"Through the Study Window"
The Newsletter of Peru Community Church |
From Our Pastors Season of Reconnection at Peru Community Church |
Dear friends,
As the air begins to shift and the familiar rhythms of fall return, we are invited into a sacred season of homecoming—a time to remember who we are, to renew old connections, and to rebuild what may have been frayed by time, distance, or change.
This September at Peru Community Church, we begin a new worship series: “Homecoming: Building Relationships”—a journey rooted in the deep belief that faith is not something we hold alone, but something we live out together. As people shaped by a living, relational God we are co-creators of sacred community—always in the process of becoming.
Each Sunday, we will explore a Gospel story that speaks to relationship: the joy of finding what was lost, the rebuilding of trust, the practice of gratitude, and the healing power of forgiveness. These themes aren’t abstract—they’re deeply practical. They speak to how we live, how we show up for each other, and how we reflect the divine love that binds us together.
We hope this season will be a time of welcome and reconnection. Whether you’ve been here every Sunday or you’re just beginning to consider returning, there’s a place for you in this unfolding story.
We’ll also mark Homecoming Sunday on September 21, with joyful worship, coffee hour fellowship, and a special moment of blessing for the season ahead.
So come as you are. Bring your questions, your hopes, your longings, and your need for connection. Let this fall be a time to come home—not just to a building, but to the heart of community and to the One who is always calling us into love.
With grace and anticipation,
Rev. Phil Richards and Rev. Leigh McCaffrey
Worship at Peru Community Church Themes: September 7: Coming Home / Cost of Discipleship September 14: The Joy of Finding What Was Lost September 21: Rebuilding Trust September 28: Seeing the Unseen |
| 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
Aaron; Debbie & Howard Bell; Carly Boyea; Sarah Connelly; Dan Ferris; Denise; Rosemary Gaulin;
Emily Hancock; Rick; Susanne & Eukie Jones; Bonnie Mahnk; Barb & Roy Perry; Rebecca Winkler
To the family and friends of James (Jim) Hays who passed away on August 16th. Our prayers are with you.
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. |
| Preaching Schedule for September Subject to Change |
September 7: Pastor Phil
September 14: Pastor Phil
September 21: Pastor Leigh
September 28: Pastor Leigh |
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Monthly Community Potluck Gatherings |
Dear Church Family,
As we enter this sacred season together, we acknowledge that the path to healing is not always easy—but it is holy. In the wake of past conflicts and transitions, we long for spaces of truth-telling, grace, and courageous hope. These Monthly Community Gatherings are designed to guide us toward that sacred work of reconciliation and renewal. As we listen more deeply, reflect more honestly, and grow more lovingly, we participate in God’s ongoing creative work of transformation. We come not with all the answers, but with the commitment to walk together—with humility, compassion, and trust in the Spirit’s leading. Whether you are new to this church or have been here for decades, your voice, your story, and your presence matter. We invite you to come with openness, courage, and kindness as we begin this journey together.
As part of our commitment to healing and deepening relationships, we warmly invite you to join us for Sunday potluck meals following worship (on the dates below) during this season of reconciliation. These meals will provide a relaxed and welcoming space to continue conversations, share stories, and build new friendships across generations and backgrounds. Bringing a dish to share is encouraged but not required—your presence is the greatest gift. Together, around the table, we live into the relational nature of God and strengthen the bonds that hold us as one body. We look forward to breaking bread with you and growing in community!
These gatherings will take place after worship in the Fellowship Center on September 14, October 26, November 16, and December 14.
With hope and peace,
Your Pastors, Phil and Leigh |
Ruining Lunch - Thursday, September 11 at 11:45 a.m. at Plattsburgh United Methodist Church - 127 Beekman St.
You’re Invited: Faith in the Face of Federal Force - Following Jesus in a Time of Militarized Streets (Sign up with Diane P. - luv2garden5@gmail.com) Bring a sandwich - Beverage and Soup will be provided!
Join us for a timely conversation on faith, justice, and compassion in light of recent events in Washington, DC. The announcement of a federal takeover of the DC police force — with National Guard and federal agents deployed onto city streets — has deep implications for our communities, our democracy, and our witness as followers of Christ.
From a Progressive Christian perspective, we will explore: • How Jesus confronted the misuse of power. • Why “law and order” is not the same as God’s justice. • The truth that Jesus himself was homeless — and what that means for our response to today’s housing crisis. • Practical, faithful ways to resist fear and embody God’s Beloved Community. |
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| Another BUSY day at Peru Community Church - the stumps are gone! 8/21/2025 |
| Raking and trimming done thanks to Mason Forrence and his “crew"! 8/25/2025 |
| Fall Book Study Held via Zoom - Led by Rev. Phil Richards |
| Bible Readings for September 2025 - Lectionary Year C |
13th Sunday/Pentecost 9/7/25
Jeremiah 18:1-11
Psalm 139:1-6,13-18
Philemon 1:17-27
Luke 14:25-33
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14th Sunday/Pentecost 9/14/25
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Psalm 14
1 Timothy 1:12-17
Luke 15:1-10
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15th Sunday/Pentecost 9/21/25
Jeremiah 8:18-9:1
Psalm 79:1-9
1Timothy 2:1-7
Luke 16:1-13
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16th Sunday/Pentecost 9/28/25
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15
Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
1Timothy 6:6-19
Luke 16:19-31
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What can I do to help?
In response to this important question, the Council has created a list of priority tasks where your help is most needed.
Thanks to Meg Edwards, who has graciously taken on the work of writing up these tasks, capturing photos, and creating a bulletin board in the Coffee Hour room, you can now easily see where you might lend a hand.
Take a look, pray about it, and see where your gifts and time can make a difference!
You can view the full list of tasks below. |
| Peru Community Church - A Four Part History |
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JCEO Requested Items for September
Bring you items to church with you on Sunday and place them in the basket on the altar. There is also a basket in the Fellowship Center outside the Church Office where items can be dropped off. Thank you for your continued support! |
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M.E.L.T. Fall 2025 Newsletter
(Malawi Early Literacy Team)
You will find the latest newsletter from M.E.L.T. HERE psst! You may see someone you know! |
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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