A Note from the Pastor

The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. 

Exodus 13:21–22.

 Most mornings I wake up around 5 a.m., have some coffee, some devotional time, and eventually get ready to go for a run. When I go to get my running clothes from the room, Marifer and Lucas are usually still sleeping, and I do my best to be quiet so as not to wake them. It is also usually pitch black in the room. I try to use my phone screen to see where I’m going, but usually it is barely enough light to see anything until I am close to a wall, the closet door, or the dresser. I have a rough idea of where I need to walk, but it is still a daily challenge trying to maneuver in a dark room where I can barely make out the next step in front of me. While my phone doesn’t give off a lot of light, it does provide just enough light to see that I’m grabbing shorts and a running hat as opposed to something else entirely. 

The reading from Exodus shows us how, during the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness, God was there to lead them. Though God was with them, they could not see the entire road ahead and did not know exactly where the road would lead. They saw the cloud by day and fire by night, but not enough to see the entire journey. We often would like to see a detailed plan before going on a trip, or during a time of transition. As you all have heard, I have accepted a new call, and this congregation will be entering a season of transition. I’ve already heard from some about the anxiety this brings and the desire to know who will be here after and when the process for a new pastor can be completed. While there are certain things you can plan for in advance and try to be as organized and prepared as possible, there are some parts of the journey that will remain unknown. We won’t know exactly what the next chapter will look like or how it will unfold. It would certainly make life a lot easier and less anxious if we could have a full, detailed plan ahead of time. 

As much as we may fear these seasons of transition, I think the scripture from Exodus is a good reminder. While we may have plans, God often only gives us enough light to see the next step and asks us to trust that God will continue to lead us down the right path. I think this story in Exodus is teaching us that we may not need to know the entire path ahead if we know who is leading us. I want to encourage you all to remain faithful and remember that Christ continues to lead the church, even through seasons of transition. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

May you all support one another well and trust that God is leading you into a new season that is full and rich with God’s mercy.  

Grace & Peace

-Justin Miller

Christian Education Notes

Bible Studies

Tuesday Morning Bible Study "If you are interested in diving deeper into God's Word in a different, more casual, setting as compared to Sunday morning, join us for the Tuesday Morning Bible Study. It is a time to gather, discuss, and learn from one another how God's Word is speaking to and through each of us. We will be hosting Bible studies at the church, meeting each Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Youth Room. We look forward to seeing you there!"

Wednesday Evening Bible Study will resume in the fall. We will have updates in the bulletin.

Music Notes

Psalm 104:33

I will sing to the Lord all my life;

I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Church musicians tend to do the very thing the Psalm says, “Sing to the Lord all my life” and “Sing praise to my God as long as I live”.  Some of the most dedicated and faithful people who serve in worship are choir members.  Nearly every week, from the beginning of September, through Christmas, into the New Year and finally to the end of May, choir members are found at weekly rehearsals and in Worship on Sunday mornings.  During their summer hiatus, they are still serving in worship as Worship Leaders, Hymn Leaders and in the pew encouraging others to sing with their strong voices.  Service in Worship by musicians is often a lifelong practice, from early childhood to older adulthood.

The famous phrase, “He who sings, prays twice”, says it so well.  With the addition of inspired music, the words of a prayer are enhanced and elevated. The act of worship, through singing, is experienced at a deeper level. And it is not just the singer who benefits from the word being sung, but those who may not be comfortable singing also experience this means of praise by listening.  Know that each of the choir members are also members of the congregation.  We are all there to worship together whether we are in the Chancel or in the pew.  Both singing and listening help us to express our thanks and praise to God.

I am looking forward to another season of making music together for the Lord.

Dates for the beginning of our 2026/2027 Sanctuary Choir season:

• First Choir Rehearsal - Wednesday, September 2, at 7:00 p.m. (New Time!)

  Please still attend Bible Study at 6:00 and come a few minutes late to choir.

• First Service in Worship – Sunday, September 13

Blessings and Peace,

Janet Scott, Director of Music/Organist 

Announcements

Cards for Justin

Justin and Marifer’s last Sunday with us will be September 20. We are planning a reception in the Gathering Area following worship as an opportunity to thank them for their time and ministry with us.

We will have baskets available in the Gathering Area and Narthex for cards. If you would like to include a love offering, please make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church and write Justin in the memo line.

Cards and love offerings may also be dropped off in the church office.

We hope you’ll join us in thanking Justin and Marifer and wishing them well in this next chapter!

After Worship Luncheon

Please join your Mission Committee for a catered lunch on Sunday, September 13, after church. Food, conversation, and updates about the various church programs and activities will be shared.  Please mark yes on the pew pad if you plan on attending. We also have a sign-up sheet in the Gathering Area.

M & M (Men & More) Monthly Outing

Everyone is invited to join this group for dinner and fellowship at Wildwood Golf Club, 601 Aberdeen Dr. on Tuesday, September 8. Fellowship begins approximately at 5:00, and we usually order dinner around 5:30. We hope to see you there.

Kirkin’ Of the Tartan

Kirkin’ of the Tartans Service will be celebrated on October 11, this is an inspiring service. The Kirkin’ of the Tartans Service reminds us of our Scottish heritage and the faith that has been nurtured and shared for generations. The service will feature the Miami Valley Pipes and Drums, our Sanctuary Choir, and a procession of tartan flags.

We give thanks to God for the life of. . .

• Neila Barnes, who died on July 22. Neila’s service will be on September 19 and the church. Visitation will be at 1:30 and her service will be at 2:30.

• Ron Fondersmith, who died on July 27.

• Shawn Hesselbrock, who died on August 25. Shawn is the son of Charlotte Hesselbrock.

• Bob Cover, who died on August 31.

In Case of an Emergency

If you have an emergency after hours or on the weekend, please email Justin at justin@fpcmiddletown.com.

• Online Calendar

The church calendar is now online! Go to https://www.fpcmiddletown.com/calendar