FirstChurch Message of the Week

We Are Chosen

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Do we realize that we have been chosen by God? But what have we been chosen to do? Volunteer at a feeding center. Call that person you haven’t seen in church in a while. Ask the church, what do they need and how could you help? Show extra kindness to the checkout person or the person next door. Pray for God to lead you toward fruit, fruit that will last.

In this week’s Message of the week, we are blessed with guest speaker, Bruce Blumer. Bruce shares about his ministry in Haiti called Haiti Alive. He also challenges us to step out when we see a need and follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit to be the light the world needs.

Pay Attention

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Sometimes it’s hard to know where God is calling us or where God is even present in our lives. Do we miss God working right in front of our eyes? Do we rest in God’s presence or do we choose to grind our way through the busy parts of our lives and subconsciously ignore the work of the holy spirit in our lives?

In this week’s Message of the week, Pastor Bryce Blank shares from Isaiah 40 and challenges us to pay attention.

The Science of Faith

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 15:30:00 +0000

How do you explain dinosaurs or the theory of evolution? Is astrology Anti-Christ? How can we hold creation and science in tension – can we believe in both? Hopefully, thoughts like this keep us curious enough to keep asking questions, and to find peace in the fact that God alone knows all things.

In this week’s Message of the week, we hear from Pastor Jen Tyler who shares from Acts 17. She will tackle the topic of science vs. faith and dive into how they don't conflict as much as you might think.

Is God Really At Work Here?

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 15:45:00 +0000

How do you know when God is at work and doing something in your life? When you look back, do you recognize what God has done in the past; for you and for humanity? How about trusting that God will do good things in and through you in the future?

In this week’s Message of the week, we hear from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares from Ezekiel 36 and reminds us that despite our hardened hearts, God is working and moving in us and through us every day.

Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 18:20:00 +0000

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do good people experience bad things? Why is there suffering in the world at all – can’t God just take care of it?

In this week’s Message of the week, we continue our worship series titled, "Living Our Questions." We've all asked the question, "Why does God let bad things happen?" This week, we hear from Pastor Jen Tyler who shares from the 13th Psalm. This scripture gives us a foundation of faith even when we ask questions like this.

Is This Really the Same God?

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:20:00 +0000

Often God of the Old Testament and New Testament are described quite differently. For example: God in the Old Testament is described as vengeful, versus the New Testament God who is more loving. How do we reconcile this and understand that this is the same God when they are so often described and understood differently?

In this week’s Message of the week, we begin a worship series titled, "Living Our Questions." We will be hearing sermons answering some hard questions we may not normally ask others. This week, we hear from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares from Romans 5 and sheds some light on the question: "Is this really the same God?"

Star Words NYE

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 15:20:00 +0000

The Magi followed the star to Jesus, even if they hit a temporary dead end with King Herrod. Just as the stars guided the magi to Jesus, other stars guide us to Jesus. What “stars words” might help us as we seek Jesus in a new year?

In this week’s Message of the week, we hear the story of the magi from Matthew chapter 2. We celebrate the upcoming new year with a light that can only come from the lord. Pastor Bryce Blank asks, "What "star words" will make an impact on you this upcoming year?"

Simple Celebration

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 15:20:00 +0000

It is the simple people who are the first to get to see this newborn king: Shepherds. Most people, even in town there in Bethlehem, had no idea the world was being changed by the birth of this child. We honor the glory and humility of the incarnation when our celebrations are easy, simple, and include the “least of these” and outcasts.

In this week’s Message of the week, we continue our worship series titled "A Simple Christmas" with a message from Pastor Jen Tyler. She shares from Luke 2 and highlights the simple celebration that took place at the birth of Jesus.

Simple Generosity

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 16:40:00 +0000

In the story of Mary and Joseph before the birth of Jesus, the innkeeper remains unnamed, even though we so often focus on the detail of how there was no room for them in the Inn. Yet there is generosity in this unnamed character. After all, they went out of their way to find some room for them – this unnamed character surely didn’t have a home big enough for several extra families to also stay with them. This was an act of generosity and kindness.

Where are we living into generosity and kindness like this? Hopefully we give in response to God’s great gift to us in Jesus. Together, let us reflect: Where are we making space for God in our lives? What are simple ways we can make room for those in need by sharing what we have?

In this week’s Message of the week, we hear about generosity. Pastor Bryce Blank shares from Luke 2, the story of Mary and Joseph’s travel and lodging. They were unable to find room, but because of the generosity of the innkeeper, they found a place for our Savior to be born. How can we be generous in the same way, and what does a life of generosity look like?

Simply Together

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 19:15:00 +0000

Being together with beloved people we can trust and find rest in is THE most important thing when we have good news (or difficult news, for that matter). That was certainly true here, where Elizabeth and Mary spent 3 months together before the birth of their sons – 3 months of GREAT JOY in being together.

As we prepare for Christmas, might we too get “wrapped up” in the joy of being together to support and encourage one another – and might that joy be not of this world, but based in the love and joy we share in the Good News of the coming Christ.

This week’s Message of the Week comes from Pastor Jen Tyler. She shares from Luke 1 and reminds us to live “Simply Together.”

Simple Preparation

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 15:45:00 +0000

In this season of preparing for the coming of the Christ Child, we are reminded of the importance of generations of preparation before us. In this story we are reminded of the ways others – not just Mary and Joseph and their family – also prepared in ways they perhaps didn’t fully understand. What might we need to do – or stop doing as we make time to listen – in order to prepare and make space for the miracles of this season of our lives?

This weekend we begin our advent series titled "A Simple Christmas." Today we hear from Pastor Jen Tyler who shares from Luke 1. She shares the "Preparation" that took place prior to the birth of Jesus with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth and what that preparation looked like.

Service

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:15:00 +0000

God has already given us all we need… are we ready to step up? We might feel like we aren’t worthy to proclaim the good news because of our history, or status.

Together, we will explore ways God uses “ordinary” — faithful — people, and some of the many gifts God has given us.

In this weeks Message of the Week, we are blessed to be lead by our FirstChurch Youth. Alayna Nelson shares from John 13 the story of Jesus washing the disciples feet. She reminds us of the joy that comes from a life of service.

Where the Last Are First

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:30:00 +0000

How do we use, let alone recognize the abundant gifts God has given us? All that we acquire comes from God. Our management of these gifts is an important part of stewardship. It matters what we do with our time, talents, and finances.

In this weeks Message of the Week, we encounter the question; how do we give of ourselves fully? We hear from Pastor Jen Tyler who shares from Mark 10, and highlights that the first will become last, and the last will become first.

Witness

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 15:10:00 +0000

Evangelism is a fundamental part of who we are. The first step to inviting others to know Jesus better, is to seek to set an example to all we meet through our own words, actions, and interactions.

In this weeks Message of the Week, we recognize all the saints that have gone before us. What does their example of a life of witness show us today? Pastor Bryce Blank shares from 1 Peter and challenges us to live a life of witness.

The Priority of Presence

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 14:15:00 +0000

How important is church, really? Is it that necessary to connect with others believers? Old Testament and New Testament authors would stress that it is. In our church culture today, how do we connect with God AND each other? Is there more than one way to be present in our church community?

In this weeks Message of the Week, we hear from Pastor Jen Tyler. She shares from Ecclesiastes 4 and reminds us that together is better than apart; unified is better than divided. What does it look like to prioritize our presence in the body of Christ?

The Power of Prayer

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:20:00 +0000

Prayer is an essential part of our lives and connection to God. How and why does it matter? What does it mean for us to commit to supporting the church with our prayers, and why is that so important? We might ask ourselves, does God really answer prayer? How do we know that God is listening?

In this weeks Message of the Week, we begin our stewardship worship series titled "Membership to Discipleship: Our Greater Mission." We start this series with a message from Pastor Bryce Blank. He shares from Romans 8 and focuses on how we can grab hold of the Power of Prayer.

Worthy of our Praise

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:20:00 +0000

We are called to recognize our God for all that we have been given. We are called to praise God. Praise is often thought of in accompaniment with music in the context of worship. Why is that? How has our praise evolved over the years? What does it mean to praise God? How can we do so in other ways?

In this weeks Message of the Week, we wrap up our Back to the Basics worship series with a message from Director of Worship & Discipleship, Lucas Severson. He shares from Psalm 150 and leads us in an investigation into what "praise" means and challenges us to praise God when something feels deserved AND when our relational foundation with God is all we have.

Connection Successful

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:00:00 +0000

How are we connected? One of John Wesley’s main focuses was that we remain connected; to God, to those around us, and to our world. This means working with our brothers and sisters in Christ to discern God’s work and then act in ministry to/with our world. Connection points to Methodism’s origins by referring to the relationships that exist between preachers, people, and God. This practice of joining together for God’s work is one that even the Apostle Paul knew to be very important.

