This Week at First Presbyterian Church
of Willmar
| |
To Make a Weekly/Monthly Offering | | |
Preparing for the Week
Leading Up to October 25th
| | |
Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Matthew 22:34-46
Choose a word or phrase that especially grabs your attention.
Pray from that word or phrase and ask God to help you connect to its particular invitation for you this week.
| |
The Week Leading Up To October 25th
Reflection, Response, and Prayer
Scripture:
Psalm 1
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the LORD. (vv. 1-2a)
Reflection:
The psalm opens with the formulaic phrasing of a beatitude, "Happy are those...." (Ps. 1:1), and then spends its six verses considering the experience of these happy ones as opposed to the experience of "the wicked" (vv. 1, 4-6). The psalmist is unflinchingly dualistic, laying out exactly two paths: the way of those who are "happy" (v.1) and "righteous" (vv. 5, 6) is contrasted with the way of those who are "wicked" (vv.4-6). It is worth noting that there is human agency in choosing which path to follow; we are not hapless victims of fate.
LEIGH CAMPBELL-TAYLOR
Response:
Does following God's laws tend to make you a happier person? What factors tend to make you into a more wicked person? What is it like to read this psalm as though it were speaking about the interior life of an individual, not two kinds of people?
Prayer:
Loving God, you invite me to be happy, though I will often face wickedness-my own and others'; show me how happiness and righteousness can intersect in my life, that I may delight in your law. Amen.
| | |
WEEKEND REFLECTIONS
FURTHER CONNECTION
All holiness is God's holiness in us: it is a holiness that is participation and, in a certain way, more than participation, because as we participate in what we can receive from God, we become a revelation of that which transcends us. Being a limited light, we reveal the Light.
ANTHONY BLOOM (1914-2003),
GOD AND MAN
MAKING THE CONNECTIONS
Choose one or two questions for reflection:
- What connections have you noticed between this week's texts and other passages in Scripture?
- What connections have you made between this week's texts and the world beyond Scripture?
- What is God saying to your congregation in particular through this week's readings and commentaries?
| | |
SABBATH DAY
SCRIPTURE OF ASSURANCE
O LORD, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
(Psalm 139:1-2)
WEEKLY EXAMEN
- Take a quiet moment, seek out God's presence, and pray for the guidance of the Spirit.
- Consider the past week; recall specific moments and feelings that stand out to you.
- Choose one moment or feeling for deeper examination, thanksgiving, or repentance.
- Let go, breathe deeply, and invite Christ's love to surround and fill you in preparation for the week ahead.
- End with the Lord's Prayer.
| | |
Good Morning!!
THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR:
Tuesday, October 20th:
8:00am: Men's Bible Study in the Friendship Room
10:00am: Staff Meeting in the Admin Office and Chair Yoga in JKH
4:00pm: Zoom Book Study
Wednesday, October 21st:
8:00am: Women's Bible Study in the Friendship Room
5:30pm: Wednesday Night Live
Thursday, October 22nd:
10:00am: Chair Yoga in JKH
11:00am: Sewciables in the Sewing Room
5:30pm: Music Team in the Sanctuary
6:30pm: Session in the Friendship Room
Sunday, October 25th:
9:00am: Adult Education in the Friendship Room
10:00am: Worship
11:00am: Coffee Fellowship in JKH
Tuesday, October 13th-Monday, October 19th: Pastors Gone On Continued Ed
Wednesday, October 14th- Monday, October 19th: Jill is on Vacation
|
🍬📚 HELP US FILL OUR TRUNKS WITH TREATS & STORIES! 🎃
CANDY & BOOK DONATIONS NEEDED!
First Presbyterian Church is getting ready for our Trunk or Treat event, and we need your help!
We are collecting:
🍭 Individually wrapped candy
📚 Gently used or new books for children
Help us make this a fun and memorable evening for children and families in our community. Every bag of candy and every book donated helps us share joy, kindness, and God’s love with our community!
🎃 TRUNK OR TREAT
October 31st | 5:00–6:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church
📍 Donations can be dropped off in the Church Narthex.
❤️ Thank you for helping us make this special event possible!
| |
It has been a while since our children and youth have sold the delicious Butter Braid pastries that we’ve all come to know and to love, so now is your chance to stock up for the upcoming holiday season! Beginning Wednesday, October 21st you will be able to pre-order your Butter Braids, and with the sale only lasting two weeks you’ll want to be sure to order yours promptly. All Braids will be delivered just in time for your Thanksgiving guests to enjoy! Available flavors include:
- Apple
- Blueberry Cream Cheese
- Cherry
- Cinnamon
- Raspberry
- Strawberry Cream Cheese
- Caramel Rolls
|
Clearwater Forest Men's Retreat 2026
October 9th-11th, 2026
| | |
First Presbyterian Church,
Thank you so much for the generous clothing donations. Your youth are amazing for thinking of the kids in our community! Please give them a HUGE thank you from us. We appreciate it so much!
