First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck
Pastor Leanne's Message for the month of May 2025:
Spring Chicks -
When I was a kid, my father brought home some chicken eggs and an incubator, and put them in our basement. Every day, he took his children down in shifts to see the eggs, and when they started hatching, he sat with us around the incubator, explaining what we were seeing. At some point, he took them all out to a friend’s farm, and eventually, they ended up on our table as a Sunday meal. As a kid from an agricultural community, I never flinched at the whole process, it all seemed so natural and yes, quite wonderful.
Watching those chicks hatch was an enriching experience - and I have often wished that all children had access to the wonderful processes of farm life. To help a child develop wonder at the world is to help them respect mystery and marvel; even the smallest thing, like baby chicks evoke a reaction in our little ones to feel awe, joy and respect for the wonders of God’s creation.
So imagine my joy when one of our childcare workers brought in an incubator and chick eggs, so that the children of our Child Care can have a similar experience to the one I now cherish. Sunday morning, there was one baby chick, by Monday, about ten. Their tiny “peep-peep-peeps” greeted me at the Child Care center door. The look of excited wonder and joy was on the face of our little ones. Well done, Child Care workers!
One of the most valuable skills a church can offer is to teach its children AND adults how to marvel and appreciate mystery. Everywhere we look in our world, God is at work in amazing processes which science and intellect can explain in formulas, but the soul must take in as wonder. As adults, we are often to busy to marvel that a spring flower knows when it’s time to peek up through the soil, a chick finds its way out of a nest and birds know when to make a trek back to their nesting grounds. We also forget the wonders that scripture tells us about – the amazing vast love of God, God’s revelation in Jesus and the marvelous end-goal of salvation history. Keeping wonder alive, making space in our souls for mystery opens us up to real worship and marvel at what God does each and every day. Wonder produces respect and gratitude.
So… slow down, and rejoice in the birth of baby chicks. Notice acts of kindness and scenes of beauty. Marvel in the change and growth of a child. Enjoy the night sky and new colors popping out on the trees. Feel how soft
your dog’s fur is. Notice the world around you. God is still at work, and we all too often miss it, because we have forgotten how to marvel.
Leanne
2025 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 16, 2025
DO YOU HAVE A NEED?
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.
Are you in need of assistance that you can not get help? Email firstpresbyterian@fpcbismarck or call 701-223-6091 and let us know how we can help.
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.
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CHECK OUR CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES/SERVICES
First Presbyterian Church
is a Community called to love God through Worship and Prayer, receiving and serving our neighbors with the compassion of Christ, open to new beginnings and the spiritual growth of children, youth and adults.
First Presbyterian Church
214 E. Thayer Ave. Bismarck, ND
Phone: (701) 223-6091
OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00AM - 4:30PM
Email: firstpresbyterian@fpcbismarck.com
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First Presbyterian Childcare Center - (701)-258-7490
childcare@fpcbismarck.com OR cccasst@fpcbismarck.com
Here and now
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
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