Atoka Presbyterian Church EPC

06/04/2026

Dear Atoka EPC family,

This coming Sunday we will continue our study of Colossians in chapter 2 verses 1-5. It will also our privilege to come and feast with the Lord and, by faith, upon the Lord, at His table. Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m. and our worship service is at 11 a.m. There will be a VBS meeting following our worship service. Bible study will be held at 4 p.m. I look forward to our time together.

As we look forward to coming together, let’s continue to be in be in prayer for . . .

1. Krissy Lavelle, who had an infusion treatment this past Monday and begins her chemo pills again for her cancer treatment on this coming Monday, June 8. Pray that her strength will be sustained.
2. Brandy Parker, asking for increasing strength and a quick adjustment to an appropriate amount of blood thinner medication.
3. Bill Arthur, whose appointment with the neurologist has been pushed back to June 17. Continue to give thanks for the Lord’s faithfulness and ask for Bill’s ongoing daily health.
4. Gary Montgomery, for successful PT.
5. Eleanor Talley, for daily encouragement and needs to be met.
6. Betty Roberts, that her body will be able to be nourished with daily food without recurring gastro issues. �7. Jan Hall, for shoulder surgery to be rescheduled in a timely fashion.
8. Jon Benton Mize, that his rash will fully clear and he will be able to return home by the end of June. Pray for the encouragement of the entire family in the disappointment in the delay.
9. Nahomy Van Kampen, for a healthy pregnancy.�10. Lorin Frison, giving thanks for his successful regiment of infusion treatments he has been able to undergo.
11. Harriet Cooper, for her body to respond well to treatment.
12. VBS
13. Our farmers.
14. Peace in the cities of our nation.
15. Dan Dodson, for his ongoing PT.
16. The EPC General Assembly.
17. Our families raising their children.
18. The Tipton County school board.
19. Those in need of work, that they would find it.
20. David and Allison Corzo and their work with Young Life in Cancun.

The next VBS planning meeting is this coming Sunday, June 7 after the morning service. If you are willing to help with registration, crafts, decorations (outdoor Alaskan theme), music, or being a group guide please speak to me and stay for the meeting.

We will once again be collecting school supplies for the students in need at Atoka Elementary in July/August. You will be able to drop off supplies from Sunday, July 26 through Sunday, August 16. Tax free weekend for shopping in Tennessee is Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2.

Sunday school will meet this Sunday at 9:45 a.m. The adult class convenes in the sanctuary and will complete the series regarding the doctrine of our union with Christ. The middle/high school class meets in the library. Pre-K/elementary meets downstairs, where Brenda Bryant and an additional volunteer continue to serve our young children well weekly.

Vacation Bible School is planned for Monday, July 6 through Thursday, July 9. We will once again host it in partnership with the Atoka Methodist Church at their building from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening. Pray for many children to attend and for the Lord to bring many volunteers.

Our next 5th Sunday potluck breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, August 30 at 9 a.m. There will be no Sunday school. Our morning worship service will begin at 10 a.m.

The women’s group will take the summer off and will plan to meet again on Wednesday, September, 2 for a time of fellowship and Bible study.

We will host the 129th stated meeting of the Central South Presbytery in late September. While I will not know for certain if the meeting will be one day (Friday, September 24 only) or two days (Friday and Saturday, Sept. 24-25) until August 21, my general sense is that it is leaning toward one day. Presbytery would convene by mid-morning for business (check in likely beginning around 9 or 9:30 a.m.), lunch would be served around noon for an hour, and then finish with a worship service and more business by 3 or 4 p.m. We will need volunteers to help with check in, with helping people find parking, having coffee and snacks available, getting tables set up for lunch and making sure food is served and lunch cleaned up, with sound, and with overall presence for greeting and service. Mark that date on your calendar. There will be further details coming as the date draws closer.

