Worship with us today – April 25

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Are you brutally honest? How did we get to a place where we celebrate speaking the truth in a way that hurts people? Perhaps it’s because we spend so much time avoiding hard truths that whenever the truth is spoken it can feel brutal. This is the third week of our conversations about Courage: Jesus and the Call to Brave Faith. Disciples of Christ must speak the truth. This week we’re exploring becoming more courageous in our faith by speaking the truth more often when we are uncomfortable and speaking it in love. Click here to join us on Facebook Live at 11:00 this Sunday as we explore “Candor and Courage.”

Here is some information to help you participate in worship online:
The response to our interactive opening prayer is, “With conviction and courage, we will be your witnesses in the world.”
• Today’s songs are “He Has Made Me Glad” and “God of Grace and God of Glory.” Look up the words online, and you can sing along.
• The scripture reading is “John 21:15-25.”
• Please leave a 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 this week – April 18-24

Announcements: April 18-24

Food Pantry – Our ministry to help those in need of food, basic toiletries, and school supplies continues to thrive. The pantry currently needs cereals (please no overly sugary options), pasta, rice, and sauces. If you can donate some of these items this week, you can bring them during regular pantry hours or contact the church to arrange a dropoff time. 

We are also looking to expand pantry hours. We’d like to have some evening and weekend times to accommodate people who work during the day. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Scott directly. 

Bible Study: This week our group is reading through different aspects of Old Testament law and covenants. These can be challenging to understand from a 21st-century American perspective. Join us to discover some unusual lessons about grace and our relationship with God. You don’t have to be completing the Disciple I curriculum to join our conversations. Anyone is welcome to listen and participate as they wish. We keep it real, and we have a really good time. We meet online every Wednesday at 7:00. If you’d like the link, please contact the church. 

Easter Sermon Series: For the next six weeks we’ll be studying how to live more courageously and confidently because of our faith in Christ. This series is inspired by the book Courage: Jesus and the Call to Brave Faith by Tom Berlin. If anyone is interested in purchasing the book and beginning a study, please contact Pastor Scott for more information.  

Mothers’ Day Celebration: On May 9th we’ll be taking special time to honor all of the special women who have offered the deep and selfless love that nurtures us in our lives. If you’d like to honor a mother or mother-like figure in your life, please send the name and relationship, to the church. We’re planning a few ways to make the day special. Stay tuned for more information.

Pentecost Celebration: Pentecost, the day the church celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit into the world, is May 23rd. In our church, we’ve welcomed new members and baptized people on Pentecost Sunday. We’re thrilled to hear from some who are already interested! If anyone else would like to explore getting baptized or wants to make First Church your church home, please contact Pastor Scott. 

Prayer requests: 

  • Healing: Jean, Lee, Rich, Anita, Sandra, Provy, Walter, Charlotte
  • One of our new friends, Bob, is asking for prayers for his mother who is dealing with some health concerns
  • Special request for Rebekah and her parents Jon and Nettie
  • Lorne and his ongoing struggle with his benefits. 

 

Worship with us today – April 18

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

It’s week two of our series, Courage: Jesus and the Call to Brave Faith, inspired by the book of the same name. Today our focus is on the difference having conviction makes. When you certain about some bedrock principles and the call on your heart, courageous faith comes more easily. How do you develop these God-centered convictions? Click here to us on Facebook Live at 11:00 this Sunday as we explore “Courage and Conviction.”

Here is some information to help you participate in worship online:
The response to our interactive opening prayer is, “With conviction and courage, we will be your witnesses in the world.”
• Today’s songs are “Because He Lives” and “Are Ye Able.” Look up the words online, and you can sing along.
• The scripture reading is, “Luke 24:36-48.”
• Please leave a 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.

Worship with us today – April 11

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! For the Easter Season, we’ll be exploring some lessons about living our faith because we claim the resurrection of Jesus. This series is called Courage: Jesus and the Call to Brave Faith, inspired by the book of the same name. This Sunday, we’re focusing on how having clarity gives you the courage to live your faith. The story of Thomas the disciple provides a good lesson on the importance of being clear about what you know. Thomas’s doubts have earned him a somewhat unfair reputation, but his story shows the power of what can happen when you become clearer about what you believe. Join us on Facebook Live at 11:00 this Sunday as we explore “Courage and Clarity.”

