"Transformation in Christ--Changing lives inside and out." ~Romans 12:2 United Methodist Church in Williamsport, PA dedicated to spreading the gospel through invitation, sending, teaching, and prayer.
Life in the Kingdom of God is a surprising, open-ended journey that continues, without end, from this life into life eternal. Mark 16:1-8Reverend Matt LakeOctober 26, 2025
This is the penultimate episode of our mini-series exploring the Gospel of Mark, and in episode 7, Mitch and Ben are diving into Mark chapters 13 and 14, discussing what we do with this apocalyptic text, being faithful risk-takers, and making church more like a slip-n-slide.RESOURCES + Mark 14 – Jesus' Betrayal, Arrest, and Trial, Enduring Word Bible Commentary + Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis GO DEEPER IN MARK+ Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark+ A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional+ A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide+ Video Teachings CONNECT+ Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our website+ Watch our services online every Sunday at 9 AM+ Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
In Jesus, we experience the surprising good news that this is a God who brings forth new life through disruptive change and endings.Mark 13:1-8 (EtK)Reverend Matthew LakeOctober 19, 2025
In episode 6, Mitch and Ben cover chapters 11 and 12, discussing topics like the “crowd” as a character, the fig tree, and money.GO DEEPER IN MARK+ Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark+ A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional+ A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide+ Video Teachings CONNECT+ Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our website+ Watch our services online every Sunday at 9 AM+ Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
In God's Kingdom we are invited to live passionate lives of love where we give ourselves unreservedly in relationship with Jesus Himself.Mark 12:38-44 (EtK)Reverend Matt LakeOctober 12, 2025
We're over halfway through exploring the Gospel of Mark, and in episode 5, Ben and Mitch go into power dynamics, how Jesus treats children, and one of Mitch's favorite topics, play.GO DEEPER IN MARK+ Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark+ A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional+ A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide+ Video TeachingsRESOURCES + National Institute for Play + Theology of Play by Jurgen Moltmann CONNECT+ Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our website+ Watch our services online every Sunday at 9 AM+ Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
When we truly see Jesus, we then follow Jesus.Mark 10:46-52 (EtK)Reverend Matthew LakeOctober 5, 2025 (World Communion Sunday)
Ben and Mitch are joined by our Lead Pastor, Rev Matt Lake, in episode 4 our podcast mini-series exploring Mark. The trio goes through these two chapters and talk about topics around the power of Jesus' cleansing, the Syrophoenician woman, and boldness.GO DEEPER IN MARK+ Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark+ A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional+ A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide+ Video TeachingsRESOURCES + Healing Like Jesus (Boldly), Sermon by Caroline Glazier CONNECT+ Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our website+ Watch our services online every Sunday at 9 AM+ Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
When we see Jesus for who He is, rather than who we want Him to be, we realize the truth that denying ourselves and picking up our crosses is good news.Mark 8:27-37Reverend Matt LakeSeptember 28, 2025
In episode 3 of our podcast mini-series exploring Mark, Ben and Mitch discuss themes in chapters 5 and 6, including the Biblical framework, embracing mystery, and what faith actually looks like. GO DEEPER IN MARK+ Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark+ A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional+ A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide+ Video TeachingsRESOURCES + The Art of Letting Go: Living the Wisdom of Saint Francis by Richard Rohr + Commodity Culture, The Center for Action and Contemplation + The Story and Message of the Bible, The Gospel Coalition+ The Source of Life By Jürgen Moltmann + Theology of Play by Jürgen Moltmann + Gospel Allegiance by Matthew Bates CONNECT+ Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our website+ Watch our services online every Sunday at 9 AM+ Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
