January 2026 Newsletter
Pastor’s Greeting
As we step into a new year,
I greet you with gratitude and hope in Christ. A change of calendar does not
remove the uncertainties of life, but it does remind us that God’s mercies are
new every morning. The same Lord who has faithfully carried us through the past
year walks with us into this new one.
May this year be a season
of renewed faith, deeper love, and steadfast hope. May God bless our church
with unity, compassion, and courage as we continue to worship, serve, and care
for one another and our community. Whatever this year may bring, let us move
forward together, trusting in the grace of God who holds our days and our
future.
Grace and peace to you in
this new year.
Pastor Je
Children’s Story
During this Advent season, including Epiphany Sunday, we were blessed by the wonderful children’s stories shared by Janet McConnell and Amy Morrison. Their creativity, warmth, and faith-filled storytelling delighted our children and enriched our worship. The children truly loved it—and so did the rest of us. We are deeply grateful to Janet and Amy for sharing their gifts with our church.
Children’s Candle Lighting
Our children not only enjoyed the Children’s Stories but also took an active role in our Advent worship services by lighting the Communion Table candle. Samuel and Luna took turns and each week they were lighting the candle during the Prelude and extinguishing it during the Postlude. It has been a joy to see our young ones growing in confidence and becoming more and more engaged in the life and worship of our church.
Advent Candle Lighting
Throughout the season of
Advent, we were grateful for the volunteer families who helped lead us in
worship by lighting the Advent candles each week. On Sunday, November 30, the
first candle of Hope was lit by the Hutcheson family. On Sunday, December 7, the
second candle of Peace was lit by Amy Morrison and Debbie Goodnight. On Sunday,
December 14, the third candle of Joy was lit by the Lee family. On Sunday,
December 21, the fourth candle of Love was lit by the Crouse family. Finally,
the Christ Candle was joyfully lit on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24, by
the Piper family.
We extend our heartfelt
thanks to all who volunteered their time and presence to help lead our
congregation through the journey of Advent and into the celebration of Christ’s
birth.
Online Worship and No Madrigals
Due to a severe winter
storm and heavy snowfall the day before, we moved our worship service to
online-only on Sunday, December 21st. As a result, we sadly missed the
opportunity to enjoy the wonderful music of the Madrigals, the Lebanon High
School choir, in person. We give thanks, however, that God granted us mild
weather on Christmas Eve, allowing us to gather in person to joyfully celebrate
the birth of our Savior together.
Epiphany
Epiphany, observed on
Tuesday, January 6, marks a pivotal moment in the Christian calendar. The word
Epiphany means “appearance” or “manifestation,” and on this day we celebrate
the revelation of Jesus Christ to the wider world. Traditionally, Epiphany commemorates
the visit of the Magi—wise men from afar—who followed the star to Bethlehem and
recognized the child Jesus as King and Savior.
The significance of
Epiphany lies in this powerful truth: Christ was not born only for one people,
but for all nations. The Magi were outsiders—Gentiles—yet they were drawn by
God’s light and welcomed into the story of salvation. Epiphany reminds us that
God’s grace knows no boundaries of culture, race, or geography.
For us as the church,
Epiphany is both a celebration and a calling. We rejoice that the light of
Christ shines for everyone, and we are reminded that we are called to reflect
that light in our own lives. As Jesus is revealed to the world, so we are sent into
the world—to bear witness through love, justice, hospitality, and hope.
As we move from Christmas
into the season of Epiphany, may we continue to seek Christ faithfully, follow
His light courageously, and share His grace generously with all whom we
encounter.
Star Sunday
On Sunday, January 4, the Sunday before Epiphany, our
church will observe Star Sunday, a meaningful tradition that prepares our
hearts for the season of Epiphany. On this day, we remember the star that
guided the Magi to the Christ child—a sign of God’s light leading faithful
seekers on their journey.
As part of our Star Sunday
worship, each worshipper will receive a Guiding Star. On the back of each star
is a single guiding word—simple, prayerful, and intentional. This word is
offered not as a resolution or a demand, but as an invitation: an invitation to
listen, to reflect, and to allow God’s Spirit to guide us through the year
ahead.
