Thoughts from Our Pastor
Dear PPPC -
Three things on this Friday:
1 - Without any pomp and circumstance, the Summer Sermon Series: There’s Someone I’d Like You to Meet has concluded. I suppose that fits the theme...and it fits the people (and donkey) we met along the way. It is my prayer that you gleaned something new from encountering these lesser known figures in the scriptures, hearing their faithful voices and witnessing their quiet courage. I pray that God stirred something in you, as we explored God at work beyond the spotlight.
2 - I want to offer another word of gratitude for your support. As I do most years, I had originally planned to be away (whether on Vacation or Study Leave), three Sundays during August & September. Unexpectedly, I needed to take an additional Sunday to be with my family. I try to spread out my time off throughout the year, with a concentrated bit in August…well, this year is has been a bit more concentrated and you haven’t even blinked an eye. I am so grateful. This church and this congregation truly live out what it means to be the loving body of Christ, particularly in times of grief and crisis. I have born witness to it a million times and now have twice received it. Thank you.
3 - Today marks 25 years since the attacks on September 11, 2001. Even now, 25 years later, words come up short. So instead of speaking or writing, I would invite you to remember. Remember the ones who lost their lives. Remember the ones who rushed to help and those who continued to help in the days, months, and years after. Remember the ones who grieve their beloveds. Remember, too, God who remembers when we cannot, or when it’s all too much. God, who promises to be with us through the best days of our lives, and through the worst. God who is with us always, until the end of the age.
Yours for the journey,
Pastor Molly
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Last week in worship, we welcomed Will Ward! He'll be with us for the 2026-2027 academic year, completing his field education experience as our intern. We're delighted to welcome Will to PPPC! Please take the time to read a little more about Will, in his own words, below.
Will Ward is a second-year student at Princeton Theological Seminary working to receive his M.Div. and is seeking ordination in the PC(USA). He came to us through the world of film, where he worked as a producer, and broadcast news, where he worked as a director and a show host. His father is a pastor on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and has been a good source of information during this educational experience. For years, Will hosted a cooking segment on the local news and still enjoys experimenting in the kitchen. He has also worked on the radio reviewing movies, a world he is still deeply entrenched in. He is very excited to be here and find his place in the world of pastoral ministry.