Blog: Forest Lake Talks

Worship at FLPC is enriched during Advent and Christmas by Worship Banners that were designed and created by Margaret McKinnon Harris and given to FLPC to the glory of God in 2016. Each week another pair of banners will be hung in the sanctuary that invite us into the ancient story of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth and into the current call to be transformed into a disciple of Jesus Christ.  We hope these banners will enhance your worship on Sundays and will invite you into the journey of discipleship every day of the week.  Fourth Week of Advent…

Joy is  “Elf” Jackie Cominotti . . . Distributing Elf Tree Gifts! 150 children received presents from FLPC members, and 20 unaccompanied youth received gift cards to make their holiday a little brighter! JOY!!  

Dear Friends, Months ago, the staff decided to follow the lead of our Officers’ Retreat and to focus on JOY as our theme for Advent.  And we invited the staff, officers and congregation to submit instances of where they see or find joy in their lives.  And I have loved the responses! If you’d like to submit an entry, there is still time.  Email it to us at contactus@flpc.org . If you have not yet gone to our church’s website and scrolled to the very bottom to look at the Church’s Blog, please do so.  When you see the Lamb…

It is joyous for me to be surrounded and embraced by the abounding love at FLPC!  God’s Joy and Love is experienced everywhere in our church… from the pulpit, choir and congregation…from the staff and committees facilitating our heads, hearts, and hands in the service of Christ ….from the caring friendships and pastoral care! It is truly joy to be a part of FLPC!   Lee Pippen

Worship at FLPC is enriched during Advent and Christmas by Worship Banners that were designed and created by Margaret McKinnon Harris and given to FLPC to the glory of God in 2016. Each week another pair of banners will be hung in the sanctuary that invite us into the ancient story of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth and into the current call to be transformed into a disciple of Jesus Christ.  We hope these banners will enhance your worship on Sundays and will invite you into the journey of discipleship every day of the week.  Third Week of Advent…

After a long day of working, I walked through the house thinking of how I wish I had the gift for and love of decorating (or just keeping house for that matter!), and how it would be nice to have some decorations out for Christmas when the girls come home.  I looked longingly at the front door, where the wreaths would go IF I just went into the attic to get them.  And a flash of red caught my eye.  I wondered if it were a package (I did order some presents!).  And there, on our front porch . .…

I’m sitting alone in a coffee shop in West Harlem, NY reading our new Elders’ and Deacon’s Faith Statements, and George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” is playing, really loud. This is Joy. Stuart Hunter

It is a joy to look around at all the Elf Tree gifts arriving this week. When the Christmas trees are set up and covered with tags to choose from, it seems as if there are more children than we can serve. But watching members and families stand around the tree and chose carefully the child or children they want to buy gifts for is a joyful sight.  I admit, this takes a bit of choosing on my part as well.  I like to look for a little boy that reminds me of who my children were in their younger…

I find joy in the love behind homemade gifts year after year. Lynda Lee

These are a few of the things that bring me joy: My wife and family Witnessing a baptism, especially a baby’s baptism Children playing Elderly folks laughing with younger folks Flowers Serving the Lord in his Church Music   All of these have become more and more special as I have been able to learn more about the fact that God created all of these for our enjoyment and care.   By:  Elder Eddie Bolton

Advent Week 2 – Prophets Worship at FLPC is enriched during Advent and Christmas by Worship Banners that were designed and created by Margaret McKinnon Harris and given to FLPC to the glory of God in 2016. Each week another pair of banners will be hung in the sanctuary that invite us into the ancient story of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth and into the current call to be transformed into a disciple of Jesus Christ.  We hope these banners will enhance your worship on Sundays and will invite you into the journey of discipleship every day of the…

I spend a great deal of time outdoors most of the year, but this time of year I especially find Joy in the wonders of nature.  Temperatures fluctuate, leaves change color and drop, we start to see bright pink sunrises indicative of cold winter storms, deer are active, birds are migrating, fish begin a pre-winter feeding frenzy, big moon phases add to the unusual activity among all animals, and in here in South Carolina we feel a drop in humidity that creates some of the most beautiful days of the year.  I am an avid hunter, but rarely shoot anything…

The Young Families Sunday school class is engaged in a Holy Experiment of learning with their children during Advent.  When asked to identify places they found joy, the children listed their answers on the board. Do you find JOY in these simple things?

Dear Friends, When God came to earth in human form it wasn’t because God needed to do so, but because humanity needed God to come.  In Christ, God did for us what we could not do for ourselves.  Our salvation cost God everything.  It was not convenient or pleasant or easy.  As Christ followers we are to do the same for others.  This is part of why I believe that followers of Christ must practice radical hospitality. Let me tell you of three experiences of radical hospitality that I have witnessed in this congregation just this week. First and second,…

I find JOY when I participate with many others during the Stop Hunger Now packing.  The atmosphere is FUN because we all realize that we are working together, in spite of our differences, towards a common goal that is worthwhile and a reflection of our faith. I find JOY when I help to organize the Elf tree gifts each year.  Every year, as the organization date approaches, some get a little anxious that we have not yet met our goal, and every year God provides.  We always end up with gifts, through the generosity of our members, for EVERY child.…