We encourage everyone to
place their Guiding Star somewhere visible—on a refrigerator, a mirror, a desk,
or a bedside table—so that it may serve as a daily reminder of God’s presence
and direction. As we carry this word with us into the new year, may it gently
shape our prayers, our choices, and our faith.
As the star once led the
Magi through the night, may God’s light continue to guide each of us—step by
step—into deeper faith, faithful living, and joyful discipleship in the year
ahead.
Christmas Eve Service
Lisa Hutcheson thoughtfully prepared and coordinated every detail of our Christmas Eve service, with the guidance and support of the Worship Team. The service was truly beautiful, weaving together lovely music, compelling narrations of the Nativity, and the meaningful candle lighting shared by all worshippers. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the musicians and participants who contributed to this special service, and especially to Lisa Hutcheson for her dedication and leadership.
PPM Christmas Program
PPM shared the joy of Christmas with us through two special Christmas programs, held on Friday, December 5th, and Sunday, December 7th. Our preschool children sang and danced with such delight and innocence that they truly looked—and sounded—like angels. Their joyful performances filled our hearts with wonder and reminded us of the simple beauty and excitement of the season. We give thanks for our PPM children, their teachers, and families, and for the gift of witnessing the Christmas story through the faith and joy of our youngest ones.
PPM
Happy New Year from PPM. 2025 has been a true
blessing for our staff and families. This past year we have welcomed 13 new
babies; our newest addition was born yesterday (12/30) to Miss Ashton and her husband.
Baelyn arrived at 4:12 and weighed 8lbs 20.75in long!
Congratulations to their family. 2 new grand babies, 3 new staff members, new PPM families and a lot of memories. We have witnessed many moments of celebration, and some moments of sadness. But most of all, we have felt the love and support from you as a church. We thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve and support the church in the new year. We are looking forward to returning in January, although we would like to have warmer weather! The hallways will once again be bustling with excitement after being quiet for 2 weeks. The staff will already be counting the days till spring break!
Have a healthy and
safe New Year, cheers to 2026!
More than Usual Collection
This Christmas season, we
were blessed with more opportunities for giving than usual. We participated in
the Myrtle Bailey Toy Drive, collected offerings for Lebanon Waters, and
supported Ava MacQueen’s stuffed toy collection. In addition, we received our
annual Christmas Joy Offering, one of the special offerings of the PCUSA. Thank
you, dear Presbyterians, for your faithful generosity and for sharing Christ’s
love through your giving.
Red Horse
In the Chinese zodiac, 2026
is known as the Year of the Red Horse. In this tradition, the Horse symbolizes
energy, movement, vitality, and forward momentum. Horses are associated with
strength, freedom, diligence, and a willingness to press on even when the road
is long. They remind us that progress often comes through steady effort and
faithful endurance.
The color red adds another
layer of meaning. Red is traditionally linked with life, warmth, health, and
blessing. Together, the Red Horse is often understood as a year that highlights
renewed energy, physical well-being, and active engagement with life—a time to rise,
move forward, and care for both body and spirit.
As Christians, we receive
such cultural symbols not as predictions or promises, but as invitations to
reflection. The image of the Red Horse can encourage us to consider how God
renews our strength, restores our health, and calls us to live actively in faith
and love. Scripture reminds us: “Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their
strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31, NRSV).
As we enter this new year,
may it be a season marked by renewed strength, good health, and faithful
movement forward—not hurried or anxious, but grounded in God’s grace. May the
Lord energize our lives, deepen our compassion, and guide our steps as
individuals and as a church.
With prayers for a healthy, hopeful, and grace-filled year ahead for all our members.
Handrails for Kids
The handrails on the stairs between the Narthex and the second floor are at an appropriate height for most adults, but they are understandably too high for the youngest children in our PPM. In response to a request from PPM and out of concern for safety, the Property Committee, under the leadership of Roy Flanary (Chair), installed additional lower handrails on Tuesday, December 30. This improvement will help our little ones navigate the stairs more safely and comfortably. We are grateful for this thoughtful work and remain committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for our children.
