Welcome
to Montpelier Presbyterian Church

Join us for worship Sundays 11:00

Prayer

Lord, help me to be ever more awake to your presence in the world. Instead of focusing on the darkness, help me to gaze upon your light of love burning bright that I might add to your flame as I rejoice in this life, this world, that you created out of love for love.

About Us

Mission Statement: Montpelier Presbyterian Church is a loving family of God who welcomes everyone to join us as we worship our Lord Jesus Christ and celebrate his grace given to us all. We are learning together how to live out our faith by working to meet the needs of our community and our world.

We are a part of the Presbyterian Church (USA). We believe that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior and God’s only begotten Son who died on the cross to save us by HIs grace and was raised from the dead to prove to us God’s power over sin and death. We believe the Bible to be the sacred Word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit. We believe in the Trinity of God the Father, Jesus Christ His Son, and the Holy Spirit, one God in three persons. To find more about our beliefs please go to pcusa.org.

What you can expect on Sunday morning: You will be greeted at the front door and receive a warm welcome and a service bulletin. Coffee hour is before church at 10:30 in the church library right off the sanctuary.

Our worship service is traditional with

prayers,
both traditional and modern hymns,
scripture readings
a children’s sermon complete with coloring and puzzle pages
a sermon based on that day’s readings with an emphasis on living out our faith in our every day lives.

We do not take up an offering although there are plates available on our communion table in the front of the sanctuary..

Dress is casual and there’s even a rocking chair in the back of the sanctuary if one is needed.

You’ll find information on our Bible study and children’s Sunday School under Faith Development.

What our members say: “A great group of sweet folks who care and reach out whenever there’s a need…” Will M.

“I’ve been a member for 53 years. It’s home to me. Pastor Pat always finds ways to keep us engrossed in the Bible to strengthen our faith.” Debbie N.

“I’ve been a member for less than a year, but one of the things I like about it is the sense of intimacy.” Leigh-Ann M.

Our Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Patricia Ramsden is known to us all as Pastor Pat. She is in her fourth year as our part-time pastor and lives in Scotia Village in Laurinburg. She has been ordained for over 36 years and has always served small churches rediscovering who God was calling them to be. Among all her other duties at the church she also teaches our adult Bible study on Sunday mornings. She is single and loves her garden and HGTV as well as storytelling and acting. Before entering the ministry she was an Associate Professor of English and Drama and an academic dean in the University of Kentucky Community College system. She is the author of two books: The Power Of Their Voices and For Such A One As I.

Faith Development

Sunday Morning Bible Studies 9:30 You do not need to be a member of the church or attend worship to attend any of our classes. We welcome everyone to come and discover more about the faith The adult class meets in the church library and is a lively discussion mixed with a traditional Bible study, questions and answers. The teen/pre-teen class meets in the church meeting room across from the library for discussion and activities. The children's class meets in their room across from the kitchen by fellowship hall.

Women's Circle meets the second Wednesday at 2:00. We are studying Rachel Held Evan's book In Search of Sunday. It too is a lively discussion.

Sweet Talk meets the first Thursday of the month at 2:00 at the local ice cream parlor Kountry Cream. The entire community participates in this safe, non-judgmental conversation around life, love and faith.

Messy Un-Church is just that. It meets the second Sunday of the month at 2:00 and is designed for families of all types and sizes. We build a project to take home which can be anything from castles to barns to bracelets. Then we listen to a story and have snacks.

Just For Fun!

Men's Breakfast: Usually meets the first Saturday of the month at 8:00 in the church fellowship hall for a full breakfast and good conversation. While there is no charge a blessing basket is available to help cover the cost of food. Men from all over the community are invited to attend.

Golf MeetUp: Meets the second and fourth Monday's of the month depending on the weather at the Deercroft Pro Shop in Deercroft. The cost is $20 for nine holes and you do not need to be a member of the church or the golf course to attend. We normally tee off at 5:30 until daylight savings time when we move to 4:30. After the game we join together for the 19th hole for fellowship and fun.