In this weeks Message of the Week, our Back to the Basics series brings us to the topic of Connection. How do we stay connected to God? To our family and friends? To our church community? Pastor Bryce Blank shares from Philippians 1, and gives us some tangible ways to connect in every aspect of our lives.

Outgoing Call

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Prayer seems like it should be so simple. Yet when it comes to actually praying it often feels awkward and complicated. What should you actually pray about? What do you say? Is there anything you shouldn’t say? Do you have to speak out loud? Where do you even start? Who even has time to pray? The truth is, prayer is simple. It’s like talking with a good friend. And here’s the best part: No matter where we are in life, God can’t wait to talk with us.

In this weeks Message of the Week, we continue our Back to the Basics worship series. We hear from Pastor Jen Tyler who shares from John 15. Pastor Jen recites prayers we've all prayed in the past, and challenges us to pray from our hearts because when we call, God answers the phone.

A Hopeful Word

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:05:00 +0000

Our Bible is often very confusing to read. How do we read it? What is the difference between the various translations and why are they important? Understanding how to read scripture will allow the Word of God to speak to our lives.

In this weeks Message of the Week, we continue our fall sermon series, Back to the Basics where we revisit the basics of faith. This week we hear from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares from Romans 15 and highlights the Hope found in scripture.

Hey Dude

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:20:00 +0000

We are a people following after Christ. However, that is not always easy. We are called to support one another through the various seasons of life and the challenges that come our way. We are also called to lean into God.

In this weeks Message of the Week, Pastor Bryce Blank shares from the second half of the book of Jude. He reminds us that we can't do life without a firm foundation. He challenges us to find a support system so we don't have to do it alone.

Hey Jude

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 14:25:00 +0000

As we step into this new fall season, with school and activities back into full swing, we are called to remain focused and faithful to God. In times of transition, it can be hard to look to God. How are we preparing to continue growing closer to God? What are we doing to live like Jesus? We are to live in the reality of who Jesus really is and who God is calling us to be.

In this weeks Message of the Week, Pastor Bryce Blank shares from Jude 1, and reminds us that transitions can be stressful, but challenges us to remain focused on a faithful God.

Known By Our Love

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 14:20:00 +0000

Throughout history, God has called people to follow Him. They followed as He led them out of captivity into a new land. That call continues today with a commandment to love others as Jesus loved. This call to service is not a solo mission. It is a call to band together and change the world.

In this weeks Message of the Week, our Lost worship series continues with a sermon from Pastor Jen Tyler. She shares from Hebrews 13 and highlights the call for all people to outwardly show the love of God to all.

Unshaken

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 14:20:00 +0000

We make decisions every day. What to eat. How to dress. How many hours we spend scrolling social media. We make millions of tiny decisions every day. Many of them are acceptable, but how many are truly beneficial to our faith journey. You might ask, “how do I identify the essentials of life? How do I separate the temporary from the eternal?

In this weeks Message of the Week, we continue our Lost worship series with a message from Pastor Jen Tyler. She shares from Hebrews 12, and challenges us to discern which things in life are worth pursuing for the sake of eternity. What things can we cling to so we are "Unshaken?"

Leaning on a Great Cloud

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 14:20:00 +0000

God has called us to grow in faithfulness, turn from greed and selfishness, and grow in our service and witness to proclaim His mercy and peace. The law and prophets are an example of a path that has been laid out for us to follow. Their witness and example spur us onward. With that knowledge all we need to be is BOLD. Easy, right?

In this weeks Message of the Week, we continue our Lost worship series with a message from our summer intern, Alayna Nelson. She shares from Hebrews and reminds us of those who came before us, and challenges us to look at the path they set before us and be bold in our journey of faith.

Seeking A Homeland

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 14:20:00 +0000

Often, parting words serve the function of offering the highest points and ideals we wish to relay to others. Either in summary or by means of a larger conclusion, often the very best and most important parts of a message come as a part of our final instructions. The end of the book of Hebrews works to summarize the most important aspects, not only of the book itself, but of a life of faith. These exhortations, warnings, and guidelines are a helpful overview of the traits of a faithful Christian, and they also serve as an opportunity for self-reflection.

In this weeks Message of the Week, we begin a worship series focusing on scripture guiding us to our true home. We are sometimes lost, confused, or even on the wrong path without knowing. Our sermon today highlights the Hebrew people and how God led them home.

Use Your Imagination

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:20:00 +0000

We’ve all heard metaphor in scripture, but do we use our imagination like the authors of the Bible did? Some scripture even demands understanding of metaphor: God as a fortress, as Rock, as a bird sheltering its chicks in a storm, and even as light. Being a good Bible reader can sometimes require a creative imagination.

In this weeks Message of the Week, Rev. Dr. Joel Allen challenges us to use our imagination. He directs us to many places in scripture that use creative and imaginative words to describe God, His word, and His work in the world.

St Paul and His Mental Health Manual

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 14:25:00 +0000

St. Paul’s Mental Health Manual deals with the ways that Paul, from prison, clearly writes with a concern for mental health, when he says, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are pure, whatever is of good report, think on these things.” With our recent concerns for anxiety and depression, these verses can be viewed in a new light.

In this weeks Message of the Week, we hear another message from Rev. Dr. Joel Allen. He shares from the 4th chapter of Philippians, reminds us of Paul's time in prison, and challenges us to think on things that are true, good, and come from God.

God In A Bod

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 14:20:00 +0000

The Mystery of the Incarnation focuses on the implications of the notion that God enter into the human experience in the person of Jesus, laying aside the glories of heaven and dwelling in a fallen and failing world. Often, Christians fail to see the beauty of it. We’ve heard our whole lives that Jesus is God-with-Us, but we don’t see what makes that belief so beautiful and transformative.

In this weeks Message of the Week, we hear from guest speaker Rev. Dr. Joel Allen. He shares from Philippians 2 and reminds us of the implications of God incarnate. God in the flesh. "God In a Bod."

Total Recall... of Love

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 14:15:00 +0000

Christ calls us to rediscover the love for God we may have once had. How can we find ways to rediscover this love and keep it strong and healthy? Do you love God as you first did? What checkpoints do you have to keep your love for God strong?

In this weeks Message of the Week, we wrap-up our Trajectory worship series with a message from Pastor Bryce Blank. He shares from Revelation 2 and challenges us with the same challenge the Ephesian church received: to recall the love we once had for God who first loved us.

The Unavoidable War

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 15:30:00 +0000

By putting on the armor of God, we have the ability to resist temptations and can therefore do Christ’s work in the world. Being a Christian doesn’t mean we will live an easy life or that we will always see Christ as our compass. So we prepare ourselves for what lies ahead by learning and knowing the truth of Christ, striving for righteousness, proclaiming the gospel, and having a strong prayer life. How are we preparing ourselves for the challenges of living a life after Christ?

In this weeks Message of the Week, we continue our Trajectory worship series with a sermon from guest speaker and FirstChurch intern Alayna Nelson. She shares from Ephesians 6 and reminds us to put on the Armor of God in our daily battles.

Trust Glasses

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Healthy relationships come from a healthy trust in God. Sometimes it may be easy to think that everything will fall apart or that the people we turn to can’t really be trusted. The church is a new society that can flourish when we put our trust in God and treat others as Christ intended. Do our relationships reflect the faith and trust we have in God?

In this week’s Message of the Week, Pastor Bryce Blank continues our Trajectory Worship series with a sermon from Ephesians 5, and highlights where our trust comes from, and challenges us to trust God with the big things as well as the little things.

The New Society

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:00:00 +0000

The church is more than a fellowship…it’s a new society. Having a relationship with Jesus, knowing the love of God, and being empowered by the Spirit are essential for any sort of new society that is built after a former, divisive society has been torn down. People in the church are going to need to give grace and show love to one another just as much as they need to receive it. This is a key part of unity.

Today we continue our Trajectory worship series with a message from guest speaker, Rev. Eric Van Meter. He shares a sermon highlighting The New Society created from the ground up by the early followers of Christ, and challenges us to unite with those around us in the love of Christ.

Saving Grace

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 14:45:00 +0000

We are saved by grace through faith. We are sick because of sin, unable to cure the disease ourselves, and in need of the grace of God. We are bound together by the simple truth that God is the only one able to cure our sin.

In this week’s Message of the Week, we continue our Trajectory worship series. Pastor Bryce Blank shares from Ephesians 2 and reminds us that God calls us to perseverance in the midst of sin. Pastor Bryce also challenges us to reach out to the lifeline that is the Grace of God that fills us with hope for the future.

The Love of God

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:20:00 +0000

God loved us before time began, shown through His Son Jesus Christ. As the body of Christ, the church, we dwell in the love of Jesus which compels us to live in the ways of Godly love. How do we respond to God’s love to us shown in Christ?

