Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church is a congregation that 

values a diversity of belief. Whether you're full of faith or full of doubt, 

you'll find people who have been there and accept you for where you are.

We welcome all people to worship, pray, eat, seek spiritual answers, and enjoy life within this community of faith. All are welcome!

"And the one who was seated on the throne said, 'See, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.' Then he said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.'" (Revelation 21:5-6)

We give thanks for the hard work of dedicated members, like Casey and Shelby Ratchford, who helped to make the Youth Center and Cafe Space all new! This redesign isn't just about moving furniture or reimagining a room, it's about creating a space where our students feel seen, welcomed, and inspired. It's about helping the whole congregation see the possibilities for ministry supported in this beautiful and multi-purpose space! Thank you to all of our members and volunteers for pouring your time and talent into the next generation and our entire church community.

And there’s no better way to break in the new space than by joining us as we journey into a brand-new Spring semester of CHPC Youth Group! Don't forget that our crew meets on Sunday nights from 5-6:30. Come for food, fellowship, fun, and bible study. Help us cultivate an environment where all people belong and grow, where we as a group can see and know the love of God.

CHPC takes a small break from our sermon series on the Chronicles of Narnia and reflects with our own Tyler Paulsen about the unity found in the cross of Christ. What does Paul mean when he warns the Corinthians that the cross can be made empty of its power through disunity? All are welcome to worship with us this Sunday as we gather together as the connectional body of Christ.

Sunday's Scriptures:

Ecclesiastes 4:4-12, CEB

1 Corinthians 1:10-18, NRSV

Want to see previous services in this preaching series about the Chronicles of Narnia?

Click below to see last week's worship service about our identity as God's beloved given in the the Law of God and illustrated through the story of the "Silver Chair".

As winter weather approaches this weekend, we want to let you know that church leadership is carefully monitoring the potential for icy conditions. Your safety is very important to us, and we will communicate any updates or changes should they become necessary. Please pay attention to your email and to the church's social media outlets.

It may not be the first Wednesday of the month, but Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church gathers for our first "Wonderful Wednesday" of this Winter season next week on January 28. All are welcome to join us downstairs in the gym at 5:15 pm for some much needed mid-week church fellowship. We'll share a meal together, partake in an optional activity, and beyond that, nothing but spend meaningful time together as a family of faith! Updates will be given next week if winter weather impacts this intentional intergenerational gathering. We hope all stay warm and that we get to spend time together next Wednesday night!

The Session held its Annual Leadership Retreat on Saturday, January 17 in the rearranged youth room. It was a Spirit-filled time of fellowship, discussion, discernment, and contemplation. The Session elected to have it's monthly stated meeting at the end of this retreat. The meeting opened with prayer and a devotion about the miraculous catch of fish Jesus provided to his disciples after his resurrection from John's Gospel. The Session approved the celebration of Communion through June 7, and approved the transfer of funds from the Reserve Fund to the General Fund to cover the anticipated 2025 budget deficit. The Session continues to thank all members for their faithful and generous support of our shared ministry. Committees provided brief updates, and it was reported to the Session that Holston Habitat for Humanity will move its offices out of the manse this spring. Holston Habitat for Humanity will also install a new roof at no cost to the church before vacating. The next stated Session meeting will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 5:30 pm.

In Christ,

Emily Hutchins (Clerk of Session) & David Randolph (Moderator) 

Do you, or someone you know, have the gift of music leadership and are ready to help others make a joyful noise in worship? Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church is looking for our next Praise Band Leader to enhance our blended worship service. Interested individuals should apply via the indeed job link below.

Members are asked to please share this opportunity with those who might be interested learning more.

Join us for another Soup & Bowl Sunday night of games on February 8! The intergenerational fun kicks off at 5:00 pm and run until 7:00 pm, so be sure to bring your favorite game to play with others. Dinner will be a chili and/or soup competition, so be sure to bring your favorite winter chili, warm soup dish, side of bread, or dessert to share. We will be voting on our favorites, so a pro tip for you: bring your own muffin tray so you can sample them all!

The combined Sunday School Class discussing the books from C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia takes a sabbath rest for one more week before returning on February 1 about the next book, "The Horse and His Boy". All are welcome to participate in this intergenerational gathering downstairs in the youth room at 11:15 am. For anyone who may wish to read along with us each week, below are the dates for future books:

February 1 - The Horse and His Boy

February 8 - The Magician's Nephew

February 15 - The Last Battle

Members of the Congregation are hosting a baby shower for Emily Hutchins this Sunday, January 25 at 11:15 am in the Youth Center. All are welcome to celebrate this coming child who we are so excited to meet next month! Speak with Elder Gretchen Bentley about any questions or how you might want to help :)

An Adult Sunday School will be offered in room 221 about this week's lectionary passages shared in worship. All are welcome to participate in this friendly discussion. Please contact Tyler Paulsen or Casey Ratchford if you would like to learn more or plan to participate.

The Children's Choir returns after worship on Sunday, January 25. All children ages 3-11 are welcome to come sing and play! Contact Jean Fletcher or Laura Wicker for details or how to get involved.

The Session has called a congregational meeting after worship on Sunday, February 1, for the purpose of: 1) reviewing the 2025 financials, 2) receiving the approved budget for 2026, and 3) approving the Pastor's annual terms of call.

The Women's Ministry invites all ladies to enjoy a fun afternoon of Bunco on Sunday, February 1 at 2:00 in the youth center. Hope to see you there!

Scout Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, February 8 as part of Troop 48's Continuous Campfire Campout here at the church. Can goods will be collected as part of the annual food drive to support Second Harvest Food Bank and our Blessing Box Ministry.

Mark your calendars for a few spring events in the life of Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church. A Fat Tuesday pancake supper is scheduled for February 17. Our annual Ash Wednesday worship service will be on February 18 at 6:00 pm. Four special Sunday night Bible studies will be held during Lent at 5:00 pm from February 22 through March 15. Palm Sunday will be March 29, and Easter Sunday will be on April 5.

Save the Date for CHPC's Annual Churchwide Retreat at Holston Camp and Retreat Center the weekend of May 1-3. More information will be shared in the coming months. Please contact the church office if you already know you're interested in participating in this fun annual tradition of our church family.

Thank you for all your generous gifts that help to make our collective ministry possible in 2025! End of the year giving statements will be mailed by the end of January. Please contact Sarah Johnson at finance@chpres.org or by calling the office if you have any questions. Sarah's office hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

All items for the weekly online newsletter should be emailed to Mary at office@chpres.org by noon on Wednesday.

Please continue to pray for all those on the Prayer List:

Jud Barry, Jo Ann Michaels, Bobbie Cooper (Sharon Pugh's mother), Andrew Johnson (Ann & Larry's son) Arlene Bush (Lisa Pecorini's mother), Family of Sue Fortney, Unnamed health request for a friend, Family of Jonathan Hutchins, Vicki Weber (Marissa Paulsen's mother), Jay Walters, Richard Bilbro (Cecil Bilbro's brother), Esther Favors (Tyler Paulsen's Abuela), Baby Justice Gilreath, Julius Maikis (Scoutmaster White's father), Fr. James Fliss (Doreen Heppert's brother), Tina Whiteaker (Teresa Strickler's sister), Beverly Shelton, Barbara Holt, Joyce Callahan

As well as those in Health Care/ Assisted Living Facilities:

Dixie Keith, Mary Ann Smith, Mae Dale, Linda Gibson, Millie Pruett

Do you have a specific prayer request you'd like to share?

Please contact a member of the Care Shepherds or Pastor David

and we would be happy to pray with you!