Hi First Presbyterian Church,

 It’s time for our Mid-Week Meet-Up! Starting this Sunday, we will begin a five-week sermon series focusing on the church’s recently identified core values. The sermon series culminates on February 11, when our Faith Forward consultant Kevin Ford will be in Pittsford and will lead a congregational debrief following the 10:00 service. In case you don’t remember, here are our core values:

  As a Christ-centered Community, our devotion calls each of us to...

• Connect:  We create and sustain life-giving relationships, across all generations.

• Inspire:  We worship God in ways that stir our souls, sharpen our minds, and speak to our hearts.

• Follow:  We experience transformation through the Holy Spirit, and help others do the same.

• Unify:  We join together across our differences, to make a difference.

• Love:  We show grace and compassion to others, with no strings attached!

 This Sunday, we will be focusing on the core value of “Connect.”

 On a separate topic, as I hear the wind howling outside and look out the window to see it blowing branches off of trees, I am reminded of the psalm we read for our Call to Worship this past Sunday. Psalm 29:9 says, “The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl, and strips the forest bare; and in his temple all say, ‘Glory!’”

 With 60 mph winds gusting all around us, we are reminded of the strength of nature and of the Creator who made it. Like the psalmist who said that such things should instill in us a sense of awe and submission to God, I want to pause and reflect on the greatness and mystery of God. When I feel small and vulnerable and weak, I can know and trust that God is big and sovereign and strong. Whatever you may be facing today, I pray you feel God’s strength. 

 Peace to you,

Pastor Aaron