In this week’s Message of the Week, we continue our Trajectory worship series. Pastor Bryce Blank shares from Ephesians 1:15-23 and challenges us to respond to the love of God highlighted in this passage. We, the church, dwell in that love. How do we use and display it?

Foundations

Mon, 29 May 2023 14:15:00 +0000

As we seek to learn from the Ephesian church found in Acts, we see that they are a community founded in Christ and Christ alone despite the pull towards other idols of their day. What idols ingrained in our identity do we need to give up?

In this week’s Message of the Week, we begin a Worship Series titled, Trajectory: From Our Origin to Us. With every origin there must be a Foundation. Today, Pastor Bryce Blank shares from the 19th chapter of the book of Acts and gives us a glimpse of the Foundation that sparked the first followers of Jesus to act.

United in Love

Mon, 22 May 2023 14:20:00 +0000

Jesus has finished his ministry and what he set out to do. He recognizes that his work is not of his own doing but of God’s. How can we offer ourselves and our work to the glory of God?

In this week’s Message of the Week, we hear from Pastor Jen Tyler who shares from John 17 and gives us a challenge to unite with others in the glory and the joy of the Lord!

We'll Leave The Light On

Mon, 15 May 2023 14:40:00 +0000

Jesus assures his disciples that he will be with them always, and as we prepare to send off our graduates, we want to invite them to know, part of us will always be with them, just as they are leaving part of who they are with us. This is an invitation, then, to consider what it looks like to lean into who we are, whose we are, and how we are called to lean into that identity in every stage/phase of our lives. Let us continue to grow in these ways as we heed Jesus’ invitation to love God, to keep God’s commandments… and to trust in the Spirit of truth that is with us always.

In this week’s Message of the Week, we celebrate achievements. We honor all graduates in our community, and remember how God has led us, with His light, to do great things for His glory!

Worthy to Choose

Mon, 08 May 2023 14:24:25 +0000

Jesus comes to be baptized by John the Baptist. As we celebrate our confirmands and their choice to publicly affirm their faith, how are we accepting and living into our identity as children of God?

In this week’s Message of the Week, we celebrate with our Confirmation students and their families! We hear a message from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares from Matthew chapter 3. Pastor Bryce asks us to remember our baptism, and challenges us to choose to share the healing and reconciliation that comes from baptism with all those we meet.

Put Our Whole Selves In

Mon, 01 May 2023 14:20:22 +0000

As we reflect on Thomas and the way his “doubts” reflect our own questions and desires, we are reminded of the gift of believing, without seeing. Today, we celebrate God’s unending invitation to offer our whole selves to God as we live into hope in the Risen One – who offers us assurance of a life and faith in him that can overcome all things – even death.

In this week’s Message of the Week, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from John chapter 20 and challenges us to "Put Our Whole Selves In."

The Habit of Easter Joy

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:15:00 +0000

We are a few weeks past Easter. Perhaps the joy of Easter is waning a bit. Have we already lost the joy that comes from the saving grace of a Risen Savior? How do we live into the joy of Christ? How do we continue to bear witness to the empty tomb?

In this week’s Message of the Week, Pastor Bryce Blank shares from Acts 2, and reminds us to embrace "The Habit of Easter Joy."

What's In A Name?

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Have you ever had a meaningful experience at a summer camp? What impacted you the most? Perhaps it was someone welcoming you and calling you by name. The name we are given by our parents is one of the things in life that we didn’t get any control over. However, our names do have, and can give us, meaning. As children of God, we bear the name above any other name. What will you do with it?

In this week’s Message of the Week, we hear from guest speaker Christy Heflin, Director of Lake Poinsett United Methodist Camp, who shares a message about finding our identity in Christ.

Our Kangaroo Pouch

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:15:00 +0000

For several weeks leading up to this day, we’ve been talking about how important it is to let go of the busy-ness of our lives, and to find ways to connect with our Unhurried God. As good as slowing down is, there are other times that we should run! Just as Jesus returned to Mary and offered her comfort and Good News before sending her back out to share his Good News, so too, is Jesus calling us to go.

In this week’s Message of the Week, we celebrate the Risen King! We hear from Pastor Jen Tyler who shares the Resurrection story from John chapter 20. Christ is Risen!

Give It a Rest

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 14:25:00 +0000

The commandment to keep the sabbath is one that might not seem as important as the one about not murdering. But what, and who, suffers in our society when we value economic security over well-being? As we give witness yet again to the story of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem, proclaiming justice for the oppressed, we must also proclaim justice and peace... and rest... for the weary of this world.

In this week’s Message of the Week, we hear about the triumphal entrance of Jesus. Do we stop long enough to notice? Guest speaker Rev. Melissa Gall shares from the book of Mark and challenges us to "Give It a Rest."

A Time For Every Matter

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 19:00:00 +0000

For many of us in this modern, industrial, tech-savvy world, we have lost touch with the seasonality of life. We want what we want, when we want it. We come to believe that no time is off limits and the lines between busy and rest, work and play, have become increasingly blurred. How far are we from the rhythms and "pleasure of our toil?" What cost to ourselves, to our relationships, and to our planet is this frantic pace?

In this week’s Message of the Week, we encounter God. But what about tomorrow; or yesterday? Pastor Bryce Blank shares a message highlighting the journey of life, and reads from Ecclesiastes 3 focusing on God's timing in our lives.

Living Light

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 14:15:00 +0000

No one, at the end of their life, would say, "I should have spent more time at the office." And yet many of us live with the tyranny of measuring-up that keeps us weighed down. Lightening the load of expectations and "shoulds" is one way to lighten up as well as to literally lighten the clutter that crowds out our serenity. How do we create space to flourish in the ways God intends?

In this week’s Message of the Week, Pastor Jen Tyler shares, from Luke 12, a message about removing the junk in our lives; the extra, the clutter. Pastor Jen challenges to live a little bit "lighter."

Tuning In

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 16:12:49 +0000

Martha was busy. Mary chose to be still, to tune in to Jesus. The lesson here is not that it is bad to work, but that we also need times of connection to God. Tuning in to the holy may mean just taking time to notice things that are beckoning to dwell with us a while. What contemplative practices can feed and nourish our active lives?

In this week’s Message of the Week, Pastor Bryce Blank shares from Luke 10 and helps us see what a “tuned in” life looks like.

Preparing a Table

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:05:00 +0000

The Twenty-third Psalm is a great comfort to us as we imagine the green pastures and still waters. It also recalls the dark valleys and calls us into the not-so-easy practice of sitting down at the table with our enemies. An unhurried God is present with us in the good times and in the difficult time and invites us to be radically present to each other in the same way. Have we been too busy to be really present to one another?

In this week’s Message of the Week, we relax as Pastor Jen Tyler shares the 23rd Psalm and challenges us to bask in the glory of God and be present wherever we find ourselves.

The Right Tempo

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 15:50:00 +0000

Jesus never promised that the yoke would literally be "easy." This is a mistranslation. In this context of yoking oxen, the translation means "well fitting." As we begin our "Busy" series, we discover that each of us has a tempo that fits well, that energizes us. What tempo gives you life and energy?

In this week’s Message of the Week, we begin our "Busy" sermon series with a message from Pastor Jen Tyler who reads from Matthew 11 and challenges us to s l o w d o w n, be still, and let God lead us at His unhurried pace.

The Mystery of Jesus

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Scripture is full of mysterious and strange things that have taken multiple generations to try to understand. How much harder was this for the disciples and other followers to understand. After all, they didn’t have the gift of knowing how each story would end to influence their understanding. Yet Jesus challenges what seem like perfectly reasonable reactions. What perfectly reasonable things are we doing – and have we perhaps always done? – that we need to challenge, or throw some unpredictability into?

In this week’s Message of the Week, Pastor Bryce Blank challenges us to experience the mystery of Jesus and share it, as unknown as it is, in the world around us.

Follow Me

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 15:50:00 +0000

Sometimes we become so focused on moving forward and “getting it done,” that we completely miss opportunities to love, serve, and lead. We miss chances to help those in need, to spur on meaningful change, and protect those who can’t protect themselves. Do our neighbors really experience love from us in all circumstances?

In this week’s Message of the Week, we worship a God who calls us to follow HIM. Pastor Bryce Blank highlights Matthew 4, shares some statistics gathered from the world around us, and challenges us to follow Jesus closely enough that we radiate His love to everyone, even though we may feel unequipped.

The Gift of Poetic Challenge

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 15:45:00 +0000

The beatitudes say a great deal, in very few words. How are we leading, teaching, and faithfully following God not just with our own words, but with all that we do or are, as well? The depth of what God wants us to hear in this passage comes in just a few words, with profound challenge. Perhaps there is a blessedness in there for all of us as we try to take in this radical message that doesn’t seem to get easier, the more we hear it.

