Coming in September we are partnering with Preschool on the Square as Prayer partners. I’ll share part of the letter that was sent out to the Preschool parents.
This year, the members of First Congregational Church are adopting Preschool on the Square students as their Prayer Partners. The Congregational partners will be praying for your child throughout the school year.
Your child’s prayer partner will receive a note with your child’s picture, first name and birth date. Our church prayer partners like to have a picture, so they know for whom they are praying. When you attend church/school events that will be publicized ahead of time, you may meet your child’s partner.
Occasionally, some church prayer partners like to leave notes or small gifts for their preschool prayer partner. In this event, these items will be given to the preschool office and will be placed in your child’s classroom mailbox.
Here are prayer suggestions if you become a preschool prayer partner:
Pray for Good health for the student and family.
Pray that God will give them safe travels to and from school and your prayer partner makes new friends at school.
Pray that God will send the Holy Spirit to encourage families to worship together and attend Sunday School, opening their hearts to Jesus.
Pray for the Preschool teachers and staff to be guided by the Holy Spirit as they work with the students and families.
There will be more information coming on how you can become a prayer partner.
Blessings, Pastor Michael
- Labor Day, September 7, 2026
- Patriot Day, September 11, 2026
- First Day of Autumn, September 22, 2026
Thank God for Teachers
It is sometimes said that public school teachers do not teach values. Yet every day, countless teachers quietly model compassion, patience, integrity and kindness through the way they care for their students.
Many teachers go far beyond lesson plans and classrooms. They spend their own money on school supplies, workbooks, clothing, snacks and special needs for children who may otherwise go without. They encourage struggling students, celebrate small victories and offer steady support to children facing difficult circumstances at home.
Teachers also work with students from many different backgrounds and abilities. Some patiently help children learn English, while others devote extra time and care to students with learning, emotional or social challenges. In a world where many children face poverty, abuse, loneliness, neglect or uncertainty, a caring teacher can become a source of hope, stability and encouragement. Many educators also serve faithfully in churches and communities, living out their faith through daily acts of love and service. Their influence often reaches far beyond what grades or test scores can measure.
As a church family, let us remember to pray for teachers, encourage them in their calling and thank God for the important difference they make in the lives of children every day.
Lessons that Last
Most of us can remember a Sunday school teacher who made a lasting difference in our lives. Sometimes the simplest lessons become the ones we carry with us the longest.
One man recalled his high school Sunday school teacher, a businessman named Mr. Homan, who shared this advice with the boys in his class: “Don’t ever go anywhere you would not want your mother or sister to go. Don’t ever do anything you would not want your mother or sister to do.”
Years later, the man reflected on those words and said, “That advice has served me well. I have always remembered it.” God often uses faithful teachers to plant seeds of wisdom, character and integrity in young hearts. Their influence may not always be seen right away, but the lessons they share can guide lives for years to come.
Never underestimate the power of a few thoughtful words spoken with love and conviction.
Rest for the Soul
Studies show many Americans don’t get enough sleep, and the effects can take a toll on both body and mind. Whether it’s a packed schedule or restless nights, a lack of rest makes it harder to think clearly, stay focused and care for our overall well-being. Over time, that constant fatigue begins to wear us down. Our spiritual lives follow a similar rhythm. When we rush from one task to the next without pausing to spend time with God, we can feel just as drained. We need consistent, quiet moments with Him to stay grounded, encouraged and strong in our faith.
Even Jesus made space for this kind of rest. Luke 5:16 tells us that He often withdrew to quiet places to pray. If He needed that time with the Father, how much more do we? When we step away from the noise and listen for God’s voice, we find the renewal our souls have been longing for.
A Prayer of Remembrance for Patriots Day
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter through every storm, and our eternal home:
We come before You remembering the lives lost on September 11, 2001. Though many years have passed, the sorrow of that day still lingers in the hearts of families, friends and a grieving nation.
Lord, comfort those who continue to carry loss. Grant peace to the brokenhearted, strength to the weary and light to those walking through seasons of grief. Let Your presence bring hope where memories still ache. Teach us to care for one another with compassion and courage. Help us to be a people who offer kindness to the hurting, encouragement to the discouraged and justice to those who suffer. Stir our hearts to live with mercy, humility and love for our neighbors.
Forgive us when our words are greater than our actions. May we strive each day to reflect the values of faith, unity and grace that honor You and strengthen our communities.
Thank You, Lord, for Your constant care and unfailing mercy. Even in tragedy, You remain our refuge and our hope. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
September Mission of the Month: Pioneer Center for Human Services