Podcasts about First Church

Welcome to the Faith First Podcast, I'm Jonathan Gouthier, your host and a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut. In this episode, we'll be listening to a message given by our Lead Pastor Steve Darr answering the all important question, Why the Cross? Let's get ready…In this episode, you'll discover:The Cross intended purpose for humanityWhy the necessity of the cross of ChristHow does the Cross show God's justiceCould there have been another way than the crossThe cross was not just a historical necessity, but a divine choice. Scripture shows how it was God's plan from the beginning to reveal His love, justice, and grace. If you've been listening to the Faith First Podcast for a while, we thank you. If this is your first time, we invite you to click the subscribe button below. This will send you a notification of when the next episode is launched. Until then, remember that the cross is where God's mercy flows, where His justice is fulfilled, and His grace abounds, faith first.

☀️ Support our online ministry and all the work we do by making your 2027 pledge today at dallasuu.org/2027pledge We practice generosity every Sunday because it is part of our spiritual lives and how we keep our church's mission alive. In his sermon "Faith Isn't Free," Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter shares the reality of what it takes to keep a church like ours thriving and growing, while reminding us of our Unitarian ancestors and how they persevered in the quest for free religious thinking. Our church has a monumental legacy. Your pledge helps us to keep fighting the good fight - for freedom, for truth, for love. Make your 2027 pledge today at dallasuu.org/2027pledge. Topics: Reverend Luther Hamilton, Alvan Lamson, Unitarian, Trinitarian, Broadway Congregational Church, Daniel Limbaugh, Dallas

Today is also Worship Arts Appreciation Sunday where we recognize all the artists that help bring worship and the church to life. Pastor Vance concludes our sermon series "What if...? Reimagining Church for a New & Changing World" through sermon "Church as Art Studio" referencing scripture 1 Chronicles 15:25-29.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

First Church of Exodus was a griping, complaining pain in the neck for Senior Global Pastor Moses! Listen and learn!

September 21, 2026 http://theanchor.church https://www.instagram.com/theanchorchurch/ https://www.facebook.com/TheAnchorChurch

Hello and welcome to the Faith First Podcast where we bring you messages and conversations of just how to walk your faith out in this world. I'm Jonathan Gouthier a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington CT and in this episode, I sit down with our Lead Pastor Steve Darr to talk about drawing near to the heart of God.In this episode, you'll discover:How can God be one of those longings that stir our hearts?What do we know about God's desires?What does a life lived near the heart of God look like? You asked this specifically in the message. Let's recap it.Why is it so important to draw near to God?From the very beginning, God created us for relationship. We see it throughout the stories of the Bible His pursuit of His creation. Even today, God longs for intimacy with His people. He is not distant or cold. He is a Father waiting for His children to come close.We try to provide some very practical ways to step out in your faith and we pray it is beneficial to you who are listening. If you are new to the Faith First Podcast, I ask you to hit the subscribe button to be notified when our next episode will launch. Until the next episode launches, God calls you to come closer to Him faith first.

You're invited to experience something special! First Church hosts "You're Invited"—an annual, 4-week series featuring inspiring messages, meaningful worship, and a fun, themed event after every service. We can't wait to welcome you.

Today we continue our sermon series "What if...? Reimagining Church for a New & Changing World." Pastor Vance shares a sermon "Church as Community Center" referencing scripture Acts 6:1-7.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

Fear looms heavily for many of us right now. Recent warnings about AI, news about the climate crisis, rising costs of gas and groceries, and threats to democracy and voting rights - these fears are real. In his sermon, "Power of the Unseen," Rev. T. J. FitzGerald reminds us that our Unitarian Universalist faith equips us to face the truth of this moment with imagination and possiblity. Topics: Horror movies, Paranormal Activity, Blair Witch Project, neuroscience, NASA, dark matter, Dolly Parton, Dollywood This sermon is part of our Liberating Faith series: A liberating faith requires the willingness to challenge what has been taken for granted. Our theme year kick-off series is an overview of the foundations of a faith that encourages questioning; one that challenges assumptions and is open to the unfolding of truth. We will explore why a liberating faith is important, how un-examined beliefs and fears affect our lives, and ways in which courageous Unitarian Universalists throughout history worked to expand freedom and how we can continue that work today.