In this week’s Message of the Week, we hear a message from Pastor Jen Tyler who shares from Matthew 5 and Jesus' message to the disciples and us in the Beatitudes.

The Gift of Bold Action

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 15:15:00 +0000

There comes a time in everyone’s life when bold choices need to be made. From deeply personal actions to communal ones, there are times when we need to lead and invite others to follow… and times when we need to be willing followers. In today’s Gospel reading, we are invited to consider how the bold actions the disciples took might teach us about following God’s lead in our lives today.

In this week’s Message of the Week, we hear a message from Pastor Jen Tyler who shares from Matthew 4 and challenges us to take bold action to share the Gospel wherever we go.

The Gift of Outrageous Grace

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Sometimes we encounter rules that often feel like rules… for the sake of rules. Yet when we look closer, it is not difficult to see that they are designed to help us better care for one another as a part of community. That’s exactly what today’s “rules” found in Matthew 5 are about: they invite us to live into the gifts of forgiveness and grace as we care for one another, and remember that God calls us to live in community.

In this week’s Message of the Week, we hear from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares from the book of Matthew a message titled: The Gift of Outrageous Grace.

The Gift of Unbridled Curiosity

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 16:00:00 +0000

The faithful curiosity of the disciples left them wanting to know more about Jesus: who he was, what he was doing, how they might learn from him. We are all curious about different things in our life – and that curiosity changes us and the world around us. What we do with that curiosity, and how we learn from it, is up to us. The example of the disciples invites us to use our curiosity as a tool to help us learn more about, and diver deeper into, our faith.

In this week’s Message of the Week, we find ourselves curious. Our message comes from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares from the Gospel of John. Pastor Bryce highlights curiousness, and the gift of seeking that John mentions in chapter 1.

The Gift of Unexpected Gifts

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:35:00 +0000

What does it mean for us to see and accept unexpected gifts? Is there even such a thing as freely given gifts, in which we don’t feel some kind of obligation to return a gift, or fulfill other (related or unrelated) expectations? Today we will explore the gifts brought by the magi who give not within any expectations or even hopes, but so faithfully, freely, and generously that today it might leave us asking: is it too good to be true?

In this week’s Message of the Week, we hear from Pastor Jen Tyler as we begin our "Gifts That Keep Giving" Series. She shares from Matthew 2, and challenges us to see unexpected gifts during unexpected times.

Expect the Presence of God

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 18:15:00 +0000

As we enter this new year, we are invited to reflect on what has been… and how we can build on that in our future. As we build on our Christmas themes of expectations… what does it look like to expect, hope for, and commit to seeing and experiencing the presence of God in our lives?

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares from Isaiah 63, highlights the faithfulness of God, and challenges us to slow down to get a better glimpse of the presence of God.

A Child is Inconveniently Born

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 15:30:00 +0000

When we think of our savior coming, and the whole world depending on this savior… we don’t think of a child. Yet the gift here, is that this is the opposite of what our culture tells us to expect. It isn’t the champion, the biggest and strongest, the most combative or articulate, or wealthiest. On the contrary, scripture tells us that in our weakness, we find God: so let us look in other unexpected places and know that God will be with us there, too.

This Christmas Eve, we hear from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares the story of the birth of Jesus from Luke Chapter 2. He challenges us to be on the lookout for places and instances of inconvenient and unexpected encounters with God.

Expect A Savior

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 16:55:00 +0000

In Mary’s song, she explores what it means to recognize that a Savior coming… The savior fills the hungry, and sends the rich away empty. What does this mean for us in 2022 (2,000 years later) to have a Savior who stands for the very things our world and culture teaches against?

In this weeks Message of the Week, we hear from Pastor Jen Tyler who challenges us to "Expect A Savior" with a scripture reading from Luke 1.

Expect Mercy

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 15:35:00 +0000

Too often, our world is not merciful yet Christmas is the opposite of this. It is a time for those who live in the shadows. It is a time for the unexpected. If mercy is about God’s welcoming and caring and walking with us when we’re down on our luck or even just having an off day/season… then what does it look like to have that be a centering point/gift in our lives? It looks like casting light in the darkness and knowing that our redeemer lives – and has come again this Christmas for all of us, without qualifications.

In this weeks Message of the Week, we hear from guest speaker Rev. Melissa Gall who shares from Luke chapter 1. This scripture challenges us to realize that God’s mercy comes to all and is a priceless gift!

Expect Good News

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 15:40:00 +0000

Too often in our lives, we don’t expect kindness, let alone Good News. Yet here we are, invited to not only know there is Good News around us – but invited to claim it for ourselves. What does this Good news mean for us, and what are we to do with it?

In this weeks Message of the Week, we hear from Pastor Jen Tyler who teaches from Luke chapter 3. This scripture not only challenges us to Expect Good News, but share that good news with others.

Expect a Miracle

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:40:00 +0000

This is a season of expectation in which the whole world joins in observing. But it isn’t the kind of expectation the world has set before us of a sweet, innocent little baby coming into the world. Rather, it is an invitation of Good news that is greater than that, and more complicated than that. It is an invitation to expect more – and to expect a miracle. It is an expectation that God is doing – and will do – great things.

In this weeks Message of the Week, we hear from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares from Jeremiah 33 as he challenges us to have expectant hearts because God is in the business of miracles.

Actions Have Consequences

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 17:30:00 +0000

In times of fear or annoyance, we often find ourselves taking actions that distance us from others. Is it possible that God calls us to take a different course of action? Paul and Silas offer us a Christ-like example of this opposite course of action. Acts 16:16-34 guides us to welcome people into our family, not turn them away. Could our actions mimic these early followers of Christ to make our communities a more vibrant, loving place?

In this weeks Message of the Week, guest speaker, Pastor Dayne Zachrison shares what families look like when our actions have Christ-like consequences.

Children of God

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:30:00 +0000

In a time of trials and being tested, Jesus stands firm in one the greatest, most important truths we know: that we are beloved children of God who are loved, cared for, and invited… not just into the kingdom of God that is yet to come after this life, but here today, as well: for our God, is a God of the living (and the dead).

In this weeks Message of the Week, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from Luke chapter 20, and reminds us that we are God's beloved children.

An Inheritance of Hope

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 15:23:27 +0000

As we remember the “saints” that have gone before us, we give thanks for all they have blessed us with today, and for the parts of them that live on within each of us. Though much has changed, much has also stayed the same. How are we living into the fullness of this inheritance and hope they have passed on to us?

In this weeks Message of the Week, we recognize All Saints Day with a message from Pastor Jen Tyler that highlights an inheritance of faith that leads to hope for the future.

A Future of Joy

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 14:47:36 +0000

As we have reflected on ways God has been and is with us over the past weeks, we give thanks for the assurance that God is not only leading us into the future – but equipping us to set up future generations for success, as well.

As we come together, we celebrate the invitation and opportunity to share our treasures and invest in our present and future mission as a church. Now perhaps more than ever, your generosity can make an enormous difference as we sing new songs and come together as God’s church for God’s world. To help us see tangible ways those treasures are making a daily difference in the world, we’ll also reflect on how our giving, reflects our values… and how we are called to equip, invest in, and expand these ministries.

Present for Joy

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 14:20:00 +0000

Today, we focus on the ‘songs’ of the natural world, as we celebrate the ways all the little things around us come together, in the present, to create a big picture of joy. We will take a moment to celebrate particular individuals, callings, or ministries in our church and celebrate the many expressions of God’s grace.

We continue our “Together for Joy” sermon series with a message from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares from Psalm 98 and challenges us to be “Present for Joy.”

A History of Joy

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Now that we have officially launched into fall (with our prior sermon series, “Ready to Launch”), we’re going to spend some time thinking about and celebrating the goodness of God that is in our midst. We’re going to do this by celebrating the ways God has been, is, and always will be with us on this journey, and how here today, God has brought us “Together for Joy!”

Today we begin our annual Stewardship sermon series centered around whole-life giving. This series is titled "Together for Joy" as we can give of ourselves for the glory of God's kingdom, together. We hear from Pastor Jen Tyler who shares from the 98th Psalm and reminds us of a "History of Joy."

Grace upon Grace

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 16:05:00 +0000

Discourse and conversation were a common theme in the time of Jesus. The same thing was very common during the time of John Wesley, Methodism’s founder. In that discourse, grace became a vital part of conversational life. Despite differences and a plethora of thoughts, grace upon grace was given. What does grace mean? What does it look like? How do we give grace to those we disagree with today?

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares from John Chapter 1. He reminds us that the absence of grace divides, and with the overflowing of grace comes unity.

Ready to Launch: Reset Direction

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 19:20:00 +0000

Whether we’ve been in the church for a long time or are exploring the faith, Jesus sometimes calls us to move in a new direction, even when we think we are already heading in the right direction. Building on our conversation about values last week, what does that mean for our lives, our church, and our world as we refocus on that which God is calling us to?

