"Through the Study Window"
The Newsletter of Peru Community Church |
| Image by Ralph from Pixabay |
There is something about fall that feels like a fresh start. The air begins to change. The mornings are cooler. The leaves slowly begin their beautiful transformation. Summer schedules give way to the rhythms of a new school year, new routines, new activities, and a renewed sense of community.
Fall reminds us that change is a natural part of life.
Our September worship theme, “Preparing for Something New,” invites us to think about what it means to enter a new season—not only on the calendar, but in our lives, our faith, and our community.
We begin with the story of Exodus, a story about people who found themselves at the beginning of something they had never experienced before. They were leaving what was familiar and moving toward a future they could not yet see clearly.
That sounds a little like life sometimes. We often want to know exactly what comes next before we take the first step. We like plans, schedules, certainty, and clear directions. But life rarely works that way. New seasons often arrive before we feel completely ready for them.
Fall teaches us something different.
The trees do not cling desperately to every leaf. They let go when the time comes. And in doing so, they remind us that letting go can be part of making room for something new. Perhaps that is a good spiritual practice for all of us this fall.
What might we need to let go of? What old assumptions, worries, disappointments, or habits have we been carrying that no longer serve us?
And what might we make room for? More joy. More friendship. More generosity. More curiosity. More compassion. More time together.
As we begin another fall season in the life of our church, there will be plenty happening. Worship ministries will be getting back into their rhythms. Groups and studies will gather again. Children and youth ministries will begin a new year. There will be opportunities to learn, serve, eat together, laugh together, and simply enjoy being part of a community.
But perhaps the most important thing we can do this fall is show up. Show up for worship. Show up for one another. Show up for our neighbors. Show up with a willingness to see where the Spirit might be leading us.
We don't have to have everything figured out. We don't need to know exactly what the future will look like. We simply need to be willing to take the next faithful step.
The Exodus story reminds us that new beginnings can be both exciting and uncertain. The people didn't know exactly where the journey would lead. But they discovered that they did not have to make the journey alone. Neither do we.
So as the leaves begin to change and we settle into a new season, may we welcome the possibilities that fall brings. May we be willing to let go of what needs to be released. May we make room for what is emerging. And may we discover, together, that something new is already beginning.
Welcome to fall. Welcome to a new season. And welcome to whatever comes next.
Peace, Pastors Phil and Leigh |
| ZOOM Log-In Information for Sunday Morning Worship |
| 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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"Moving to a New Place" - Sunday Worship in September
This September, we’ll journey together through the opening chapters of the Exodus story with a worship series called “Moving to a New Place!”
The Exodus story is about much more than a people physically leaving one place for another. It is a story about change, uncertainty, freedom, trust, and discovering what it means to move toward a new future. And perhaps that makes it a story for us, too.
Sometimes we find ourselves in a new place because we chose to move. Sometimes life moves us there. And sometimes we know that something needs to change, even when we aren't quite sure what comes next.
Throughout September, we'll explore what happens when we step away from what is familiar and begin moving toward something new.
September 6: Moving Out - Exodus 12:1-14 The journey begins. The Israelites prepare to leave Egypt, stepping into an uncertain future and trusting that something different is possible.
September 13: Crossing Over - Exodus 14:19-31 There are moments when moving forward means leaving the past behind. At the Red Sea, the Israelites discover that sometimes the only way through is to take the next step.
September 20: What Are We Going to Eat? Exodus 16:2-15 Freedom doesn't mean everything suddenly becomes easy. In the wilderness, the Israelites discover hunger, uncertainty, and the daily challenge of trusting that there will be enough.
September 27: Water in the Wilderness - Exodus 17:1-7 Even in difficult places, life can emerge. The people discover water in the wilderness and are reminded that they are not alone on the journey.
This fall, let's make space for new beginnings. Come with your questions. Come with your hopes. Come with your uncertainties. Come exactly as you are.
Join us for worship this September as we explore what it means to leave familiar places, navigate uncertain journeys, and discover new possibilities together.