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

Today we continue our sermon series "What if...? Reimagining Church for a New & Changing World." Pastor Vance shares a sermon "Church As Greenhouse" referencing scripture Leviticus 25:1-12.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

As surveillance takes hold in our country in the form of flock cameras, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter asks, "Will we be people who simply talk about freedom or will we practice it?" In his sermon to kick off our "Liberating Faith" theme year, Rev. Kanter reflects on the work of John Stuart Mill and Harriet Taylor Mill. For our Unitarian ancestors, the defense of liberty was survival, not just abstract philosophy. In a year when our right to vote freely is in jeopardy, our rights of free speech are being questioned, and our neighbors' rights to religious expression are under attack, it is our turn to live a liberating faith. This year, let's continue the great Unitarian experiment of trusting ourselves and others to seek, question, grow, and become. Topics: On Liberty, John Stuart Mill, Harriet Taylor Mills , Unitarians, flock cameras, immigration, South Place Unitarian Chapel, Reverend William Johnson Fox, reproductive dignity, fighting Islamophobia, religious freedom, freedom of speech Liberating Faith Liberation begins with the belief that another world is possible. It takes root whenever people find the strength to resist injustice, as well as the willingness to continue learning. Our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to live in ways that make freedom more real for everyone, everywhere. Our 2026–2027 theme year, Liberating Faith, opens the door to that sacred work. Throughout this year, we will develop the spiritual tools needed to break free from fear and assumption so that we can live more authentically, seek reconciliation where there is division, and help create communities where every person can flourish. We start on the path toward liberation by taking stock of what is true about who we are individually, but we do not stop there. As we grow into being more honest and courageous individuals, we will become better neighbors, better friends and better co-builders of beloved community.

You're invited to experience something special! First Church hosts "You're Invited"—an annual, 4-week series featuring inspiring messages, meaningful worship, and a fun, themed event after every service. We can't wait to welcome you.

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

In this message series, Pastor Rick looks to the early church to find out what it really means to be a believer. Join him for a journey through Acts 2 to discover the characteristics of Real Christianity.The world may offer you self-help books or encouraging thoughts. But God offers life-changing truth. Join Pastor Rick as he teaches the truth of the gospel and its power to transform. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29?v=20251111

Sunday | August 30, 2026 | First Word http://theanchor.church https://www.instagram.com/theanchorchurch/ https://www.facebook.com/TheAnchorChurch

September 6, 2026 http://theanchor.church https://www.instagram.com/theanchorchurch/ https://www.facebook.com/TheAnchorChurch

In this message series, Pastor Rick looks to the early church to find out what it really means to be a believer. Join him for a journey through Acts 2 to discover the characteristics of Real Christianity.God wants everyone in the church to be part of proclaiming his message. In this message, Pastor Rick will help you see how God can use you, no matter who you are. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29?v=20251111

Many people today claim to be Christians, but they do things in the name of Jesus that seem to have nothing to do with real Christianity. So how do you know what real Christianity is supposed to look like? There's no better place to look than the early church. Join Pastor Rick for this deep dive into Acts 2 to discover what Real Christianity looks like.In this message series, Pastor Rick looks to the early church to find out what it really means to be a believer. Join him for a journey through Acts 2 to discover the characteristics of Real Christianity.There's one thing that makes the church different from every other group of people: The church has the Holy Spirit. Join Pastor Rick as he explains the difference God's Spirit makes in your life. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29?v=20251111

What does it mean to live joyfully deep? As Unitarian Universalists, we recognize that joy is much more than a passing feeling or a response to circumstances. In this sermon, Rev. Beth Dana explores joy as a deep spiritual quality that can sustain us through difficult times. Topics include: joyfully deep, joy and spirituality, cultivating joy, joy and sorrow, spiritual practice, finding joy in difficult times, Unitarian Universalism, UU spirituality, Wendell Berry, Mary Oliver, Inside Out, joy and resilience, joy and community

