1st Presbyterian Church of Braidwood

09/13/2026

09/11/2026

Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful day. How wonderful to enjoy the day that the Lord has given us. But just as importantly it is a day just like twenty five years ago when our world suddenly changed. Today is a day of reflecting and remembering all those who died at the hands of those who hate us and our country. Just like the day JFK was assassinated, I can recall exactly where I was on that September morning. No, I was not personally affected by the events of the day, but my soul has been permanently affected knowing that the beauty and wonder of all God has blessed us with is ever growing darker. Those that wish us ill are still out there and active and actively working in our midst still to destroy us. These things must pass as we draw ever closer to the time of Christ's return and many more ugly things will continue. But through it all we must be prepared by remaining faithful in our walk and drawing close to our Lord and Savior every day. We can never avoid calamity when it arrives in whatever form, but we can live with the assurance that come what may our Lord will bring us through and gather us unto himself in our forever home. I grieve every time these remembrances come around but I rejoice that I am a child of God and can rest on His every promise. I pray all of you live life to the fullest in this same knowledge and faith.
The beginning verses in Psalm 119 are encouraging and uplifting for us as we strive to walk with God all our days. "Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek Him with their whole heart., who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways." Even when we stumble in our walk it is great to know with certainty that we are forgiven and our inequities are forgotten. Our loving Father wants the best for us all as we grow in our faith until the day we meet face to face.

The focus of our lessons this week is toward forgiveness both giving and receiving. So the Letter from Romans warns against judging one another. In the days of Paul writing to this young church, the Roman culture was abit of a free for all with no certain moral compass. Now along come these Christians and their new way of existing with one another and the people are learning new ways of existing together. As these converts started meeting together, quarrels and the like were prevalent causing them to point fingers at one another. Paul begins, "Welcome those who are weak in faith, but not for the purpose of quarreling over opinions. Some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables. Those who eat must not despise those who abstain, and those who abstain must not pass judgement on those who eat; for God has welcomed them.... Some judge one day to be better than another, while others judge all days to be alike. Let all be fully convinced in their own minds. ... We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. ... For it is written, 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God.' So then each of us will be accountable to God." Let us always be forgiving in our relations as none is better than the other.

In Matthew's Gospel, Peter asks Jesus the famous question of how many times one must forgive - as many as seven? Jesus responded "not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy seven times." Other translations define it as seventy times seven times. Seven being the number of perfection, Jesus teaches that we are in no position to not forgive but exponentially much, much more even infinitely. and of course the reason is to show Godly love in all our relations but also an acknowledgement of the infinite ways that WE have been forgiven. Not one of us is perfect so we have no solid ground on which to stand in judgement of any other. When we think of those who hate us it's a harder task to forgive those who would hurt us. Yet even still Jesus teaches us to forgive even our enemies, for in doing so we heap fiery coals upon their heads while leaving the judging to the Lord. Our task in the end - as always - is to Love one another as we are loved.

Time to come back to church, to invite people to join you in worship or Bible study or fellowship. We're all in this together so we might as well enjoy one another's company in the journey. See you in worship.

Shalom,
Dale

First Presbyterian Church Braidwood, Illinois
September 13, 2026
Pastor: Dale Tolly Pianist: Elizabeth Bell

Welcome and Announcements
We Gather in God's Name

Invitation to Prayer:
Father, “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.“

Prelude

Call to Worship:
Sing praise to God who rescues us when we fall!
Sing praise to God who walks with us on all our journeys!
Even though we fall, God lifts us and places us on paths of peace.
Even though we stray, God finds us and brings us back to lives of hope.
Thanks be to God, whose love is continually with us.
Praise be to God, whose mercy is over us all. AMEN.

