Greetings Congregation, 

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As we gather again after the summer and settle into the fall program, I find myself thinking about what makes us distinctively Presbyterian. In our changing religious landscape, it's worth asking: What does it mean to be a Presbyterian in 2025? 

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Our Reformed Foundation: Our Presbyterian identity comes from the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, especially the theological insights of John Calvin and John Knox. Jennifer and I are excited about our trip to Scotland this September. The theme is Scotland and the Reformation, in the Footsteps of John Knox. We will have much to share when we return.  

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God's Sovereignty and Grace: We believe that God is ultimately in control of everything. Our salvation comes not through our own efforts but through God's gracious gift. This doesn’t make us passive. Instead, it frees us to serve boldly, knowing our worth is based on God's love for us, not our performance. 

Scripture as Our Guide: While we value reason, tradition, and experience, we hold that Scripture is our main authority for faith and life. This commitment encourages Presbyterians to be people of the Book—reading, studying, and wrestling with God's word together. 

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Democratic Governance: One of our most unique features is our system of representative governance. Unlike churches led by bishops or independent congregations, we govern ourselves through elected representatives, elders, who work together to understand God's will. 

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This system shows our belief that the Holy Spirit works through not just individual leaders but through the collective wisdom of faithful people gathered in prayer and study. Our Session here at First Presbyterian does more than handle business; it's a spiritual body seeking to understand how God is guiding our congregation. 

This democratic approach reaches beyond our local church to our presbytery, synod, and General Assembly. We are connected to Presbyterian churches across Kentucky and around the world, sharing accountability and support. 

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The Tradition of Educated Faith: From the beginning, Presbyterians have supported education. John Knox insisted that every Scottish parish should have a school. American Presbyterians founded colleges and universities, from Princeton to Centre College, right here in Kentucky. 

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This is not because we think faith is just intellectual. We believe God gave us minds to use in service of the Gospel. We encourage questions, value thoughtful discussion, and are open to wrestling with difficult Scripture passages or challenging aspects of faith. 

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In our Sunday School classes, Bible studies, and even in worship, we engage both heart and mind. We want to love God not just with our hearts and souls but also with our minds (Matthew 22:37). 

Living Our Heritage Today: So what does this mean for us as 21st-century Presbyterians in Maysville? 

• It means we can face uncertainty with confidence. Our ultimate security rests in God's sovereignty, not in political parties, economic systems, or our own abilities. 

• It means we value thoughtful engagement with today's issues, bringing biblical wisdom and careful reasoning to questions of justice, ethics, and community life. 

• It means we govern ourselves not as individuals but as a community, listening to one another and seeking the Spirit's guidance through our elected leaders. 

• It means we're committed to learning and growing, whether through our Wednesday night studies, book clubs, or the ongoing conversations of faith that happen over coffee and in our committee meetings. 

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Why This Matters: We are not Presbyterians because we think we’re better than other Christians. We appreciate the witness of Methodists, Baptists, Catholics, and all who follow Jesus. We are Presbyterian because we believe this particular way of being Christian has gifts to offer our members and our community. 

As we enter this new season of ministry together, I invite you to embrace our heritage. Ask questions in Sunday School. Volunteer for a committee and experience Presbyterian governance firsthand. Pick up a book on Reformed theology from our church library. Most importantly, live with the confidence that comes from knowing we serve a sovereign God who loves us without condition. 

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Our roots run deep, friends. Let’s allow them to nourish us for the work God has given us to do. 

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Shalom, 

Pastor Jim