Per Capita 2026
Each year, as part of our
shared life in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), our congregation participates
in what is called Per Capita. Per Capita is not a donation or a special
offering; rather, it is the way each congregation shares in the basic, essential
costs of being connected to the wider church.
Per Capita supports the
work and ministries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at every level—locally,
regionally, and nationally. Through Per Capita, we help sustain the
constitutional and administrative life of the church, including the training
and support of pastors and elders, the work of committees and councils, and the
gatherings where prayerful discernment and decision-making take place. In
short, Per Capita makes it possible for the church to function faithfully and
in good order.
For 2026, the Per Capita
amount has increased slightly by 42 cents, bringing the total to $45.08 per
member. This amount is shared across the different councils of the church:
- $30.01 goes to the
Presbytery of Wabash Valley, supporting pastoral care, oversight, and
mission in our region.
- $3.80 goes to the
Synod of Lincoln Trails, which provides leadership, training, and
coordination across multiple presbyteries.
- $11.26 goes to the
General Assembly, enabling the national church to carry out its
constitutional responsibilities and shared ministries.
Paying Per Capita is an
expression of our commitment to being part of something larger than ourselves.
It affirms that we are not an independent congregation, but a connected
church—walking together in faith, accountability, and mission. When we faithfully
meet our Per Capita obligation, we help strengthen the whole church and ensure
that its work continues smoothly and responsibly.
Thank you for your
understanding, prayers, and support as we share in this important ministry of
connection.
Gourmet Seekers and BYOB
BYOB (Bring Your Own
Burger—or any meal) will take place on Friday, January 9, at 11:30 a.m. in the
church library. All are welcome for a relaxed time of fellowship and
conversation.
Gourmet Seekers will resume
later this month as we look forward to milder weather. The location is still to
be determined, and we welcome your suggestions—please share your ideas with
Pastor Je. The gathering will be held on Friday, January 30, at noon. For those
wishing to carpool, we will meet at the church at 11:30 a.m.
Serving This Month
The elder of the month is
Nancy Kincaid. The liturgist of the month is Ralph Willard.
Brainstorming Together
As many of you know, Eli Lilly’s new pharmaceutical
campus is currently under construction. This major development will include
corporate offices, manufacturing facilities, research laboratories, and
distribution centers. Once completed, it is expected to bring hundreds of
permanent jobs to our community.
This also means that many new employees—and their
families—may be moving into our town. In anticipation, Session has begun
discussing two important questions:
1. How can we warmly welcome
these new neighbors to our community?
2. How can we extend an
invitation for them to become part of our church family?
Because the construction will take a few more years,
we have time to prepare thoughtfully. Pastor Je and the Session now invite all
of you to join in this conversation. Your prayers, insights, and creative
ideas are essential as we consider how to embody Christ’s love to our future neighbors.
Please share your suggestions with your Session
members or with Pastor Je directly. Together, let us discern how God may be
calling us to open our doors and hearts in this new season of opportunity.
Celebrations
(B
=
birthday, A
=
anniversary)
Thur. Jan. 1st Happy New Year!
Fri. Jan. 9th Leeza Finch’s (B)
Thur. Jan. 15th Jerry Jones’ (B)
Sun. Jan. 18th
Luna Nunley’s (B)
Mon. Jan.
19th Toby Meyer’s (B)
Sat. Jan. 24th Oliver Hutcheson’s (B)
Wed. Jan. 28th Steve MacPherson’s (B)
Church Calendar
Sun. Jan. 4th Star/ Communion Sunday
Tues. Jan. 6th Epiphany
Fri. Jan. 9th 11:30am BYOB
Mon. Jan. 19th MLK Jr. Day
Tues. Jan. 20th 6:30pm Session Meeting
Sun. Jan. 25th Caring Sunday
Fri. Jan. 30th Noon Gourmet Seekers
Location
TBA
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