Scripture text for the coming weeks: May 24: John 16:12-15; May 31: Colossians 2:1-5; June 7: Colossians 2:6-8; June 14: Colossians 2:9-12; June 21: John 1:43-51; June 28: Colossians 2:13-15; July 5: Colossians 2:16-19; July 12: Colossians 2:20-23; July 19: I Samuel 20; Isaiah 53:1-6; August 2: I Corinthians 12:31-13:13; August 9: I Corinthians 15:29-34; August 16: I Corinthians 16:1-4; August 23: Matthew 26:36-68; August 30: II Samuel 7

Bible study is planned for this coming Sunday, June 7 at 4 p.m.��Youth group will be off for the summer and resume meeting in September.�
Prayer is scheduled for this coming Wednesday, June 10 at 5:30 p.m.

05/21/2026

Dear Atoka EPC family,

This coming Sunday is Pentecost Sunday in church calendar, 50 days following Easter. The Holy Spirit, as promised, was sent by the Father and the Son as full reality of the Messianic age was inaugurated in Jesus’ life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension and now continues with power through the work and presence of the Spirit. At our service this coming Sunday we will look at John 16:12-15, a small portion of the Upper Room discourse of Jesus, in which much of what Jesus says is in relation to the coming of the Spirit (see John 14:15-31 and 15:26-16:11 as well). I look forward to our time of worship before the Father through the finished work of Jesus and in the Spirit.

Sunday school will begin at 9:45 a.m. and our worship service is at 11 a.m.

As we look forward to coming together, let’s continue to be in be in prayer for . . .

1. Krissy Lavelle, giving thanks for the ongoing faithfulness of God.
2. Brandy Parker, who as of this writing is still hospitalized but has been moved to a step down room. Give thanks for some progress and pray she will soon be home.
3. Harriet Cooper as she receives treatment for rejection of her kidney. Pray that her immune system, which has been severely impacted by the treatment, will improve quickly.�4. Bill Arthur, that his daily strength will continue to go well, that there will be no blood clots formed or released, and that his appointment with the neurologiston June 2 will be encouraging.
5. Donna Carver, mother of Brandy Parker, who was hospitalized with a gastrointestinal obstruction earlier in the week. Pray for full healing.
6. Jon Benton Mize, giving thanks that his rash has cleared and praying he will be released June 4 as planned. �7. Gary Montgomery, that his ongoing PT will improve physical strength and his eyesight will be improved.
8. .Wayne Bouler, son in law of Nita Walker, giving thanks that he was able to have a stent placed in his heart successfully again late last week. Pray for his ongoing health.
9. Melinda Smith, for full healing of her arm.�10. Evan and Emily Montgomery and their daughters, that Kinsley and Karsyn will each remain healthy and continue growing.
11. Faye Kitchens, Tommy Rogers, Dan Dodson, and all others who stand in need of relief from pain and ongoing health through PT.
12. Nahomy Van Kampen, for a healthy pregnancy.
13. Susan McCammon and others we know going through varying forms of cancer and treatments.
14. Bill Cherry awaiting test results for Parkinsons
15. VBS.
16. Peace in the war torn places of the world, including Iran and Ukraine.
17. Those in need of work.
18. The Hamds and the ongoing work of the GROW Daycare Center in Lebanon.
19. Our elected leaders at every level.
20. The 46th General Assembly of the EPC.

You received an order form in your mailbox for Atoka EPC t-shirts/polo shirt/sweatshirts last week. Please fill out the form and return it to Lisa Stroud by May 31 if you desire to participate. you may pay with cash or check. If you pay by check, make it out to Atoka Presbyterian Church and 1 check will be written for the total order. Thanks to Lisa Stroud for organizing this effort.

The next VBS planning meeting has been moved toSunday, June 7 after the morning service. If you are willing to help with registration, crafts, decorations (outdoor Alaskan theme), music, or being a group guide please speak to me.

The women’s group will take the summer off and will plan to meet again on Wednesday, September, 2 for a time of fellowship and Bible study.

The basement floor is scheduled to be stripped and waxed Tuesday and Wednesday (May 26-27) of next week. If a few guys could stay after the service this Sunday to help take down the tables and chairs in preparation for that it would be helpful and appreciated.

