Pastor’s Notes


I have officially returned! My sabbatical began on January 11th and ended on February 11th. I pray that my time was well spent – you will be the final judge of that as I introduce a new type of sermon/message I developed during my sabbatical. In the near future you will hear stories about Fishin’ Phil (which I call “Fish Tales”) and then later about Huntin’ Hank (which I call “White Tales”) – two characters I have created based on the experiences of my father, my grandfathers, and myself. Each story is linked to scripture(s) and hopefully expounds upon a biblical truth or truths with applications to our lives today. Over the past month I have developed/written approximately twenty of these messages which I plan to deliver over the next two+ years. You will still hear many of my more “traditional” messages/sermons, but these “story” messages will be interspersed on various Sundays for the next couple of years.


Our Candlelight Communion Service took place on Christmas Eve 2025, following by the two Sundays of the Christmas season on December 28th and January 4th. We installed the 2026 church officers and began the new year with a celebration of the Lord’s Supper during worship on January 4th. On January 11th, we held our Annual Congregational and Corporate Meeting after worship during which we heard reports from the various ministries of our church. We were then presented with the 2026 church budget and approved the pastor’s terms of call and the 2026 Nominating Committee. Immediately after the January 11th service I began my sabbatical and I did not return to the church until February 11th!  I do understand that worship was canceled on January 25th due to the big snowfall. Thanks to Ann, Rick, and Joan for filling the pulpit in my absence.


I did attend worship on three of the four Sundays I was on sabbatical – like you, I also missed worship on January 25th. I was able to attend worship at my mother’s church, First Christian Church in Poplar Bluff on February 1st. This is the church in which I was baptized and, in a sense, it is my “home” church – I attended there with my family almost every Sunday from my seventh-grade year through my senior year in high school. My mother has been a member there for fifty-eight years. The other two Sundays I attended the Kirkwood Baptist Church where my lovely wife plays the organ and piano. I hear Julia play the piano regularly at our home but it is a treat to get to hear her play the organ – she is most accomplished and plays beautifully!


You may notice a few subtle changes in our worship service beginning in February (or perhaps you will not even notice) – I do plan to make a few “tweaks” to our worship service in the next few months. Nothing too drastic - let me know if you have questions or concerns.


We now have additional open hours for our Helping Hands Food Pantry:  the second Wednesday of each month from 4:30 – 6:00 pm. Thanks to Lisa and Julie for being willing to serve during these new hours! The established hours of 1:00 – 2:30 pm on the first and third Wednesdays of the month will continue.


I introduced my “Fish Tales” series of messages on Transfiguration Sunday, February 15th. For the Lenten season I will be preaching a more traditional series of messages through Easter Sunday morning. I will then present a couple of “Fish Tales” after Easter.


Also on February 15th we had a chili luncheon after worship. Thanks to many hands who helped to organize, prepare chili & fixings, and made side dishes & desserts for this special event.


The next Presbytery Gathering is scheduled for Saturday, February 28th, with worship beginning at 9:00 am. This is an in-person only gathering to be held at First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL. Barring further developments, all of the Presbytery Gatherings in 2026 will be in-person only.


An update on my work for the Presbytery in moderating the Session of the First Presbyterian Church in Perryville:  The Perryville First Presbyterian Church Session did not meet in January, as they knew I was on sabbatical. I led an Ash Wednesday Service for their church on Wednesday, February 18th. This was a short, meditative service which included the imposition of ashes. On March 1st, First Presbyterian Church in Perryville will hold their annual congregational meeting. They will meet at 10:00 am (before their 10:30 am worship) and I will moderate this meeting, as I am their “official” Moderator. I will be able to return for our worship no later than 11:00 am (it is a 25 minute drive). One of our Elders will do the Welcome & Announcements preceding our worship time and I will be back to conduct the rest of my portion of the worship service.


I was most appreciative of the Session granting me a month-long sabbatical. I do feel refreshed and renewed - it is good to be back here in ministry with you!


Yours in Christ,

Pastor Steve


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.  3: 5 & 6 (RSV)