Archive March 27, 2022

Who loves you the most? That might seem like an odd question, but it’s important, especially this time of year. This isn’t a competition, and hopefully, there were several people to choose from. Where was God on your list? It can be easy to forget how completely and amazingly we are loved by God. That love makes a difference. How is it making a difference for you today? This is the Fourth Sunday in Lent. During this holy season, First Church is working to grow in our faith by studying a book called Witness at the Cross by Amy-Jill Levine. Join us this week as we Witness at the Cross from the perspective of the Beloved Disciple. 

We’ll be live on Facebook on Sunday at 11:00 or watch any time on Facebook or Youtube.  

Here is some information to help you participate if you’re joining us online:

• The response to our interactive opening prayer is, “Lord, let your love welcome us home.”
• Today’s songs are “What Wondrous Love Is This” and “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross.” Look up the words online, and you can sing along.
•  The scripture reading is John 19:16b-27.
• Please let us know how God is moving in your life. You can leave a celebration and/or prayer request in the comment section so that we can celebrate God’s kindness and discern God’s will with you.
• Share an offering in our app in Givelify or send a check to the church.

We’re looking forward to worshipping with you. Have a blessed Lord’s day, everyone!

This is the Third Sunday in Lent. During this holy season, First Church is working to grow in our faith by studying a book called Witness at the Cross by Amy-Jill Levine. The world can make people calloused and cynical, but God still can move the most hardened heart if they are willing to open their eyes. Maybe you know someone who has experienced some hardships or bought into some ideas that tell them that being tough is how to get through life. An encounter with Jesus can change that. This week we encounter someone who can’t ignore what happens in his world as he sees the power Jesus has. It might move you, too. Join us this week as we Witness at the Cross from the perspective of the soldiers who crucified Jesus. 

We’ll be live on Facebook on Sunday at 11:00 or watch any time on Facebook or Youtube.  

Here is some information to help you participate if you’re joining us online:

• The response to our interactive opening prayer is, “Truly this man was the Son of God.”
• Today’s songs are “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” and “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian.” Look up the words online, and you can sing along.
•  The scripture reading is Matthew 27:32-37; 50-54.
• Please let us know how God is moving in your life. You can leave a celebration and/or prayer request in the comment section so that we can celebrate God’s kindness and discern God’s will with you.
• Share an offering in our app in Givelify or send a check to the church.

We’re looking forward to worshipping with you. Have a blessed Lord’s day, everyone!

This is the Second Sunday in Lent. During this holy season, First Church is working to grow in our faith by studying a book called Witness at the Cross by Amy-Jill Levine. How far is your love willing to go? This question is hard to confront in our lives because we can name individuals who have perpetuated unthinkable evil as well as people who have hurt us very deeply. Yet, in our study this week we encounter two men who have done terrible things. We’re talking about the two others crucified with Jesus. Does anyone stand outside of grace and forgiveness for you? Not for Jesus, and his interaction with them shows us this. Join us as we explore what this episode might mean for our ability to love as Jesus does. 

We’ll be live on Facebook on Sunday at 11:00 or watch any time on Facebook or Youtube.  

Here is some information to help you participate if you’re joining us online:

• The response to our interactive opening prayer is, “Jesus hears our plea and saves us all. “
• Today’s songs are “Amazing Grace” and “Alas and Did My Savior Bleed.” Look up the words online, and you can sing along.
•  The scripture reading is Luke 23:32-43
• Please let us know how God is moving in your life. You can leave a celebration and/or prayer request in the comment section so that we can celebrate God’s kindness and discern God’s will with you.
• Share an offering in our app in Givelify or send a check to the church.

We’re looking forward to worshipping with you. Have a blessed Lord’s day, everyone!

Announcements for March 6 – 12

Joys and Concerns for Prayer: 

• Healing: Dick, Ken, Corey R., Margaret, Gary, Melissa’s mom, 
  • Provy’s brothers recovering from surgeries.  
  • Provy’s sister in law who is having multiple problems since falling. 
• Personal challenges: Lorne, Merlene
• Diana asked for prayer for Aaron’s day program. 
• The War in Ukraine: 
  • Pray for those displaced by the war
  • Pray for all who are fighting
  • Pray for the people of Russia, the citizens and soldiers who did not want this
  • Pray for the heart and souls of world leaders so that they can restore peace and order
  • Pray for the heart and soul of Vladimir Putin
• The ongoing violence in our city and nation
• The divisions we face as a nation
• That God will use us to help those who are struggling to meet their needs during these times of high prices and high stress
• Prayers for more fruitfulness and more opportunities to live and share the love of Jesus as God calls us. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Food Pantry: God continues to bless others because of your generosity! 

• • Needs this week: pasta sauces, vegetables, and cereal are the primary needs this week. If you can donate some of these items, you can bring them during regular pantry hours or contact the church to arrange a drop-off time. 

• • Consider driving for deliveries. We need more people to share this work. Please consider whether you might be able to give 15-20 minutes after service or any time that’s convenient for you.

• Bible Study: Witness at the Cross People will be able to join us in person at church or online starting this Wednesday at 7:00. 

• Sunday Bible Study:  If you would like to join an interesting conversation about applying Jesus’ teachings and other Biblical principles to your life, this is the place for you. The book and coffee are provided. Just come on out on Sunday morning at 10:00. 

• Spring Health Fair – March 19th 12:00 to 3:00. We will need volunteers to help with setup, refreshments. Please let me or Provy know if you can be here to help. We also need people to spread the word. 

• Street Team will be launching soon. If you are interested in being a part of this effort to get to know our neighbors, see me or Melissa. 

• Community Dinner will be on March 30 at 6:00 PM. 

• Holy Week this year is April 10 – 17. We’re planning some exciting opportunities to experience the holiest time of the Christian year. If you would like to buy lilies to help decorate our altar for Easter Sunday morning, talk to Pastor Scott. 

• We are planning a second workday to finish painting the Fellowship Hall. Most Saturdays for the rest of March are busy, but can people come out on the afternoon of March 25 and 26th to finish the work? See Pastor Scott if you’re available. 

Mark Your Calendars: 

• March 19 – 12:00 PM – Spring Community Health Fair
• March 25 and 26 – Church workdays to finish Fellowship Hall
• March 30 – 6:00 PM – Monthly Community Dinner

 

Today, March 6,  is the First Sunday in Lent.

During this holy time of year, First Church is working to grow in our faith by studying a book called Witness at the Cross by Amy-Jill Levine. This book helps us better understand Jesus by looking at what his death meant to different people who were there. This deep examination of the Bible passages about the crucifixion will help us better recognize and appreciate what Jesus did and who Jesus is. This week focuses on the crowd and religious elite who mocked Jesus as He was dying. How might our prayers and actions end up sounding just like these taunts? Join us this week as we explore an “if . . . then” faith.  

We’ll be live on Facebook on Sunday at 11:00 or watch any time on Facebook or Youtube.  Click here to join us. 

Here is some information to help you participate if you’re joining us online:

• The response to our interactive opening prayer is, “We follow our faithful Lord.”
• Today’s songs are “Lord Who Throughout These Forty Days” and “Lamb of God.” Look up the words online, and you can sing along.
•  The scripture reading is Matthew 27:32-44
• Please let us know how God is moving in your life. You can leave a celebration and/or prayer request in the comment section so that we can celebrate God’s kindness and discern God’s will with you.
• Share an offering in our app in Givelify or send a check to the church.

We’re looking forward to worshipping with you. Have a blessed Lord’s day, everyone!