of February 2025:
"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do,
but encourage one another, especially now that
the day of his return is drawing near"
Hebrews 10:25
The church I grew up in always made a big deal out of Valentines Day. They always had a couples’ banquet where they recognized the newly married and the longest married. They played goofy games trying to get couples to tell stories on each other. They decorated the fellowship hall with pink and red crepe paper, strung from the ceilings and put lit candles on the tables. Funny – by the end of the event the crepe paper stretched out from the heat of the candles… it hung down about neck height and we scrambled to put out the candles lest they make contact with the paper.
That’s about all I remember about it – except one thing: there were always people who hated it. Although the day is meant to celebrate love and companionship, it always makes some people feel isolated and potentially left out. When the world around one is created for couples, it can be hard to be alone.
In the past, so many churches focused on heterosexual married couples, that they forgot about the rest of us – divorced people like me, single folks, widows, those who first loves don’t fit the familiar mold. Sometimes the church has gone so far as to judge or condemn folks whose marriages don’t succeed or don’t fit in (although it is beyond me why we would turn anyone away in the name of Christ!) Even without calculated hindrances to acceptance, it is often hard to attend a church alone. I know countless people who resist coming to church because they don’t know who to sit with. I have been aware of how painful it is to come to church for worship right after the funeral of one’s life-long spouse, and sit there without them for the first time. And yet, worshipping among friends is supposed to be a safe activity, a community activity, where the soul is filled with the sense of belonging and attachment.
So, this coming Sunday, take a good look around you at church, at the people you know, and those whom you do not know, a be sensitive to every person’s need for attention, assurance, attachment and companionship – from the very young to the very old. If someone seems alone, offer to sit with them – invite them into the parlor for coffee, introduce yourself and then, introduce them to another.
Because very often, we are the alternative family for those who are missing familiar support and attachment in their lives. All over America, social organizations are losing membership – there are fewer bowling leagues, card clubs, charity organization than ever before… we live in a nation that is losing contact with one another, substituting internet scrolling for face-to-face conversation. But the church is still standing, and we are called to be present for one another.
The least lonely place in the world should be the church.
Let us strive to make it that way.
Leanne
2024 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 May 17, 2024
DO YOU HAVE A NEED?
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.
Are you in need of assistance that you can not get help? Email firstpresbyterian@fpcbismarck or call 701-223-6091 and let us know how we can help.
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 below to enjoy our very special
St. Andrew's Day Celebration
with
First Presbyterian Church of Mandan
and Glencoe Sloan Memorial Presbyterian Church
Click below to enjoy our 2 Christmas Eve Services !
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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First Presbyterian Childcare Center - (701)-258-7490
childcare@fpcbismarck.com OR cccasst@fpcbismarck.com
Here and now
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
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