* Hymn “Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy” # 334
* Hymn “My Jesus I Love Thee” # 364

* Confession of Sin:
Father God, just like Peter, we want to be all “legalistic” about forgiveness. Especially when we might prefer to not forgive at all. We want to know if one time to forgive someone is sufficient. We might even be willing to extend forgiveness twice. But we live in a “Once burned, twice shy” world. Teach us to be humble and merciful. Remind us how many ways, in which time and time again, you have forgiven us. Heal our wounds and bind up our brokenness. For we ask this in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

* Assurance of Pardon
May the peace of knowing you are forgiven rest upon you all.
Thanks be to God.

* Gloria Patri # 623

* Sharing the Peace of Christ
The Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.

We Proclaim God's Word
Prayer for Illumination
* Hymn “Open the Eyes Of My Heart, Lord”
First Lesson: Psalm 119:1-8 page 566
Epistle Lesson: Romans 14:1 12 page 163
Gospel: Matthew 18:21 35 page 20
This is the Word of the Lord!
Thanks be to God.

Sermon: "The Power of Forgiveness“

Our Joys and Concerns Prayer of Intercession

* Hymn “Pass Me Not” # 337

We Give Thanks to God
Offering
* Doxology # 625

Prayer (Unison)
Lord, by this time we should have gotten back to the “church year,” a time of predictable pattern. Kids back in school, college kids away, people off to work. But our pattern is broken, we’re trying to learn what our life should look like and how we are living that life. But life goes on and we thank you for your unchanging grace. You know how we live and offer us mercy and peace. As you have forgiven us, help us be forgiving to others. Help us bring peace and hope, with doors open for healing and redemption for all. Walk with us, Lord, this day and all our days. Guide our thoughts words and actions to give you Glory. Amen.

We Go in God's Name

* Hymn “Without Him” # 332

* Charge and Benediction

* Recessional Hymn “the Family of God” # 282

Postlude

September 6, 2026 Attendance: Adult - 22 Youth - 2
Offering: $1,175 Weekly Needs: $1,375

Why not join in asking someone to come Back to Church. There’s no time like the present. 80% of un-churched would come if someone actually cared enough to ask them. Won’t you show someone that you care?

OUR LIFE TOGETHER

* Welcome, guests and members! Please accept our invitation to return often for worship and fellowship. Please sign the pew pad and place in the collection plate. Remember to support Community Care (food pantry) in your giving. Thank you.

Happy Birthday – September 13 Jay Dixon September 14 Jennifer Janopoulos
Happy Anniversary – September 13 Rich and LuAnn Bolatto

PLEASE PRAY FOR: Peace in a troubled world; the family of Thomas Alvarez; Douglas Nickerson – Hospice; Tom Grant; Roberta Kilpatrick; Rich and Tina Struben; Linda Bumgardner; Robin Diepeveen; Debbie Neal; Peter Reiling; Roberta Neumann; Joyce Bauer - test; Ron Blacklock; John Janopoulos; Carol Thurmond; Tim and Sandy Freckelton; Rich Bell; Betty Madsen; Trent Bumgardner; Gregg Stephens; Kim Ripple; Karla Arseneau; Kieth Cardec; Mary Maly; Shelley Gordon; Bette Cantwell; Bert Lavicka; Dianne Mulder; Peggy Skoff; Bob and Bunny Maly; Curtis and Helen Saltzman; Our law enforcement officers; The lost, the broken, the down hearted; our shut-ins; the leadership of our country; our service men and women now serving, especially in the middle east - Will and Riah Cathelyn, Lily Kilpatrick
Our Joys: Aiden at Blackburn College, For answered prayers; God’s blessings and provision in and for our lives; the greatest gift of all – our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Please notify Pastor Dale of status changes on our prayer list. Thank you!

