First Presbyterian Church of Ely

08/25/2026

Here’s a great way to offer some encouragement for students and staff as they kickoff the new school year!

Join us to "Chalk the Walk" the night before school starts! We'll be filling the school sidewalks with inspirational chalk messages for students to see on the first day of school. Chalk the Walk will be from 6:00-7:00pm on Sunday Aug 30 - meet at the school entrance! PTO has some chalk available, and encourages parents/students to bring your own chalk as well, so we have plenty to go around!

08/18/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Ely to Hold Tribute honoring Wildland Firefighter Leslie R. Washington

The City of Ely invites the community to gather in remembrance of Leslie R. Washington of Noorvik, Alaska, a wildland firefighter and member of K-River Crew No. 2 with Scorched Earth Services (S.E.S. Fire).

Washington was deployed to Minnesota and assigned to the Bear Trap Fire, part of the July Lightning Fires near Ely. He passed away following a medical emergency while assigned to the incident on August 11.

A community tribute will be held:
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
7:00 p.m.
Whiteside Park, Ely, Minnesota

The gathering will provide an opportunity for the Ely community to honor Leslie’s life, his service, and the sacrifice made by wildland firefighters who travel far from home to protect communities in need.

The City of Ely extends its deepest condolences to Leslie’s family, friends, fellow firefighters, K-River Crew No. 2, Scorched Earth Services, and the community of Noorvik, Alaska.

The public is invited to attend.

07/31/2026

How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! -Psalm 133:1

Last week we joined our friends at St. Mary's Episcopal, Grace Lutheran, and Ely United Methodist Church for a city-wide worship and a picnic at Semer's Beach.

07/31/2026

Our friends at St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity are hosting a construction kickoff event this Sunday at 4 p.m. at the build site: 25 N. 3rd Ave W. in Ely. Everyone in the community is welcome to hear from Habitat staff and Josie, the future homeowner. Pastor Corey will offer a blessing.

Starting Thursday, August 20, we will begin regular volunteer days with other area churches. If you are interested in helping with the build or helping to provide a meal please let Corey know, and we'll get you signed up for the email list.

We're excited to be building in Ely, and we can tell the community is excited to work with us! Join Habitat this Sunday at 4 p.m. to officially kick off construction of an efficient, affordable home. You'll hear from staff about our program and how you can get involved.

07/30/2026

Grief is a difficult process to go through and many times it's easier when we support each other. Please join our group starting August 5th, to navigate this difficult journey.

07/26/2026

A quick reminder that this week we will gather an hour earlier at 10:00 AM along the lakeshore near the Picnic Shelter at Semer’s Beach Park for a special joint worship service celebrating our Christian Unity in the midst of our wildfires. We’ll worship alongside our friends from St. Mary’s Episcopal, Ely United Methodist, and Grace Lutheran Church.

Here’s the plan:
When: 10:00 AM this Sunday
Where: Semer’s Beach,
Bring: A chair or picnic blanket, sunscreen, maybe a water bottle with ice
After worship: Kiddos can swim, and we’ll enjoy a potluck picnic with hot dogs provided—bring a dish to share if you can

It’s going to be a joyful morning of worship, laughter, and good food by the lake.

In the event of rain or low air quality we'll gather up in the Semer's Park Pavilion.

07/19/2026

07/17/2026

We mourn the loss of John Cantrell and celebrate the gift of knowing him. Please keep Cindy and John’s family and many friends in your prayers.

View John D. Cantrell Jr.'s obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.