Gathering Sunday – Sunday, September 13
A very special day is planned for our LPC church family as we say a final goodbye to summer and kick off our 2026–2027 program year.
Worship with Holy Communion – 10am
Our wonderful choir, with new tenor and soprano section leaders, will be back to lead us in congregational singing and an inspirational choral anthem under the leadership of Dr. Kaori Hongo, our Minister of Music. Dr. Butler’s sermon will kick off our new theme for Faith Formation — “You have heard it was written, but I (Jesus) say to you…” His sermon for the morning will be “No More Eyes and Teeth!” based on Matthew 5:38-48 where Jesus seems to disagree with Moses’ ancient rule: “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth….” (Exodus 21:12-27). Holy Communion, normally celebrated on the first Sunday of the month, has been rescheduled for this special Gathering Day service.
Old-fashioned Picnic – After Worship in the Atrium
Our hard-working Fellowship and Member Care Ministry will bless us with an indoor picnic lunch. Tables and chairs will be set up in the Atrium and Chapel. We will also enjoy Cracker Jack® and wish our wonderful Guardians well as the baseball season draws to a close.
A Message from the Pastor
by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
It’s time to say goodbye to another summer. My summer was restful and also fun. I very much enjoyed being a part of our youth retreat down in beautiful Hocking Hills. Besides an evil sunburn on my legs during a five-mile kayak trip, I had a great time with adult leaders Aliyah, Kaori and Nick Holloway and a bunch of energetic teenagers. Thanks to all of you for supporting our youth ministry. I also spent time away with family and had a wonderful week with dear friends in the lake district of New Hampshire. Now I am ready to kick off a new program year and resume my September to May schedule with all of you. Let’s celebrate God’s gifts of changing seasons together on Gathering Sunday, September 13. We have a great morning planned.
The Music Corner with Dr. Kaori Hongo
This summer I was fortunate to attend the inaugural session of The Cleveland Orchestra Summer Choral Institute. This institute was held in Severance Hall from June 22–26. Led by Dr. Lisa Wong (Director of Choruses for The Cleveland Orchestra), we met every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and attended master classes and roundtable discussions about choral conducting and leadership in today’s world. During our discussions three-time Grammy Award winner Dashon Burton held a workshop on inspirational leadership. He led the whole group (around 30 musicians) in exercises of self-examination in why we are musicians and why we are leaders.
The highlight of the week was the performance of Craig Hella Johnson’s Considering Matthew Shepard on our final day of the institute with Burton as the soloist. “Premiered in 2016 by professional choir Conspirate, Considering Matthew Shepard reflects on the life and death of Matthew Shepard, an “ordinary boy,” 21-year-old college student and victim of a heinous anti-gay hate crime. A fusion oratorio, the piece weaves together music of multiple styles in a contemporary work that explores hate and love, despair and hope. The movements are linked by spoken recitations drawn from news reports.” (Taken from the program notes of the June 26, 2026 performance, written by Dr. L. Wong)
Through this experience I was faced with the importance of leadership, art and the crucial role of education. Dr. Wong was a master technician with each master class and evening rehearsal. Teaching us the intricacies of choral conducting and the magic of coming together and creating something meaningful and beautiful.
It visits with inconstant glance
Each human heart and countenance;
Like hues and harmonies of evening,
Like clouds in starlight widely spread,
Like memory of music fled,
Like aught that for its grace may be
Dear, and yet dearer for its mystery.Spirit of Beauty, that dost consecrate
With thine own hues all thou dost shine upon
Of human thought or form, where art thou gone?–Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822), “Hymn to Intellectual Beauty”
Affordability Webinar Series this Fall
Join the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Affordability Webinar Series this fall. The Presbyterian Committee on the Self Development of People will present a three-part series of webinars. Join one or all of these online, interactive discussions the first Thursday of September, October and November.
