Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church is a congregation that 

values a diversity of belief. Whether you're full of faith or full of doubt, 

you'll find people who have been there and accept you for where you are.

We welcome all people to worship, pray, eat, seek spiritual answers and enjoy life within this community of faith. All are welcome!

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:4-7, NRSV)

Two weekends ago, your session gathered for its annual leadership retreat. Our agenda was simple: to welcome new elders into the fold, review what it means to be called by God as a church leader, and to continue prayerfully discerning how the Lord is at work at Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church. We spent time together in worship, reading through the book of Philippians, and then listened to the faith statements of new elders, as well as an updated statement from one of our more seasoned leaders. It was a holy experience, much like the tradition of laying on hands for the newly ordained or installed elders the next day in worship. CHPC is beyond blessed to have such a faithful, thoughtful and dedicated group of elders serving on session. Their spirit-filled words were inspiring and highlighted how we are called to glorify God by the ways we live together and serve one another in Christ’s name. 

We were again joined by the Rev. Karen Russell, our Interim Transitional Presbyter of Holston Presbytery, who followed up with us from last year’s retreat about all the good work God is doing at CHPC. As I reflect upon our discussion, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the many ways our church family faithfully ministers together. In 2023, we continued various ministries like Vacation Bible School, and hosted our second Pumpkin Patch. We continued to partner with missions like Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build and deliver beds to children in need, and continued to support historic ministries like Colonial Heights Presbyterian Day School and Scout Troop 48. All the while, we still worked to make intentional space for the movement of God’s Spirit to lead us to do new things in new ways. We upgraded our audio and video system in the sanctuary to improve our online worship service. We hosted multiple pop-up Bible studies and had a great time in September studying the book of James. Our youth group went to Montreat this summer for a week to worship with other youth from around the country. And we welcomed twenty-three new members and rejoiced at three new babies born into our church family!

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!” There is so much for us to collectively rejoice in because of all that God is doing at CHPC, but most of all, I rejoice in the Lord because of you. Thank you for the faithful ways you have shared the love of Christ throughout this past year. Thank you for the time, talents, and treasures you’ve offered to participate in the upbuilding of the Kingdom of God in this special place. I look forward to seeing how God's Spirit continues to move in our collective lives throughout this new year. May God's Spirit of wisdom continue to move through the ministry of this congregation and may we continue to love like Jesus and share the Good News of God’s peace and joy with everyone we meet. 

Gratefully,

- David

Come share the Peace of Christ with coffee and fellowship before worship beginning at 9:30am in the Parlor! Sunday worship begins at 10:00am in the Sanctuary. All are welcome and hope to see you there!

Sunday's Scriptures:

Jonah 3:1-10, NRSV

Mark 1:14-20, NRSV

Sermon Title:

"A Tale of Two Callings"

The Session has called a congregational meeting this Sunday, January 28, immediately following our worship service, for the purpose of: 1) reviewing the 2023 financials, 2) receiving the approved budget for 2024, and 3) approving the Pastor's annual terms of call.

As the season of Lent approaches, we have a few upcoming opportunities for worship, fellowship, and study. Things kick off on Shrove Tuesday (or Fat Tuesday depending on your geography) as we enjoy a Pancake Party! Dinner will be served at 5:30pm in the gym. Special thanks to our Men's Fellowship ministry for manning the kitchen!

The following day, we hold our annual Ash Wednesday Communion Service in the Sanctuary at 6pm. Be sure to invite a friend to one or both of these meaningful gatherings!

Mark your calendars for a special intergenerational Bible study during Lent! From Sunday, February 25 through Sunday, March 17, CHPC will be hosting a congregational supper and bible study about the book of Jonah. All are welcome to study the four chapters of this epic story over four weeks from 5 to 6:30pm. Children will participate in a special music and bible study program as well. Contact David for more details!

As our students begin their new semester, our church family has an opportunity to support our youth by providing meals for youth gatherings. Please follow the link below to see the youth dinner schedule and sign up. Or if you would simply like to contribute to cover meal, please contact Tyler. Thanks so much for supporting our fantastic youth group!

PDA seeks to find solutions to alleviate the human suffering happening in Gaza by supporting partners in Palestine and Israel who are responding to the needs of neighbors and strangers in their midst, no matter their religious beliefs, political views, or nationality. We are called to care for all of God’s children, especially those in war-torn communities, by responding to the urgent needs of those directly affected by the current conflict. Please pray for peace and safe passage for those seeking help and fleeing the ongoing chaos.

More can be learned about PDA's important work here by visiting their website. If you feel called to contribute financially, please do so through PDA's giving portal here. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers for peace!

Condolences are offered to the family of Charles Hasbrouck who passed away peaceably on Tuesday, January 23. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held in the sanctuary at 11am on Saturday, February 3. Please hold Charlie's sons, Chuck, Bruce, and Keith, and each of their families in prayer as they prepare to give thanks for Charlie's life.

Sunday School Classes take a one week break due to the annual congregational meeting but will resume on February 4 after worship at 11:15am. Please reach out to any member of either adult classes to learn how you can jump into the conversation each week!

The Youth Group meets this Sunday night for dinner and bible study from 5-6:30pm. Please contact Tyler Paulsen if you or someone you know wishes to get involved in this important ministry!

Scout Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, February 4 as part of Troop 48's Continuous Campfire Campout here at the church. Can goods will be collected as part of the annual food drive to support Second Harvest Food Bank and our Blessing Box Ministry. 

Save the Date for CHPC's Annual Churchwide Retreat at Holston Camp and Retreat Center the weekend of April 19-21. More information will be shared next month. Please contact the church office if you already know you're interested in participating in this fun annual tradition. 

Thank you for your generous gifts that help to make our collective ministry possible in 2023! End of the year giving statements will be mailed by the end of January. Please contact Sarah Johnson at finance@chpres.org or by calling the office if you have any questions.

All items for the weekly online newsletter should be emailed to Mary at office@chpres.org by end of business on Tuesday.

Prayer Requests 

Leon Boyd, Emily Bowman, Joyce Callahan, Ramona Gothard, Barbara Holt, Beverly Shelton, Ginny Snow, Lee Walker, Boyd Holder, Janice Mullins, Bobbie and Kyle Cooper (Sharon Pugh's parents), Family of Wayne Fortner (Lisa Robinette's in law), Bethany Thompson, Wilma Bennett (Doug Bennett's mother), Jean Watson (Cari Parker's Aunt), Family of Charles Hasbrouck

Health Care/ Assisted Living Facilities

Anne Hertel, Evelyn Hill, Sue Fortney, Charles and Linda Gibson,

Betty McMillin, Wayne & Millie Pruett, Lois Carter