KCHHS Staff
A photo is enclosed of staff grabbing items for their kids' caseloads. They were so excited for their donation and came right on time for some chilly weather. Any items left over will be shared with Community Corrections, who work with a group of moms who will also be very thankful.
| |
Warm Hearts, Warm Winter!
Earlier this week—just before our donation freeze—we received an amazing 55.5 lbs of winter items collected by the Vacation Bible School (VBS) children at First Presbyterian Church!
We are so deeply grateful for our ongoing partnership with First Presbyterian Church (FPC). Not only do they support us through commUNITY efforts like this VBS drive, but as our landlords, their Mission Committee's generosity in providing a significant rent discount on our physical closet home helps keep our doors open and our commUNITY clothed.
While we are deeply grateful to our landlords at FPC for providing us with a wonderful home to launch and build this work, reaching full capacity means we must occasionally adjust our intake schedule so we can manage inventory safely and effectively.
Thank you to the FPC family for living out CommUNITY care in action! We believe they have accomplished their mission of being "...the Church with heart in the heart of Willmar." Together, we’re making sure everyone stays warm this winter.
Pictured: FPC Christian Education & Youth Ministries Director & Music Team Director Jill Boyeink and our Secretary and Social Media Manager Letitia Thomas-Skalicky
#WillmarCommUNITYCloset #CommunitySupport #Grateful #WillmarMN #WarmthForWinter #circulareconomy #textileresources #clothingisalwaysfreehere
*Article is from the Willmar Community Closet Facebook Page
| |
RUMMAGE SALE NEWS:
A HUGE thank you to everyone for any and all help with the church rummage sale. Every bit of help added up to make for a tremendous sale. We made some money, had some good laughs, made new friends, and ate some great food. Next year's sale is scheduled for Friday & Saturday, August 27th and 28th. So mark your calendars and start saving donations. By the way, the storeroom is open for donations now. Please start in the far back corner.
Again, thank you, everyone!
Pat and Bonnie
| | |
Prayer Corner
Keeping you in the loop
with the most updated prayer needs
Prayers for Healing & Comfort:
Bob and Rita Dincau
Michael Christensen (George Christensen's Brother)
John Tatge
Kathy Murphy
Michele Odens
Rita Phillips
Thomas Sands
Gertrude Kluver (Bonnie Kluver and Jackie Grothe’s Mother)
Heather Woroniecki (Pastor Scott & Pastor Leanne’s Niece)
Renee Allen
Vicki Carver
Bea Ourada
Andy Sjerven (Sheila Sjerven’s Stepson)
Bev Skare
Prayers For Those Who Grieve:
The Family of John W. Tatge (Brother-in-law of Carol Tatge)
The Family of John Lease (Darcy Gubrud’s Father)
Prayers for the Church Here and Abroad:
The People of Occidente Presbytery, Guatemala;
Mark and Miriam Adams, Frontero de Cristo, Douglas, AZ.
Bdecan Presbyterian Church, Spirit Lake Reservation, ND
| | |
Prayers for those Serving Elsewhere:
-Jay Goldenstein, National Guard Basic Training, Fort Leonard Wood, MO (Bennett & Shara Goldenstein's Son)
-Caleb Woltjer, National Guard, Deployed to Kuwait
-Robert Holmquist, Navy Seal, being deployed (Rita Phillip's Great Nephew)
-LT. Matthew Sjerven, Colorado National Guard, Colorado Springs, CO
-Tristian Woitaszewski (Terry Woitaszewski’s Nephew) Navy, Pensacola, FL
-Perry Bishop (Bruce and Pam Quimby’s Grandson-in-law) Army, Fort Riley, Kansas
-Rob Grunwald, Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Station/Saginaw River in Essexville, Michigan
-Peter Rampaart, US Army Headquarters, St. Paul, MN
Also be in Prayers for:
California wildfire areas
Israel/Palestine (war)
Ukraine War
Conflict in Iran
| | |
Sunday's Online Worship Service
October 18th, 2026
| | |
This week, we name and celebrate folks in our congregation who are celebrating birthdays from October 19th through October 25th.
And we offer them a blessing.
| | |
10/19
Marguerite Austin
10/19
Jeff Tebben
10/23
Fred Cogelow
| | |
Blessing:
May God bless you
with His boundless love,
calming peace,
and heavenly joy throughout the
coming year.
Happy Birthday,
Child of God!
| | |
We’re looking for helping hands to bless our church family by providing treats and serving during Fellowship Hour after worship. If you enjoy baking, picking up simple snacks, or offering a warm smile as you serve, we’d love to have you be part of this!
