On Sunday in the sermon, I talked about how we Americans risk being like the 9 lepers who were healed, but didn’t ever think to say thanks (Luke 17:11-19). I suggested that perhaps we need to notice — like a newly arrived, maybe undocumented immigrant — the blessings we...
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Because I work in the church, I am hyper-aware of the changes people fear and hate. For example: ~ updating the words to traditional hymns (I hear this every Christmas!) ~ not having the animals at the Creche. ~ doing communion differently, particularly on Easter (even different in...
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Trimesters aren’t often used in financial reporting, but the end of our second trimester, 31-AUG-2019, corresponds with our traditional fall restart, so here is our second trimester financial report. Through the first 8 months of the year, we are $41K in the red. Remember that because...
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The Neighbors in Need offering will be collected on World Communion Sunday, which is October 6. This offering is the UCC’s annual offering to support ministries of justice and compassion throughout the U.S., including the Council for American Indian Ministries and direct service...
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Great presentation Sunday, 03.24 after worship on our new building plans along 4th Street. (Thanks, Bob and the rest of the JVMT, and Morry and our partners at BWA Architecture + Planning, Troy and partners at Community Ventures and Sandra from DePaul USA.) If you have questions about...
Read more There are so many facets to church life, so many ways to help and be involved. Every person has something to offer to help support Old First, help it run smoothly, and complete the many small details of the work that must be done each week, month, and year to keep the church going! Are...
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The 2018 Giving Year is coming to a close. In order for gifts to be counted for the 2018 tax year, they must be received at the church office by 12PM (Noon) on Monday 12/31/2018. All gifts have been entered online in Breeze, and you can check your pledge and your giving online there...
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To pledge online, please go to our online pledge card. November 19, 2018 Dear Fellow Old Firster, As a father, I spend a lot of time reading children’s books, teaching lessons about right and wrong, and showing Chelsea the importance of helping and being kind to others. Of all the...
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In the first week of our “Giving Tree” Stewardship Campaign, we were asked to name the gifts of others in our community that touch or inspire us. While it’s hardly an inclusive list — in fact, as it happened in worship, it’s just sort of an accidental list, but maybe the gifts...
Read more The first week of our Stewardship Drive “The Giving Tree” asks us to appreciate the gifts that others bring to our church community, particularly those gifts they share that really touch or inspire us. Whose service or generosity or spirit or presence do you give thanks for? A phone...
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