First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck

Pastor Leanne’s Message: “My Chair”

         When I first came into the Pastor’s office here at First Pres, I almost laughed. The desk seemed giant to me – and I couldn’t imagine myself needing such a huge working space that was clearly meant for someone important. Since then, I have covered it frequently with stacks of projects and reading/prep material. Now it seems to fit me comfortably.

I had a similar reaction to the chair. It was big and wide, with a high back, to me, clearly meant for a big man and when I sat it in, it dwarfed me. It had a tendency to roll when I wanted to be still, slowly working its way backward as I worked at the desk. I was constantly scooting forward. The leather on it was older, but still beautiful... I had that chair for at least the first three years.

Finally the Property and Equipment Committee took mercy on me (I hadn’t mentioned previously that it was uncomfortable and if not for Maureen and Carol, I probably never would have!), They let me pick out my own chair, a chair that fits me. It is black, fabric covered, it does not roll away from the desk unless I want it to; it supports my back – it feels right. My chair, in the office, where I feel content.

I cannot tell you how good it is to be back in the office, in my own chair. The time I spent away while at Mayo was a shock to my system – the lost connection to all things and people familiar was     disconcerting. I am back in my chair, happy to reconnect.

And it feels like a miracle. At one point, the donor cells I was given were actively fighting the cancer, but decided to fight my cells too and went straight for my lungs. I admit, it was terrifying – was flown in a medi-jet to Mayo, I fought to breathe, and at one point, I lay in the bed feeling like the only thing holding me down to the mattress was the prayers that were going up for me all over the world.

So now, from my happy chair, I owe so much gratitude. To God, who never left me, to Becky Mahlum who also stayed by my side – to my daughter Audrey who stayed strong for me, and to Brenda Foster who supported her while I was gone - to the office folks: Maureen, Carol, and Carmen, to the crew of women who stayed with me at the Transplant house: my seminary friend, Mari Kim, Becky Mahlum, Deanna Reikow, Karen Ehrens, and Signe Snortland. I owe gratitude to the Lay Pastors who carried the pulpit many times, to Dave Reiter, and now Mary Holtey; and to the Session, especially the Admin. & Personnel Committee who were gracious to me while championing the needs of the church. Every committee held its own. The music continued to be beautiful, the streaming well down. I tuned in and felt joy at seeing your faces each Sunday; I reveled in Mark’s children sermons.

Which brings me to a final expression of gratitude – I am grateful to all of you – for the prayers especially, they held my soul to this earth. You all flooded my letter box at the transplant house so that I am sure I was the envy of others there – it was nearly always full of good wishes and prayers. Many of you donated to the GoFundMe account that was set up by Donna Ricther and Becky Mahlum. You sent me texts and funny memes. You remembered me on all the holidays I missed. I am truly humbled… I thank you!

So being back in my chair means more than just a comfortable place to sit. It means being home among the people I love, and to whom I feel a great debt of appreciation. Thank you all, from me, in my chair, in my office feeling grateful to be alive and in the place that fits me.

Leanne

2026 SCHOLARSHIPS

The Scholarship Committee of First Presbyterian Church is pleased to announce the availability of a limited number of scholarships for our church community.

To be eligible for consideration to receive a scholarship,

a student must be an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck

or must have been an active participant in the

life of First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck for at least three years.

The awards are given for students at any level of study beyond high school.

Four years is the maximum for receiving scholarships: these need not be consecutive years. Graduate students may apply for scholarships,

providing they are within the four year maximum.

The deadline to apply is Friday, May 15, 2026

ARE YOU WILLING TO HELP?

We encourage you to continue to love your neighbor well at this time. Hebrews 13:16 challenges us to “dowhat is good and to share, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”Thank you for being the Church.

WAYS TO GIVE:

For those who are unable to worship with us in church, here are a few ways that you can continue to give:

1. Online bill pay with your banking institution.

2. Click on the "Give Now" button above to donate today.

3. Mail checks to First Presbyterian Church, 214 E Thayer Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501.

SECURE METHOD TO DONATE Now Available!!
Click on the button below and donate!

Click here to view the sign-up sheet for 2026 VBS!

2026 VBS is almost here !

Monday, July 20 - Thursday, July 23

5:45 pm - 7:30 pm

FREE for Current 4 year olds and up to 5th grade!

Music, Singing, Dancing, Bible Study and fun games

for all to enjoy. Dinner included.

Click here to download the 2026 Scholarship Application

Click here to view the BULLETIN for
July 12, 2026
10:00AM service

Click here to view our WORSHIP SERVICE
from Sunday, July 12, 2026
10:00AM service
(please make sure the video is not muted)

We welcome you all to come worship

You can visit us at 214 E Thayer Ave. or

tune in at 10:00am Sunday to our Live Feed on Facebook