Community Ministries

Blessing Pantry: Our blessing pantry box is located near the rear of the church building. It is open 24/7 and there are no forms to fill out, no questions asked. It operates on the principle of take what you need; leave what you can and is based on Jesus' teaching in MT 25.

Scholarship Fund: Founded in 2007, the estate of Johnsie Patterson McFadden from Wagram, NC set up a scholarship fund through Montpelier Presbyterian Church to be given to any Scotland County High School Graduate to further their education with preference given to those associated with the congregation. This year we gave 11 scholarships to deserving students. Contact the church for more information on this program and how to apply.

Partnership With Wagram Public Schools We reach out to students in need through an annual collection of gloves, scarves, hats, and socks as well as providing backpacks stuffed with needed school supplies. We serve as classroom readers as well. We show our support for teachers and staff throughout the year in a variety of ways.

Special Offerings Throughout the year we collect special denominational offerings such as the One Great Hour of Sharing, the Pentecost Offering and the Joy Gift Offering.

Spring Hill Cemetery Memorial Fund. “Blessed are thy who mourn for they shall be comforted. “. Mt 5:4 Our church, in partnership with the Spring Hill Baptist Church, owns and maintains the local cemetery. The Memorial Fund goes to support the upkeep. For more information on making a donation or buying a plot, please contact the church office.

Donations to the church may be mailed to P.O. Box 407 Wagram, NC 28396. If you’d like the donation to go to a particular cause, please note that on the memo line of your check.

News & Events

Church Dates

Sept.28-Oct. 4 Mission Trip

Oct. 5 World Wide Communion

Oct. 6 4:30 Golf meet up

Oct. 8 2:00 Women's Circle of Friends

Oct. 9 10:00 Session

Oct. 9 1:00 Sweet Talk

Oct. 11 8:00 Men's Breakfast

Oct. 12 2:00 Blessing of the Animals

Oct. 18 10:00 - noon Community Family Scavenger Hunt

Oct. 19 2:00 Messy Unchurch

Oct. 20 4:30 Golf Meet Up

Oct. 25 9:00 - 2:00 Fall Harvest Festival

Montpelier Messenger

Montpelier Presbyterian Church P.O. Box 407, Wagram, NC 28396 910-369-2259

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Patricia Ramsden 269-362-1332

Editor: Barbara Holloway 910-318-3757

(email) hollowaybarbara064@gmail.com

No. 10 Vol. 55 October 2025

Pastor’s Pen: It’s the beginning of October and all I can think about are pumpkins. They are every where. And if it’s not a pumpkin, it’s pumpkin spice everything!

One of my favorite children sermons is when I take a pumpkin, cut open the top, and show the children all of the yucky stuff inside. You know what it’s like - all of that goopy, slimy orange mess with seeds entangled all through it.

Then I explain how that’s like us when we look inside of ourselves and are very honest about how goopy we can be. But God scoops out the goopy part and separates out all the good seeds for a treat later on - because no matter how goopy we may feel there are always the good parts too.

Then, when everything is cleaned out, God carves us into something beautiful. Sometimes that may hurt and it almost always means losing a part of ourselves, but in the end something good comes of it all. Because then, God puts a light inside that shines through us and tells all the world that they are safe in the dark because the light of God’s love always shines bright.

Now, it’s not a perfect analogy (analogies never are.). But it works for me and it usually works for the children too, and my prayer is that it will somehow remind you that no matter how goopy you may feel on some days, there are always good parts inside of you too, and that God will help you clean yourself out.

God created you so the light of love would shine brightly within you and remind other people that they are safe and beloved too. That’s the good news.

See you in church Pastor Pat

Please be praying for those of us who are on our mission trip to Canton, NC as we help ensure that people have safe, warm, weatherproof housing before winter following HUrricane Helene. We will return October 4.

There will not be adult Bible study October 5.

