Just what is hospitality? When we think about hospitality and the bible, we generally think about Martha and Mary hosting Jesus. And, we generally believe that Mary got it right. The truth is, neither one of them got it quite right! Why you might ask? It is helpful to remember the origin and definition of biblical hospitality.… Continue reading Hospitality: A Relationship of Giving and Receiving
Tag: growth
Gratitude: Giving Thanks Activites
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18 Last week we talked about how hard praying without ceasing might seem… especially when we are tied to a particular form of prayer. This week, we are looking at gratitude…… Continue reading Gratitude: Giving Thanks Activites
It takes a little practice…
“Practicing the Presence” can sometimes seem like an elusive thing. Often, that is because we have certain expectations about the outcome… what the divine will look like in our lives. Other times, it is because there is no real formula for success. It is more about practice than perfection. For some of us that is… Continue reading It takes a little practice…
For such a time as this…
Over the next five weeks, we will take a look at the book of Esther. If you haven’t read Esther, I’d encourage you to read it! It reads like a thriller or even a romance novel. And yet, we can learn much about what it means to live a life committed to God and to one… Continue reading For such a time as this…
Multiply
Multiply 4 x 5 = 20 6 x 8 = 48 9 x 7 = ? Those of us old enough to remember [before the “new math” etc.] had the multiplication tables drummed into us and we still know them. But “multiply” at First Church is a new thing just now. Starting this Sunday,… Continue reading Multiply
NOAC Highlights
Nine members from First Church attended the National Older Adult Conference (NOAC) in Lake Junaluska, NC, last week (September 7-11): Auburn and Ruth Boyers, Brenda Fox, Larry Glick, Sharon Helbert, Rosie Martz, Pauline Miller, and Carolyn and Larry Seilhamer. These participants share what they thought were the highlights: “NOAC (National Older Adult Conference) of the… Continue reading NOAC Highlights
Weekend of Service
Service – Fun – Fellowship August 21-22, 2015 Ready to put your faith to work? First Church is planning a Weekend of Service where individuals can experience a community service project for the first time. The projects are designed to be short and simple, and get us out into the community to meet our neighbors.… Continue reading Weekend of Service
the grace of giving
In May of 2000, I lost someone very dear to me… my stepfather, Daddy Bill. He died about three weeks before we returned from Italy. Daddy Bill was in a very real sense my father… he provided security, stability and love for me as a teenager desperately needing a father. One thing I loved about… Continue reading the grace of giving
So you want to be missional?
For some time now, I have reflected deeply on what it means to encourage the church to become more missional. I am reminded of a parable that Jesus shared in Luke 14, “”Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if… Continue reading So you want to be missional?
We can, we will, we are… a sermon about the real meaning of Pentecost, Part 2
Peter continues this “first sermon” by telling the story of Jesus with power and authority. He tells of his crucifixion and his resurrection. And in verse 36 with a new assurance and power he says, “Let all Israel be assured of this; God has made this Jesus… This Jesus who was also a half breed, a mix… Continue reading We can, we will, we are… a sermon about the real meaning of Pentecost, Part 2