Church Calendar:
Today 9/13/26 Worship Proper 19
Tuesday 9/15/26 6:30 PW meet
Wednesday 9/16/26 6:30 Session meets
Sunday 9/20/26 10:00 Worship Back to Church Sunday
Sunday 9/27/26 10:00 Worship Proper 21
Pastor Dale Tolly can be reached at: 815 922-2212 (Cell Phone) Dale is also in the office on Wednesdays and always on call.
“Let’s do lunch some time.”
CCLI #2839819

09/04/2026

The Labor Day weekend has arrived and what an unseasonably warm welcome we are receiving. Be careful when you're out and about. Still though, as I mentioned last week, A great deal of this weekend will be spent along the river - hopefully in the shade. This weekend, as long as I can remember, has been the momentous close of Summer in the Kankakee area at the two day APBA Kankakee River Valley Regatta. Fun times in so many ways. While I'll admit it doesn't offer much time for communing with the Lord in the midst of the noise and excitement, but it sure affords ample opportunity to fellowship with many people. With the extra day this weekend, I do pray that you all can find some meaningful time to be together with loved ones. Enjoy the holiday weekend whatever you do.

In our efforts to draw close to God, we can turn to this week's Psalm as our inspiration to pray. "Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain." It may seem that following God's ways are hindering us from a happy life. Yet the opposite is true in that as we seek the Lord and his ways, we find freedom from the things that would create strife or hardships in life and those things that would choke our relationship with the One who loves us so.

Paul's words from Romans are a reminder that we who follow Jesus live our best life in living out Jesus' commandments to love. "Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. ... Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. ... Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." While in this passage Paul writes of any number of ways we can fail or hurt one another, still the emphasis is to draw close to the Lord and learn to live in his teaching and follow his way.

Matthew's Gospel message is a tough lesson for the church and even us as individuals. "If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone." It's unfortunate that human nature can cause us to hurt one another - even in the unity of the church. Jesus prescribes the way in which we should always strive to be reconciled to one another. Sometimes we can work things out, sometimes we need the wise counsel of a couple other voices, or even the wise counsel of the entire church. Jesus also knows that not every conflict is resolved and teaches that times may call for the person to go as one of the Gentiles or tax collectors. In other words as outsiders. Yet even in the worst scenario Jesus still commands that we love them as we love ourselves. In every step along the way of reconciliation, the point is to keep striving for the better outcome, by not going it alone. "Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."

I pray for you a blessed, long weekend and the enjoyment of family and friends in whatever you do together. This is a communion Sunday and a perfect opportunity to invite someone special to join you in worship. I look forward to seeing you in church as always.

Shalom,
Dale

First Presbyterian Church Braidwood, Illinois
September 6, 2026
Pastor: Dale Tolly Pianist: Elizabeth Bell

Welcome and Announcements
We Gather in God's Name
Invitation to Prayer:
“I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress: my God, in him will I trust.“ (Psalm 91:2)

Prelude

Call to Worship: Based on Psalm 149:1-4, 9
Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song.
Sing his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Praise his name with dancing, make melody to him with tambourine and lyre.
For the Lord takes pleasure in his people. Praise the Lord!

* Hymn “We Praise Thee, O God, Our Redeemer” # 16

* Confession of Sin
Merciful Lord, we like to think that we do everything well. We pat ourselves on the back when we act with love and mercy toward others, complimenting ourselves in self-righteousness. But you know us better. You know our faults and our failings. You know when we falsely proclaim that we are truly living as you would have us live. Teach us again about your forgiving and healing love. Show us ways of merciful living that we may extend the love and mercy you have given us to others. Forgive us, we pray. For we ask these things in Jesus’ Name. Amen. (Silent Prayer)

* Assurance of Pardon
Friends, in Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.

* Gloria Patri # 623

* Sharing the Peace of Christ
The Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.

We Proclaim God's Word
Prayer for Illumination
* Hymn “Open Our Eyes, Lord” # 383
First Lesson: Psalm 119:33-40 page 567
Epistle Lesson: Romans 13:8 14 page 162
Gospel: Matthew 18:15 20 page 20
This is the Word of the Lord!
Thanks be to God.