Here is some information to help you participate in worship online:
The response to our interactive opening prayer is, “We serve a risen savior who gives us the courage to face all things!”
• Today’s songs are “He Lives” and “Easter People Raise Your Voices.” Look up the words online, and you can sing along.
• The scripture reading is, “John 20:19-31.”
• Please leave a 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 week’s announcements – April 4-10

Announcements for April 4-10

Food Pantry: Our ministry to help those in need of food, basic toiletries, and school supplies continues to thrive. We are deeply grateful for a tremendous donation this week. The pantry currently needs cereals (please no overly sugary options), pasta, rice, and sauces. If you can donate some of these items this week, you can bring them during regular pantry hours or contact the church to arrange a dropoff time.
Bible Study: Our group is reading through Exodus this week. You don’t have to be completing the Disciple I curriculum to join our conversations. Anyone is welcome to listen and participate as they wish. We keep it real, and we have a really good time. If you’d like the link, please contact the church.
Easter Sermon Series: For the next six weeks we’ll be studying how to live more courageously and confidently because of our faith in Christ. This series is inspired by the book Courage: Jesus and the Call to Brave Faith by Tom Berlin. If anyone is interested in purchasing the book and beginning a study, please contact Pastor Scott for more information.
Mothers’ Day Celebration: On May 9th we’ll be taking special time to honor all of the special women who have offered the deep and selfless love that nurtures us in our lives. If you’d like to honor a mother or mother-like figure in your life, please send the name and relationship, to the church. We’re planning a few ways to make the day special. Stay tuned for more information.
Pentecost Celebration: Pentecost, the day the church celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit into the world, is May 23rd. In our church, we’ve welcomed new members and baptized people on Pentecost Sunday. If anyone is in baptism or making First Church your church home, please contact Pastor Scott.
I want to take a moment to offer special thanks to Paul, Birney, and Dick for their dedication and service during Holy Week. They served selflessly and faithfully during our worship times during this special season. We’re blessed to have them at First Church.
Prayer requests:
Healing: Jean, Lee, Rich, Anita, Sandra, Provy, Walter, Charlotte
Sandy for a work situation
Cindy and Mae dealing with grief

This Week’s Announcements March 28-April 3

March 28-April 3

Announcements for March 28-April 4:

Holy Week Schedule:

As we enter this sacred time of year, I hope that everyone is intentional about reading the story in the Bible. to Have an understanding of the profound love that God shows over this week. All of the Holy Week services are online only except the 11:00 AM Easter Service. If you still need one of our home worship packets that contain a palm, communion elements, and nails, please message, email, or text the church:

  • Maundy Thursday, April 1, 7:00 – All are welcome to share this powerful remembrance of all that happened that night like no other night. 
  • Good Friday Community Ecumenical Service: 12:00 – 3:00 Pastors for churches in our neighborhood will be offering messages based on the last seven words of Christ. Pastor Scott will b preaching from 12:15 – 12:40. Message the church for the link to the service. 
  • Good Friday, April 2, 7:00 – First Church will pause and remember that crucifixion of Jesus
  • Easter Sunrise Service, April 4, 7:00 AM – Wake up with us as we celebrate the news that changed the world.
  • Easter Service: April 4, 11:00 – join us as we celebrate the day of days and the Lord’s ultimate triumph.

Disciple I Bible Study: We’ve some great conversations and learning as a part of this study. All are welcome to join this program that offers an extensive read of the Bible over the next few months. We gather online. If you’d like to join us, message or email the church.

Food Pantry: our ministry to those who need some food assistance is going well. Our shelves are always in need of new supplies. This week we need more produce and meats. We’ve recently had very generous donations of bread and cabbage. If you know of anyone who might be able to use some of this, share the news with them. Also, offer a prayer of thanks for those who gave so generously to this ministry. 

Prayer Requests:

  • Jean, Lee, Rich, Anita, and Charlotte for healing
  • Provy’s niece’s daughter who is experiencing an unexpected health problem
  • Joyce for her father’s healing and job opportunities
  • Cindy and Mae who are grieving the loss of loved ones
  • Thanks for Kyle and Rachel expecting a baby this summer

Worship with us today! – March 21

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Many people offer to pray for things. It is not a small or insignificant thing to go to the Almighty Sovereign Creator of the Universe on someone’s behalf. Seeking God’s will for clarity, asking God’s direction over our choices, wanting God’s protection against the evil of the world, are common hopes for our times of prayer. What can we learn from Jesus’ prayer for His followers on the night He gives Himself up for us? Join us on Facebook Live at 11:00 this Sunday as we explore how “He Prays for Us.”

Here is some information to help you participate in worship online:
The response to our interactive opening prayer is, “Let us be one as the Creator, Son, and Spirit are one.”
• Today’s songs are “Lord Who Throughout These Forty Days” and “Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior.” Look up the words online, and you can sing along.
• The scripture reading is, “John 17:6-21.”
• Please leave a 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!