Sunday school meets at 9:45 a.m. The adult class meets in the sanctuary and working through the doctrine of our union with Christ. The middle/high school class meets in the library. Pre-K/elementary meets downstairs, where Brenda Bryant and an additional volunteer continue to serve our young children well weekly.

Our next 5th Sunday potluck breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, May 31 at 9 a.m. There will be no Sunday school. Our morning worship service will begin at 10 a.m.

Vacation Bible School is planned for Monday, July 6 through Thursday, July 9. We will once again host it in partnership with the Atoka Methodist Church at their building from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening. Pray for many children to attend and for the Lord to bring many volunteers.

Scripture text for the coming weeks: May 24: John 16:12-15; May 31: Colossians 2:1-5; June 7: Colossians 2:6-8; June 14: Colossians 2:9-12; June 21: John 1:43-51; June 28: Colossians 2:13-15; July 5: Colossians 2:16-19; July 12: Colossians 2:20-23; July 19: I Samuel 20; Isaiah 53:1-6; August 2: I Corinthians 12:31-13:13; August 9: I Corinthians 15:29-34; August 16: I Corinthians 16:1-4; August 23: Matthew 26:36-68; August 30: II Samuel 7

Bible study is planned for June 7 at 4 p.m.��Youth group will be off for the summer and resume meeting in September.�
Prayer is scheduled for this coming Wednesday, May 27 at 5:30 p.m.

05/14/2026

Dear Atoka EPC family,

Today is Ascension Day in the church calendar. When I was a boy our local congregation rightly had a worship service on Ascension Thursday, 40 days following Easter. Our Lord, who emptied Himself to death, even death on a cross, was raised and has ascended with a name that is above every other name and is worthy of our Worship. (see Philippians 3).

At our service this coming Sunday we will look at Luke 24:36-53, which drives to the Lord’s Ascension. I look forward to our time of worship before the risen king.

Sunday school will begin at 9:45 a.m. and our worship service is at 11 a.m.

As we look forward to coming together, let’s continue to be in be in prayer for . . .

1. Krissy Lavelle, and infusion and chemo treatments.
2. Emily, Kinsley, and Karsyn Montgomery, giving thanks to God for His kindness to each one. Ask that the Lord continue to bless the entire Montgomery family. They were all able to return home Tuesday.
3. Bill Arthur, who had surgery yesterday. The surgeon saw that the blood vessel in the brain has narrowed more since March and there is a good chance it will close in its own; he has good blood flow from other vessels. In light of that, no stents were put in. Give thanks that Billings is home and for the Lord’s protective hand in this process. Pray for it to continue to bring healing and grace.
4. Brandy Parker, giving praise for a successful heart valve replacement surgery. Pray for her to receive good care in the ICU while improving in strength in the week to come.
5. Tommy Rogers, for improved strength.
6. Harriet Cooper, for a successful course of treatment. She is at Vanderbilt under IVIG treatment.
7. All going through varying forms and stages of cancer treatment.
8. Jon Benton Mize, for full healing and the ability to return home on June 4 as planned.
9. Melinda Smith, for full healing of her arm.
10. Faye Kitchens and all others needing physical strength.
11. Nahomy Van Kampen, for a healthy pregnancy.
12. Susan McCammon, friend of Bill Vanderven who has begun chemo for breast cancer and will undergo a second treatment this week. Give thanks that Judy Cliver has responded to treatment and is doing well. Carl Cherry, Bill’s brother in law, is undergoing tests for Parkinson’s. Pray for good results.
13. Our farmers.
14. Our students finishing their semesters
15. Our elected leaders at every level.
16. Peace in the war torn places of the world, including Iran and Ukraine.
17. Vacation Bible School.
18. Work for those in need of it.
19. Covenant Chapel and The Vineyard in Auburn.
20. Generosity toward the Kingdom of God.

