All Topics
June 11, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Will we let people serve alongside?
I had a conversation recently that stuck with me. Someone told me about a church they'd been visiting with really nice people, warm smiles, and genuinely kind but something felt off. Every time they showed up, people rushed to serve them, to help them, and to take care of every need. And yet, after months of attending, it still didn't feel like home. The reason? No one would let them help. Every time they reached for a chair to set up, someone said, "Oh, don't worry about that... we've got it." Every time they offered to pitch in, they were lovingly waved off. The church folks had such good intentions and they were trying to be welcoming but the result was that this individual always felt like a guest instead of a member of the family. That hit me harder than I expected... mostly because I heard myself in it. How many times have I said "Let me get that for you" or "No, no, I'll take care of it" thinking I was being helpful? Probably more than I'd like to count or care to admit! Here's what I think we sometimes forget: belonging isn't just about being received; it's also about being needed. There is something deeply human about wanting to contribute, to carry something, and to matter to the people around you. When we never allow someone to serve alongside us, we may be sending a message we never intended: you're a visitor here, not a member of this body. Scripture is pretty clear that the church functions as a body and every part has a role to play. When we unintentionally keep folks on the receiving end for too long, we're missing out on their gifts and we keep them on the outside of something they're longing to belong to. So as we head into June, here's a simple challenge: the next time someone offers to help, let them. Hand them the stack of bulletins. Point them to the sink. Let them to pray with you. You might giving them the opportunity to belong. Just something to ponder as we step into this new month together.
July 26, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Baby Bumps & Blessings Lunch
Help us celebrate our expanding families! Baby Bumps & Blessings Lunch after worship. We’re overflowing with new life! We are excited to celebrate these expanding families with a special luncheon in their honor. Join us as we shower them with love, encouragement, and good food. Bring 3 of something! Three books. Three onesies. Three packs of diapers. You get the gist.
June 11, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Will we let people serve alongside?
I had a conversation recently that stuck with me. Someone told me about a church they'd been visiting with really nice people, warm smiles, and genuinely kind but something felt off. Every time they showed up, people rushed to serve them, to help them, and to take care of every need. And yet, after months of attending, it still didn't feel like home. The reason? No one would let them help. Every time they reached for a chair to set up, someone said, "Oh, don't worry about that... we've got it." Every time they offered to pitch in, they were lovingly waved off. The church folks had such good intentions and they were trying to be welcoming but the result was that this individual always felt like a guest instead of a member of the family. That hit me harder than I expected... mostly because I heard myself in it. How many times have I said "Let me get that for you" or "No, no, I'll take care of it" thinking I was being helpful? Probably more than I'd like to count or care to admit! Here's what I think we sometimes forget: belonging isn't just about being received; it's also about being needed. There is something deeply human about wanting to contribute, to carry something, and to matter to the people around you. When we never allow someone to serve alongside us, we may be sending a message we never intended: you're a visitor here, not a member of this body. Scripture is pretty clear that the church functions as a body and every part has a role to play. When we unintentionally keep folks on the receiving end for too long, we're missing out on their gifts and we keep them on the outside of something they're longing to belong to. So as we head into June, here's a simple challenge: the next time someone offers to help, let them. Hand them the stack of bulletins. Point them to the sink. Let them to pray with you. You might giving them the opportunity to belong. Just something to ponder as we step into this new month together.
July 1, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
A Blessing for July 2026
A Blessing for When There's Never Enough Time Blessed are we, standing in the kitchen at 11pm, still holding the list... the one that multiplies like weeds, like something we forgot to pull out at the root three lists ago. God, we did not finish today. We will not finish tomorrow either. There is no tydying this up. So bless the unfinished. Bless the email still sitting in drafts, the load of laundry that's been "almost done" since Tuesday, the appointment we keep meaning to make for ourselves and keep bumping for everyone else. Bless us when we lie awake doing math we can't win... too few hours, too many hands needed, and only these two. We wanted to be the kind of people who have it together. Instead we are the kind of people who have a list. A long one. An honest one. One that means we are loved, and needed, and tired, all at the same time, all in the same breath. So let this be enough for today: that we showed up. That we did the next true thing in front of us, and let the rest wait its turn in line like it should have all along. We are not behind. We are just here, in the middle of it, in the beautiful, relentless middle and that will have to be the whole blessing for now. Amen. Or, we'll get to the rest of it later.
