Hanoverton and Bethesda Presbyterian Church

Hanoverton and Bethesda Presbyterian Church Hanoverton and Bethesda Presbyterian Churches meet Sundays alternating months with worship at 10:00 a.m. Sunday school will be held during the worship service.

A nursery is provided for preschoolers/toddlers during worship.

September 2, 2026The Blessing of HumilityPeter Q. (Singapore)Today's ReadingMatthew 5:1-11Thought for the DayWhere can I...
09/02/2026

September 2, 2026
The Blessing of Humility
Peter Q. (Singapore)

Today's Reading
Matthew 5:1-11

Thought for the Day
Where can I serve others with a humble heart today?

Prayer Focus
People serving in the background

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:3 (NIV)

I had volunteered at a church event to distribute food and help clean up. Initially this felt like an insignificant job, and I was reluctant. My friends were on stage leading worship, hosting, and preaching, while I was cleaning up in the back. I began to feel left out. However, I gradually realized that this simple task had meaning. Through serving I connected with people and saw those in need of help, and I found a sense of fulfillment and peace.

In those moments, I realized that when Jesus spoke of the “poor in spirit,” he may have been talking about not being self-centered, focusing instead on God’s calling and love for others. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” because a humble heart allows us to rely more deeply on God, enabling us to experience the peace and blessings of the kingdom in any situation.

In daily life, we may encounter tasks that seem small and are often overlooked. However, when we embrace these with humility and give our best, we can experience God’s presence even in these small acts of service. True blessings are not born out of pride or self-interest but flow from a humble heart. God’s grace, like a spring, nourishes our lives and refreshes the hearts of others.

Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, grant us humble hearts so that we will lean on you and feel your peace and blessing. Amen.

September 1, 2026A Gracious ReceiverMary Hunt Webb (New Mexico, USA)Today's Reading1 Kings 17:7-16Thought for the DayI b...
09/01/2026

September 1, 2026
A Gracious Receiver
Mary Hunt Webb (New Mexico, USA)
Today's Reading
1 Kings 17:7-16

Thought for the Day
I bless others when I receive their gifts graciously.

Prayer Focus
Those who have been generous to me

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. - Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Although my mother worked full-time and we had few material possessions as a family, she was always generous with her time and helped those in need — without expecting to be repaid for her kindness. As gracious as she was at giving, she was not always gracious at receiving. I suspect that her pride may have gotten in the way at times.

While giving graciously is important, it is also important to receive graciously. Without willing recipients, we are limited in how we can share the time and gifts with which God has blessed us. I learned this lesson firsthand when I visited a church and a woman there offered me a centerpiece with a candle in it. I started to refuse because I already had so many objects like this at home. However, another woman whispered to me, “You may not need the gift, but she needs to honor you with it. Accept it for her sake.”

That important lesson taught me that in order for people to give there must be recipients who are willing to accept. If we deny another person the opportunity to share what they have, we also deny that person the blessings that come from giving. In both giving and receiving, let’s strive to be gracious.

Today's Prayer
Loving God, help us to be gracious givers and receivers. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

August 31, 2026Time with the FatherFoy Gene Todd II (Georgia, USA)Today's ReadingMatthew 6:5-15Thought for the DaySpendi...
08/31/2026

August 31, 2026
Time with the Father
Foy Gene Todd II (Georgia, USA)
Today's Reading
Matthew 6:5-15

Thought for the Day
Spending time with God is a gift.

Prayer Focus
Fathers and sons

When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. - Matthew 6:6 (NIV)

Early each Saturday morning I eagerly await a text from my son that simply says, “Breakfast?” I quickly respond, “Yes, be over shortly.” I drive to his house and pick him up, and off we go to our favorite breakfast restaurant.

This special one-on-one time with my son is one of the highlights of my week. We enjoy a great breakfast and talk about many things: the weather, work, church, the Bible, politics, sports, and his upcoming wedding. No matter what we talk about, just the fact that he wants to spend time with me warms my heart.