Please sign up at the table in the Narthex, contact Shara in the church office, or by clicking the link below.
| | |
We need people to help out and volunteer for Coffee Fellowship on the following Sundays:
- Sunday, November 22nd
- Sunday, November 29th
If you are willing and able to sign up, please use the link above, write your name down on the sign-up sheets in the Narthex, or contact the church office!! Thank you all in advance!
| | Please have any announcement needed to be put in the bulletin or the weekly voice to Shara in the office the week before it is wanted to be shared with the congregation! Thank you! | | |
SEPTEMBER OPERATING STATEMENT REPORT:
Receipts through September
$217.801.69
Expenses through September
$221,577.37
Expenses in Excess of Revenue:
$3,775.37
Balance Due on the Internal Loan for 2022 Roof Replacement
and 2023 Parking Lot
$36,499.22
2026 Per Capita is $47 per confirmed member. Please pay as you are able. We appreciate receiving per capita as early in the year as possible, but welcome payments throughout the year. The Per Capita of $9,588.00 was paid, and the Per Capita giving is $6,565.50
| | |
Stewardship is about more than budgets and buildings. It is about faith, gratitude, and the ways we respond to God's generosity in our lives. Each month, we'll share a brief reflection on how our gifts support the ministry and mission of First Presbyterian Church.
Your gifts help us live out our mission as
the Church with HEART in the HEART of Willmar.
| |
Stewardship Matters: A Legacy of Generosity
One of the greatest blessings of our congregation is the legacy left by generations of faithful members.
Over many years, individuals and families have remembered the church in their estate plans, made memorial gifts, and established designated endowments and quasi-endowments. Because of their generosity, our congregation has resources today that support mission projects, special ministries, capital improvements, and opportunities that might otherwise be beyond our reach.
These funds are more than investments. They are expressions of faith. Every endowment tells a story. Someone believed deeply enough in the future of this church to leave a gift that would continue serving God's people long after they were gone. Their generosity continues to bless us today.
Because of these funds, our congregation is able to support mission partners, respond to special needs, care for our facilities, and invest in ministry opportunities that extend beyond our annual operating budget.
At the same time, endowments and annual giving serve different purposes. Endowment funds are generally intended for specific uses and future ministry. The weekly offerings and annual gifts received from members provide the resources needed for the everyday work of the church: worship, education, pastoral care, staffing, utilities, building operations, and ongoing ministry.
A helpful way to think about it is this: endowments help us do extraordinary things, while annual giving sustains the ordinary and essential work of ministry.
We are grateful for both. We give thanks for those whose generosity in the past continues to bless us today. We also give thanks for those whose faithful giving supports the ministry happening right now.
Together, we are both recipients of a legacy and creators of one. The gifts we give today—whether through annual offerings, memorial gifts, or future estate plans—help ensure that future generations will experience the same welcome, worship, service, and community that have blessed us.
What kind of legacy might God be inviting us to leave?
| | |
October Mission of the Month
South Sudanese Fellowship of St. Cloud
You don’t always have to travel on a mission trip to do missionary work. You can help by supporting the South Sudanese Fellowship of St. CLoud right here at First Presbyterian Church. This is our mission of the month fro October and is a Presbytery sponsored mission.
Pastor Elizabeth Tot, a Presbyterian minister who immigrate from South Sudan, was first displaced to a refuge camp in Ethiopia and then with help from her daughter, moved to Kenya and on to the United States. She has been supporting women and children in the St. Cloud area for 16 years. Pastor Tot has used her own meager wages from factory or domestic work to buy groceries for families or gas for her car to visit women in need.
If this mission speaks to your heart, you can place donations in the offering plate or on-line designating South Sudanese Fellowship in the memo line.
You can read more about Pastor Tot’s amazing story and mission work at https://pcusa.org/news-storytelling/news/2025/7/7/new-worshiping-community-supports-south-sudanese-women-minnesota
| | Other Church Announcements | | To Subscribe to the Frontera de Cristo Newsletter click the link below and check out their homepage! | | To Subscribe to the Family Promise Newsletter click the link below and check out their homepage! | | FROM PRESBYTERY OF MINNESOTA VALLEYS | | |
Swift County 4-H is expanding its after school program in the county. We are in need of any supplies listed below. Any that can be donated are appreciated. There is a a box in the grocery cart for these items, no donation is too small.
Odds and ends of crayons, colored pencils, pipe cleaners, tissue paper yarn, pompoms, lids such as sour cream or cottage cheese and pony beads.
Thanks.
Swift County 4-H
| |
WE NEED YOUR CROCHETING
AND KNITTING TALENTS!!
|
We are looking for individuals that are skilled in crocheting and knitting. If that is you, we would love you to help us make our church pocket prayer shawls. All the details are in the PDF button!
Thank you in advance!!
| | |
We are almost out of pocket prayer shawls.
Anyone who has the talent of crocheting or knitting and is willing to make some more will be greatly appreciated!
| | | | |
We, at First Presbyterian Church, hope you have a wonderful week. If you have any prayer requests, please click on the "Prayer Request" button at the top and let us know!!
Sincerely,
First Presbyterian Church
| |
First Presbyterian Church
(320) 235-1263
| | | | | |