Moving to a New Place! Sometimes the journey is the point. |
PRAYER LIST
Abbie Breen; Rob Butts; Carol; Sarah Connelly; Denise; Eric Duquette; Nancy Fegan; Dan Ferris; Jerry; Susanne & Eucky Jones; Bonnie Mahnk; Howard Newton; Pam; Patricia; Roy Perry; Evelyn Rinella; Sherrie & Julia; Anne Stevensen; Jane Way
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! |
| Bible Readings for September 2026 - Lectionary Year A |
15th Sunday/Pentecost 9/6
Exodus 12:1-14
Psalm 149
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20 |
| 16th Sunday/Pentecost 9/13
Exodus14:19-31
Exodus 15:1-11, 20-21
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 18:21-35 |
| 17th Sunday/Pentecost 9/20
Exodus 16:2-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
Philippians1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16 |
| 18th Sunday/Pentecost 9/27
Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16
Philippians 2:1-13
Matthew 21:23-32 |
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Welcome Visitors Cards
You may notice the green “Welcome Visitors” card in the pews. If you are new or visiting, would like to be added to our mailing list, or need to update your contact information, please fill one out and place it in the offering plate. |
🏫 BACK - TO - SCHOOL 🏫
While there are many opportunities throughout Clinton County to contribute to Back-To-School drives, a conversation with a social worker from the Peru Central School District led to identifying some student needs that are still being unmet.
At the meeting of the Mission, Outreach and Social Justice team, it was agreed upon that we would like to help address some of these needs.
For the months of September and October, we would ask that you consider making a donation of any of the following:
- Underwear - all sizes, boys and girls
- Socks - all sizes
- Leggings - all sizes (including for MS and HS students that have feminine issues)
- Boys elastic waist pants or shorts
- Deodorant Shampoo/Soap
- Feminine Products
- Laundry Detergent/Dryer Sheets (the school will often do laundry for a student)
Thank you in advance for your participation in this worthwhile mission. There will be a basket in the sanctuary to collect these items.
And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40 (RSV) |
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Lifting Our Song Capital Campaign for an Allen Organ
You should have recently received a letter and pledge card from the church for our “Lifting Our Song” campaign. The purpose of this campaign is to purchase and install an Allen Organ that will support worship for generations to come.
After careful research, prayer, and conversation, we believe an Allen Organ offers an excellent combination of quality, reliability, flexibility, and long-term stewardship. Just as importantly, the new instrument will preserve the familiar appearance and beauty of our sanctuary while providing the technology needed to support worship well into the future.
If you have not yet done so, we invite you to pray over this opportunity and thoughtfully consider how you might participate in the Lifting Our Song campaign. Then, please complete your pledge card and return it to the church.
Do you have family or friends who have moved away from the area? They may also want to participate by making a pledge or giving a gift in honor or in memory of someone special. Extra pledge cards are available in the sanctuary. Gifts may also be made by sending a check to the church or through our website’s giving page, where an Organ Fund account is available to receive donations.
We also invite you to share your story! In the coming weeks, we will invite members to write down their favorite memories and experiences connected to music and worship in our church. Cards will be available in the sanctuary through late summer and into the fall.
Thank you for helping us "Lift Our Song" as we honor the past, support the present, and sing into the future!
The Music Ministry Team,
Abbie Breen, Ken Edwards, Rob LaFountain, Chris Mullen, Jim Stafford |
| Our next Food Bag Packing Project will be Friday, September 4th at 10:30am at St. Joseph's Outreach Center, 1349 Military Turnpike, Plattsburgh. What's involved? Volunteers unload food from cars (that come from the warehouse space we use) and "the closet" at St. Joe's.
We set out all the food on tables, assemble bags, then break down boxes and load bags into cars at the end. We are usually done in about an hour. The bags are then delivered to the Plattsburgh Public Library, the hospital social workers' office, and area motels that work with the Department of Social Services (DSS) to house folks in need of shelter.
