The Word @ First Pres

Luke 10:25-37 25 An expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” 27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” 29 But wanting to vindicate himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and took off, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan while traveling came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, treating them with oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said,‘Take care of him, and when I come back I will repay you whatever more you spend.'36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

Hospitality is how we develop authentic connections with one another. Let us be a church that welcomes strangers who come through our doors in a way that they will never forget how we made them feel.

The Interim Road is ending, but God's call is still unfolding. Come Sunday as we reflect on Two Roads and the journey ahead.

What we tend together will take root in ways we may never fully see.

Not all treasure is gold. Some treasure looks like bread broken and a table where everyone belongs. Join us this Sunday.

We are to live our life with faith in Christ and not let our darkness obscure the light.

In a world shaped by urgency and expectations, what if our boldest act of faith is slowing down—making space for mystery?

How do we learn to trust the small steps that lead to something real? This Sunday's message explores how faith takes shape through simple instructions and steady courage.

Our stories of faith shared with one another can help change the lens through which others see and our stories shared through the eyes of faith help keep hope alive.

First Pres Children’s Ministries Presents STORMS, a Musical!

Darkness, death, and failure are necessary to coming back to life because they allow us to experience humanity as Jesus did. Through God’s love, resurrection transforms each death and failure into something holy.

Join us this Sunday as we reflect on the truth that empathy is a choice—a sacred, vulnerable choice that can bring someone back to life.

Jesus offers us a fuller life in reminding us that it is not the external world that determines our understanding and meaning in life, it is not the terrain surrounding us, it is the inward journey of our hearts connected to the living God.

How often do we need to step into God's light to truly see? Join us this Sunday as we seek illumination together.

What does it truly mean to love our enemies? This week, we explore how love and mercy are not about passivity but about courage—the kind of courage that changes the world.

We can be a blessing for others for we are connected to Christ and in this connection God's love pours out into our hearts into limitless blessings that become visible for the world to see.

Are you prepared for the journey ahead? Join us Sunday as we explore how God equips us for life's challenges!  Troop 32 joins our leadership on this Scout Sunday when we also honor God and Service Award recipients.

If joy is prayer, strength, and love, it seems joy must be not just be at the core of weddings and other social events, but joy must be at the core of our whole lives. How are you doing with having joy in your life?