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Pastor Bob's message, “The Book of Acts: SAME TEAM: Musings on the First Church,” Draws from Acts 2:41-47, where he reminds us of the unity, shared mission, and deep sense of community that defined the early church. Pastor Bob encourages us to live out that same spirit today, devoting ourselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, so we can grow together in faith and purpose.
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 am joined by our Lead Pastor Steve Darr to talk about the church, what it is, who it is and why it matters. Hello Steve!In this episode, you'll discover:What is the definition of a Church or maybe I should say THE church?What is the role of the Church or the Community of Believers?What does the Bible have to say to the Churches?What do you believe Jesus is trying to tell the Community of the Followers of Christ today?Christ is always present to guide our church, show us the way, acknowledge what we do well, rebuke whatever needs to be rebuked, and shower our church with spiritual blessings when we overcome the temptations of this world.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. And until then, be a committed follower of Christ in community faith first.
Two weeks ago, we continued our stewardship sermon series "Stewardship: Grateful, Faithful, Hopeful" where Pastor Vance shares a sermon titled "Our Gift to the Community" referencing Matthew 5:13-16.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
Today we continue our stewardship sermon series "Stewardship: Grateful, Faithful, Hopeful" where Pastor Vance shares a sermon titled "The Gift of 'Being' the Church" referencing Deuteronomy 14:22-27.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
Jeff introduces Springs First Church of the Nazarene and Pastor Mike Higley. You drive past Academy Blvd. and Fountain Blvd – hear what God is doing at Springs First! Check out www.springsfirst.churchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hey there! You're listening to the Faith First Podcast and I'm Jonathan Gouthier, your host and a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, CT. Did you know that as a believer, you're to go out and make disciples? Jesus commanded us that He will be with us as we create and grow in community with one another. In this episode, we will listen to a message given by our Lead Pastor entitled, The Community of the Followers of Christ. Let's listen in…In this episode, you'll discover:What injustice does the church have with newcomersWho has been keeping the church quietWhat impact the church ought to be having in the worldWhat God has told the church of yesterday and todayI really don't know what Jesus would say to our church. Except He would only say what God told Him to say. And whatever it was it would be done with love and the motive to bless and strengthen everyone to encourage them to be a community that follows after Him.If you are new to the Faith First Podcast, I encourage you to hit the subscribe button below so that you will be notified to when the next episode will launch. And until then, be in community, growing faith first.
This is the episode in a new series on worship. Meaningful and relevant worship experiences are rooted in sound theology. This episode talks about the posture of worship.
First Church of New Knoxville, Ohio
This passage considers the first major dissension in the church and records the decisions made that the mission of God continues in the earth. Speaker: Jude St. John
Today we continue our stewardship sermon series "Stewardship: Grateful, Faithful, Hopeful" where Pastor Vance shares a sermon titled "of Those Who Serve Us" referencing 1 Corinthians 9:7-14.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
Hey there! You're listening to the Faith First Podcast and I'm Jonathan Gouthier, your host and a Pastor here at First Church in Torrington, CT. Let me ask you during these summer months, have you kept yourself hydrated? I am sure you have. Well do you know that we must also quench our thirsty souls? That's what our Lead Pastor and myself will dive into today. Welcome Steve, glad you're in the studio today.In this episode, you'll discover:How is Jesus Christ our living water? We hear this all the time, but maybe we don't understand what it means.Physically, we get thirsty over and over. How is that different with Jesus as the living water?What is it that Jesus offers above and beyond all the other things that we do to try to fill our lives?Why are we considered vessels for God's own choosing? What do we hold?Just as Jesus extended grace to the Samaritan woman, we are called to reach out to those who are spiritually thirsty around us. Whether through a kind word, a listening ear, or a helping hand, we have the opportunity to show the world the love of Christ that quenches every thirst.If this is your first time with us here at the Faith First Podcast, we hope you enjoyed what you heard and will hit the subscribe button below and be notified to when a new episode will air. Until then, get hydrated with the living water of God faith first.