The food bags were designed to meet the emergency food needs in a motel room setting.The bags also include a small toiletry kit containing shampoo, body wash (soap), toothbrush and toothpaste. We have been blessed with willing volunteers each time - with huge thanks to the August 14th Bag Crew for the 200 bags they packed. |
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Monday, September 14th at 7:30 am |
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This is what JCEO has requested for September,
bring your donations to Church or Fellowship Hall. |
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Church Banner Sponsorship Opportunity
The Altar Team is seeking sponsors for new Easter banners. An example is shown. More pictures are on the Task Board in the Coffee Hour area.
Each banner costs $150 and may be dedicated in honor of or in memory of a loved one. A commemorative tag is included with each banner, allowing the honored individual's name(s) to be displayed.
These banners are the same high quality as those currently hanging in our sanctuary and will enhance our worship space for years to come.
If you would like to sponsor a banner or have any questions, please contact:
Dee Davis – (518) 569-8085
Dianne Miller – (518) 643-2165
Thank you for considering this meaningful way to beautify our sanctuary while honoring someone special. |
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| Open Table Returns this month! |
"Room at the Table"
As the busy days of summer give way to the rhythms of fall, we invite you to gather around the table once again.
Open Table is a relaxed, intergenerational evening where people of all ages come together to share a meal, sing, hear a story from scripture, enjoy meaningful conversation, and participate in a creative activity.
This month, we’ll explore the theme “Room at the Table.” Together we’ll discover how Jesus continually made room for others and invited everyone to belong. In a world where people can often feel left out or overlooked, we’ll celebrate the joy of creating communities where everyone is welcomed, valued, and loved.
Whether you’re five or ninety-five, whether you’ve been to Open Table before or this is your first time, there is a place waiting for you.
Come hungry for good food, good conversation, and a welcoming community.
Sunday, September 13 5:30–6:30 p.m. Peru Community Church Fellowship Center Chapel |
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🍽️ Shared Meal - Dinner provided!
🎵 Contemporary Music
📖 Scripture & Reflection
🎨 Creative Activity for All Ages
💬 Conversation & Community Invite your family, a friend, or a neighbor.
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| There is always room at the table—and there is a place for you. |
Men’s Breakfast at Rulfs on September 14th!
Start your week with good food and great conversation! Join us for a relaxed and welcoming Men’s Breakfast at Rulfs on the second Monday of every month at 7:30 a.m. It’s a chance to connect, share stories, and enjoy some time together—no agenda, just community. Whether you come every time or it’s your first visit, you’re invited. Pull up a chair and join us! All are welcome. |
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Ruining Lunch - Faithful Democracy: Following Jesus in the Midterm Elections
Thursday, September 17 - 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. - Plattsburgh United Methodist Church Chapel
Join us for another engaging Ruining Lunch conversation as we explore what it means to approach the upcoming midterm elections through the lens of faith. Together we'll consider how the teachings of Jesus can shape our understanding of democracy, justice, compassion, and civic responsibility in today's political climate.
This is not about endorsing candidates or political parties. Rather, it's an opportunity for thoughtful, respectful conversation rooted in our shared commitment to follow Jesus and seek the common good.
Soup, a beverage, and dessert will be provided. Please bring your own sandwich.
Whether you've joined us before or this is your first Ruining Lunch, you'll find a welcoming space for honest conversation, respectful dialogue, and fresh perspectives.
