"Through the Study Window"
The Newsletter of Peru Community Church |
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Dear Beloved Community,
Summer invites us to slow down — to breathe, to notice, to reconnect. The warmth of the sun, the green of the trees, the long evenings remind us that creation itself is always offering rest and renewal. I hope you're finding time to savor those sacred pauses.
But summer isn’t just about slowing down. It’s also an invitation to deepen relationships — with ourselves, with others, with the God who is not distant but present in every moment of beauty, justice, and love.
At our core, we are a people of connection. Progressive faith reminds us that spirituality is not about escape from the world but engagement with it. Rest, in this vision, is not a luxury — it is resistance. In a world that rewards overwork, stillness becomes a radical act of claiming your worth, your belovedness, and your place in the great unfolding of God’s kin-dom.
This summer, whether you’re marching for justice, hiking through the woods, gathering around a table, or simply resting your tired soul — may you remember you are not alone. This community is still here. We are still singing. Still praying. Still showing up for one another.
We hope you’ll come join us — in worship, in service, in conversation, in joy. Bring your whole self. Come as you are.
See you in church.
With grace and gratitude,
Pastors Phil and Leigh |
Pastor Phil on Vacation
Pastor Phil will be on vacation from August 21st thru September 1st . Please contact Amanda in the church office or Pastor Leigh if there is a pastoral emergency. Pastor Leigh is covering emergencies, while Phil is away. |
| Click HERE In case the link isn't working, use the information below. |
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| | Meeting ID: 884 4689 4229 |
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PRAYER LIST
Debbie & Howard Bell; Carly Boyea; Sarah Connelly; Dan Ferris; Denise; Rosemary Gaulin; Susanne & Eukie Jones;
Barb & Roy Perry
Pray for those struggling with addiction and physical, mental and spiritual health.
Pray for those who teach, guide, care for, and help our children.
Pray for our military, law enforcement, first responders and medical personnel.
Pray for our church, our members, and our pastors.
Please contact the office if you would like to add a name to the prayer list. Thank you! |
| Men’s Breakfast Begins in September! |
Monday, September 8th at 7:30 am
All men are invited to Rulfs, the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast, conversation, and fellowship.
This will be a casual gathering with Pastor Phil. A sign up sheet will be in the back of the sanctuary and even if you do not sign up, you are still welcome! Each person will be responsible for their own bill. |
Granny's Attic will return on October 4, 2025!
The date is set! Mark your calendars! We're going to need helpers and workers. Contact Barb Benkwitt or the church office if you want to get involved. Set up will begin September 20th! |
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| Preaching Schedule for August/September |
August 3: Pastor Leigh August 17: Pastor Phil August 31: Pastor Leigh
August 10: Pastor Phil August 24: Pastor Leigh September 7: Pastor Phil |
Fireside Chat with the Pastor in the parsonage backyard! |
Friday, August 15th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Located at 22 Jerry Drive – across the street from Plattsburgh UMC church! Join Phil for fellowship and conversation by a fire! Bring beverages, snacks and chairs! There will be a table outside for snacks and beverages! |
In case you missed the Strawhatters Concert held here last month, they will be performing at
Saranac UMC on Tuesday, August 19th at 6:00 pm. |
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Summer Clean-Up happening at Peru Community Church!
As July came to a close, many generous hands joined together to clean up the grounds of the Fellowship Center, the Church, and the surrounding areas of God’s Acre Cemetery. We’re deeply grateful to all the members who stepped up to make a difference—your efforts are truly appreciated! There’s still plenty of work to be done, so if you’re looking to get involved, we’d love to have you join us! Also, Begor's LCSG was here to add gutters to the north side of the sanctuary. |
| Fall Book Study Held via Zoom - Led by Rev. Phil Richards |
| Also: Wednesday, November 19th at 7pm, Author Rev. Ginger Gaines-CIrelli will be joining the Book Study Group! |
| Bible Readings for August 2025 - Lectionary Year C |
8th Sunday/Pentecost 8/3/25
Hosea 11:1-11
Psalm 107:1-9, 43
Colossians 3:1-11
Luke 12:13-21
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| 9th Sunday/Pentecost 8/10/25
Isaiah 1:1,10-20
Psalm 50:1-8,22-23
Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
Luke 12:32-40
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| 10th Sunday/Pentecost 8/17/25
Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80:1-2,8-19
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Luke 12:49-56
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| 11th Sunday/Pentecost 8/24/25
Jeremiah 1:4-10
Psalm 71:1-6
Hebrews 12:18-29
Luke 13:10-17
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12th Sunday/Pentecost 8/31/25
Jeremiah 2:4-13
Psalm 81:1, 10-16
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16
Luke 14:1, 7-14
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| Special Offering - for the Texas Floods
So far we have collected over $5,100 for humanitarian relief for the victims of the flooding in the southern US. We will be collecting until 8/17 if you would like to donate toward this mission.