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares from Acts 9, the story of Saul's blindness, and what a redirect in our lives could look like.

Ready to Launch: Reset Values

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 14:45:00 +0000

What does it mean to live by God’s Spirit and not our own, to live according to God’s values and not those of the world? Together we’ll explore these questions, utilizing our FirstChurch values to define how we might more fully live into them and truly trust in the Holy Spirit.

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Jen Tyler who shares from Galatians 5, and challenges us to live by The Spirit.

Ready to Launch: Reset Purpose

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 15:27:00 +0000

Our world, the final frontier. This is the witness of Watertown First United Methodist Church. Its daily mission; to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world; to connect, grow, and serve; to boldly shine the light of Jesus, in ways it has never been felt before.

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Bryce Blank who continues our "Ready to Launch" sermon series. He shares from the Gospel of Mark and challenges us with a "Prime Directive" straight from the Gospel.

Ready to Launch: Reset

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 14:35:00 +0000

Sometimes a “launch” feels like the end goal; the culmination of hard work and perseverance. But the launch is just the beginning of the journey. Something fresh, something new. A reset. Resetting our lives and preparing for a new season begins with remembering who we are… and whose we are. God is faithful while we prepare for our journeys, embark on them, and remember what brought us to this place, in the here and now. A reset can be a refreshing reminder that as God’s beloved, God is never far from us. All we have to do, is call on his name and let it be, as we step out: in faith.

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Jen Tyler who tells the story of her own baptism, and shares from from Matthew 3, and challenges us to a "reset" as we launch into the fall season.

Returning Home

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 14:30:00 +0000

There is no place like home. Whether we are sad our travels are ending or excited to get back into a routine, there is often comfort in returning to a place we call home. After stretching our spirits and love to include more of the people and places around us God loved first, our hope is that we would also return with new convictions, able to be more active and loving members of our community/world. How do these new experiences and encounters help us to follow the invitation of Jesus to better love one another?

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Jen Tyler who shares from John 15, and challenges us, as we return home, to continually abide in Jesus.

The Reflection

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:30:00 +0000

God is present with us in all times and places – within and beyond our comfort zones. How, then, are we taking time to reflect on how God is at work in the world around us, when we take risks and broaden our experiences beyond our usual perspective? How can pausing for reflection help us think about our own hesitations or reservations, in order to better connect to the world around us… in turn helping to create a better world?

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares from Isaiah, chapter 65, and challenges us to reflect on our journeys and adventures, and to see how God has been present in every experience.

The Encounter

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 14:15:00 +0000

While out on his travels, Jesus often encountered people from other faiths, traditions, and cultures. More often than not, it even seemed like Jesus sought these encounters. What does that have to teach us about how we can redefine “strangers” as “friends we have not met yet” – and how can that help us grow closer to God?

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares a story from his own life about an encounter that was out of the norm, and the story of the woman at the well from John Chapter 4. Pastor Bryce challenges to see these encounters as God making a way for His Kingdom.

Leaving Home

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 14:35:00 +0000

When the people of Israel left Egypt, it wasn’t a fun adventure or some exciting trip they were embarking on. They were leaving that which they knew and which they had become comfortable with, no matter how difficult, for a pilgrimage with countless unknowns. As we place ourselves in that story, it invites us to wonder: how might God be calling us to leave “home” – that which is comfortable? What must we do to embark into the unknown in ways that help us expand our spiritual capacity?

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Jen Tyler who shares the story of the Israelites and their departure from Egypt, and challenges us to leave what we know and exchange it for situations that God is calling us to that might just make us uncomfortable.

Testament of Trust

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 14:40:00 +0000

Proverbs 3 begins with a challenge; to trust. We don’t easily trust what we can’t see or don’t know. When we know God and seek him daily, that trust comes a bit easier. Life comes fast, and we make claims like, “I’ve got this,” or “I’ll do it myself.” Imagine when our efforts come alongside Gods call in our lives. When trust overcomes our self-righteous efforts it may not seem easy, but God will lead us to light and his kingdom.

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares his journey of trust that led him to ministry, and eventually Watertown, and challenges us to lean on God instead of ourselves.

Yahweh: Love & Trust

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 13:54:40 +0000

Jesus was a pure example of acting in love at all times. The Apostle Paul knew this and noticed a detour in this regard from the church in Corinth. The people there were using their gifts for self-glory. In our time, do we do the same thing? What does true servanthood actually look like? Our intentions matter as we seek to minister to and love those around us.

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Bryce Blank who shares a fishing story from his childhood and reminds us, as 1 Corinthians 13 does, that God's love is overwhelming and there's plenty for all people!

Let Your Light Shine

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 14:30:00 +0000

Jesus invites us to let our lights shine – but what does that mean? What does your light look for, and how are you being called to let it shine brightly, for all the world to see and know?

This weeks message of the week comes from the book of Matthew, Chapter 5. Pastor Jen Tyler highlights what it means to add “flavor” to the world, reminds us to be the light in the darkest of places, and challenges us to step out into the world and use our gifts!

Neighboring On Purpose

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 14:13:34 +0000

We are all called to be better neighbors and to better care for those around us. There are a lot of ways to do this… and Martha and Mary show us some of the wrong ways here in this familiar passage from Luke. Today we’ll talk about the importance of honoring God by honoring those around us not by over-busying ourselves, but by taking time to serve, in the midst of the pause. Can we pause long enough to truly honor those around us?

This weeks message of the week comes from the 10th chapter of the book of Luke. Pastor Jen Tyler reminds us to slow down, look around, and see the people in our lives as not “other” or opposite, but value their dignity.

Surprise!

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 14:30:00 +0000

The Holy Spirit loves to show up and surprise us in ways we don’t expect. More often than not, this comes in the form of a gift as God reminds us that while we all have hard times or suffering at various times in our own lives, God can use all for good. That does not mean God wants us to encounter difficult times… but it does mean we can always have hope – which “does not disappoint.”

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Jen Tyler who challenges us to notice people in need and to give of ourselves and share the hope of the Gospel.

Dip Your Toe in the Water

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0000

This weekend, as we look forward to celebrating Independence Day, one may wonder what the founders of our country would think of where we are today – with all our social, economic, and political pressures. They had a vision to “form a more perfect union, establish justice…and establish this Constitution of the United States” and we may also wonder, are we there yet, or do we have a long way to go?

This weeks message of the week comes from Rev. Sandee Prouty Cole. She shares the story of Naaman and how he was healed by God in a way he did not expect after a suggestion from what some would call an insignificant servant girl. Sandee also challenges us to not be afraid to jump into our faith completely, even if we don’t know who we can help or what to expect.

Mighty Winds & Gentle Whispers

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 15:04:04 +0000

Most of us have a mental picture of Jesus, and we probably have a general concept of God in our minds, but what about the Holy Spirit? Too often we neglect the Holy Spirit in our lives and don’t even recognize when the Holy Spirit moves in us or around us.

This weeks message of the week comes from guest speaker, Dr. Bruce Blumer, who challenges us to become aware of the Holy Spirit as a person of the Trinity, prepare ourselves to be open to the Holy Spirit, ask the Holy Spirit to be part of our lives, and to recognize the Holy Spirit’s work every day.

What Do You Have to Do with Me, Jesus?

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 14:40:00 +0000

We often ask ourselves, “What might God be asking me to do? What will it cost me? How much time will it take? How much money? Will it cost me my reputation? Will people think I am crazy because of my actions?” Sometimes it feels like we don’t get an answer. More often, we succumb to “selective listening” where we choose to ignore or disregard an answer that God places before us. We think we have all the answers and don’t need to rely on God. But, God continues to journey with us even when we tell God to leave, even when we say “no” to God.

This weeks message of the week comes from guest speaker, and retired licensed local minister, Becky Holten who shares from Luke 8 and challenges us to make the daily choice to stick close to God.

Holy Wisdom

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 14:55:00 +0000

The Woman Wisdom stands at the crossroads, calling all to listen and learn. Her teachings are an invitation to wonder at creation and to approach life with a spirit of discovery. How can we become wiser by seeing creation through the eyes of wonder? What is God’s Wisdom trying to teach us?

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Abigail Ozanne who highlights the feminine attributes of the Trinity and shares her own story of learning and wisdom.

Called Together

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 14:55:39 +0000

With Pentecost we celebrate the birth of the church, giving thanks for the ways we are different and the same. So it was at the first Pentecost, when all would hear the same message in their own language. How are we called to live similarly? Not just to get out of our comfortable boxes to see and understand one another despite our differences, but also to lean in to that – uniting together in Christ to love God and one another more fully, wholly, and completely?

This weeks message of the week comes from Pastor Abigail Ozanne who shares from Acts Chapter 2 and tells the story of Pentecost and how barriers are broken down by the presence of the Holy Spirit, and how unity can happen throughout the universal church.