The Lord works in mysterious ways.Mark 6:45-52Reverend Janet DurrwachterSeptember 21, 2025
In our second episode going deeper into the Gospel of Mark, Ben and Mitch sit down with Dr. Tim Gombis, a Markan scholar and author, to discuss themes of complacency in the Christian faith, contestation with the Pharisees, and the power of metaphor throughout Mark chapters 3 and 4.GO DEEPER IN MARK+ Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark+ A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional+ A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide+ Video TeachingsRESOURCES + Mark: The Story of God Bible Commentary + Power in Weakness+ The Drama of Ephesians + Faith Improvised | Podcast hosted by Dr. Gombis + Faith Improved | Blog by Dr. Gombis CONNECT+ Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our website+ Watch our services online every Sunday at 9 AM+ Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
Living with the mind of Christ allows us to see the true nature of the Kingdom of God.Mark 3:13-22 (EtK)Reverend Matthew LakeSeptember 14, 2025
The Gospel of Mark tells a radical story of Good vs. Evil, political intrigue, betrayal, heartbreak, tragedy, and ultimately, hope. It begins the proclamation of the good news about Jesus: the Anointed One, the Son of God.In our first episode going deeper into the Gospel of Mark, hosts Ben Conrad and Mitch Marcello reflect on Mark chapters 1 and 2, wrestling with questions surrounding healing, risk, and how Jesus always presents a third way forward.GO DEEPER IN MARK+ Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark+ A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional+ A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide+ Video TeachingsRESOURCES+ Mark As Story (Rhoads, Michie, Dewey, et al)CONNECT+ Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our website+ Watch our services online every Sunday at 9 AM+ Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
The Gospel of Mark begins jolts us to new life through the reminder of the Kingdom of God through Jesus, Son of God.Mark 1:1-3, 9:20 (EtK)Reverend Matthew LakeSeptember 7, 2025
Healings become opportunities to point people beyond the realities of this world to faith and love in King Jesus.John 4:45-54Reverend Matthew LakeAugust 31, 2025
Jesus invites us to continue his healing work through bold prayer in His name, empowered by the Holy Spirit.John 14:12-17 and Acts 3:1-10Caroline GlazierAugust 24, 2025
Offering healing in the name of Jesus in natural and supernatural ways is a matter of eternal significance for God's church and for others.Matthew 25:34-40Reverend Matthew LakeAugust 17, 2025
We are called to join Jesus in offering healing in our world as a way of pointing to where Jesus wants the world to go through compassion, offering words of life, and giving ourselves away.Matthew 8:5-17Reverend Matthew LakeAugust 10, 2025 (TRANSFORM Sunday)
Only Jesus can offer true healing for the sin sickness that affects every human being and impacts all of creation.Luke 5:1-11Reverend Matthew LakeAugust 3, 2025
Jesus is our wounded healer.Isaiah 53:4-5Reverend Janet DurrwachterJuly 27, 2025
Remembering the Lord's faithfulness helps our heart trust in God's provision for the future.Malachi 3:6-12, 16-18, and 4:4-6Reverend Matthew LakeJuly 20, 2025
Purification through humbling ourselves before God leads to incredible joy.Zephaniah 3:9-17Reverend Matt LakeJuly 13, 2025
Amos challenges us to worship and live by God's standards.Amos 5:18-27Reverend Matthew LakeJuly 6, 2025
The prophet Zechariah reminds us to turn to and trust in our True North: Jesus. He can help us in our times of wondering, hopelessness, powerlessness, helplessness, and loneliness.Zechariah 9:9Reverend Matt LakeJune 29, 2025 (VBS Sunday)
God is awesome.Hosea 6:1-6Reverend Janet DurrwachterJune 22, 2025
Micah reminds us that we cannot come before the Lord casually on our own, but that as God provides the Way we shall be empowered to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God in order to do what is good.Micah 6:1-8Reverend Matthew LakeJune 15, 2025
God empowers all of us through the Holy Spirit to use our voices to share the good news of Jesus with everyone.Acts 2:1-4, 14-16, 37-47Reverend Matthew LakeJune 8, 2025 (Pentecost)
When we are open to the promptings of God's Holy Spirit and willing to take a posture of curiosity with others in close proximity to them, God opens up natural opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with others.