Courtney Rogers has set up a Meal Train for the Montgomery family. If you are willing to pick a night to bring a meal please click this link: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/devm1v

Thanks!

You received an order form in your mailbox for Atoka EPC t-shirts/polo shirt/sweatshirts last week. Please fill out the form and return it to Lisa Stroud by May 31 if you desire to participate. you may pay with cash or check. If you pay by check, make it out to Atoka Presbyterian Church and 1 check will be written for the total order. Thanks to Lisa Stroud for organizing this effort.

The next VBS planning meeting is scheduled for May 31 following the morning service. If you are willing to help with registration, crafts, decorations (outdoor Alaskan theme), music, or being a group guide please speak to me.

The women’s group will take the summer off and will plan to meet again on Wednesday, September, 2 for a time of fellowship and Bible study.

Sunday school meets at 9:45 a.m. The adult class meets in the sanctuary and working through the doctrine of our union with Christ. The middle/high school class meets in the library. Pre-K/elementary meets downstairs, where Brenda Bryant and an additional volunteer continue to serve our young children well weekly.

Our next 5th Sunday potluck breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, May 31 at 9 a.m. There will be no Sunday school. Our morning worship service will begin at 10 a.m.

Vacation Bible School is planned for Monday, July 6 through Thursday, July 9. We will once again host it in partnership with the Atoka Methodist Church at their building from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening. Pray for many children to attend and for the Lord to bring many volunteers.

Scripture text for the coming weeks: May 17: Luke 24:36-53; May 24: John 16:12-15; May 31: Colossians 2:1-5; June 7: Colossians 2:6-8; June 14: Colossians 2:9-12; June 21: John 1:43-51; June 28: Colossians 2:13-15

Bible study is planned for this Sunday, May 17 at 4 p.m.

Youth group will be off for the summer and resume meeting in September.

Prayer is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27 at 5:30 p.m.

Evan, Emily, and big sister Katy Rose are excited to share that Karsyn and Kinsley have arrived. Momma and the babies are doing well and getting some much‑needed rest. We all know how joyful — and how exhausting — those first few weeks can be, so let’s show them our love and support by parti...

05/13/2026

https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/devm1v

Courtney Rogers has set up a Meal Train for Evan and Emily Montgomery. Use the link below if you would be able to help out. Thanks!

Evan, Emily, and big sister Katy Rose are excited to share that Karsyn and Kinsley have arrived. Momma and the babies are doing well and getting some much‑needed rest. We all know how joyful — and how exhausting — those first few weeks can be, so let’s show them our love and support by parti...

05/12/2026

Congratulations to Evan and Emily Montgomery. The Lord answered prayer with the birth of their healthy twin daughters on Sunday afternoon. Kinsley, the oldest, was 6 lbs 4 oz; Karsyn, 7 minutes later, was 7 lbs 1 oz. Kathryn is thrilled to welcome her sisters.

Keep the entire family in prayer.

04/30/2026

Dear Atoka EPC family,

This coming Lord’s Day Sunday school will begin at 9:45 a.m. and our worship service is at 11 a.m. We will look at Colossians 1:28-29 together in the presence of the Lord. There is a VBS planning meeting following our worship service in the sanctuary. If you are interested in helping at VBS, please plan to stay for about 15/20 minutes. Bible study is planned at 4 p.m.and Youth at 5 p.m.

As we look forward to being together, let’s continue to be in be in prayer for . . .