Sermon: "Known By Our Love"

Our Joys and Concerns and Prayer of Intercession

* Affirmation of Faith # 716
The Apostle’s Creed

* Hymn “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” (all verses) # 286

We Give Thanks to God
Offering
* Doxology # 625

Celebration of the Lord’s Supper

Prayer (Unison) Based on Psalm 138:1-4
Glory be to you, God of life! You call us to be your people, you set us free from everything that hurts and limits us, you gather us together into your family, you feed and care for us, and you sent your Son to be with us: our brother, our friend, our teacher, our savior. For all these blessings, which we have seen among us today, we give you thanks.
You judge us and love us. You look at what we say and what we have done and ask us to live lives of mercy and peace. As you have forgiven us, help us be forgiving to others. Let us bring peace and hope, keeping doors open for healing and redemption. Walk with us, Lord, this day and all our days. Amen.

We Go in God's Name

* Hymn “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” # 284
* Charge and Benediction
* Recessional Hymn “the Family of God” # 282
Postlude
September 3, 2023 Attendance: Adult – 19
Offering: $1,278 Weekly Needs: $1,375

Tis annual back to church month again. Why not join in asking someone to come Back to Church. There’s no time like the present. 80% of un-churched would come if someone actually cared enough to ask them. Won’t you show someone that you care?

OUR LIFE TOGETHER

* Welcome, guests and members! Please accept our invitation to return often for worship and fellowship. Please sign the pew pad and place in the collection plate. Remember to support Community Care (food pantry) in your giving. Thank you.

Happy Birthday – Happy Birthday – September 13 Jay Dixon September 14 Jennifer Janopoulos
Happy Anniversary – September 7 Jim and Roberta Neumann September 13 Rich and LuAnn Bolatto

PLEASE PRAY FOR: Peace in a troubled world; Douglas Nickerson – Hospice; the People affected by Napal floods; Tom Grant – continued prayers; Roberta Kilpatrick; Struben family Rich, Tina; Kids in St Judes; Linda Bumgardner; Robin Diepeveen; Debbie Neal; Peter Reiling; Roberta Neumann; Joyce Bauer - test; Ron Blacklock; John Janopoulos – back to work; Carol Thurmond; Tim and Sandy Freckelton; Rich Bell; Jay and Liz Dixon; Betty Madsen; Trent Bumgardner; Gregg Stephens; Kim Ripple; Karla Arseneau; Kieth Cardec; Mary Maly; Shelley Gordon; Bette Cantwell; Bert Lavicka; Dianne Mulder; Peggy Skoff; Bob and Bunny Maly; Curtis and Helen Saltzman; Our law enforcement officers; The lost, the broken, the down hearted; our shut-ins; the leadership of our country; our service men and women now serving, especially in the middle east - Will and Riah Cathelyn, Lily Kilpatrick
Our Joys: For answered prayers; God’s blessings and provision in and for our lives; the greatest gift of all – our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Please notify Pastor Dale of status changes on our prayer list. Thank you!

Church Calendar:
Today 9/6/26 Worship/Communion Proper 18
Monday 9/7/26 Labor Day!
Sunday 9/13/26 10:00 Worship Proper 19
Tuesday 9/15/26 6:30 PW meet
Wednesday 9/16/26 6:30 Session meets
Sunday 9/20/26 10:00 Worship Back to Church Sunday
Sunday 9/27/26 10:00 Worship Proper 21
Pastor Dale Tolly can be reached at: 815 922-2212 (Cell Phone) Dale is also in the office on Wednesdays and always on call.
“Let’s do lunch some time.”
CCLI #2839819
First Presbyterian Church
“Come for a Visit, Stay for a Journey”

Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

The Lord be with you. And also with you,
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Eternal God, Holy and Mighty, It truly is our greatest joy to give you thanks and praise, and to ever worship you. You are the giver and sustainer of life, and you have blessed us in ways we cannot number. You call us to turn from our wicked ways and back to you, so we come broken and in need. You welcome and care for us to make us whole.
So we praise you, and join our voices with the heavenly choirs and the faithful of every time and place, forever singing the glory of your name:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
Heaven and earth are full of your glory,
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

You are holy, God, and blessed is Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. You sent your only-begotten, to be for us the way, the truth, and the life. Revealing your love, Jesus taught and healed and received all who sought him and lifted the burden of sin. Your Son still works in the lives of all who seek him. He still lifts us up and cares for us. So remembering your merciful acts of love, together we proclaim the mystery of our faith.
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these your gifts of bread and w**e - that they may be the communion of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Unite us with the living Christ and all who are baptized in his name, that we may be one in ministry in every place. Give us strength to serve you faithfully all of our days.
Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor are yours, eternal God, now and forever. Amen. The Lord’s prayer

08/31/2026

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08/29/2026

Good morning on this last Weekend of August and some beautiful days ahead! what a wonderful season of the year right now. How exciting and proud to have watched our Ija perform last evening with the band at the football game in Kankakee. She truly loves her music and her talent shines through. As we wind our way toward Labor Day weekend, for us, we'll spend much of the weekend on the banks of the Kankakee River for the annual Regatta. Always a thrill. I hope and pray for more decent outdoor time to commune with God in his beautiful creation made just for our care and pleasure. We can take so much for granted as we go about our hustle bustle busy life. But if we could just pause in the moment and give God our thanks and praise each day how much more joyful and encouraged we would be for the day.

The passage from Exodus this week introduces a time when the Lord made a connection with humanity in the person of Moses. Moses had long fled from his former life in Egypt and living in Midian under the care of his father-in-law, Jethro. While tending the flock near Horebwhen an angel of the Lord caught his attention in a burning bush that was not consumed. Curiosity drew him near and from the spectacle before him, the Lord God called to him, "Moses, Moses! Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground." "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob." Afraid, Moses hid his face, afraid to look at God. But God continued to lay out a plan that surely sent Moses' head spinning. In this moment of God reaching through the gap between divine and human existence, Moses became a man with a mission and purpose, led by God himself.

In his letter to the Roman church 12:9-21, Paul, is giving insight to the nature and nurture of being a true follower of Christ. Not only is our task as faithful disciples to be ever connected to the Lord, but to use our relationship in our connections with fellow Christians and the world around us. With a litany of positive characteristics he begins, "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. ... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome with good." I would encourage you to read the passage for yourself occasionally to keep in the forefront of your minds the interconnectedness between God the divine and his beloved humans, but equally so our relations with one another.

In last week's Gospel lesson, Peter made the bold declaration concerning who Jesus is, Messiah, Son of the living God! Given the keys to the kingdom as well as the task of building Christ's church, Jesus praises Peter's connection to God who revealed the truth to him. Jesus begins telling his followers of things to come, that he will suffer and be killed by those who are against him. Impetuous Peter gets right in Jesus face and says, "God forbid it, Lord. This must never happen to you." In a complete ane eighty, Jesus rebukes Peter, calls him Satan, and a stumbling block to Jesus' mission. Here Jesus points out the disconnect between the divine and human. "You are a stumbling block to me (my mission); for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things. ... If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." We so often stubbornly avoid our connection with God and in so doing we choke the power available to us for our daily life and purpose. We must remain connected to our source, our Father and creator that we would remain steadfast in our own mission of following Christ, led by his Spirit all our days. Let our love be genuine in the world.

Busy week ahead, with an extra day off this coming weekend. Still we will gather next Sunday for worship and communion. Grab someone you're with and drag them along with you to worship. See you in church!

Shalom,
Dale

First Presbyterian Church Braidwood, Illinois
August 30, 2026
Pastor: Dale Tolly Pianist: Elizabeth Bell

Welcome and Announcements
We Gather in God's Name

Invitation to Prayer: O God, In this world filled with war, disease and hunger, help us be part of your far reaching goodness to a world crying out in need of your unfailing grace. Amen.