A God of New Beginnings

Tue, 31 May 2022 16:15:02 +0000

The last couple of chapters of the book of Revelation use a lot of imagery, which is consistent with the previous chapters. And just as usual: there is deeper meaning in these words that invite us to proclaim triumph in our lives here and now. We do so through the lens of words we close with, that mirror words the book opened with: “I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” These words remind us that Jesus has been, is, and always will be: thanks be to God!

In our Message of the Week, we end our sermon series titled “The End of the Bible As We Know It” with a message from Pastor Jen Tyler where she shares from Revelation chapters 21 & 22 a message about new beginnings and a blessed future.

A Vision of the Church

Mon, 23 May 2022 14:35:00 +0000

In this vision of a great multitude, we are invited to capture a glimpse of what the true church can look like. What makes up a faithful community that is called the “great multitude” – and what does this have to say to our church here today? Through gifts of community and diversity, we are called to be on a journey that grows more Christlike every day.

In our Message of the Week, we continue our Revelation sermon series featuring a message from Pastor Jen Tyler about John’s Vision of the Church found in Revelation 6 & 7.

A Vision of Worship

Mon, 16 May 2022 14:50:00 +0000

At the center of this text is a throne – but whose or what is it? What does that represent? Eventually, John (writer of Revelation) tells us that in the center of all that is… is a Lamb who sits on the throne: an unmistakable reference to Jesus. How do we live a life that reflects this scene, with all that we do and all that we are circling around, honoring the one – the only One – who sits on the throne of God?

In our Message of the Week, Pastor Jen Tyler continues our sermon series titled “The End of the Bible as We Know It” with a message from Revelation chapter 5 and John’s vision of worship.

Beginning With The End

Mon, 09 May 2022 14:45:00 +0000

Revelation calls us to hope and endurance for today – and always. Today we will have an introduction to the book of Revelation, reminding one another that while Revelation is most popularly interpreted to be a literal prediction of the future and the events that will unfold at the end of time… we are called to read and understand it in a similar way to how we do other scriptures: with context in mind. In that light, we are invited to read and know that Revelation is less a book about the end of time – and more a word of encouragement for us today.

In our Message of the Week, we begin our "The End of the Bible As We Know It" series focusing on the book of Revelation. Pastor Jen Tyler shares from the beginning of Revelation and reminds us that this vision given to John isn't as grim as we think... that there is HOPE.

Courageous Faith

Mon, 02 May 2022 14:55:00 +0000

The beginning of the book of Joshua challenges us to “Be Strong and Courageous” – Verse 9 was chosen by the youth, and said together each week throughout the year as a closing prayer and benediction. It reminds us that no matter what may come, we are all called to be strong and courageous, and to remember always that we can do this because “the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – with no exceptions! The beginning of the book of Joshua challenges us to

In our Message of the Week, Pastor Jen Tyler shares, from Joshua 1, the verse that has become the theme verse for the confirmation students at FirstChurch, and we celebrate the affirmations of faith shared by those students.

Refreshed By Water

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Water is a significant theme throughout scripture; from God separating the waters to create the sky, the flood, Moses parting the Red Sea, as well as Jesus baptism with water by the Holy Spirit. So when Jesus tells the Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar that He can provide an eternal, living water, we can know that this statement is significant as well. Although it is significant, it can also be confusing, just as it was to the woman at the well.

In our Message of the Week, guest speaker and Wesley Acres Camp Director, Paul Lint, shares about baptism, living water, and Summer Camps.

A Good Enough Faith

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 14:37:05 +0000

Easter can be tricky when it comes to faith. We come for the happy ending–the “and then they lived happily ever after.” The resurrection story proclaims hope over despair and life over death! Yet… we know that life continued, and continues for us, as a story of spiking heartbreak moments that are not forever fixed. The nature of being created for love is that we will always hunger for more, that there is never enough life and love to satisfy. And endings are often too soon. But perhaps a good enough faith is one that moves through the chronic nature of being incurably human with an eye for resurrection moments that assure us that this good enough life is worthy of our amazement.

In our Easter message of the week, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from John 20, and how Jesus sees you and knows that you, and also your faith, are always good enough.

Worthy Enough

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 14:32:23 +0000

Jesus orchestrated a low-budget parade into a city where he knew his days were numbered. “Get me a colt,” he said. Not a steed. Not a float. A young, green donkey. When he did, folks gathered, and his friends started some liturgical shouting that made the local priests mad. Life is hard and we all need friends… and sometimes big, loud, praying that will not be messed with. We are created for interdependence… which means all our hiding and pretending that we are “perfectly fine” all on our own just won’t work. Get on the donkey when you need to, and let people lay down their cloaks and make some noise for you.

In our message of the week, Pastor Jen Tyler shares the story of the Palm Parade that was held as Jesus entered Jerusalem, and challenges us to put away the pretense of a perfect life, ask for help when we need it, and let our community lift us up because we are worthy enough.

Joyful Enough

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 14:25:00 +0000

Jesus speaks the words no one wanted to admit: he was not always going to be around. “Oh, don’t say that,” so many of us have said to a loved one who speaks the truth about the fragility of life. Perhaps we get uncomfortable because it reveals the precious nature of the present moment, laying bare the beauty and horror of it all. The indescribable pain we know we will one day face invades our senses like a pervasive perfume, inescapable. What if we stopped denying the limited nature of our lives and breathed in deeply the fragrance of vulnerability?

In our message of the week, Pastor Abigail Ozanne highlights the realness of loss, depression, and pain. She shares from the book of John, chapter 12, and the reminder that despite the pain that is inevitable, our moments of grieving can be joyful enough.

Grace Enough

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 14:40:00 +0000

We can be pretty hard on ourselves when things don’t go as planned. Guilt, shame, and fear of being seen as a failure can leave us wallowing in the pig pen, so to speak. Our delusions of a perfectible life keep us disappointed in ourselves. The truth is, life is a big risk every single day and facing whatever each day holds is not only good enough, but worthy of love and grace.

In our message of the week, Pastor Jen Tyler shares the story of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15 and how he had grand things planned for his life, and even after that plan was a failure, he was met with extravagant love and grace.

Productive Enough

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 15:50:00 +0000

There is so much shame for the unproductive fig tree. Cut it down! Make room for a more dedicated and hard-working fig tree! Yet… who among us is living up to our fullest potential? The productivity experts these days can diagnose the “what’s” … but the gardener offers an alternative medicine–nurture it slowly, and let it soak in the manure all around until it can get the good stuff out of it. Lying fallow and getting fertilized with laughter and tears at the crappy stuff of life can help heal what ails us and that is sometimes productive enough.

In our message of the week, Sandee Cole shares from Luke 13, and how we can still be productive followers of Jesus even when we don't "get" everything done.

Uncontrolled Enough

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 15:10:00 +0000

As we continue reflecting on how we, who are created in God’s image, are in fact “Good Enough,” today we are reminded that Jesus is not only God, but also fully human. That means he shared our human experiences including our pains, grief, and frustrations. One thing Jesus wasn’t, though – was afraid. Instead, Jesus knew that God was always with him, and always in control. Jesus trusted in that so much, that he lived with a kind of peace and calm that we’ve never seen matched.

In our message of the week from Mark 4:35-41, Pastor Jen Tyler talks about what it looks like to turn our longing for control over to God, who doesn’t always take away our storms in the ways we would want, but who is always with us in the midst of them.

Holy Enough

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 15:25:00 +0000

We find ourselves hungry for many things that we believe will bring us satisfaction. The devil lays a bet that Jesus will jump at the chance for glory, fame, and the quick fix. Who wouldn’t? But Jesus keeps up the pithy one-liners long enough that the Tempter just has to slink away. What are the temptations that catch your ear, singing out promises that your life should be more special than it is? What if ordinary life is already holy–as is?

In this message of the week from March 6th, we begin our “Good Enough” series with a message from Pastor Jen Tyler and what it looks like to live a “Holy Enough” life.

Get Up!

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 15:45:00 +0000

As we prepare for the coming season of Lent (that starts with Ash Wednesday), we pause to reflect on ways that Jesus prepared himself for his journey to the cross. In the moments of Jesus’s transfiguration we not only heard affirmations of the importance of following Jesus, but also Jesus’ invitation in the moments that follow for the disciples to “Get up: and do not be afraid.” May we enter this coming season without fear, but with confidence that God comes with us, providing us the strength, courage, and hope we need for that which we know is coming… and that which is beyond the unexpected.

In this message of the week from February 27th, we hear from Pastor Jen Tyler and how Matthew 17 challenges to "get up and do not be afraid."

Drawn In... to Rest

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 15:40:00 +0000

We are closing out our “Drawn In” sermon series where we have been diving into how our Creating God calls us to live creative lives with him.

