First Presbyterian Church Hartwell Ga - PCUSA

03/02/2026

Dear God, I know being a good neighbor is more than sharing a cup of sugar. It’s choosing to assume the best, to speak with kindness, to lead with curiosity, and to love whenever possible. Help me remember that your invitation to be a good neighbor is always an invitation to love. Maybe it’s all that easy, and it’s all that hard. With hope for more love I pray, amen.

03/02/2026

Dear God, I know that your definition of neighbor is bigger than mine. I tend to see those who look or speak like me as my neighbors. Help me to see as you do. Help me to see the children on the news, a world away, as my neighbors. Help me see those I disagree with as neighbors. Help me to see the world as you do. With hope I pray, amen.

02/25/2026

Prayer for today:
Surprising God, so often we are surprised by bad news and taken hostage by the media cycle of the day; but from time to time, we are surprised by love. From time to time, we are surprised by joy. From time to time, we are surprised by hope. In a world full of surprisingly bad news, show me how to be someone who can surprise others with love, generosity, and kindness. Show me how to be someone who can fan the flame of good news. Amen.

02/24/2026

Prayer for today:
Creator God, you have told us that even small acts, small dreams, and small bits of love can make a difference. I need to hear this reminder because it is tempting to believe that the hurt in this world is out of my control. It is tempting to believe that I cannot make a difference, but you say otherwise. Remind me that I have planting to do. Remind me that even small acts can make great change. Amen.

02/23/2026

Prayer for today:
Storytelling God, you are constantly painting pictures of what the world could be. You can take one small seed and see the ramble of beauty it might become. I want to see the world in that same way. Give me the creativity to imagine beauty where there is none. Give me the persistence to imagine justice when injustice rages. Help me imagine what could be. Amen.

02/23/2026

Prayer for today:
Celebrating Christ, your story begins with a dance floor, a wedding banquet, a happy couple, a community gathered. Your story begins with abundant joy. As I go through my days, teach me to be a curator of joy. May I see and appreciate the sparks of joy in my own life, and may they draw me closer to you. Amen.

A Sanctified Art LLC

02/18/2026

Ash Wednesday
TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD!
The good news for this week: God will never stop inviting me.

Question: How does it feel to be personally invited to an event or a gathering?

Prayer: Invitational God, invitation and exclusion are two sides of the same coin. It’s hard to think about one without thinking about the other. However, I know that you are a God who will never skip over me or leave me out. You are a God with open doors, personal invitations, room at the table, and a place with my name on it. Thank you for always inviting me. Amen.

A Sanctified Art LLC

02/17/2026

Our Lenten theme for this year is Tell Me Something Good! The Good News for Ash Wednesday is... All Are Invited! Everyone belongs. See you soon.

01/31/2026

Worship service and other activities for Feb 1. have been cancelled.

Looking ahead:
Feb 8 at 11AM - Worship, pop-up choir, Souper Bowl fellowship
Feb 18 at 4PM - Ash Wednesday service with communion.

Stay safe and warm, friends! Please keep the folks who may not be warm and safe during this time in your hearts and prayers.
See you next week. Pastor Karen.

A blessing for a snowy day
"O God, we give you thanks for the snow—for the way it covers the world in a quiet, white blanket, and for the reminder that each snowflake is unique and beloved, just like us. We thank you for the stillness that lets us pause, for the beauty of your creation, and for the opportunity to slow down and breathe. May this snow bring rest to the earth and peace to our hearts. Keep us safe, warm, and mindful of those in need of comfort. Amen."

01/28/2026

Ecclesiastes 9:17-18 (CEB)

17 The calm words of the wise are better heeded than the racket caused by a ruler among fools.

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one incompetent person destroys much good

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01/21/2026

Dear church friends and family,
As the weather forecast for this weekend is extreme, the session has voted to cancel the worship service for Sunday Jan 25. We want everyone to remain safe and well. We will resume worship Feb 1 (no communion). Stay in, stay warm, and enjoy some Sabbath rest.

Looking ahead:
Feb 08 @ 11:00 AM - Worship with Communion
Feb 18 @ 4:00 PM - Ash Wednesday Service

Peace. Joy. Hope. Love.
Rev. Karen Fletcher, Pastor

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12/22/2025

Join us for
Carols and Candles
Christmas Eve 4 PM