Oct. 5 we will be celebrating World Wide Communion. World Communion Sunday, is a Christian observance that celebrates the unity of all believers in Christ and encourages a global Christian perspective. It originated in the Presbyterian Church in 1933 and was adopted by the Federal Council of Churches in 1940, making it a significant annual event for many denominations. The day emphasizes that all Christians are one body, regardless of culture or background.

As a part of World Wide Communion we will be taking up the Global Witness and Peace offering. 25% of that offering stays with our congregation and will be used for our work with Wagram Elementary School.

Join us for our golf meetups at the Deercroft pro shop Oct. 6 & 20. There is a TIME CHANGE! It’s now at 4:30. It’s $20 for 9 holes. Don’t play golf? Then join us for the 19th hole around 6:30 at Beth & Roger Ammon’s house.

The women’s circle has changed it’s name to Circle of Friends to emphasize the fact that it’s not just for the women of the church but that everyone is invited. We will meet Wed. Oct. 8 at 2:00 in the church library. We will begin our study on Searching For Sunday. This month’s section will be on Baptism. If you haven’t gotten your book yet see Pastor Pat. Invite a friend to come join us!

Sweet Talk will be October. 9 at 1:00 (Time Change!!) at Kountry Cream, the ice cream shop on Main Street. This is not a Bible study but conversation around life, love, and faith. Invite a friend to come join us. Ice cream is on your own! This month we will be discussing how to show love to those you disagree with as election season approaches.

Men’s breakfast will be October. 11 at 8:00 in fellowship hall. Please invite someone else to come join us! There’s no charge but a blessing basket is available to help cover the cost of the meal. It’s the best breakfast in Wagram! We will be talking about having a Vet’s breakfast honoring our men and women who have served our country on Nov. 8

Our Blessing of the Animals will be Sunday afternoon, October. 12 at 2:00. All animals are welcome, not just cats and dogs. Last year we even had a bearded dragon! Can’t bring your pet? Then bring a picture of one you love or who has crossed over the rainbow bridge. This is a brief service so it will not be a strain on the pets and it is held in the courtyard at the side of the church.

We will be taking up food and supplies for the Scotland County Humane Society. If you would like to make a monetary donation, please make your check out to the Humane Society or bring your donation to the Blessing and we will be certain it is delivered.

Our community fall scavenger hunt will be inside the church on Saturday October 18. Families can drop in anytime between 10 & 12. It’s a free event but does require a camera. There will be prizes, crafts, and games as well as snacks. The event is free and we want it to be something the community enjoys so bring your grandkids and invite your neighbors and friends!

Messy Unchurch will be Sunday October 19 at 2:00. This is not a church service but a time for families to make a take home craft together, listen to a storyteller, and enjoy snacks. It’s not just for church members but is for the community. It too is a free event so bring your grandkids and and invite your friends.

Our fall harvest festival is back! We will have our famous vegetable soup for sale as well as crafts and other items available, including a bake sale. Vegetable soup will be $10 a quart, a pint for $5. Lunch will also be available for $10 with soup, sandwich, dessert, and drink. Come and bring your friends! The proceeds will go toward special building projects. See Sissy Cooley if you can help with the litchen or bring soup or baked goods. See Betsy Brown if you can bring crafts.

Raffle! We are raffling off a Tree of Life quilt as a part of the Fall Festival Bazaar. It’s queen size and hand quilted. Tickets are $1 and you can get yours to buy or sell from Ben Ammons, Roger Ammons, Betsy Brown, Sissy Cooley, Jeff McKay, or Debbie Neverve. You can see the quilt in fellowship hall.

Carpooling To An Interfaith Panel Discussion: We will be carpooling after church on Sunday October. 26 to attend an interfaith panel discussion representing the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths. The panel discussion will be at Sandhills Community College at 2:00 in Foundation Hall room 1003A. Through conversation, shared values, and personal stories, the panel aims to build bridges across our faith traditions and celebrate the rich diversity within our local communities. Please let Pastor Pat if you plan to car pool with us. While the event is free, you must preregister on line at Sandhills Community College’s website.

