Posts by Rev. Tom Willadsen

Posts by Rev. Tom Willadsen

10th Anniversary Celebration

10th Anniversary Celebration

A Weekend of Joyful Reflection This past weekend (November 4th & 5th, 2023) was a remarkable moment for our church family as we celebrated the 10th anniversary of worshiping at our current location at 4884 Sparks Blvd. The celebrations were a true testament to our journey from a nomadic beginning to a decade of growth and fellowship in a place we now call home. Open House Event The festivities kicked off on Saturday, November 4th, with an open house event…
Tom, Ayse Emek Tandogan, Rabbi Ben Katz

“Abraham’s Hospitality and Sacrifice” Panel Event

Thursday,  June 29, 2023, Spanish Springs hosted a panel discussion titled “Abraham’s Hospitality and Sacrifice.” Spanish Springs’ Transitional Pastor Tom Willadsen was joined on the panel by Ayse Tandogan of the Silver Sage Foundation and Rabbi Benjamin Katz of Temple Emanu-El. Semra Ozdemir, Outreach Coordinator for the Silver Sage Foundation served as MC. Following the question and answer time, attendees enjoyed a time of fellowship featuring Turkish food. The Nevada Interfaith Association helped promote the event.
Pet Food Banner

Pet Food Bagging Party

On March 14, 2023, ten members and friends of Spanish Springs Presbyterian Church held a dog food and cat food bagging party at the Fellowship Hall in the church. Quart and gallon sized baggies were filled with dry pet food to be given to clients at the Community Food Pantry on 12th Street in Sparks. There is a great need for those who are food insecure to obtain pet food for their four-legged family members. Donations included 61 units of dog…

Joy! Then Re-joice!

I am writing this on November 22, just six weeks after I started serving Spanish Springs. I feel like I have been here longer—in a good way! I have met a lot of people and gotten a good sense of the health of the congregation. I feel more connected that I would expect after such a short time. Kudos to the Session and Deacons for giving thoughtful attention to bringing me on board. November 27 was the first day of…
Christmas decorations

The First Nowell

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR WHEN PEOPLE ARE weighing in on their least favorite Christmas songs. “The Little Drummer Boy” is often at the top of the list. How many “rum pa pum pum’s” does a person need to hear in December? Or a lifetime? “Feliz Navidad” also makes many people’s lists. In the true spirit of unity, this song manages to be irritating in two languages. At First Presbyterian Church, we have a tradition with Christmas hymns. We always sing…