1. Krissy Lavelle, as she continues in her infusion and chemo pills. Pray for daily encouragement and long term strength.
2. Brandy Parker, who has an appointment with the heart surgeon regarding the heart valve surgery on May 5. Pray for the Lord’s gracious providence to oversee this full process.
3. Emily Montgomery and Karsyn and Kinsley. Give thanks for how well all the pregnancy has gone thus far and ask for the Lord’s kindness to continue to go before the whole family.�4. Harriet Cooper, who is scheduled to have a kidney biopsy at Vanderbilt on May 8. Pray for safe travel back and forth and for good results from the biopsy.
5. Gary Montgomery, giving thanks that he was able to have successful surgery on his shoulder last week. Pray that his endurance will build during his ongoing PT on the shoulder.
6. Bill Arthur, for the surgery planned on May 13 to place stents in the places of the brain where there is blockage. Ask for the Lord’s peace to rule in the hearts of Bill and Pam as well as for a fully successful surgery. �7. Dan Dodson, that his PT on the wrist and surgery allows him to return fully to work in the coming weeks.
8. Tommy Rogers, for a decrease in daily back and leg pain �9. Faye Kitchens, for improved vision and strength.�10. James Daniels, for patience in his post-surgery PT.
11. Nahomy Van Kampen, for an ongoing healthy pregnancy.
12. Jon Benton Mize, continuing to give thanks for the Lord’s faithfulness extended through the medical care given.
13. All going through various forms of cancer treatment, giving thanks for the way in which many have been healed or whose lives have been extended.
14. Our farmers, giving thanks for the rain the Lord gave us this week. Continue to pray for proper amounts of rain and sun for a full harvest in the coming months.
15. All our students in the final weeks of their semester and as they face final semester exams in the coming weeks.
16. Those who need work, that they may find it.
17. All who grieve.
18. The 46th General Assembly of the EPC scheduled for June 15-18 in Denver.
19. Generosity toward the kingdom of God.
20. VBS.

We plan to celebrate communion in our worship service this Sunday, May 3. As we come to the Lord’s table to be fed we will gather food for the pantry at First Covington to help feed those in need.

Look for a new order form in your mailbox for Atoka EPC t-shirts/polo shirt/sweatshirts. A big thanks to Lisa Stroud for heading this up.

There is a VBS planning meeting planned for this Sunday immediately after our worship service.

The women’s group is scheduled to meet next Wednesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary for a time of Bible study and fellowship.

Sunday school meets at 9:45 a.m. The adult class meets in the sanctuary and working through the doctrine of our union with Christ. The middle/high school class meets in the library. Pre-K/elementary meets downstairs, where Brenda Bryant and an additional volunteer continue to serve our young children well weekly.

Our next 5th Sunday potluck breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, May 31 at 9 a.m. There will be no Sunday school. Our morning worship service will begin at 10 a.m.

Vacation Bible School is planned for Monday, July 6 through Thursday, July 9. We will once again host it in partnership with the Atoka Methodist Church at their building from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening. Pray for many children to attend and for the Lord to bring many volunteers.

Scripture text for the coming weeks: May 3: Colossians 1:28-29; May 10: I Timothy 1:15-17; May 17: Luke 24:36-53; May 24: John 16:12-15; May 31: Colossians 2:1-5; June 7: Colossians 2:6-8; June 14: Colossians 2:9-12; June 21: John 1:43-51; June 28: Colossians 2:13-15

Bible study is planned for this Sunday, May 3 at 4 p.m.��Youth group is planned for this Sunday, May 3 at 5 p.m..�
Prayer is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m.

04/16/2026

Dear Atoka EPC family,

Be in prayer that the Lord bless His word in the worship of Atoka EPC this coming Lord’s day.

Let’s also be in prayer for one another’s needs as we continue to pray for . . .