Please like us one Facebook at Montpelier presbyterian church to keep up with our activities. Pastor Pat also posts a daily prayer on our group page. Then share what we post! It’s a one button click that lets others know what we are doing in our church and our community and is an easy way to invite others to join us. Did you know we even have a woman in Arizona who periodically contributes to our mission work because she reads our posts and wants to be a part of our church and our mission in some small way? There are so many ways to share the good news of God’s love! This is just one.

Are you willing to volunteer as a reader or to listen to children read at Wagram Elementary School? The volunteer forms are attached in the newsletter. We would love to have a crew of volunteers willing to help on a schedule that fits their time availability. If possible wear your church shirt when you volunteer so they will know who we are as we show God’s love.

Need a church shirt? Let Pastor Pat know your size and whether you’d like blue or white and she’ll put in an order for you. She’ll place another order on October 19 and the cost of the shirt is $24.

We want to thank Material Sales Company for their $2,500 donation toward our new church sign.

Church Housekeeper: Session has hired Brandy Hunt to be our new church housekeeper. The job description for her was posted in the Sept. newsletter or is available from any session member. She will be cleaning the church every two weeks instead of once a week. We want to thank Betty Ammons who has been volunteering to clean the church every week for the past two years!

Let Betsy Brown, Roger Ammons or Pastor Pat know of any ideas or suggestions you might have to help us in our outreach to our community! Please pray for our growth in the faith and our growth as a congregation. We want to share God’s love in as many ways as we can with our actions as well as our words. After all, they will know we are Christians by our love!

We have a new book in the library. It is written with grace, humor, and a call to growing in faith. It’s by John Ortberg and its title is If You Want To Walk On Water You Have To Get Out Of The Boat. Check it out!

Nov. 2 we will celebrating the lives of those who have died since last October during worship. If you have someone you’d like to have remembered, please give their name(s) to Pastor Pat.

Send A Blessing! We have added a Send A Blessing card to the pew holders for you to fill out at any time and place in the offering plates. These will let us know those who might need a note, a card, or a call or invitation to a special event. All of us need a reminder at different times that we are cared for and remembered.

Our session has approved our becoming an official Matthew 25 congregation. This is a special emphasis through the denomination that commits us to church revitalization and outreach and working to eliminate poverty and racism in our community and our world. Our congregation is actively involved in an outreach program and with our outreach to the elementary school, our blessing box for food, and our other activities, this is an affirmation of what we are already doing.

Fall Prayer: God our Creator, You do all things well, and the beautiful colors of fall are one small reflection of Your marvelous glory. You imagined this season and spoke it into existence. By Your word and power, all this came to be. Let us then pause and take a moment to praise you for the beauty of the earth that surrounds us.

Sermons

The Persistent Widow Rev. Patricia Ramsden

She was a widow - one of the least of these in that time and place. By law she could inherit nothing from her husband’s estate. It all went to the men in the family. She had no way to earn a living either. So she was desperate as she sat at her dining room table in her grief and despair, but then strength took over and the love of a caring God.

You see God had decreed that the orphan, the widow, and the stranger in the land were to be taken care of. They were not forgotten. It was a part of His law of compassion. The Book of Law made it clear: “God defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” And the people were to follow the law in very real, very practical ways. God even decreed a part of the harvest for them: “When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow.”

God’s justice for those the world would leave behind is proclaimed over and over again in His book of laws. It is a primary theme throughout the scriptures. And we dare not ignore it or betray it.

And sudddenly this nameless woman knew that however dark, how ever hopeless her situation might be, God’s justice and compassion was meant for her too. So her eyes went from despair to hope and her jaw was set in stubborness as her heart was set on faith and determination for God’s justice to become reality.

But she knew her fate was in the hands of an unjust judge.