Prelude

Call to Worship: Based on Psalm 105:1-5
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples.
We sing praises to you, O God; we proclaim your wonderful works.
Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
O LORD, we seek your strength and presence continually.
Remember the miracles and wonderful works God has done.
Let us join together and praise the Lord our God! Let us praise the Lord with our hearts and voices and with our very lives.

* Hymn “Come, Now is the Time to Worship”
* Hymn “How Great Thou Art” # 4

* Confession of Sin: Based on Romans 12:9 21
Loving God, you call us to hate what is evil and hold fast to what is good. But we confess that we fall short. We don’t love one another as we should; we lack hope, patience and perseverance. We don’t bless those who curse us, rather we harbor feelings of resentment and revenge. Free us, O Lord, to not be overcome by evil, but instead help us to overcome evil with good. Help us repent of playing Christian to become true disciples of Christ. Forgiven, help us to be the earthly example of your love in all we do. In Christ we pray. Amen. (Silent Prayer)

* Assurance of Pardon
Friends, in Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.

* Gloria Patri # 623

The Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
And also with you.


We Proclaim God's Word
Prayer for Illumination
* Hymn “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord”
First Lesson: Exodus 3:1-15 page 50
Epistle Lesson: Romans 12:9 21 page 162
Gospel: Matthew 16:21 28 page 18
This is the Word of the Lord!
Thanks be to God.

Sermon: "The Gap Between Human and Divine"

Our Joys and Concerns and Prayer of Intercession

* Hymn “Rise Up, O Church of God” # 293

We Give Thanks to God
Offering
* Doxology # 625

Prayer (Unison)
We honor and praise you, Lord, for your mercy and grace. You have called us here to nurture us, strengthen us, and send us out into the world - We have work to do – LOTS of work. As we watch the world changing, we see more signs of your return. It seems our time is running short. Draw us ever deeper in our relationship with you. May the power and presence of your Spirit with us, strengthen us, and embolden our faith. Let us not be stumbling blocks, rather may our lives reflect “Christ in us,” to all we meet. Help us to not let even one lost soul pass us by without our showing your love. In Christ’s holy name we pray. Amen.

We Go in God's Name

* Hymn “Just a Closer Walk with Me” # 380

* Charge and Benediction

* Recessional Hymn “the Family of God” # 282

Postlude

August 23, 2026 Attendance: Adult - 22 Youth - 4
Offering: $651 Weekly Needs: $1,375

Won’t you show someone that you care? There’s no time like the present. 80% of un-churched would come if someone actually cared enough to ask them. It’s easy to say you love someone. It means so much more when you show it. Why not plant the seed of God’s love in someone’s heart? Invite a friend or family member to join us in church.
OUR LIFE TOGETHER

* Welcome, guests and members! Please accept our invitation to return often for worship and fellowship. Please sign the pew pad and place in the collection plate. Remember to support Community Care (food pantry) in your giving. Thank you.

Happy Birthday – August 27 Aura Panozzo September 5 Elizabeth Bell
Happy Anniversary – September 7 Jim and Roberta Neumann

PLEASE PRAY FOR: Peace in a troubled world; Tom Grant – continued prayers; Roberta Kilpatrick; Struben family Rich, Tina; Kids in St Judes; Linda Bumgardner; Robin Diepeveen; Debbie Neal; Peter Reiling; Roberta Neumann; Joyce Bauer - test; Ron Blacklock; John Janopoulos – back to work; Carol Thurmond; Tim and Sandy Freckelton; Rich Bell; Jay and Liz Dixon; Betty Madsen; Trent Bumgardner; Gregg Stephens; Kim Ripple; Karla Arseneau; Kieth Cardec; Mary Maly; Shelley Gordon; Bette Cantwell; Bert Lavicka; Dianne Mulder; Peggy Skoff; Bob and Bunny Maly; Curtis and Helen Saltzman; Our law enforcement officers; The lost, the broken, the down hearted; our shut-ins; the leadership of our country; our service men and women now serving, especially in the middle east - Will and Riah Cathelyn, Lily Kilpatrick
Our Joys: For answered prayers; God’s blessings and provision in and for our lives; the greatest gift of all – our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Please notify Pastor Dale of status changes on our prayer list. Thank you!

