Enjoy our September 14 10:00 am worship service online!
- publications97
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 18
We have TWO SERVICES at 8:00 (Micah Chapel) and 10:00 a.m. (Meetinghouse).
This Sunday we have our Preschool Celebration, a Backpack Blessing and the first day of Church School during the 10:00 a.m. service!
Preacher: Kate VanDerzee-Glidden
Director of Music Ministries: Dr. Angela Salcedo
Music: 8:00 a.m. Chris Hart, Tenor; 10:00 a.m. Chancel Choir; Sarah Tsai, piano
Dear Friends,
Earlier this week I went into our basement to put something away, and I got teary. One of our basement rooms has become a catch-all for all sorts of treasures – books, photo albums, toys from when the boys were younger, items from my parents' house that I couldn’t bear to part with, bins of letters that I wrote as a child to some of my favorite people, Christmas gifts ready a couple of months early and childhood posters. Sometimes I look into that room and find great comfort, but other times it feels overwhelming and sad.
This week has felt overwhelming and sad for so many reasons, and I've found myself asking a lot of questions. Why are there so many children in our world who lack basic necessities? Why do we live in a world that is always at war? Why do I fear sending my kids to school knowing that they might not be safe? Why is our nation so divided and why can't basic values of peace, justice and compassion be the norm?
In that basement room is a small plaque that my Mom gave me when I was in high school. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead's quote gives me hope and reminds me that despite the sadness, fear and anger, that we are called to "Be the Church" together sharing God's peace, hope and compassion.
One way we are the church is by worshipping together and remembering we are not alone on this journey of life. We invite you to worship with us this Sunday. We are back with our two services – at 8:00 a.m. in the Micah Chapel and 10:00 a.m. in the Meetinghouse or online.
The bulletin, large print bulletin and announcement slides are available on our website. You can watch any of our livestreamed or recorded services on our YouTube channel.
During our 10:00 a.m. service this week we also have our First Day of Church School (register online or in person for all Children, Youth, and Music Ministries programs); a Preschool Celebration as our youngsters join the next stage of Church School; and a Backpack Blessing (children are invited to bring their backpacks—or pencil cases—or even their sneakers) to lift up our students in prayer and send them off with encouragement and love.
We also invite you to bring a friend or neighbor (BAFON) this Sunday. Research shows that the number one reason why people visit a church is because someone invited them!
One of the many reasons our church is special is because we are a group of faithful people who come just as we are to worship, serve and connect with one another and the world. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Love,
Kate
Our First Church family of faith enjoys worshipping together, and we hope you will join us! Our worship services are at 8:00 am in the Micah Chapel, 10:00 am in the Meetinghouse and livestreamed at 10:00 am (and are also available for viewing later).