He actually bragged about the fact that he “neither feared God nor cared what people thought of him.” He was in it only for the status and the sense of power it gave him - not for the people - not even for the law - and certainly not for the love of God.

Still she knew her cause was just, and she was desperate and faith filled enough not to give up, so she followed him where ever he went, demanding her rightful due. She sat in his courtroom interrupting cases, shouting out her demands, quoting the law. She followed him on the streets, shouting out her pleas. She even went to his house and harangued him with her cause, until finally this judge - who still had no compassion for her, no respect for the law - shouted out “I will give you whatever you want, if you will just shut up!”

And one of the lessons of the parable - perhaps the main lesson in these times we live in - is that when we meet injustice, no matter how futile it may seem, no matter how powerful and unjust the source - we must be stubborn in fighting for the justice of the Lord. We must fight until, like the prophet Amos tells us, “righteousness flows down like a river and justice like an ever flowing stream.”

We cannot be silent. We cannot be fear filled. We cannot grow weary or lose heart when we see the condition of the world - no matter how dark it may seem. We must keep faith. We must keep praying and not give up. We must believe the words of the prayer we say each Sunday, “Thy kingdom come, O Lord, on earth as it is in heaven”, but we must also take responsibility for our part in bringing the kindom of God to reality here and now.

But sometimes it seems hopeless. Sometimes our efforts seem so small against the enormity of the evil in our world. Sometimes it seems the law of God - the justice of God - will never be fulfilled - that love and compassion will never come to pass. That we just can’t win.

That’s how the widow felt at the beginning of our story, but she fought against the odds all the same and in the end - she won. And so shall we.

Remember the story of the man on the beach? As he walked, he noticed that there were starfish that had been left high and dry on the sand, and they were slowly dying, drying out under a burning sun, so he began to pick them up, one by one, and throw them back into the water when another man saw him.

The passerby, couldn’t help himself. He looked at the rescuer of starfish and said, “What are you doing? You’re just wasting your time. You can’t save them all. Your efforts mean nothing. You’re not making a real difference - and you never will.” It was then that the man paused, picked up another starfish and placed it in the water. “Well, I made a difference for this one.”

That’s how I felt working on Sandy’s house in the mountains. There we were making a difference not just in her home, but in her life and her attitude toward life in all its seeming hopelessness, and it occurred to us at one point that there were probably hundreds of homes still needing work and hundreds of Sandy’s still needing hope, still praying for God’s compassion and love and justice to show up. It could have seemed so futile. It could have been so easy to give up.

After all, what difference would it make at the end of the week, given the enormity of the task ahead? But it made a huge difference to that one widow who was no longer nameless, but whose name was Sandy who had cried out to God for help in a desperate situation. Love reached her. Love touched her. Perhaps love saved her.

We may not collect enough shoes for every shoeless child in Wagram Elementary - but some child will proudly wear the pair of new shoes you gave - perhaps the first new shoes they have ever had. And that will make a difference - perhaps a life changing difference - for that child to go from nothing to something - perhaps from no one any one cared about to someone you and God cared about.

And that’s one of the messages of the parable. Don’t give up. Keep the faith. Keep hope in the face of what seems to be a hopeless world. Fight for justice like the widow in our story did. Pray constantly. Act fearlessly. Act as if you believe its possible to change the world.

I think one reason Jesus tells this story is because he knew what the disciples were up against. He knew what we would be up against. He knew it would be easy for them - and us - to lose faith in the face of a faithless world where the powers that be would ignore the rule of God, the laws of compassion and love. He knew it would seem hopeless and futile at times, but he also knew the end of the story - and so do I and so do you. God’s justice wins. God’s kingdom comes. His will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And we can’t afford to give up on our part of making that happen. Amen

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but so the world would be saved through Him. John 3: 16-17

See You In Worship as we celebrate God's love together
Sundays 11:00

San Pedro

Never forget how much God loves you!

Welcome to Montpelier Presbyterian Church