Our all-church worship and study emphasis for the month of January is “Baptized.” The act of baptism is only the beginning of the practice of baptism — baptismal life. Over the next four weeks, we are focusing on four key biblical passages and four corresponding aspects of baptismal life: Remember Your Baptism, Cross the Divide, Die …
“The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” -John 4:14 This Sunday, January 9th, the church worldwide celebrates the Baptism of the Lord. But why did Jesus submit to be baptized by John? John the Baptist’s ministry offered people “a baptism of repentance for …
Wednesday, December 22, 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary and live-stream on Online Church, Facebook, and YouTube → Download the Longest Night bulletin We have a tradition of gathering on the longest night, when there are more hours of darkness than light. It’s a time to come together for prayers and laments, to mourn the …
As we begin a brave New Year, pick up your personal “Star Word” for 2022 at worship. During the months ahead, see how God uses your Star Word to speak into your life situation and share your Star Story next year! If you didn’t make it to worship on January 2, you can still …
Dear First Pres. Members & Friends, This Sunday we celebrate Christ the King—the final Sunday of the Christian calendar year. It is a time to celebrate and remember that Jesus Christ is a different kind of king. He now sits enthroned in heavenly glory: King of kings and Lord of lords. Yet we encounter this …
Devotion, November 19: Hope, Aspiration, and the Path Forward Read More »
Join us for our Joy Ride Scavenger Hunt and Christmas Open House! Come to the Manse for fellowship and treats between 3:00 to 5:30 PM, and if you are participating in the scavenger hunt, meet us at the Deerpath parking lot. Participants will be provided with a list of stops with addresses and …
Joy Ride Advent Scavenger Hunt & A Christmas Open House Read More »
“For by grace you have been saved by through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…” -Ephesians 2:8 This past week, our daughter underwent major surgery at the University of Chicago. The surgery was scheduled for 12-14 hours. After a hurried prayer in midst of …
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” On Thinking of Others as Better than Yourself Our Bible text for this Sunday is from Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, a faith-community he held in particular affection and regard. He is writing to them from his prison in Rome, with a …
The Priesthood of Jesus When Christians speak of the identity and role of Jesus, titles like “Shepherd,” “Messiah,” “Savior” and “King” come to mind. Less familiar is the title of “Priest”—much less “a great high priest,” as he is named in Hebrews 4:12-16, our scripture lesson for this coming Sunday. When we hear the word …
Revival “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.” -Psalm 19:7 This week, Deb and I joined with some old friends aboard the schooner Lewis R. French to sail across the islet-strewn waters of Penobscot Bay, Maine. Our cruise had been scheduled for 2020, but the warm, sunny days and …