Church Calendar:
Today 8/30/26 10:00 Worship Proper 17
Sunday 9/6/26 10:00 Worship/Communion Proper 18
Monday 9/7/26 Labor Day!
Sunday 9/13/26 10:00 Worship Proper 19
Tuesday 9/15/26 6:30 PW meet
Wednesday 9/16/26 6:30 Session meets
Sunday 9/20/26 10:00 Worship Back to Church Sunday
Sunday 9/27/26 10:00 Worship Proper 21
Pastor Dale Tolly can be reached at: 815 922-2212 (Cell Phone) Dale is also in the office on Wednesdays and always on call.
“Let’s do lunch some time.”
CCLI #2839819

First Presbyterian Church
“Come for a Visit, Stay for a Journey”

08/21/2026

Good morning on this beautiful August day - with yet another possibility of rain. You know I sure wish I had planted fresh grass seed in my multiple bare spots in the back yard earlier. I never would have had to water and it would be thick and lush green by now!!! So Summer may be drawing closer to the end with the holiday coming up, but there are many wonderful days ahead to lavish in the beauty of God's gift of creation. Cool evenings under the stars to marvel at the vastness of the universe and thank God for his intimate love for each one of us. Tank you God for calling us by name, for knowing us before we were even born, and caring for us all the days of our lives by your Spirit indwelling us. May we all grow to be your faithful disciples and one day meet you face to face in our forever home.

From the old testament Prophet Isaiah we read of the blessing in store for God's people. "Listen to me , you that pursue righteousness, you that seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, but I blessed him and made him many. ... Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and those who live on it will die like gnats; but my salvation will be forever, and my deliverance will never be ended." Praise God there is hope for the people who have called upon his name from the first person to each of us individually.

The companion reading to Isaiah in Psalm 138 gives us words to praise our mighty God and Savior when we may seem to not have our own words. "I give thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness. ... On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul. ... Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; and your right hand delivers me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hand. Oh what comfort and peace we can find safely in the caring hands of our Father Creator who loves us all.

Paul's letter to the Romans continues from last week's reading. "I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect." Good words for our everyday living. To seek to be striving toward all that is good. Paul continues encouraging us to stay the course - together, as we're all in the same boat. Additionally we are dependent on each other as we each have been our own unique parts in the ministry to one another.

The gospel from Matthew this week recalls one of the most important dialogues Jesus has with Peter. Jesus and his disciples returning from another region when he asks,"Who do people say that I am?" And they gave account of various answers. But Jesus was more direct when he asked: "But who do you say that I am?" Peter of course declared "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus was pleased with the answer and commissioned Peter and the others with greater responsibilities for the future. Jesus built upon the truth and the power of Peter's declaration, "Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." The question asked is still valid today for us all and for the church. Who DO we say Jesus is?" What we believe and practice in our heart speaks volumes more than our words. Do we believe and trust in the Lord or just give lip service? The world needs Jesus more than ever and we ought to be about building each other up and bringing Christ into our own corner of the world. Many are lost and wandering today and we can help bring them home to the family of God.

The task of bringing souls into the kingdom is huge, but we're asked not to save the whole world, just one soul at a time. Looking ahead in September we will join with churches everywhere on 'Back to Church Sunday.' It's good an excuse as any to invite someone to join you in worship. How about it? See you in church!

Shalom,
Dale