We are God’s well-loved children! We are young, not-so young, married, single, in partnerships, widows, and widowers. We are ethnically, racially, politically, socially, economically, and theologically diverse, and we love each other! We like to say that we are blessed to be a blessing! We use who we are to build relationships with each other and the neighbors around us.
PRESBYTERY NEWS
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome to Worship! On this First Sunday after Epiphany, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord—when God’s light is revealed in Jesus Christ and a voice from heaven names Him as beloved. As we remember our own baptism and renew our shared calling, we also give thanks for the life of the church expressed through faithful leadership.
Whether you are a longtime member or a first-time guest, you are welcome here as we worship the God who claims us, calls us, and sends us to serve. We do hope you will join us after worship in the Fellowship Hall for snacks, coffee, and good conversation! It’s a wonderful time to catch up with friends, meet someone new, and share a few laughs before the week begins.
We are grateful to welcome back the Rev. Mark Broadhead as our guest preacher and worship leader today. Mark is faithfully walking with us as we continue in this transition process, and is a true friend of First Church. We are so thankful for his generosity of spirit!
Today we joyfully ordain and install Steven McPherson and Tami Valdez to their ministry as ruling elders on the Session, and we offer our gratitude for the faithful service of outgoing elders John Deegins and Rich Kangas.
The Interim Pastor Search Committee meets today following worship in the Church Office Parlor. The Session also meets today following fellowship time in the Church Office Parlor.
The Presbyterian Women will meet this Wednesday at noon in the Fellowship Hall. We will be picking up with Lesson 7 in our series “Finding Resilience, Joy, and our Identity in Jesus Christ”. Lunch will be provided. All women are invited to this time of sistership!
Join us next Sunday for our first Fellowship Lunch of the new year! Rich Filippi will offer a brief reflection on charitable giving and share travel tips and tales from his adventures. Bring a dish to share and come ready for good food, warm conversation, and a bit of fun and frivolity as we enjoy our time together.
Welcome to worship! During this Advent season of watching and waiting, we gather to listen for God’s promise, to lift our hearts in hope, and to prepare room for Christ’s coming light. Whether you are a long time member or visiting with us today, we’re glad you’re here. May this time of worship open our eyes to grace already unfolding among us and strengthen us to live with anticipation, compassion, and joy in the days ahead. We are pleased to welcome back Rev. Dr. Nicole Richardson as guest preacher and worship leader today. Nicole will be with us through the remaining Sundays of Advent and will lead our candlelight worship on Christmas Eve (4:30 pm) Today we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, a pause in Advent to glimpse joy. Gaudete means “rejoice” (Phil. 4:4), but this is a joy that lives alongside questions, like Mary’s Magnificat or John the Baptist’s hope in prison. Lighting the rose candle reminds us that God meets us in uncertainty with a joy rooted not in what we see, but in Christ’s light already breaking in. Join us TODAY right after worship for our Annual Church Christmas Party and Fellowship Lunch. Please plan to stay a little longer and celebrate the season with great food and fun activities. All are welcome!