August 11, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
Back to School Prayers
Look, the early morning will be here soon! Some of us are excited for the rhythm of the school year while others of us are dreading the nonstop todo lists. Wherever you find yourself, let’s join in prayer. I’m a student and I could use a prayer: Today's a big day. My stomach's kind of in knots... new teachers, maybe a new school, or old faces in new classes. Honestly, I don't know what to expect and that's a little scary. I'm nervous. What if I don't make friends? What if the work is too hard? What if I say something dumb or sit alone at lunch? I know some of these fears probably won't even happen but they still feel real right now. But I'm also kind of excited about new school supplies, seeing friends I haven't seen (except through electronics), maybe even a class I've been looking forward to. Help me hold onto that excitement even when the nerves try to take over. God, be with me today. Help me be brave even when I don't feel brave. Help me be kind to the kid who looks as nervous as I feel. Remind me that You're with me in every hallway, every classroom and in every awkward moment. I don't have to have it all figured out today. I just have to show up. So help me show up... with courage, an open heart, and with the reminder that You've got me, no matter how the day goes. I’m not alone. Amen. I’m a parent or caregiver and I could use a prayer: God, Today I hand my kiddo over to a day I can't control. New teachers, new hallways, new faces... and I won't be there to see how it goes. Calm my heart, God. I'm anxious too, even if I don't say it out loud. Help me trust that You're watching over my kiddo in ways I can't. Give my kiddo courage when they’re scared and confidence where they feel unsure. And give me patience for the tears, excitement, exhaustion, and everything in between. Thank You for my amazing kiddo! Thank You for another year of watching them grow as I learn to trust you more. Help me let go a little more today and trust that You're holding what I can't. Amen. I’m just someone who cares about all these young people, their families, educators, and staff and I want to pray for them: God, Today I lift up everyone heading back to school. God, You know them all by name. For the students... the nervous ones, the excited ones, the ones who'd rather be anywhere else, and the ones who've been counting down the days. Give them courage, friendship, and a sense that they belong. For the parents and caregivers... the ones sending kiddos off with proud smiles and the ones fighting back tears in the car. Give them peace and to trust that their kids are held by more than just their own two hands. For the teachers... walking into rooms full of new faces, carrying so much responsibility and so much hope for the year ahead. Give them energy, patience, and the joy of watching kids learn and grow. For the school counselors... who carry the hard and invisible weight of caring for hearts and minds. Give them wisdom and strength to keep showing up for every kiddo who needs them. For the principals and administrators... steering the ship, making the hard calls, holding it all together behind the scenes. Give them clarity and steady hands. For the resource officers... standing watch, often unnoticed so that kids and staff can feel safe. Give them alertness, wisdom, and protection. For the cafeteria workers... feeding hundreds of kids with care even when no one says thank you. Help them know their work matters. For the custodians... who keep the halls clean and often the first to arrive and the last to leave. Bless their hands and their hard work. For every person who makes a school run... bus drivers, aides, office staff, nurses, coaches, and volunteers... thank You for each one for none of them are invisible to You. God, cover each school community. Where there's fear, bring peace. Where there's exhaustion, bring strength. Where there's loneliness, bring connection. And where there's joy, let it multiply. Thank You for the gift of another school year and for every person who makes it possible. Amen.
July 31, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
First Pres Kiddos and Students
School is starting soon so why not grab a prayer before it all begins? Drive-by prayers, text prayers, email prayers, and phone call prayers are all available! Just let Pastor Jen know.
July 1, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
A Blessing for July 2026
A Blessing for When There's Never Enough Time Blessed are we, standing in the kitchen at 11pm, still holding the list... the one that multiplies like weeds, like something we forgot to pull out at the root three lists ago. God, we did not finish today. We will not finish tomorrow either. There is no tydying this up. So bless the unfinished. Bless the email still sitting in drafts, the load of laundry that's been "almost done" since Tuesday, the appointment we keep meaning to make for ourselves and keep bumping for everyone else. Bless us when we lie awake doing math we can't win... too few hours, too many hands needed, and only these two. We wanted to be the kind of people who have it together. Instead we are the kind of people who have a list. A long one. An honest one. One that means we are loved, and needed, and tired, all at the same time, all in the same breath. So let this be enough for today: that we showed up. That we did the next true thing in front of us, and let the rest wait its turn in line like it should have all along. We are not behind. We are just here, in the middle of it, in the beautiful, relentless middle and that will have to be the whole blessing for now. Amen. Or, we'll get to the rest of it later.
May 29, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Journey with Jesus this Summer
Take Jesus with you this Summer! Snap photos whether you stay around the house or travel. Your pictures will help remind us that Jesus is always with us, and that our church family stays connected.
Copyright 2026 First Presbyterian Church of Madisonville, KY
All Rights Reserved.