First Presbyterian Church of Saranac Lake

09/03/2026

A reminder to come hear Dr. Joann preach at Chapel Island this Sunday. Church in town will be on hiatus. Thank you!

09/01/2026

On the penultimate day of August, 2026, we gathered in the sanctuary for worship, and to listen for, and answer God's call with an enthusiastic "I will!" Pastor Joann's sermon was "Who, Me?"
Organist and Music Director Scott Smith played a beautiful Chaconne by D. Buxtehude on the church organ. It was a beautiful day to be together for prayer, inspiration, and fellowship.
Next week, we head out to the Island Chapel on Upper Saranac Lake - the shuttles leave from Indian Carry starting at 9:15 a.m. We'll return to our regular worship in the sanctuary on September 13. There won't be a video next week.
Peace.

08/30/2026

Who Me?

Sabbath Day Thoughts -- "Who Me?" Exodus 3:1-12 God knew the suffering of God’s people. A new leader rose to power. He stirred memories of former greatness and fanned the flames of national pride. He promised a better future and denounced the evil of other nations. He saw enemies everywhere. They practiced other faiths, loved differently, came from other lands, or held differing political convictions....

Sabbath Day Thoughts — “Who Me?” Exodus 3:1-12 God knew the suffering of God’s people. A new leader rose to power. He stirred memories of former greatness and fanned the flames of…

08/27/2026

We have an excellent 'analog' piano available to anyone interested who has the means to transport it to a new home. It's in good working order, though probably needs a tuning. This was used regularly as our Great Hall keyboard, but we recently replaced it with an electric piano. If you're interested, contact the office at church, 518-891-3401 (there's an answering machine).
The piano is currently on a rolling stand, which is not included in this offer.

08/26/2026

On Sunday, August 23, Pastor Joann preached on what it takes to build a church; not just wood, stones, concrete and metal - it takes us living, breathing, and doing members of the church family, living out the lessons of our Lord to build a strong institution.
We enjoyed music from Karen Smith and Skip Outcalt, and shared our worship time together well.

08/24/2026

08/23/2026

Church Building

Sabbath Day Thoughts -- "Church Building" Matthew 16:13-20 Every church building has a story. Westminster Church in Wilmington, Delaware, where I served many years ago, is a big congregation with humble beginnings. It was launched in 1857 as a Mission Sunday School. Its sole purpose was to share the gospel through Christian Education. The school served children and young families who were building homes on the outskirts of the city....

Sabbath Day Thoughts — “Church Building” Matthew 16:13-20 Every church building has a story. Westminster Church in Wilmington, Delaware, where I served many years ago, is a big co…

08/18/2026

On Sunday, August 16, Pastor Joann's message "A Bigger Table" shared the call for us to be more welcoming, more open to the diversity of our world and our nation. Even Jesus had to be reminded - by the Canaanite woman - that his, and our, mission is that God loves everyone, not just a select group. It's a message we all need to hear often.
Our special music this week was provided by the trio of Duk, Smith & Storch.

08/17/2026

Thanks to everyone who came out to Fish Creek this past Saturday for the church’s annual summer cookout. We had plentiful food, great grillers, perfect weather and the best company, with 27 attendees. Hope to see you all and more again next year!

08/16/2026

A Bigger Table

Sabbath Day Thoughts -- "A Bigger Table" Matthew 15:10-28 Immigration is a fraught subject in our nation. Since January 2025, agents of ICE and Customs and Border Patrol have made 582,040 immigration arrests. Over the same period, we have deported 590,600 people, sending them to either their countries of origin or third-party countries willing to receive them. 65,770 people are currently in detention centers, awaiting hearings that will determine whether or not they have a place in America....

Sabbath Day Thoughts — “A Bigger Table” Matthew 15:10-28 Immigration is a fraught subject in our nation. Since January 2025, agents of ICE and Customs and Border Patrol have made …