Something too often overlooked in the creative process is the need to turn away from productivity, and toward effortlessness and play. In the story of creation, God rested. And this was “good” as well! Then in the commandments, we are reminded of our requirement – not recommendation – to rest as well. More specifically: to rest in God. True Sabbath draws us closer to God as we take time to reflect, observe, celebrate, and soak in God’s goodness (and creation) around and within us.

In this message of the week from February 20th, guest speaker Christy Heflin shares from Exodus, Ecclesiastes, and from her own life experience on living a busy life and how life giving rest can be.

Drawn In... to Re-integrate

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 15:45:00 +0000

Everything that is created is in relationship with all other things; nothing exists in isolation, including our relationships. Are we willing to re-integrate, re-vise, re-vision our lives as we come in contact with others who are not like us? New possibilities await if we are willing to offer ourselves fully and be willing to be changed by our interactions.

In this message of the week from February 13th, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from 1 Corinthians 12, the importance of a faith community and how we are called to work together despite our differences.

Drawn In... to Risk

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 15:45:00 +0000

To create is to assert ourselves into that which is risky, as God invites us to step into the unknown. Jesus tells this story about people who did different things with the “talents” given to them… what might you be willing or able to risk to use what God has given you to expand God’s love, grace, and message to the world?

In this message of the week from February 6th, Pastor Jen Tyler shares the parable of the three servants, what was bestowed upon them, and how we are called to take risks when God calls us to them.

Drawn In... to Listen

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 16:35:00 +0000

We are currently in the midst of our “Drawn In” sermon series where we are diving into how our Creating God calls us to live creative lives with Him.

“Listening” as part of creativity is about perceiving; we open our senses to see what is emerging. Perhaps what we start doesn’t end up looking like what we thought it would. Instead, once the act of creating begins, we listen to how the Spirit is guiding our next steps and unfolding possibilities we were previously unaware of. Without paying attention in this way, we act as if we have all the answers. And when we are up against something that doesn’t go our way, we see it as negative… but what if those moments are simply God inviting us to see new ways of moving forward in our lives?

Today, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from Acts 16, and how listening is more than audibly “hearing” God, and challenges us to become more in tune with the Spirit of God and where God can lead us when we truly listen.

Drawn In... to Dream

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 20:00:00 +0000

As we move from Hovering/trying to see the big picture, into action… we are invited to remember that all of creation began with God dreaming and creating abundantly. To put that another way in our present tense: “God’s dreams love the future into existence.” Thus we know that with God, “the sky is the limit,” and we are invited to live – and dream – big. How are you dreaming?

In this message from January 23rd, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from Luke 4, and our calling to connect the dots of our lives to look more like Jesus.

Drawn In - Hover

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 19:00:00 +0000

In Genesis we are told that God created the heavens and the earth, and called it good. How are we called to create, and to celebrate creation? The truth is, lots of us spend more time and energy being “driven” toward specific goals, and not enough time being “drawn in” to God’s goodness. We focus on what we “should” do – rather than what we are called to do – and what we might feel excited or compelled to do. Throughout this series, we are going to connect with our inner creativity, nurturing this fundamental aspect of being human. Creative outlet tends to give us renewed energy for passionate work, delightful play, and creative problem solving to make this world a better place for all.

In a world full of quick fixes and temptations to lean into instant gratification, it can be hard to be patient, or to take the long way when we want to skip ahead. But we learn and grow closer to God when we trust in God, whatever may be before us.

In this sermon from January 16th, we start our "Drawn In" sermon series with the Creation story from Genesis 1. Pastor Jen shares how we are created to create, and how God leads us in a direction of creativity.

God's Beloved

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 16:00:24 +0000

Jesus baptism is a gift that we can claim as our own. It is an open invitation to be a part of the body of Christ. All are welcome; all are invited. This every day gift of water reminds us that we are all God’s beloved.

Today, Pastor Jen Tyler shares the story of the baptism of Jesus from Mark 1, and the life, love, grace, and forgiveness that comes from the waters of baptism.

Epiphany 2022

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 15:40:00 +0000

Happy New Year from FirstChurch!

What gifts did the Wise Men bring to Jesus? How many Wise Men are described in the Bible as visiting Jesus? What is the history of this Epiphany holiday, and where do our traditions come from?

In this first message of the new year, Pastor Abigail Ozanne shares from Matthew 2 and the story of the journey of the Wise Men, their origin, and what this passage can tell us about following the “guiding lights” that lead us to Jesus.

The Blessing of Home

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 17:30:00 +0000

Merry Christmas from us at FirstChurch!

At the time of Jesus birth, Bethlehem wasn’t the largest or most well known city in Israel. It was a city with a great past, like being known as the home of King David, but had its best years behind it.

Today, we hear from guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Pete Grassow. He challenges us to remember that no matter where we come from, or the reputation of our neighborhood, God is present; on your side of the fence AND on the other.

Deck The Halls... With Christ - Christmas Eve

Sun, 26 Dec 2021 18:05:00 +0000

As we get out the Christmas lights, ornaments and tinsel to decorate our homes this year, many of us are relieved that Christmas will feel a bit more “normal” this year. As we prepare to gather with friends and family to celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us prepare in mind, body, spirit, and space: by Decking the Halls (and our lives) with what matters most: the hope, peace, joy, and love of God.

Emmanuel has come. God turned the world on its head that first Christmas night and continues to turn the world today.

In this special Christmas Eve message Pastor Jen Tyler shares the “perfectly imperfect” story of the first Christmas and challenges us to embrace imperfection and create memories in the messy chaos of life.

Deck The Halls... With Love

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 16:46:55 +0000

God gives us the gift of love, the opportunity to accept that love, and the call to share that love with others.

In this message of the week from December 19th, Pastor Jen Tyler shares the story of Mary and Joseph from Matthew 1, how they welcomed the love of God into their lives, and how we can share the love of God with those around us.

Deck The Halls... With Joy

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 18:15:00 +0000

God provides joy in unexpected ways through unexpected means, people, and places.

In this message of the week from December 12th, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from the book of Luke, chapter 1, and the story of Mary’s joyous response to the good news of the coming savior.

Deck The Halls... With Peace

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 17:35:51 +0000

In a season of stress and distractions, God offers us the roadmap to peace.

In this message of the week from December 5th, Pastor Abigail Ozanne shares from the book of Isaiah, challenges us to slow down to find peace and be generous to bring peace to the world.

Deck The Halls... With Hope

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 16:15:00 +0000

As we get out the Christmas lights, ornaments and tinsel to decorate our homes, many of us are relieved that Christmas will feel a bit more “normal” this year. As we prepare to gather with friends and family to celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us prepare in mind, body, spirit, and space: by Decking the Halls (and our lives) with what matters most: the hope, peace, joy, and love of God.

In the midst of doubt, fear, and uncertainty, God provides hope.

In this message of the week from November 28th, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from the book of Isaiah and the excitement of the coming King. It talks about how we are to be a hopeful people in this season of Advent, as we prepare for the coming of Christ.

Grateful... Together

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +0000

In our current sermon series titled “Grateful,” we will talk about ways to live in gratitude, reflecting on our past, present, and lives that are yet to come as we celebrate all that God has given us, all that he provides for us, and all the opportunities he leads us to.

Gratitude often moves us beyond ourselves from “me” – to “we.” As we live into our gratitude in this way, it becomes impossible not to share it – as research has even shown that gratitude is contagious. How, then, are we living into and sharing our gratitude in community? Together we’ll explore the gift of giving thanks together – in our families, church, community, and beyond.

In this message of the week from November 21st, Pastor Abigail Ozanne shares from Psalm 95, and how praise and gratitude is a communal part of worship.

Grateful... on Purpose

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Studies have shown that gratitude is not only good for our relationships, but it’s also good for our health – physical, emotional, and spiritual. Thus to practice gratitude is to live into more than a feeling: it is to make a choice to be grateful by practicing it. To do that well, we need to first step back to see – and appreciate – all that we already have (and are).

In this message of the week from November 14th, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from 1 Thessalonians, reflecting on what it means to be grateful in all circumstances.

Grateful... with the Saints

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 16:15:00 +0000

In our current sermon series titled “Grateful,” we will talk about ways to live in gratitude, reflecting on our past, present, and lives that are yet to come as we celebrate all that God has given us, all that He provides for us, and all the opportunities He leads us to.

As we remember and celebrate the saints who have gone before us today, we give thanks for the gift that keeps giving: Gratitude. There are different kinds of gratitude, and it rarely looks identical twice. How, then, do we recognize it, in order to embrace it?

In this message of the week from November 7th, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from James chapter 1. This passage highlights what gratitude looks like and reminds us that “every good and perfect gift comes from above.”

