| Peru Community Church Weekly Announcements |
Rev. Phil Richards, Lead Pastor
Rev. Leigh McCaffrey, Assoc. Pastor for Growth |
Welcome to Worshipwith Rev. Phil Richards |
Sunday - January 18, 2026
9 a.m. - Worship Service ~ In-person and via Zoom
SERVICES HELD IN FELLOWSHIP HALL BEGINNING 1/11/26 |
 |
Dear friends,
This weekend, I invite you to worship with us as we gather on Human Relations Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend—a meaningful moment for the church and for our nation. Our scripture readings will include Isaiah 49:1–7 and John 1:29–42, texts that speak honestly about calling, courage, and what it means to be a light in difficult times. We will also listen to the wisdom and witness of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose words continue to challenge the church to live its faith publicly and faithfully.
The sermon, “Come and See: A Light That Refuses to Stay Quiet,” will reflect on Jesus’ invitation to follow—not as a private belief, but as a way of life that tells the truth, resists injustice, and loves boldly. This is worship for anyone who feels weary, hopeful, unsettled, or longing for a faith that matters in the real world.
You do not need to have everything figured out to come. You do not need to agree with everyone in the room. You only need a willingness to listen, pray, and seek God together.
As Dr. King reminded us, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” This weekend, we will worship the God who still speaks—and still calls us to respond.
I hope you will join us. Grace and peace, Phil |
|
Zoom.us
Meeting ID: 884 4689 4229
Passcode: 579851
Phone: 1-646-558-8656
Bulletin content and Hymns are subject to change. |
| Please wear your name tag during worship and coffee hour. |
Prayer List
Debbie & Howard Bell; Diana Connolly; Dan Ferris; Denise; Vera Hadid; Susanne & Eucky Jones; Mary Jo Juneau; Bonnie Mahnk; Kathie Martz; Laurel McCluskie; Barb & Roy Perry; Courtney Raymond; Rick; Evelyn Rinella; Anne Stevensen; Jane Way; Thomas Wetterling; Alice Winternitz
To the family and friends of Donald York Rennell who passed away on Jan.12th.
Please contact the office if you would like to add a name to the prayer list. Thank you! |
Meetings - Events - Announcements |
1/18: Worship at 9 am in Fellowship Hall and on Zoom 1/18: Coffee Hour after worship. Stay for fellowship. 1/18: Open Table Service 5:30 pm in the Chapel
1/19: Office Closed - MLK Jr.'s Birthday Observance 1/19: AA 7:30 pm
1/20 & 1/22: RSVP Exercise Group 9:30 am - 10:30 am 1/20: Visiting & Crafting at Valehaven 2:00 pm 1/20: Bell Choir Rehearsal 7 pm
1/21: In person Bible Study at PUMC 1:00 pm "The Marys of the New Testament" 1/21: Knit Wits 1:30 pm
1/22: Informational Meeting 12 Noon at PUMC - Learn about Luke 10 Congregations: Equipping Churches to Do Justice.
|
|
🌟Star Words for Epiphany🌟 As we celebrate Epiphany, we remember the story of the Magi who followed the star to find and honor the Christ Child. Just as the Magi were guided by a bright light, we invite you to receive a Star Word—a single word chosen by you—to carry with you through the new year. Your Star Word can be a source of inspiration, guidance, and reflection, helping you notice God’s presence in everyday life. It is an invitation to pause, pray, and listen for how God might speak through a single word in the months ahead. Keep it in your wallet, on your mirror, in your journal, or wherever it will remind you of God’s light guiding your path.
If you weren't in church on Epiphany Sunday, you can still choose a Star Word throughout the month of January in Fellowship Hall. |
🌟 Human Relations Day – January 18, 2026 🌟
Next Sunday, we celebrate Human Relations Day, a special day in the United Methodist Church that reminds us of our call to love our neighbors, advocate for justice, and strengthen communities.
This offering supports vital programs that help the church put faith into action:
- Community Developers and Urban Ministries
- Neighborhood Programs
- Young People and College Students in leadership development and advocacy
Your gifts help UMC congregations reach out in practical ways to support social justice, opportunity, and reconciliation in our neighborhoods and around the world.
Together, our generosity becomes a force for hope, justice, and community transformation.