Jesus changes everything, often over food.Matthew 13:44-46Michael GlazierMay 25, 2025
Our lives naturally reflect the Good News of Jesus when we act and speak in distinct ways that are graceful and truth-filled.John 8:2-11Reverend Matthew LakeMay 18, 2025 (Graduate Recognition)
We can effectively share the good news of Jesus when we walk joyfully alongside others.Luke 24:13-35Reverend Matthew LakeMay 11, 2025 (Mother's Day)
As we consider sharing the good news of Jesus with others from a posture of compassion, we must first realize and embrace the good news of Jesus in our own lives.John 20:11-17Reverend Matthew LakeMay 4, 2025
Abiding prepares us to share the good news of Jesus and the difference that it is making today in our life.John 20:1-18Reverend Janet DurrwachterApril 27, 2025
Abiding allows us to repeatedly experience the personal reality of the Risen Christ.John 20:1-20Reverend Matthew LakeApril 20, 2025
Abiding in Christ redefines our expectations by helping us connect with Jesus rather than observing Jesus from a distance.John 12:12-16Reverend Matthew LakeApril 13, 2025
Abiding in God's word fortifies us so we can be resilient in overcoming temptation.Matthew 4:1-11Reverend Matthew LakeApril 6, 2025
Abiding requires trust that God sees us and is in control, even when we can't see God. Genesis 21:8-21Reverend Janet DurrwachterMarch 30, 2025
When we abide with God, spiritual and non-spiritual needs are met. We are reassured that God is in control, and that we are not alone in our despair.1 Kings 19:1-18Reverend Matthew LakeMarch 23, 2025
Jonah shows us the transformative power, peace, presence, and challenge that abiding in God fosters.Jonah 1:1-4, 11-12, 17; 2:1; 3:1, 7-10Reverend Matthew LakeMarch 16, 2025
Abiding in Christ necessitates us to model after Abraham; to trust God as we walk into the unknown.Genesis 12:1-4, Genesis 15:1-6Reverend Matthew LakeMarch 9, 2025
We must be aware of the desires of our heart, so our actions can honor God.Exodus 20:1-17Reverend Matthew LakeMarch 2, 2025
The truth will set you free.Exodus 20:1-16Dr. Benjamin ConradFebruary 23, 2025
God invites us to live distinctly by trusting Him to care for all our needs, thereby rejecting the impulse to steal from others.Exodus 20:1-15Reverend Matthew LakeFebruary 16, 2025
Living into a life of no adultery fosters a deeper foundation in God that allows us to experience intimate love with God and our spouses in the community of God's people called the church. Exodus 20:1-14Reverend Matthew LakeFebruary 9, 2025
The sixth commandment reminds us that giving and taking life is God's responsibility. We live distinct lives when we choose to see people as God sees them and to treat them accordingly.Exodus 20:1-13Reverend Matthew LakeFebruary 2, 2025
Our relationship with our father and mother lays a foundation that affects all our other relationships. God wants all of us to live a life of freedom, and we aren't going to be able to do that if we can't honor our parents. Exodus 20:1-12 Reverend Janet Durrwachter January 26, 2025
Sabbath rest is not an escape from reality. Sabbath rest is an incredibly significant way to fully live into God's reality as the distinct people of God. Exodus 20:1-11 Reverend Matthew Lake January 19, 2025
Honoring the name of the one, true, Triune God through obedience is a way to live into joy and embrace our identity and distinctiveness as children of God. Exodus 20:1-7 Reverend Matthew Lake January 12, 2025
The ten commandments are not simply a check list of moral rules to follow. They are commandments by which we live as the distinctive people of God. Exodus 19:3-6; Exodus 20:1-6; 1 Peter 2:9 Reverend Matthew Lake January 5, 2025
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