Do you understand — theologically — how our church keeps going? God, to be sure. But do you understand how God has seen fit to keep our church going? Sometimes I don’t, but I know how in theory. It’s a two part answer: 1) We are supposed to be about following God’s will...
Read more Below are the 2019 reports that we’ve received thus far for the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 26, 2020, after worship. There will be printed copies of the Action Items (agenda, election slate, 2020 proposed budget) for everyone present at the Annual Meeting. There will also...
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Early in ministry, faced with trying to figure out pastoring, I came up with a typology of Christians. There were, I thought, a few different kinds: Bible Christians, Prayer Christians, Service Christians, Calling Christians, Singing Christians, Stewardship Christians. Okay, there are...
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Curiously, I am not often asked by people how they can grow their faith lives. Perhaps that’s because Old First is some kind of spiritual Lake Wobegon “where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and all the children are above average.” Or people are...
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Our Congregational Annual Meeting is scheduled for January 26, following worship. We will enjoy a potluck lunch, and the church is providing the main dish, after which we will have our meeting. Please be sure to put it on your calendars to attend, because we will be approving the...
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While the Creche has been up in the front courtyard, Old First has been encouraging visitors to write and share “what Christmas means to them this year.” We have received many wonderful responses that we want to share, as the Christmas season winds down. “Came here...
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Below is a song that was sung at last Sunday’s Carols for a Cause. The event, which took place at Christ Church, raised money for Old First’s Saturday Breakfast and Clothing Cupboard and Winter Homeless Shelter. Carols for a Cause ultimately raised $8,000 for our Outreach...
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The Sunday after Christmas when I am preaching, I often try and take a break from the Christmas theme. It’s not easy, as the only choice often is the Martyrdom of Stephen! Or I can go freestyle! Five weeks after the beginning of Advent 1, it feels like we could use a diversion. The...
Read more Someone told me a lovely story this week. Of how they found their way back to church. It happened a couple of Christmases ago. They hadn’t been in church for years. Didn’t miss it. Didn’t think they needed it. Didn’t see situations or questions in their life that were needing...
Read more Old First has received permission to park at the Arch Street Meeting House (320 Arch Street), for our Christmas Eve services. Enter from 4th Street (look for the opening in the large brick wall as you drive south along 4th Street). Parking will be available between 4:30pm –...
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