The Bible tells us that we should also spend time with God, our Heavenly Father. In Matthew 6:6 Jesus said, “When you pray.” Jesus did not say, “If you pray.” The Bible describes several instances when Jesus went away to spend time with his Father in prayer. As children of God, we should do the same.

Part of the reason I enjoy my weekly meal with my son is that I can rely on our weekly schedule. I wonder if God appreciates us setting aside a regular time each day for prayer? Perhaps God looks forward with excitement to special time with us in the same way I look forward with excitement to my time with my son.

Today's Prayer
Our Father in Heaven, teach us the importance of spending private time in prayer with you. Help us to plan a time each day to pray and study your word. Amen.

August 28, 2026Unwrapping GiftsCarol Westerlund (Uusimaa, Finland)Today's ReadingRomans 5:12-17Thought for the Day“The S...
08/28/2026

August 28, 2026
Unwrapping Gifts
Carol Westerlund (Uusimaa, Finland)

Today's Reading
Romans 5:12-17

Thought for the Day
“The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7).

Prayer Focus
To fully accept God’s gifts

If, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! - Romans 5:17 (NIV)

When I was a child my mom and dad bought a new couch. It arrived with a plastic covering, which my mom decided to leave on to keep the couch in good condition. But leaving it this way made it feel like it was still packaged up and not yet part of our home. The couch had been delivered but, in a way, not completely received.

Some things in our spiritual life can be like this. God gives us a gift, but we don’t fully open it. Communion comes to mind for me. Jesus gave us this divine meal as a time to experience his forgiveness. But do we always fully accept the forgiveness he offers, or is it a ritual we go through without actually accepting what’s being offered? What about the unique gifts the Lord has given each one of us? First Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” These gifts aren’t meant to be merely admired but to be used.

Eventually, Mom took the plastic off the couch, and it finally felt like part of our home. So let’s unwrap the gifts God has given us and start using them.

Today's Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, you are the giver of all good gifts. Thank you for your generosity, especially the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

August 27, 2026A Guide for LifeJohn D. Bown (Minnesota, USA)Today's Reading2 Timothy 3:14-17Thought for the DayGod’s wri...
08/27/2026

August 27, 2026
A Guide for Life
John D. Bown (Minnesota, USA)

Today's Reading
2 Timothy 3:14-17

Thought for the Day
God’s written word leads to abundant life with Jesus Christ.

Prayer Focus
Children’s Ministries

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. - Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Our pastor was on vacation, so I had the opportunity to provide the children’s message during our Sunday worship service. With the children gathered around me, I held up instructions to a popular board game and asked if they knew what it was. One child answered, “It tells us how to play the game.” Then I held up a picture of my lawn mower and the owner’s manual. I asked the same question, and another child said, “It tells us how to fix it when it’s not working.”

My last item was a Bible. They all knew what it was, and I asked if they thought it was like the other two items. After a brief pause, one child answered, “Yes, because it tells us how to live.”

The children were absolutely right. The Bible contains God’s instructions to guide us to a meaningful life. It’s not just a book about God; it’s a book from God that leads to transformation. We read it to know God, to grow closer to God, and to discover God’s purpose for our lives. What an amazing gift!

Today's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the gift of the Bible. Help us to read, understand, and follow your word. Amen.

This Sunday is 5th Sunday Breakfast at Hanoverton. Please bring a dish to share. Come enjoy food and fellowship! 10 a.m.
08/27/2026

This Sunday is 5th Sunday Breakfast at Hanoverton. Please bring a dish to share. Come enjoy food and fellowship! 10 a.m.

August 26, 2026Encouraging the EncouragersSusan Thogerson Maas (Oregon, USA)Today's Reading1 Thessalonians 5:8-15Thought...
08/26/2026

August 26, 2026
Encouraging the Encouragers
Susan Thogerson Maas (Oregon, USA)

Today's Reading
1 Thessalonians 5:8-15

Thought for the Day
Who is God calling me to encourage today?