- September 3, 1–2:30 p.m. (ET): Fair Wages, Workers’ Rights, Exploitation and Advocacy for Unemployed Workers.
- October 1, 1–2:30 p.m. (ET): Accessible Healthcare through Community Education and Patient Support and Policy Advocacy.
- November 5, 1–2:30 p.m. (ET): Advocating for Affordable Housing and Working alongside Communities Seeking Justice.
To register: pcusa.info/sdop-struggle-webinar
Sunday Adult Faith Formation
“The Core Teachings of Jesus” with Jim Butler – September 20 & 27
The faith formation theme for our 2026–2027 program year is “It is Written, but I (Jesus) Say…” Just read the Gospels and it will become clear that Jesus freely re-interpreted the Hebrew Bible, often making the ethical implications of the laws of Moses more demanding. When he taught, Jesus would acknowledge what Moses said and what had been written down in the Jewish scriptures, but then add more weight to them, as if to say, “I know what Moses said, but we can do better!” Which is one of the many reasons Jesus got into trouble with the Chief Priests and rabbis; they thought he disrespected Moses and the scriptures.
To explore what Jesus actually said, Jim Butler will begin the new program year with two presentations on what most scholars consider the core or essence of Jesus’ teachings and how they conflicted with the theology and ethical expectations of first century Judaism. Come and find out what Jesus expected from his first followers and from us! Faith Formation gatherings are held in Wright Chapel at 11:20 a.m. after the 10 a.m. Sunday worship service and coffee hour.
Men’s Bible Study begins September 8
It’s a trick question for the biblically uninformed: find Hebrews. Many thumb through the Old Testament, but the Letter to the Hebrews is actually toward the end of the New Testament. It’s a unique epistle, written not to a particular congregation, but to both Hebrew and secular converts to encourage them to stay strong in their new faith.
The letter begins, “Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways…” No letter has more references to the Hebrew scriptures. Obviously written by an unknown author well acquainted with these scriptures, mostly from the Pentateuch and Psalms, it unites these older stories with the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s a fascinating letter that combines and contributes so much to our Judeo-Christian tradition.
The Men’s Bible study will focus on this letter, beginning Tuesday, September 8 at 8 a.m. in the Conference Room off the reception area. Coffee, donuts and good conversations bolster the dialogue. All are welcome. Rev. Dr. Steve Gorman guides the study, but all are encouraged to bring their own observations and questions. We also seek to “make it real,” by applying these scriptures to our own “staying strong in our faith” journey today.
So join us for this study of Hebrews, for friendship and for an in-depth look at how those Old Testament scriptures enhance our understanding of God’s continuing promises into the New — from covenant to covenant.
Final Meeting of Hand in Hand
Sheryl Buckley and Peg Limkemann have discussed the waning attendance at Hand in Hand and have made the decision that it has lived its life and will be discontinued. This group has provided many with the opportunity for fellowship and learning for nearly fifteen years. Their last meeting is Friday, September 11 in the Reed Room beginning at 11 a.m. and running through noon. Pastor Jim Butler will speak at this last gathering. All are welcome.
Youth News for the New Program Year
A Wee Bit of Help for Wee Kirk
Volunteers are needed to help lead Wee Kirk. We are hoping for several volunteers so we can easily rotate through the year. Lessons and materials for K–5th graders, and guidance for those interested in volunteering, will be provided. Please contact Aliyah Kennedy with your availability.
Calling All Interested in Confirmation
There are a few children in our midst who are in 6th grade and above who are not yet confirmed. Confirmation is an opportunity for youth to ask deep questions about faith and discover what it means to be Presbyterian. Once the program is complete, the youth decide if they would like to be confirmed and join the church. If you are interested in having your child participate, please contact Aliyah Kennedy for details. Should we have enough interest in a class, it will meet after coffee hour during the faith formation time. The start date will be determined after speaking with participating families. Parents are encouraged to join the adult programs while the youth use this time to ask deeper questions and study scripture together from 11:20 a.m.–12 p.m.
