Blog:FOREST LAKE TALKS

Let me tell you a story. In 1956 John and Doris Whitehouse signed a petition requesting Congaree Presbytery to start a new Presbyterian church in the Dentsville area of Columbia. Their ten-year-old daughter, Lynn, signed as a child. They worked to found the congregation that became Forest Lake Presbyterian Church. Their son, Daniel, was born into this congregation. And he told me that as a young teen, his mother, Doris, “voluntold” him to help Mrs. Irene Thomas set the Crismon Tree up in the Sanctuary for Advent. Dan has been helping to set up, light, and prepare the (now two) Crismon trees since that time! After all these years, Dan has requested to be relieved of this duty, and we are looking for volunteers who will step into the need that his “retirement” creates.

But, when I think about this story, I find it a GREAT reminder that the life of faith is, at its base, one of showing up for others when they need help. If our faith does not manifest itself in how we live, then we must ask ourselves if we really believe what we say. This congregation floats on an underground river of volunteers. People show up for each other and for anyone in need all the time. And they often do it, as Daniel has done, quietly and without a need for great recognition.

It is members of FLPC who show up to mentor children who need encouragement at Forest Lake Elementary School every week. It is members of FLPC who plan and cook meals on Thursdays so that members, who might otherwise eat alone, can enjoy community and laugh while eating an excellent $6 lunch! It is members of FLPC, adult and youth alike, who have leaned in to plan and to carry out our strong youth ministry in light of the retirement of our Youth Director. It is members of FLPC who teach, write notes, visit, run the dishwasher, work in the garden, set up communion, . . . . . I could go on and on.

The new 2026 Fall version of our Jesus said . . . . Follow Me! Brochure is now available. This brochure outlines most all of the ways that are available at FLPC for us to live out our faith. There are one-time commitments, seasonal commitments, and weekly commitments. No one can do everything, but all who follow Jesus are called to walk the path of faith and to show up for others. I encourage you to pick up that document and pray over all the opportunities that are there.

FLPC turns 70 years old on November 18th. We know the story that has gotten us to this point. But WE get to write the story that takes us into the NEXT 70 YEARS. Come and go with us.