You can also donate on the website.
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An Opportunity to Join the Worship Team
Sign Up Sheet in the Church (or call the church office) |
Friends,
Do you have a heart for worship, creativity, or a desire to help others connect with God in meaningful ways? We’re putting together a Seasonal Worship Planning Team, and we’d love for you to be part of it! We will meet no more than 5 times a year. (August, September, November January, April)
This team will help shape our worship services—bringing together creative elements to help our community experience God’s presence. Whether you’re a musician, artist, tech-savvy, a good brainstormer, or simply someone who loves worship, there’s a place for you at the table. We will also be looking for ways to increase involvement in worship. (ie; Greeters, Ushers, Communion Servers, Liturgists/Worship Assistants etc...)
Our first meeting will be Monday, August 11 at 10 am in the Church office, where we’ll share ideas, look ahead to the next season of worship, and begin planning together.
If you’re interested or just curious, let us know! There is a sign-up sheet in the back of the sanctuary for you to put your name, email address and phone number.
Let’s create something beautiful—together.
In grace and gratitude, Phil Richards |
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| Welcome to Amplify Media! |
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Our congregation has access to “Amplify Media” - a service that provides a wealth of material for everyone. Take advantage of this opportunity to enrich your relationship with God. The UMC Conference pays the subscription fee - so it’s free for you to use. There are many studies by favorite authors and about favorite topics (Old and New Testament, Women, Men, Children and Teens). There are also “live” videos running so you are able to get a taste of the different programs and studies available that you may not be initially drawn to. Here is the information needed to log in and create your account:
URL: https://my.amplifymedia.com/amplify/home
Access Code: CGPNKF |
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| Plattsburgh UMC Women of Faith Annual Rummage Sale August 7- 9 |
Sale dates and times: Thursday, August 7: 9am - 6pm; Friday, August 8: 9am - 6pm; Saturday, August 9: 9am - 1pm
Set-Up, Donations, and Clean-Up LOTS OF HELP NEEDED! TABLE SET UP - Saturday, August 2 at 9 am DONATIONS ACCEPTED - Sunday, 8/3 11:15am - 2pm; Monday 8/4 5pm - 7pm; Tuesday 8/5 10am - Noon SET UP ALL + DONATIONS ACCEPTED - Wednesday, 8/6 8am - finished set up. CLEAN UP - Immediately following shut down at 1pm on Saturday, 8/9 WE NEED YOUR HELP! CONTACT Marsha Lawrence 518-9490918 (call or text)
NOTE: Donations for the Plattsburgh UMC Book Sale will be accepted beginning Monday, August 11th from 9am to 11am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. Book Sale to be held on September 12 & 13 along with the Annual Take Out Chicken BBQ on Saturday, September 13th. |
JCEO Requested Items for August
Following July's request for hygiene items, we continue with another non-food appeal.
Your donations can be dropped in the basket on the altar or dropped in the basket next to the church office in the Fellowship Center.
As always, your assistance is appreciated! |
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Golf Tournament in support of the Interfaith Food Shelf
September 12, 2025 at Harmony Golf Club
$65 members, $75 non-members - Includes golf, cart and lunch.
For more information contact Cathy Mazurak 518-569-6439 or email DRIVEFORFOODPLATTSBURGH@GMAIL.COM |
Visit the Calendar page on our website to see what is happening in the coming month.
Visit our Giving page to support the missions and operations of Peru Community Church. |
| Mooers UMC 8 am; Three Steeples UMC 9 am; Peru Community Church 9 am; Plattsburgh UMC 10:15 am; Saranac UMC 11:15 am |
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