Youth Group Returns
Youth Group will begin on September 13. We will meet in LPC’s Youth Room each Sunday evening from 5–7 p.m. This year, we will be fundraising for our 2027 Summer Mission Trip. Beginning in October on the first Sunday of each month, Youth Group will hold an evening modern Vespers from 6:30–7 p.m. The youth will be encouraged to lead the liturgy, sermon and music as a way of showing how they see worship. Members and family are invited to join us during this time in the chapel.
The youth program will start off with a Lock-In on Friday, September 11 at 8 p.m. through 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 12. Youth are encouraged to bring friends, something to sleep on and a snack to share. For questions about the youth program, contact Aliyah Kennedy.
Kids Club
Kids Club will return on September 13! We will stay after the church luncheon until 1:30 p.m. Kids will play games and make blessing bags for those in need. Families are encouraged to bring a small food item, floss, soap, toothbrushes, etc. that are individually wrapped and can fit in a gallon-sized zipper bag. We will also meet on October 11, November 15 and December 13 from noon–1:30 p.m. Kids Club is for children K–6th grade. Membership is not required. Friends are encouraged! Contact Aliyah Kennedy with any questions.
An Update from Presbyterian Women (PW)
Sara Gresh and Marie Andrews, with five others in our Presbytery, attended the Synod PW gathering near Dayton in August. Titled Bound Together in Unity and Love, they learned about the next season of Horizon’s Bible study entitled “United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other — Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.” They also experienced a new way of circle engagement led by Lisa M. Hess, professor-scholar, poet, teaching-elder and Circle-Way facilitator. PLUS MORE! Marie states that she is always astounded to learn how much monies PW contributes to many, many causes.
Watch for next PW Gatherings:
- FALL: November 7, 2026 at Avon Lake Presbyterian Church
- SPRING: April 24, 2027 TBA
- NATIONAL: August 5–8, 2027 in Louisville, Kentucky (The first National Gathering Marie attended totaled 5,000 women!)
General Assembly 226th Wrap-Up
Commissioners, Mid Council (presbyteries and synods) denominational leaders, mission co-workers, and ecumenical representatives from around the world met in Minneapolis early this summer for the 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, USA. The theme of the Assembly was “Live into Hope,” and much of the agenda was focused on the shape and future of Christ’s church.
Election of Stated Clerk and Co-Moderators – The Revs. CeCe Armstrong and Tony Larson, both from South Carolina, were elected to serve a two-year term. The Rev. Jihyun Oh was elected to serve as the PCUSA Stated Clerk.
Unified Budget Adopted – The former Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency have been unified into one body and given an operating budget of $95 million for 2026.
Rejection of Christian Zionism/Nationalism – An updated and expanded 2004 resolution was approved rejecting all forms of Christian nationalism as incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Book of Order Language Amendments – Commissioners adopted a motion to amend Section F-1.0403 to add “gender identity and sexual orientation” to the list of “rich diversity” within the church’s membership, which should also be a consideration when ordaining and/or installing church officers (Section G-2.0104b). Book of Order amendments must also be approved by a majority of the Presbyteries in order to become permanent and binding.
Climate Justice – The Assembly approved an overture directing the Presbyterian Church to “further engagement with greenhouse gas emitters and the fossil fuel industry.”
Board of Pensions Medical Plans – Commissioners asked the Board of Pensions and Mid Councils to explore adjustments to medical dues for small congregations.
Annual “Special Offerings” of the PCUSA – Ministries to children at risk and young adults will now be supported with Christmas Joy offerings, eliminating the Pentecost offering.
Prison Justice – The Assembly unanimously passed an overture calling for ratification of an amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolishing a clause in the 13th amendment that allows for enslavement of a criminal. A resolution was also passed urging Presbyterians to call upon elected officials to enact reforms to end prolonged solitary confinement.