1. Krissy Lavelle, giving thanks for encouraging scan results yesterday. There is an appointment planned for Friday with the oncologist.
2. Bill Arthur, saw his cardiologist on Monday, has a stress test scheduled today, and has an appointment with the neurologist on April 17. Pray for the Lord’s ongoing grace to sustain Bill and Pam.
3. Dan Dodson, who saw the surgeon yesterday. He will begin PT on the wrist and shoulder in 2 weeks and sees the surgeon in 4 weeks. Pray for ongoing healing.
4. Tommy Rogers, who had a pain block this week. Pray for full success.
5. Brandy Parker, whose angiogram is scheduled for Monday, April 20. Ask that the test results are clear so that the planned heart valve surgery will be fully successful.
6. Faye Kitchens, for improvement in strength.
7. Emily Montgomery, for the Lord to continue to grant health in these last weeks of pregancy.
8. Jon Benton Mize, giving thanks for his ongoing good reports.
9. Betty Roberts.
10. All undergoing varying forms of cancer treatment, giving thanks for the faithfulness of the Lord to so many.
11. Gary Montgomery.
12. Nahomy Van Kampen, for a healthy pregnancy.
13. James Daniels, for full rehabilitation in the weeks to come after his recent back surgery.
14. Our elected leaders at every level. Pray for our military and for the Lord to bring an end to the conflict in Iran in the days or weeks ahead.
15. The Tipton County School Board, administrators, faculty, and staffs.
16. Our local businesses, that they might prosper and that those in need of work will find it.
17. The Central South Presbytery, scheduled to meet April 24-25 at Second Presbyterian in Memphis.
18. The 46th General Assembly of the EPC scheduled for June 15-18 in Denver.
19. Matt Sparks, a friend of mine, who has been hospitalized at Methodist North.
20. Generosity towards the Lords kingdom.

The women’s group is scheduled to meet next on Wednesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary for a time of Bible study and fellowship.

There is a Special Ed student in the school where Ashley Bryant teaches who is in need of some summer clothes. She wears a women’s small or medium and loves unicorns! In shorts she wears a small. She loves the colors black and pink. If you have anything that you would be willing to donate please let Ashley know. They are also working on a wish list at Amazon if you would like to help that way. Check with Ashley regarding that process. Thanks for any help yiu can provide.

I received information from Richland ARP regarding a conference put on by the Cornwall Alliance on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2. You may find out more information regarding the conference and registration at www.cornwallalliance.org (http://www.cornwallalliance.org/)

Sunday school meets at 9:45 a.m. The adult class meets in the sanctuary and working through the doctrine of our union with Christ. The middle/high school class meets in the library. Pre-K/elementary meets downstairs, where Brenda Bryant and an additional volunteer continue to serve our young children well weekly.

Our next 5th Sunday potluck breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, May 31 at 9 a.m. There will be no Sunday school. Our morning worship service will begin at 10 a.m.

Vacation Bible School is planned for Monday, July 6 through Thursday, July 9. We will once again host it in partnership with the Atoka Methodist Church at their building from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening. Pray for many children to attend and for the Lord to bring many volunteers. An initial, brief organizational meeting is scheduled for May 3 immediately after our morning worship service.

Scripture text for the coming weeks: April 26: Colossians 1:24-27; May 3: Colossians 1:28-29; May 10: I Timothy 1:15-17; May 17: Luke 24:36-53; May 24: John 16:12-15; May 31: Colossians 2:1-5; June 7: Colossians 2:6-8; June 14: Colossians 2:9-12; June 21: John 1:43-51; June 28: Colossians 2:13-15

Bible study is planned for Sunday, April 26 4 p.m.

Youth group is planned for this Sunday, April 26 at 4 p.m..

Prayer is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, at 5 p.m.

For the Stewardship of Creation

04/11/2026

Dear Atoka EPC family,

In these coming weeks we will renew our study of Colossians in our time of worship each Sunday. Be in prayer that the Lord bless His word as we meet each week.

Let’s also be in prayer for one another as we continue to pray for . . .