Thank you for joining in this mission! |
.jpg) |
Informational Meeting for Peru and Plattsburgh Congregations
You are invited to an informational meeting on Thursday, January 22 at Noon to learn more about Luke 10 Congregations: Equipping Churches to Do Justice, a 9-month training program for Christian churches co-led by the Kairos Center and Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ). We will meet in the Chapel at Plattsburgh UMC. We are looking at this as a joint effort of the Peru and Plattsburgh CHurch communities! Luke 10 Congregations equips churches to: Understand the relationship between Christian Nationalism, poverty, and racism Examine how these forces are showing up in our local communities Engage in justice work alongside trusted community partners Reclaim the biblical, theological, and spiritual foundations of the gospel’s call to justice and abundant life for all
At this critical moment—when Christianity is too often distorted and weaponized—churches are called to be courageous, grounded, and faithful witnesses. We are needed to rebuild community connections, meet urgent needs, resist harm to the poor and marginalized, and cast a bold vision for a just and inclusive society rooted in the love of God.
The Luke 10 Congregations program is designed to support congregations in meeting this moment while forming a supportive network of churches committed to justice, faithfulness, and public witness. The next cohort will begin in September 2026, with applications due June 1, 2026. This informational meeting is an opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and discern whether this program might be a good fit for our congregation.
We hope you’ll join us.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Phil Richards |
|
New book study beginning 1/2 & 1/3 See Below! |
|
✨ New Zoom Study: “The Prophetic Imagination” by Walter Brueggemann ✨
Led by Rev. Phil Richards and Rev. Becky Richards
Beginning Monday, February 9th at 7pm or Tuesday, February 10th at 12:15pm
How can faith help us make sense of the times we’re living in? How can we speak with both truth and hope in a divided world? Join us for an online study of Walter Brueggemann’s The Prophetic Imagination, a powerful book about how the prophets, and Jesus, challenged injustice, inspired hope, and reawakened compassion in their communities.
Each week we’ll look at one or two chapters, watch short video clips, and talk about how these themes connect to what’s happening around us right now. You don’t need to be a theologian — just someone who cares about faith, justice, and how we can live with courage and imagination today.
To Join Email Diane P. to sign up luv2garden5@gmail.com
Come ready for good conversation, honest questions, and practical ways to live our faith with imagination and hope. |
| Women’s History, Faith, and the Courage to Speak
Called, courageous, and unstoppable: Women in Methodist History Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 2 pm to 5 pm online
The guest speaker is Dr. Ashley Boggan who led the weekly study on Radicle Methodism that many of us attended last year in the back of the church.
Follow the link below to the conference website, to read more, and register. |
|
IMPORTANT! Worship Volunteers Needed
Zoom Operators Needed
Because sometimes the Zoom Operators want to attend worship without any distractions. Running Zoom involves turning the computer to follow the action, admit attendees, and record worship. Helpers will be standing by.
Ushers Needed
Welcome people at the door. Encourage them to wear a nametag. (Although THEY may know who they are, others may not.) Distribute bulletins, answer any questions they may have, take up the offering, take a count of people attending. Straighten up after the service.
Coffee Hour Hosts Needed
Set up coffee and tea, set out treats, (there are usually some kind of cookie or baked good in the FC freezer) or bake something to bring. You can even tag-team with someone - they set up and bake; another washes dishes and straightens up.
Worship Assistants
Just as the name suggests, Worship Assistants help support the pastor during the worship service. Responsibilities may include reading designated Bible passages, leading the Call to Worship, announcing hymns, and assisting with Communion. |
 |
🍴 January Open Table Gathering - Sunday, January 18 at 5:30 pm 🍴
New Beginnings: God Moves With Us
The new year invites fresh starts — not through pressure or perfection, but through presence and community. You are invited to our January Open Table Gathering, a relaxed, intergenerational worship experience designed for all ages and stages of life.
At Open Table, we gather around food, creativity, and story. Each month includes a shared meal, hands-on craft stations, meaningful conversation, music, and a short reflection centered on God’s love and movement in our lives. There’s no “right way” to participate — just come as you are.
Sunday, January 18 | 5:30–6:30 PM Peru Community Church Fellowship Center in the Chapel
Open Table is especially welcoming to families, newcomers, and anyone seeking a more relational and creative way to worship. Bring a friend, bring your curiosity, or simply bring yourself — there is always room at the table. |
Are you interested in meeting with one or both of our pastors?
They invite you to reach out to them by phone call, text, or email. Their contact information is listed below. |
Mooers UMC 8 am; Three Steeples UMC 9 am; Peru Community Church 9 am; Plattsburgh UMC 10:15 am; Saranac UMC 11:15 am |
|
|
|
.png)