Hello and welcome! I'm Jonathan Gouthier, a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut and host of the Faith First Podcast. Scripture tells us to draw near to God and He will draw near to you. The best place to be is near to the heart of God and that is the focus of a message given by our Lead Pastor Steve Darr, let's listen in…In this episode, you'll discover:Why the heart of God desires relationshipWhat does a life look like near the heart of GodHow our lives change by being near the heart of GodWhat we must do to draw near to GodWhen we draw near to God, we start to reflect His heart. We forgive more easily, serve more freely, and love more sincerely. If you've been listening to the Faith First Podcast for a while, we thank you. If this is your first time, we invite you to click the subscribe button below. This will send you a notification of when the next episode is launched. And until next time, take the next step toward God faith first.

You're invited to experience something special! First Church hosts "You're Invited"—an annual, 4-week series featuring inspiring messages, meaningful worship, and a fun, themed event after every service. We can't wait to welcome you.

Today we continue our sermon series "What if...? Reimagining Church for a New & Changing World." Pastor Vance shares a sermon "Church as a School for Spiritual Activism" referencing scripture Isaiah 11:11-17.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

Sept. 04, 2026, | Pastor Don Dixon To watch the video: https://youtu.be/A2krOoHTCDM To help support this ministry, donate by texting to the number: 704-445-5353, or online using the "Tithely" App: https://get.tithe.ly/ & give to "First Church Charlotte", or by going to the website link: https://firstchurchclt.com/give Breakthrough on Mondays at 7pm: https://meet.google.com/ppj-surc-zvt Stay Connected Women's Bible Study on Tuesdays at 7pm: https://meet.google.com/zss-cuin-buw Connect on Wednesdays at 7pm: https://meet.google.com/cds-mmwh-tzk?pli=1 House to house On Thursdays at 7pm: https://meet.google.com/vnq-txun-ozr If you are in the Charlotte, NC area, allow us to host you at: 4929 N Sharon Amity Rd. Charlotte, NC 28205 (704) 535-1000

Hello and welcome! I'm Jonathan Gouthier, your host and a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, CT. Today on the Faith First Podcast, I'm sitting down with our Lead Pastor Steve Darr and talking about finding our balance.In this episode, you'll discover:How do we get out of balance in the first place?Isn't serving for Jesus a good idea and listen to the word a great one? Why is balance important?How do we cultivate sacred rhythms in our lives?What does it take to be intentional about our service and our worship?Jesus is calling us not just to do more, but to come closer. Not to just be productive, but to be present. Only through His strength can we be anchored in the word, active in love and always aware of who we become with Him.If you are new to the Faith First Podcast, I ask you to hit the subscribe button to be notified when our next episode will launch. And until then, become more intentional in your service and devotion faith first.

Today we continue our sermon series "What if...? Reimagining Church for a New & Changing World." Pastor Vance shares a sermon "Church as a Community of Mentors" referencing scripture Philippians 4:8-9.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

You're invited to experience something special! First Church hosts "You're Invited"—an annual, 4-week series featuring inspiring messages, meaningful worship, and a fun, themed event after every service. We can't wait to welcome you.

What does it mean to be rationally spiritual? In the second sermon of our 2026 UU Foundations series, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter explores a faith that makes room for questions and welcomes the use of reason. At First Unitarian Church of Dallas, we bring our whole selves to the search for meaning. This sermon considers how our beliefs shape the way we live and asks what our choices reveal about what we value. Rational spirituality means taking our faith seriously enough to question it, examine it, and put it into practice. Topics include: rational spirituality, reason and faith, doubt, ethics, Unitarian Universalism, spiritual life, justice, equity, authenticity

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

Today we begin a new sermon series "What if...? Reimagining Church for a New & Changing World." Pastor Vance shares a sermon "Church as a Healing Clinic" referencing scripture Matthew 4:23-25.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

Welcome to the Faith First Podcast, I'm Jonathan Gouthier, your host and a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut. In this episode, we hope to discover what it means to find our balance. So, let's get ready to listen in on this message by our Lead Pastor Steve Darr.In this episode, you'll discover:What it feels like to be off balanceWhy being off balance in our faith is detrimentalHow can we be active without being anxiousWhat it takes to be intentionally presentWhen we are off-balance in our Christian walk between serving Jesus and being with Jesus, He gently reminds us of what is needed. Jesus doesn't rebuke, He redirects our hearts. If you've been listening to the Faith First Podcast for a while, we thank you. If this is your first time, we invite you to click the subscribe button below. This will send you a notification of when the next episode is launched. As we conclude today, remember to remain in balance with service and the word faith first.