1. Krissy Lavelle, who has an MRI on April 15 and sees the doctor on April 17.
2. Bill Arthur, who saw his doctor on Monday and has appointments with his heart and eye doctors on April 13and neurologist on April 17.
3. Tommy Rogers, that his pain block scheduled for April 14 will be effective.�4. Faye Kitchens, for a decrease of post-surgery side effects and daily strength.
5. Dan Dodson, giving thanks for successful surgery as well as full healing.
6. Emily Montgomery and the twin girls, asking for health for all. 7. Brandy Parker, for her angiogram April 20 and heart valve surgery to follow.
8. Gary Montgomery, praying for his shoulder surgery later this month to be completed.�9. All who ensure varying stages and forms of cancer treatment.�10. Jon Benton Mize, for daily patience.
11. Truett Whalen Dow, grandson of Kelly Billings, giving thanks for a healthy birth. Pray for Maggie and Troy Dow as they welcome their new son into their family.
12. Betty Roberts, for her daily well-being.
13. Nahomy Van Kampen, for a healthy pregnancy.
14. Our farmers.
15. James Daniels, Pastor at Chelsea Presbyterian, who had back surgery on Wednesday. Pray for his full recovery as he will be out of the pulpit there for 8 weeks.
16. Our elected political leaders at all levels.
17. That the ceasefire in Iran will hold and will end with a peace agreement and a more and free Iran.
18. The Central South Presbytery, scheduled to meet April 24-25 at Second Presbyterian in Memphis.
19. The 46th General Assembly of the EPC scheduled for June 15-18 in Denver.
20. The Lord to bless His word here and in the churches of Tipton County.

Thank you for the generous offering of 20 bags of food for the pantry at First Presbyterian in Covington.

The women’s group is scheduled to meet next on Wednesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary for a time of Bible study and fellowship.

Sunday school meets at 9:45 a.m. and will resume at that time this Sunday, April 12. The adult class meets in the sanctuary and working through the doctrine of our union with Christ. The middle/high school class meets in the library. Pre-K/elementary meets downstairs, where Brenda Bryant and an additional volunteer continue to serve our young children well weekly.

Our next 5th Sunday potluck breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, May 31 at 9 a.m. There will be no Sunday school. Our morning worship service will begin at 10 a.m.

Vacation Bible School is planned for Monday, July 6 through Thursday, July 9. We will once again host it in partnership with the Atoka Methodist Church at their building from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening. Pray for many children to attend and for the Lord to bring many volunteers. Look for an initial organizing meeting in late April or early May.

Scripture text for the coming weeks: April 12: Colossians 1:18-20; April 19: Colossians 1:21-23; April 26: Colossians 1:24-27; May 3: Colossians 1:28-29; May 10: I Timothy 1:15-17; May 17: Luke 24:36-53; May 24: John 16:12-15; May 31: Colossians 2:1-5; June 7: Colossians 2:6-8; June 14: Colossians 2:9-12; June 21: John 1:43-51; June 28: Colossians 2:13-15

Bible study is planned for this Sunday, April 12 4 p.m.��Youth group is planned for this Sunday, April 12 at 4 p.m..�
Prayer is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, at 5 p.m.

04/07/2026

We were so blessed to hear the testimony of Daphne Stroud this past Easter at our sunrise service. As many of you know, Daphne suddenly lost her husband, Chris Stroud, a former elder of our congregation, two years ago. In this message Daphne spoke of the work of the Lord in her life amidst this devastating and grief filled chapter. Her message was a great encouragement to us and we hope to share it with others all for the glory of our Risen King!

Atoka EPC Sermons · Episode

04/02/2026

Dear Atoka EPC family,

The final week of the Lenten season is here. We will have a Maundy Thursday communion service tonight, April 2, at 7 p.m. Easter Sunday our early service is at 7:30 a.m. followed by breakfast at approximately 8:15 a.m. Breakfast, including coffee and juice, will be provided. There is no Sunday school on Easter and our morning worship service will be held at 11 a.m. Next Sunday we will return to our study of Colossians. Pray that the Lord will bless His word and our worship in the weeks ahead.

Let’s also be in prayer for one another’s needs as we continue to pray for . . .