All are welcome! |
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Sitting with Job and Reflecting on Uncontrollable, Inexplicable Events in Life
Tuesday nights at 6:00 pm in person at Three Steeples UMC or on Zoom starting September 29 Nothing demands our attention like sudden, uncontrollable, and inexplicable events in life. Happy and exciting events are often enjoyed without seeking deeper meaning behind them. When personal, tragic or painful events happen, just as Job and his friends did, we tend to drop everything else and begin looking for meaning behind the events. While readers of the book of Job are prone to look for answers to the question, “Why do the innocent suffer?,” the more significant focus must be “How do the faithful relate to the Lord in the process of suffering?” Towards that end, one of the key functions of the book of Job is providing a manual for theological reflection on uncontrollable, inexplicable events in life. This book provides us excellent examples of what to avoid and what to focus on in our own moments of suffering, as well as in our ministerial role as comforters to sufferers. The purpose of this study is to highlight some key features in the book of Job,as intended by the divinely inspired author of the book, which help explain its value as a manual for theological reflection. After going through the entire book to identify the key reflection points, our study will conclude with general observations on how to engage this manual to enhance our own walk with the Lord. This study will take place over 10 weekly sessions. Email fivechurchesumc@gmail.com for the Zoom link ------- Join us for a new 10-week study, "Sitting with Job," as we explore how to navigate life's sudden and painful challenges. Instead of simply asking why the innocent suffer, this series focuses on how to maintain a faithful relationship with God during difficult times. Using the book of Job, we will discover practical examples of how to process our own grief and how to truly comfort others in their time of need. Together, we will find valuable reflection points to strengthen our daily walk with the Lord. The Reverend Dr. Kon Hwon Yang, the study leader, was professor of Old Testament Studies at Gateway Seminary (formerly known as Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary) in Ontario, California. He and his wife Patsy currently reside in Mooers, NY. |
🎄✨ Christmas Buffet Organizational Meeting at Plattsburgh UMC ✨🎄
It may still feel like summer, but Christmas will be here before we know it! One of our favorite traditions is the Plattsburgh UMC’s Christmas Buffet, and it takes a wonderful team of people to make it happen.
We’re gathering for an organizational meeting to begin planning this year’s Christmas Buffet. We’ll talk about the menu, decorations, setup, hospitality, serving, cleanup, and all the other details that help make the evening such a special celebration.
Whether you’ve helped Everywith the Christmas Buffet for years or this would be your first time, we’d love to have you join us! There are lots of ways to help, and you don’t have to take on a big job to be part of the team.
📅 Tuesday, September 29
🕡 6:30 p.m.
📍 Plattsburgh United Methodist Church
Come bring your ideas, your creativity, and your Christmas spirit as we begin making plans for another wonderful Christmas Buffet!
🎄Everyone is welcome - and there's a place for you on the planning team! 🎄 |
Fall Zoom Book Study
 As we considered the options for our fall study, our thoughts kept returning to Backslide by Robert P. Jones, especially in light of the upcoming midterm elections and the important conversations taking place in our country and within our faith communities. The book will be released on September 8, making it a new and timely resource as we begin our study together in October. We believe Backslide offers an especially important opportunity for us to think together about faith, Christian nationalism, democracy, political power, race, and the moral responsibility of people of faith. Jones, author of The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy, takes a clear-eyed look at what happens when Christianity becomes intertwined with the pursuit of political power. Drawing on history, personal experience, and decades of social science research, he examines the moral and theological crisis within white Christianity and its relationship to Christian nationalism and authoritarian politics.
Yet Backslide is not simply a book about what has gone wrong. Jones also offers a word of hope. As Publishers Weekly notes, Jones argues that “backsliding is not irreversible,” because repentance remains possible through confession and the willingness to acknowledge difficult truths.
That makes this an important book for people of faith who are willing to wrestle honestly with difficult questions: - What happens when faith becomes more concerned with power than love?
- How has Christian nationalism shaped our understanding of Christianity and democracy?
- What does it mean for the church to tell the truth about its own history?
- How can people of faith respond when democracy and religious freedom are under pressure?
- What might repentance, courage, and moral responsibility look like in our own communities?
- How can we embody a faith rooted in love, justice, compassion, and the common good?
We know these conversations can be difficult. Our hope is not to tell people what they should think or how they should vote. Rather, we want to create a space where we can listen deeply, ask honest questions, challenge our own assumptions, and explore what our faith asks of us in a complicated and deeply divided time.