What does it mean to be genuinely inclusive when Muslims are being targeted because of their faith? In the first sermon of our 2026 UU Foundations series, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald looks at the rise of Islamophobia in North Texas and what it means for religious freedom. He also explores how fear and misinformation can shape the way we see our neighbors. As Unitarian Universalists, we believe that religious freedom belongs to everyone. We can learn more about Islam, speak up when we hear hate, and stand with people whose faith is being targeted. In our faith, genuine inclusion means making room for one another and remembering that we belong together.

Acts: The Revolution Begins With Dr. Clint Archer. Today's Sermon Is The Room Where It Happened: The First Church Council From Acts 15:1-35. Sermon Outline - 3 Scenes That Show How To Deal With Doctrinal Confusion: 1. The Confusion That Arose 2. The Council That Assembled 3. The Clarity Attained

Today we conclude our sermon series "Ordinary." Pastor Vance shares a sermon "Loving God" referencing scripture 1 John 4:7-21.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio

How do we share what we love about our UU faith with others? In the final sermon of our Questioning series, Rev. Beth Dana responds to questions from our members and friends about evangelism, faith development, self-improvement, and what it means to share the good news of Unitarian Universalism. Questions explored include: What role does self-improvement play in Unitarian Universalism? How do we see value in other people's faith when we're troubled by the ways that faith is expressed? What obligation do we have to persuade others to do justice and see the humanity in one another? What does it mean to evangelize, proselytize, witness, or testify? What is the difference between sharing our faith and trying to convert someone? Does Unitarian Universalism have a history of evangelism? How can we spread awareness of Unitarian Universalism today? " What is the "good news" of Unitarian Universalism?

Today we continue our sermon series "Ordinary." Pastor Vance shares a sermon "Something We All Have in Common" referencing scripture Proverbs 20:29.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

How do we relate to other churches, a wider faith movement, and the rest of our society? We discuss our faithful relationships with one another and the world. Our Questioning sermon series is built around the questions you submitted. Asking questions is at the heart of the Unitarian Universalist tradition, and together we'll explore your questions about worship, our faith, our congregation, and living our values in the world.

Episode Description In this episode of Hardcore Christianity, host Brother Mike from the Arizona Deliverance Center examines biblical standards for church leadership and addresses recent high-profile scandals involving pastoral misconduct. Drawing from 1 Timothy 3, Brother Mike outlines the qualifications required for church overseers and discusses recent incidents at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. He uses these examples to emphasize the necessity of personal accountability, moral integrity, and spiritual discipline within Christian ministry. Key Takeaways Biblical Leadership Qualifications: Apostle Paul's criteria in 1 Timothy 3 emphasize blamelessness, self-control, sound reputation, and freedom from greed for anyone in church leadership. Addressing Church Scandals: The broadcast reviews public allegations and disciplinary actions involving staff at Crossroads Church, highlighting the consequences of unaddressed personal misconduct. The Danger of Spiritual Pitfalls: Pride and hidden compromise make ministry leaders vulnerable to moral failure, public reproach, and damaged reputations. Call to Deliverance & Accountability: Brother Mike stresses the importance of active spiritual counseling, self-examination, and ministry oversight to prevent leadership failures. Featured Bible Passages 1 Timothy 3:1–7 – The qualifications for church leadership (bishops/overseers), warning against pride, greed, and falling into reproach. Support the show: https://hardcorechristianity.com/donations/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Petitt returns to First Church where he grew up, got baptized, and preached his very first sermon — and shares a message working through Matthew 1:21-23 where he unpacks the announcement of Jesus' birth and points to one central truth: God's goal was never just to give us answers, but to give us Himself — Emmanuel, God with us.

