We have been needing to clean up our website for awhile. It was out of date in ways big and small. And we have started…
An example is how many people in our “Meet our Community” are no longer participating in our community — they have moved away, wandered away or in the most extreme example, passed away. Too be fair, we probably haven’t updated this section of the website in almost a decade!
We had had the photos and brief stories of 47 church folks as an introduction to our church community. With our first round of editing, we’ve cut it down to 32 people who you might see on a Sunday these days (and honestly, there are 5 more we should probably retire).
But before we get it current, we need some new volunteers! — people who will let us use their pictures and stories in order to provide a fuller picture of Old First.
We need some new faces / testimonials to show the diversity… depth and breadth of our communing. Would you be willing to be “one of the faces / stories” that helps paint the picture of Old First?
What should you share? Whatever you want!
But to give you a sense, here’s a game (this is church, so it’s all the honor system): DON’T CHEAT!). Below are some of the stories people from this community have shared in the “Meet our Community” section of the website. See if you can figure out who is who! I will treat the person with the most right answers to ice cream!!! Hint: remember, these were written almost a decade ago:
WHO IS WHO???
I was born and raised a Catholic, but married into UCC. It has certainly been an adjustment, but a worthwhile one.
I have spent my life living a faith/love of God that I have never fully understood and that is filled with as many questions as certainties. It is in the questions and uncertainties that my faith finds its energy and vitality.
I am a Massachusetts girl with an Alabama heart living in Philadelphia. I have lived in Philly since 2005 and started attending Old First in 2010. I am passionate about higher education, the advancement of womanhood, philanthropy, working out, food and your 2017 Super Bowl Champions – the New England Patriots.
I’m a “lapsed” Baptist, and eternally grateful to God & Old First pastor emerita Geneva Butz who led me to this, my chosen family and especially quixotic, unique congregation.
Lionel Messi is proof of God’s greatness. Ya, ok – my lovely wife and kids too. Umm, trees? yes, holy cow (oops!), and the whales. yes, all ’em creatures.
I chase a toddler, because it’s fun. I work for you, because it’s my calling. I go to church, because it helps me be a better person.
Married with four kids (two teens, two tweens), and value diversity of ALL kinds. Things I love, besides my wonderful inter-faith family: music — especially piano and opera, the ocean, Monty Python, hot yoga, museums, my quirky and welcoming church community, and my town.
I garden, sing in the shower (occasionally) and have been UCC forever (except for a couple short departures!). Faith means a lot to me. It holds the world together and gives life purpose. It is a huge gift from God.
I have lived in and around Philadelphia for most of my life and I love showing our fair city to out-of-towners. My husband and I enjoy traveling, hiking, and spending time with our two teenagers (who mostly like spending time with us, too).
I like the phrase “cradle” Congregationalist to describe my faith journey. My father was a Congregational minister so being part of a church is my natural environment. My faith has grown and deepened with the years. Next to my love for my family is my love for Old First.
Retired registered nurse, I enjoy visiting Old First shut in’s and family/friends. Enjoy gardening but a little slow now (hard to get up once down). Love traveling, will go just about anywhere with or without a companion. Always open to changes.
I raised beef cattle to put myself through college, had a brief career as a teacher, went to Seminary, tried the church but found my ministry in hospice. Now I volunteer at Old First, Pennsylvania Hospital, and William Way Community Center.