Spooky Faith

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 16:00:00 +0000

Are zombies in the Bible?! In what may be a familiar story from John 11, we hear the story of Lazarus dying, and being resurrected by Jesus. Yet… with the lens of Halloween in front of us, is this story what we think it is? What are the risks associated with bringing him back to life? What does resurrection look like for us today, in the here and now?

In this message of the week from October 31st, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from John Chapter 11, and the story of Lazarus, resurrection, and new life.

When Waters Spring Forth

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 15:20:00 +0000

Revelation paints a portrait of the diverse crowd around the throne, singing God’s praise, whom Christ will guide to the springs of the waters of life. Our faith promises us that there will come a time when we will no longer have to do the backbreaking work of well-digging to taste Christ’s goodness. We give to the church as a way of creating a glimpse of that kind of world, where all have comfort, grace, and truth.

In this message of the week from October 24th, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from Revelation 7, and challenges us to pledge our time, finances, and lives as an outpouring of the never-ending spring of life that comes from God.

Love of the Ordinary

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 17:10:00 +0000

In scripture, love stories, like Rachel and Jacob’s, often happen around a well. Church is also the site of love stories–not romantically, but the place where we fall in love with ordinary, sainted sinners.

In this message of the week from October 17th, Pastor Abigail Ozanne shares from Genesis 29, and the story of Rachel and Jacob. This story highlights what it means to serve others in ordinary circumstances.

The Well That Runs Deep

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 15:40:00 +0000

What we offer God sometimes requires us to dig deep with immense trust and sacrifice. The widow of Zarephath digs deep and sacrifices much to trust Elijah’s promise of abundance. How can digging deep to give meaningfully to the church help connect us with our trust in God?

In this message of the week from October 10th, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from 1 Kings 17 and the story of Elijah and the widow. This story gives us a glimpse into what it means to trust God with every aspect of our lives.

Approaching the Well

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 15:15:00 +0000

This week begins our stewardship series titled A Deeper Well. This series will focus on how we can live into lives of abundance; not scarcity.

What Christ offers us is deeper than what the world offers us. The church is like a well. We need it to survive, but it can also be exhausting. It is dug by our hands, and the water we draw from is hefted by our own tired arms. Yet the water is Christ’s, and it is life-giving. Commit this year to sacrificing with us to dig this well, but also to drawing deeply from it when you are in need of grace, mercy, and comfort.

In this message of the week from October 3rd, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from John 4 and tells us the story of the Samaritan woman at the well and her encounter with Jesus and his living water.

Community As Teacher

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 16:15:00 +0000

Scripture invites us to be “imitators of God” – to practice and give witness to our faith, by first imitating the faithful examples of those around us. In today’s scripture reading from Hebrews 12, Pastor Jen talks about the gift of being a part of the cloud of witnesses past, present, and future. There is no better time or place or way to live out our faith, than by starting with small things, here today. How might we let the lives of others around us teach us how to live into our faith… and how are we also letting our lives – and our imitations of God – be influential to those around us?

In this message of the week from September 26th, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from Hebrew 12 and what it truly means to be a witness.

Scripture As Teacher

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:45:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what you can learn from books that are thousands of years old? What does scripture have to say that matters to us today?

In this message of the week from September 19th, Pastor Abigail Ozanne shares from Psalm 119, and explores what scripture can teach us still today.

Jesus As Teacher

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 15:45:00 +0000

Jesus not only has a lot to teach us about life and faith, but also, teaches us how to live into and embrace it through the gift of questions – and assuring us it is ok to not have all the answers.

In this message of the week from September 12th, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from John Chapter 3, and the story of Nicodemus. This is an example of Jesus as teacher in our lives, no matter our age or experience.

Faith Without Works...

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 15:30:00 +0000

Being a Christian is more than claiming Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Our faith needs to be lived out. It should affect every part of our lives and what we do each day.

In this message of the week from September 5th, Pastor Abigail Ozanne shares from James, Chapter 2, and how God calls us to be people of Faith-In-Action.

A Holy Armor

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 16:25:00 +0000

When we think of the armor of God, we often thing of tangible kinds of armor like a night in shining armor. But really, God is inviting us to pray at all times, to know that God is with us, and to trust in the “armor” of the gifts of faith, truth, and love. When we trust in these, we are assured not that life will be easier, or even that troubles will stay away from us, but that God will walk alongside and uphold us through it all,

In this message of the week from August 29th, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from the book of Ephesians, chapter 6, and reminds us to live into our faith by putting on the Armor of God.

The Spirit of God

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 15:35:00 +0000

God fills us with the Spirit, bringing joy and thankfulness to our ordinary days.

In this message of the week from August 22nd, Pastor Abigail Ozanne shares from the book of Ephesians, chapter 5, and how the Holy Spirit can lead us to be members of a faith community and guide us in wise living. She highlights the importance of seeking joy in the Lord and giving thanks at all times and for all things.

Bound Together

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 15:31:24 +0000

God calls us to unity, requiring humility and acceptance of one another.

In this message of the week from August 15th, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from the fourth chapter of Ephesians and how our individual gifts and callings are different but equally important in the body of Christ. When we remember that we have different callings but THE SAME goal, unity arises and the body of Christ is built up.

God's Powerful Love

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 16:15:00 +0000

In this message of the week from August 8th, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from the third chapter of Ephesians and Paul’s prayer for all believers, that they would be grounded in love and that God can do things through us we cannot imagine.

The Miracle of Being Included

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 15:20:00 +0000

God reconciles divided people, breaking down barriers and uniting us as we are reminded of the wideness of God’s mercy that is never ceasing.

In this message of the week from August 1st, Pastor Jen Tyler shares from the second chapter of Ephesians that we are all united and no matter where we come from, Jesus has broken down the walls that divide us in order to unify us.

Adopted Family

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 16:30:00 +0000

We are kicking off our “No Longer Strangers” sermon series that focuses on the book of Ephesians. The book of Ephesians teaches us about living as a community of faith that is not without conflict, but is full of faithful followers of Jesus who long to move from strangers to God and one another… into embracing the gift of a family of faith.

As children of God, we are all “adopted” into the family of faith. This invitation is ongoing, limitless, and a persistent reminder that we are called to welcome one another in Christian love.

Sharing Our Story

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 19:15:00 +0000

Who are we, as individuals, and where have we been that makes us who we are? Who are we as a people of God, and how has God stretched us, prepared us, and made us into who we are as a Church? What happens when we listen to God, and… what happens when we share the seeds of the Good News on fertile soil?

In this message of the week from July 18th, Pastor Abigail Ozanne shares from the book of Mark chapter 4 as well as a bit of the history of the faithful at Watertown First United Methodist Church.

Sharing My Story

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 16:00:00 +0000

What do our own personal faith stories say about us? What story do the tell about God’s miraculous work in our lives? We all have stories that mean something to us, but what does it mean to share them others… and does it make a difference?

In this message of the week from July 11th, Pastor Abigail Ozanne shares a story from the book of Mark chapter 5 about a demon possessed man who experiences Jesus' miraculous healing and is sent to tell the story to his community. Listen to part of Pastor Abigail's own faith story and the lessons she has learned.

Radical Welcome

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 15:30:00 +0000

Paul welcomed all he met, and all who came to him, “with boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:31). We, too, have an opportunity to live into bold welcome here in our church – and beyond.

Persuasive Faith

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 15:20:00 +0000

How we live our lives – from the words we use, the ways we talk about others, and even the way we hold our heads high (or don’t) – are a witness to others around us. Are we living out our faith in ways that others take note of, and want to be a part of? We have an opportunity to not only walk the walk as believers, but to also share that in our hope-filled prayers for all we meet.

God With Us

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 17:00:00 +0000

We are “Emmanuel” people. You have probably heard the good news that God is with us always, but… How do we know when God is with us? Do you ever experience times when you feel like God is not with you? How can we know when God is or isn’t with us?

In this message of the week from June 20th, guest speaker, Rev. Melissa Gall shares from the book of Acts chapter 19 to help us answer these questions.

Holy Conferencing

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 17:00:00 +0000

The world is so divided. We categorize people into those we agree or disagree with; those who are right or wrong. This is not new in personal or corporate ways… but as people of faith, we have opportunities to be faithful in the midst of disagreement. To choose gentleness and listening, over anger or division. It is important to know when we are called to speak through this, and when we are called to listen.

FirstChurch Message of the Week Podcast Launch!

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 15:40:00 +0000

Podcast Trailer! Find out what to expect from the FirstChurch Message of the Week Podcast.

Who Am I to Hinder God?

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 20:05:00 +0000

Acts 11:1-18 Often, we like neat, clean, rules and regulations and ways of doing things… but often, ministry is messy and looks very much like we think it couldn’t – or shouldn’t. Peter learns this as he relies on the Holy Spirit who guides him in ministry that looks nothing like he previously imagined.