News and information for this week

Announcements for March 14-20:

Church Workday Tomorrow, Saturday, March 20, 1:00-4:00: 

Come out for a great time of fellowship as we work on various projects around the church building. We’ll be packing our take-home Holy Week kits for those who are worshipping online. They will contain materials for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter worship. We also have work to do in the pantry and DFO (Do For Others) room. Email, message, or text the church so we have an idea how many folks will be coming. Everyone will need to pass COVID screening and remain masked while inside. We’re also asking anyone who comes tomorrow to bring some items for the food pantry if possible. Today’s deliveries will use a lot of what we have in stock. 

Disciple I Bible Study: We’ve had two great sessions of the study. All are welcome to join this program that offers an extensive read of the Bible over the next few months. We gather online. If you’d like to join us, message or email the church.

Food Pantry: our ministry to those who need some food assistance is going well. Our shelves are always in need of new supplies. This week we need more cereals, pasta, and sauces. We’ve recently had very generous donations of bread and cabbage. If you know of anyone who might be able to use some of this, share the news with them. Also, offer a prayer of thanks for those who gave so generously to this ministry. 

Holy Week Schedule (all services are online only except the Easter Service):

  • Maundy Thursday, April 1, 7:00 – All are welcome to share this powerful remembrance of all that happened that night like no other night.
  • Good Friday Community Ecumenical Service: 12:00 – 3:00 Pastors for churches in our neighborhood will be offering messages based on the last seven words of Christ. Pastor Scott will b preaching from 12:00 – 12:30. 
  • Good Friday, April 2, 7:00 – First Church will pause and remember that crucifixion of Jesus
  • Easter Sunrise Service, April 4, 7:00 AM – Wake up with us as we celebrate the news that changed the world.
  • Easter Service: April 4, 11:00 – join us as we celebrate the day of days and the Lord’s ultimate triumph.

Prayer Requests:

  • Jean, Lee, Rich, and Anita for healing
  • Joyce for a safe home for her family as well as physical and emotional healing

 

Worship with us this morning – March 14

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

There is so much happening in the world right now. We know that things are improving, but there are still difficult challenges in front of us. The challenges are not only for all of us as a society. Each of us has struggles in our lives. The good news is that Jesus has prepared us similarly to how he prepared his disciples on that night in the Upper Room before faced the challenge of the cross. Jesus says many things, but we are going to focus on some key lessons that He taught that night that equip us for anything the world might do. Join us on Facebook Live at 11:00 this Sunday as we explore how “He Prepares Us for What’s Coming.”

Here is some information to help you participate in worship online:
The response to our interactive opening prayer is, “We will love as Christ has loved us.”
• Today’s songs are “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “Oh How I Love Jesus.” Look up the words online, and you can sing along.
• The scripture reading is, “John 14:15-21; 15:9-17; 16: 25-33.”
• Please leave a 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 week’s announcements March 7-13

Announcements for March 7-13

  • Daylight Savings Time is this coming weekend: It’s the time of year to spring forward. Be sure to set the clocks ahead an hour on Saturday night or you’ll miss church in person.
  • Church Workday on Saturday, March 20, 1:00-4:00: come out for a time of fellowship as we work on various projects around the church building. Everyone will need to pass COVID screening and remain masked while inside. We’ll be packing our take-home Holy Week kits for those who are worshipping online. They will contain materials for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter worship. We also have work to do in the pantry and DFO (Do For Others) room. Email, message, or text the church so we have an idea how many folks will be coming.
  • Disciple I Bible Study: our first session is tonight. All are welcome to join this program that offers an extensive read of the Bible over the next few months. We gather online. If you’d like to join us, message or email the church.
  • Food Pantry: our ministry to those who need some food assistance is going well. Our current wish list is more cereals, pasta, and sauces. Thanks to Melissa and Paul for arranging a new connection that will get us a lot of fresh produce.
  • Holy Week Schedule (all services are online only except the Easter Service):
    • Maundy Thursday, April 1, 7:00 – All are welcome to share this powerful remembrance of all that happened that night like no other night.
    • Good Friday Community Ecumenical Service: 12:00 – 3:00 Pastors for churches in our neighborhood will be offering messages based on the last seven words of Christ. Pastor Scott will share the time of his message when it is finalized.
    • Good Friday, April 2, 7:00 – First Church will pause and remember that crucifixion of Jesus
    • Easter Sunrise Service, April 4, 7:00 AM – Wake up with us as we celebrate the news that changed the world.
    • Easter Service: April 4, 11:00 – join us as we celebrate the day of days and the Lord’s ultimate triumph.
  • Prayer Requests:
    • Jean, Lee, Rich, and Anita for healing
    • Joyce for a safe home for her family as well as physical and emotional healing
    • Steve’s birthday