The timing of this study—beginning just a few weeks after the book’s release and leading into the midterm elections—gives us an opportunity to consider not only what is happening in our political life, but also what kind of people and what kind of church we want to be in the midst of it.
Backslide by Robert P. Jones Book released: September 8 Study begins: Monday, October 5 We will offer two sessions each Monday, giving participants the opportunity to choose the time that works best for them: Monday Afternoon
12:30–1:45 p.m. Monday Evening
7:00–8:15 p.m.
Facilitators:
Phil Richards • Becky Richards • Sally White • Anne Herzog
To register and receive the Zoom link: Diane P. luv2garden5@gmail.com
Whether you have participated in our previous studies or this will be your first time, you are warmly welcome.
Come ready to read, question, listen, wrestle, and learn together. We may not agree on every question—and that’s okay. Our goal is not simply to finish a book, but to deepen our faith and our capacity to engage one another with honesty, humility, courage, and grace.
We believe Backslide gives us an opportunity to have a conversation our faith communities need to be having right now. We hope you’ll join us. |
Biblical Storytelling: Dancing with Words based on the work of Ray Buckley
Friday, October 9 | 5:00–8:00 p.m. Please bring a bag dinner. Beverages will be provided.
Saturday, October 10 | 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Lunch will be provided.
Location:
Peru Community Church – Fellowship Center
12 Elm Street
Peru, NY
Course Description The Bible was meant to be heard before it was ever read. In this engaging Advanced Lay Servant course, participants will discover the art and spiritual practice of biblical storytelling using Dancing with Words by Ray Buckley as the primary resource. You do not have to do this as an Advanced Lay Servant – Everyone is Welcome!
Together we will explore how Scripture comes alive when it is spoken from the heart rather than simply read from the page. Participants will learn techniques for understanding, internalizing, and presenting biblical stories in ways that engage the imagination, deepen faith, and invite listeners into the story itself. Through discussion, storytelling practice, and reflection, this course will help participants: - Develop skills for learning and telling biblical stories by heart.
- Gain confidence in sharing Scripture in worship, small groups, and community settings.
- Explore the cultural and historical traditions of oral storytelling in the Bible.
- Discover how storytelling can enrich preaching, teaching, and personal discipleship.
- Experience Scripture as a living story that continues to shape our lives today.
This Advanced Lay Servant course is appropriate for Certified Lay Servants seeking continuing education, as well as clergy and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of Scripture through the power of storytelling.
Course Book Participants are asked to purchase and read Dancing with Words by Ray Buckley before the class, if possible. Purchase the book through Upper Room Books: https://upperroombooks.com/book/dancing-with-words/
Registration Registration Fee: $15.00 To register, email Rev. Phil Richards at: pastorphils@gmail.com
You may mail your $15.00 registration fee to: Or simply bring your registration fee with you to the first course session. Plattsburgh United Methodist Church
127 Beekman Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
We look forward to learning, practicing, and experiencing the transforming power of God's story together. |
Honoring Our Veterans this November
The Altar Team is preparing a special Veterans Day display to honor those who served our country, and would like the congregation’s help!
We are asking you to provide a framed 5x7 or 8x10 photograph of a military loved one in uniform. Please place the following information on the back of the framed photograph:
- Your Name
- Name of Veteran
- Years of Service
- Branch of Service
Please also let us know if we have permission to keep the photograph for future years, so that we may continue to honor and remember them.
Please bring framed photographs to the church no later than Sunday, October 25.
Thank you for helping us honor our veterans and remember the sacrifices made by those who served.
Dee Davis, Cindi LaFountain, Dianne Miller |
Visit the Calendar page on our website to see what is happening in the coming months.
Visit our Giving page to support the missions and operations of Peru Community Church. |
Are you interested in meeting with one or both of the pastors?
They invite you to reach out to them by phone call, text, or email. Their contact information is listed below. |
Steve Woodruff - Virtual Organist
Patsy Yang - Choir Director
Steve Vogl - Joint Bell Ensemble Director |
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| 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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