Welcome to the First Presbyterian Church of Bedford Indiana.

Established 1819

     The First Presbyterian Church of Bedford is a community of believers in Jesus Christ who seek to know God's will through worship, scripture, and prayer, and who feel called to share God's love through community and global ministry.  We are committed to providing a caring, welcoming and inclusive environment to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Worship time change!  Please join us for worship at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday morning.

Friday Email, January 23

As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea--for they were fishers. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Matthew 4.18-22

To the Saints engaged in God's Mission within Bedford First Presbyterian Church, greetings;

Jesus was unusual amongst Rabbis of his day in that he sought out his disciples rather than waiting for them to come to him, seeking his wisdom. He also was unusual in calling the disciples to lean while acting--to be God's agents in the world--rather than simply studying while learning from him.This call narrative from the Gospel of Matthew is assumed to be a prototype of how Jesus called (more than simply inviting) persons to join with him in inviting those who heard his Gospel (Good News) message that "the kingdom/reign/rule of God has come near" in proclaiming that those who loved God were "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world". We'll hear this narrative again this Sunday morning as the first in a series of calls to discipleship in the Gospels. Please join us in listening/hearing/and responding as we build on last week's suggestion of including on our sign, "Come And See How You Are Welcomed!"

Sunday mornings include a study opportunity at 9.30am in the Library. Bring your favorite translation of Scripture and your imagination with you; a coffee hour gathering after worship (this week including pancakes in the wake of Saturday's pancake breakfast); and the opportunity to gather together to pray and sing and hear Jesus' call to us through the presence and the presents of the Holy Spirit.

Fourth Saturday Community Pancake Breakfast will be tomorrow from 8-10am in the Fellowship Hall! Come join in the work and the fellowship with our neighbors.

The Worship Committee will meet on Monday, January 26th at 2pm.

Our next worship service celebrating the Sacrament of Communion will be February 1st.

Souper Bowl Sunday "Pitch-in-Lunch" will be held on February 8 after worship. Soup will be provided. A sign-up sheet is available in the Fellowship Hall for donations of other foodstuffs.

The Annual Meeting of the Bedford First Presbyterian Church will be held on Sunday, February 15th, following the worship service.

An Ash Wednesday service will be held on Wednesday, February 18th. More details to come.

A Lenten Study using the book "The Monastic Heart" by Joan Chittister  will be available on Sunday, February 15th along with a study guide for the Season of Lent which begins on Ash Wednesday. The study will offer a daily meditation out of Chittister's book.

The Session is looking for your input. What do you think could be accomplished during 2026 within our community of faith? A place to share your thoughts is on an easel in the Fellowship Hall.

Copies of the book "Transforming Congregational Culture" are available in the rear of the sanctuary for anyone interested in an examination of the mainline Church in the United States over the past 70 years, how we got here, and how we can faithfully respond. It's an excellent resource. Please join the Session in reading and reflecting on this book.

Timm High's contact information email: timm.high27@gmail.com; mobil: 814.873.1910.

WITH RESPECT TO THE WINTER FORECAST FOR THIS WEEKEND, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL OR THE FPC FACEBOOK PAGE TO LEARN OF A CHURCH CLOSING. OTHERWISE, PLEASE USE YOUR BEST JUDGEMENT REGARDING YOUR SAFETY IF WORSHIP IS NOT CANCELLED AND YOU CHOOSE TO MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE SERVICE.

May these days of January find you doing the best you can in all you do with all you have, given God's help, amidst the challenges and comforts that come your way. Thank you for the privilege of being your pastor.

Blessings and Be Well...

Timm

Contact Information      First Presbyterian Church of Bedford,   1504 L Street, Bedford, IN 47421

 Phone: 812-275-5853

 Email: office@bedfordpresby.org

 Clerks of Session:  Betsey Makximenko, vbat62@comcast.net

 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstPresbyBedford/  Be sure to like us!