1. Krissy Lavelle, asking that her strength will be sufficient for her daily work and that her scan scheduled for April 15 will show that all the cancer is gone.
2. Dan Dodson, that his wrist surgery scheduled for tomorrow will be done without any complications and he will fully recover in the months to come.
3. Brandy Parker, that the angiogram on April 20 will provide clear results, for a timely appointment with the surgeon following this test, and for success heart valve surgery to follow.�4. Bill Arthur, that he will continue to be able to function in all his daily activities, that no additional blood clots will form, that those currently formed may be dissolved, that his appointment scheduled for April 17 at the Neurologist may take place even sooner, and that there would be a wise course of treatment brought forth from that appointment.
5. Tommy Rogers, that he will be able to find even more relief from back pain and that an additional pain block will soon be able to take place.
6. Gary Montgomery, for his shunt to continue to function well and for a future shoulder surgery to be scheduled in the coming weeks. �7. Emily Montgomery, for the final weeks of her pregnancy to continue to go well and that these twin girls will grow healthy.
8. Faye Kitchens, that the side effects endured from her recent thyroid surgery will minimize.�9. River Ramsey, giving thanks that he has been able to come home and that his recovery has been greatly blessed by the Lord.�10. Brandy Parker, that her heart catheterization scheduled for April 20 will show clear results and provide good options for any procedures that may arise from it .
11. Cade Mullens, rejoicing in the Lord’s goodness which has brought forth a cancer free present after two years of treatment.
12. Jon Benton Mize, for his body to continue to react well to the treatments he has receive. Pray also for ongoing patience as the family waits.
13. Kayla and Charlotte Porter.
14. Nahomy Van Kampen, for an ongoing healthy pregnancy.
15. Josiah Dell, giving thanks he continues to grow stronger and is able to be at home with his parents.
16. Betty Roberts, giving thanks she is gaining strength and that a recent tissue biopsy was negative for cancer.
17. Peace in the Middle East as well as Russia and Ukraine. Pray for our military as they accomplish their present mission.
18. Our farmers as they prepare the fields for planting in the coming weeks. Pray for the necessary rain and sunshine to be provided by the Lord for a healthy crop to grown and an abundant harvest in the fall.
19. Our families raising their children.
20. The Lord to grow us in faith, righteousness, and number.

While we will not be celebrating communion on Sunday we will still collect food for the pantry at First Presbyterian in Covington. Thank you for your ongoing, generous support for those in need.

The women’s group is scheduled to meet next on Wednesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary for a time of Bible study and fellowship.

Sunday school meets at 9:45 a.m. and will resume at that time next Sunday, April 12. The adult class meets in the sanctuary and working through the doctrine of our union with Christ. The middle/high school class meets in the library. Pre-K/elementary meets downstairs, where Brenda Bryant and an additional volunteer continue to serve our young children well weekly.

The Lenten season will be completed in the coming week. Tonight, April 2 we will have a Maundy Thursday communion service at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 5, is Easter. We will have an early service at 7:30 a.m. Daphne Stroud will give the Easter morning testimony at that service, which will be followed by breakfast provided and cooked by some men of the church. There is no Sunday school Easter morning and our regular service will be held at 11 a.m. It is a season of the year where neighbors, coworkers, friends, or family may be looking for a place to worship. It is a great time to invite them to join us.

Our next 5th Sunday potluck breakfast is scheduled for Sunday, May 31 at 9 a.m.. There will be no Sunday school. Our morning worship service will begin at 10 a.m.

Vacation Bible School is planned for Monday, July 6 through Thursday, July 9. We will once again host it in partnership with the Atoka Methodist Church at their building from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening. Pray for many children to attend and for the Lord to bring many volunteers. Look for an initial organizing meeting in late April or early May.

Scripture text for the coming weeks: April 2: Mark 15:42-47; April 5: Mark 16:1-8; April 12: Colossians 1:18-20; April 19: Colossians 1:21-23; April 26: Colossians 1:24-27; May 3: Colossians 1:28-29; May 10: I Timothy 1:15-17; May 17: Luke 24:36-53; May 24: John 16:12-15; May 31: Colossians 2:1-5; June 7: Colossians 2:6-8; June 14: Colossians 2:9-12; June 21: John 1:43-51; June 28: Colossians 2:13-15

With Easter this Sunday, Bible study is planned for April 12 and April 26 at 4 p.m.��With Easter this Sunday, Youth group is planned forApril 12 and April 26 at 4 p.m..�
Prayer is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, at 5 p.m.