Prayer Focus
Someone who has encouraged me

Encourage one another and build each other up. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

When I arrived at church, Joyce was already there. She had made coffee for Sunday school and had probably cleaned up the classroom, knowing her. Now she was walking around the sanctuary, greeting people with a constant smile on her face. I noticed that she made sure to speak with the elderly. She gave a hug to a woman in a wheelchair and to another woman with a walker. As church began, she slipped into the pew in front of me and turned to give me a hug and a smile.

After church, I asked her how she was doing. She hesitated a moment and then said, “Fine.” I asked again, “How are you really doing?” Dropping her smile, Joyce confessed that she was struggling. She felt lonely. She wondered if she really belonged in this church. Her words surprised me. She always seemed so upbeat. I had no idea she was hurting. I promised to pray for her and vowed silently to check on her regularly.

We all love the encouragers among us and appreciate the love they shower upon us. But do we consider that they also need encouragement? We can reach out not only to visitors and those who appear lonely but also to those who are so quick to reach out to us. They may need a listening ear and a sympathetic heart.

Today's Prayer
Dear God, help us to remember those who have encouraged us, and show us ways to encourage them. Amen.

August 25, 2026Following the LightPeter Eckblad (Wisconsin, USA)Today's ReadingJohn 8:12-20Thought for the DayJesus is m...
08/25/2026

August 25, 2026
Following the Light
Peter Eckblad (Wisconsin, USA)

Today's Reading
John 8:12-20

Thought for the Day
Jesus is my light of new life.

Prayer Focus
To follow God’s guiding light

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12 (NIV)

“Dad!” my daughter called out. “There’s something making noise in the fireplace!”

I went into the living room to investigate the fluttering sound emanating from inside the chimney. A bird must have decided to explore. I thought that if it found its way in, it would surely find its way out. But after a while, I realized that it was not going to get out on its own.

An online article suggested propping up a flashlight outside the fireplace opening for the bird to follow the light down the chimney. I put a flashlight in place and to my amazement a bird appeared after just a couple of minutes. We propped open the front door of the house and managed to guide the bird outside. I watched it spread its wings and soar up into the trees to freedom.

Jesus told the people of Judea that he was the light of the world and whoever follows him will never walk in darkness but will have life. Like the bird that followed the light out of the darkness of the chimney, so too can we follow the light of Jesus to new life.

Today's Prayer
Loving Savior, thank you for being the light that leads us into understanding, hope, and new life. Amen.

August 24, 2026Making ChoicesAkemi Kawashima (Saitama Prefecture, Japan)Today's ReadingLuke 10:38-42Thought for the DayE...
08/24/2026

August 24, 2026
Making Choices
Akemi Kawashima (Saitama Prefecture, Japan)

Today's Reading
Luke 10:38-42

Thought for the Day
Even when I waver, may I always choose to be near Jesus.

Prayer Focus
To make my faith my priority

Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her. - Luke 10:42 (NRSVUE)

I work at a nursery school, and one day the other teachers and I acted out the story of Mary and Martha. While reading this scene to write a script, the words Mary has chosen echoed in my heart. A deep feeling of familiarity welled up within me. Mary had made a difficult choice. She was likely aware that she should have been helping her sister prepare the meal for their guest. According to traditional roles, it was unreasonable for her to remain where she was. Perhaps she knew she would be criticized by others. But in the end, she chose to be near Jesus.

Martha, who was striving in her own way to please Jesus, no doubt also wanted to be near him. But she felt responsible for showing hospitality. Of the two sisters, the one who had peace in her heart was Mary.

Every day our lives involve making choices about insignificant things and important matters. But as Christians, our choices must not be based on pride, social standing, or how we will be seen by others. Instead, we must choose to be with Jesus, for this is the path to abundant living.

Today's Prayer
Lord Jesus, whom we love, enable us to be in constant relationship with you even in the midst of our busy everyday lives. Amen.

08/24/2026

August 22, 2026

Address

Hanoverton, OH

Opening Hours

10am - 11am

Telephone

(330) 223-1094

Website

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