Thursday, January 22, 2026

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NEWS FOR THE PEWS                                                           

 

FROM THE PASTOR

Dear Friends,

 

It’s January in Western New York, so that must mean lake effect snow, and lots of it… randomly. We’ve seen that recently, having to close the office one day last week, and again this week, as well as postpone our monthly Session meeting. You’ve probably had to rearrange your daily life, too. I got caught in a white-out this week and had to sit for nearly 3 hours waiting for a tow truck.

 

What do you do when unpredictable events overturn your busy schedule? How do you cope with snow days? Do you pull up the covers and go back to sleep? Settle in with a book or a craft project and take time for yourself? Or do you end up with extra work, like shoveling, snow-blowing, and running errands for loved ones or neighbors who aren’t as mobile as you?

 

When you’re driving, consider carrying a devotional, or a knitting project, or even last week’s church bulletin when you go out. If you get stuck or delayed, you can use the time to pray, meditate, or craft. When you’re home, consider preparing a cozy spot with a book, craft project, journal, or prayer list to use the isolation as mindfulness and meditation. If you’re stuck indoors with others, remember that simply “being with” one another is a precious gift. The gift of being fully present with one another will leave you more fulfilled than doomscrolling together!

 

Need a home visit? Want home communion? Or would you like to get out of the house for a visit, book club, craft and chat, or simply share coffee? Give me a call—I’d love to get together.

 

Join FPCT for worship this Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 10:30am in person and livestreamed on Facebook. With “Following Jesus Immediately,” we continue to explore stories of the early ministry of Jesus. Scriptures this week include Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1, 4-9; and Matthew 4:12-23. Join us to pray together, hear stories from scripture, and find your home, here at First Presbyterian Church of Tonawanda.

 

See you soon,

Pastor Rebecca

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Prayer Covenant

OK, we’re grounded in faith. Now how will we grow? I’ll be announcing a weekly prayer session where we can gather in person and online to pray for church growth and the world. Will you join me in prayer?  We will meet in person and/or on zoom for 20 minutes, one day a week.  Please let me know if you have a preference in the day or time.  

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