Hello and welcome! You're listening to the Faith First Podcast brought to you by the First Church in Torrington, CT. I'm Jonathan Gouthier, your host and a Pastor here at First Church and in this episode, I am joined by our Lead Pastor Steve Darr as we discuss what it means to live free in Christ.In this episode, you'll discover:It's summer and we are in celebration mode for the freedoms we hold self evident! When we say Freedom, what do we mean?What is meant that the law is good, but is not meant to save— to truly free us?Why is our freedom in Christ a carte blanche to do whatever we want?How do we live freely in ChristYou are not a prisoner of your past. You are not a slave to fear. You are not defined by your failures. You are free.If you are new to the Faith First Podcast, I ask you to hit the subscribe button to be notified when our next episode will launch. And until then, do not return to the yoke of slavery and sin, but walk in the victory of Christ faith first.

Today we continue our sermon series "Ordinary." Pastor Vance shares a sermon "When Life Hurts" referencing 2 Corinthians 12:1-10.While you worship online, we invite you to fill out a connection card. This card is not only a way for us to connect with you but also an opportunity for you to share any prayer requests you may have: firstchurchorlando.org/connection-cardGiving: firstchurchorlando.org/give-nowMissed a past service? Check out our YouTube Channel for past services or you can find our Podcast wherever you podcast from.Like and Subscribe for more First Church content.Want to know more about First Church? Visit our website at firstchurchorlando.org

What do some of the things we take for granted on Sunday in worship really mean and what do the differences in our worship and other types of worship mean? Questioning – Summer Sermon Series, Sundays, August 2 – 16. Our Questioning sermon series is built around the questions you submitted. Asking questions is at the heart of the Unitarian Universalist tradition, and together we'll explore your questions about worship, our faith, our congregation, and living our values in the world.

Welcome to the Faith First Podcast, I'm Jonathan Gouthier, your host and a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut. In this episode, we will be finding out what it means to live free in Christ. So, get a cup of coffee and get comfortable to listen in on a message by our Lead Pastor Steve Darr.In this episode, you'll discover:What are the freedoms that we haveWhy we ought to rejoice knowing Christ is victorHow do we live by faith and freedomWhy our freedom in Christ is not legalismWe need to ask ourselves, is our freedom being used for selfish or service? Are we walking in the light or in pride and judgment? When we understand we are already free, we can stop trying to protect ourselves or promote ourselves and start living free in Christ. If you've been listening to the Faith First Podcast for a while, we thank you. If this is your first time, we invite you to click the subscribe button below. This will send you a notification of when the next episode is launched. Until then, remember that the Lord Your God has made a covenant with you faith first.

First Church invests in the lives of the next generation. Our Summer Life events are designed to help our kids and students grow relationships with Jesus, one another, and leaders. "Summer Life Sunday" celebrates the many ways God worked in the lives of our kids and students this summer!

Inspired by The Railway Man, the true story of British Army officer Eric Lomax and his journey through trauma toward reconciliation, we'll explore forgiveness as a courageous path toward wholeness.

Brian opens reflecting on an upcoming family vacation and the bittersweet reality that change is the only constant, then turns to a Christianity Today piece on First Church in Charlestown — a 400-year-old congregation now down to two members — as a warning about what happens when a church drifts from the gospel. He talks candidly about feeling overwhelmed by life's decisions, leaning on 49ers linebacker Fred Warner's return from a gruesome injury to make the case for living fully in the present since nothing is guaranteed but Christ. Brian also touches on Gen Z's budget-friendly approach to dating, a bizarre AI deepfake video of former NYC mayor Eric Adams, and pushes back on podcaster Jennifer Welch's viral criticism of Christian homeschooling, encouraging listeners to choose what's best for their own family without shame. He closes with a rich double feature: John Stonestreet on how churches can unintentionally shrink the gospel into something private and small, and a Gospel Coalition piece on how God's best work is "cross-shaped" — using unlikely, ordinary people (fishermen, tax collectors, a table-busser named Stephen) to change the world, and using suffering as the soil for resurrection life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is said that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." If that's so, beauty is all around us! Let's explore how our spiritual lives are nurtured and inspired by beauty.