Today we begin our stewardship sermon series "Stewardship: Grateful, Faithful, Hopeful." Today is also Worship Art Appreciation Sunday and Pastor Vance shares a sermon titled "The Gifts We Are" referencing Colossians 3:23-24 with the simple message of "Thank You."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
Beyond Boston: Epic Day Trips & Weekend Getaways in New EnglandBoston is amazing, but here's the thing: sometimes you've gotta escape the city limits to really soak in New England magic. Lucky for us wanderers, Boston sits at the heart of some of the coolest, quirkiest, most historic little towns in the U.S. We're talking witch trials, fishing villages, patriotic battlegrounds, and even beachy boardwalk sunsets.Grab a rental car (yes, it's finally worth it outside the city), load up on Dunkin' iced coffee, and let's road trip Travel Brats style. Here are the best day trips and weekend escapes from Boston that'll make you fall in love with New England all over again. Salem: Witches, Ghosts & Seaside VibesAbout an hour north of Boston, Salem is basically Halloween Town year-round. It's spooky, historic, and surprisingly charming.Walking Route to Hit the HighlightsGedney House (21 High St) – One of the oldest timber-frame homes in Salem, creaky and full of character.Salem Jail (50 St. Peter St) – Atmospheric and eerie; you'll feel like you've stepped into a gothic novel.Broad Street Cemetery – Quiet, haunting, and beautiful.The Witch House (310 Essex St) – Former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin from the witch trials. Legit spooky.Ropes Mansion (318 Essex St) – Movie fans, this is Allison's house from Hocus Pocus. The gardens are gorgeous.Salem Witch Museum (Washington Sq.) – Dramatic, theatrical, and totally worth it for the immersive history lesson.Optional extra: Max & Dani's House (Ocean Ave) from Hocus Pocus. It's a bit of a trek, but fangirls/fanboys, this is your moment.Afternoon Treat: Schooner Fame CruiseFor a change of pace, hit the water on the Schooner Fame. You can help hoist the sails, steer the ship, and pretend you're a pirate for the afternoon. Way more interactive than your average harbor cruise.Eats in SalemVillage Tavern – Cozy, hearty, and pub-y.Longboards – Chill vibe, seafood-heavy menu.Oneil's – Local classic. Lexington & Concord: Where the Revolution BeganIf you geek out on history (hi, it's me ✋), this one's a must. Just 30 minutes from Boston, these twin towns are where the Revolutionary War kicked off.Drive between the sites because they're spread out, but don't expect Uber to save you here—it's not very ride-share friendly.Highlights:Lexington Battle Green – Where the “shot heard 'round the world” was fired.Minute Man National Historical Park – Scenic walking trails + reenactments.Concord's North Bridge – Stand where the colonists forced the British to retreat.Orchards & Farms – Depending on the season, you can go apple picking or just sip hot cider.It's basically a living history lesson, except with better snacks.Walden Pond: Nature Meets LiteratureWalden Pond is the kind of place that makes you want to throw your phone into the lake and live like Thoreau (minus the whole no-WiFi situation).For history lovers: This is where Henry David Thoreau lived in his tiny cabin and wrote Walden.For nature lovers: It's a gorgeous, swimmable pond surrounded by peaceful hiking trails.Pro tip: Visit in the morning to beat the crowds, especially in the fall when the foliage is next-level. Cape Cod & Martha's Vineyard: Beachy BlissAbout 90 minutes south of Boston, Cape Cod is summer in postcard form: sandy beaches, salty air, and clapboard houses.Cape HighlightsHyannisport – Kennedy family stomping grounds.Sandwich Boardwalk – Walk this at sunset for pure magic.From here, hop a ferry to Martha's Vineyard. Yes, it takes planning—parking, ferry tickets, bus passes—but it's worth every ounce of effort. Once you're there, rent bikes or hop the island buses to explore:Oak Bluffs – Cute gingerbread houses.Edgartown – Upscale shops and restaurants.Beaches – All of them. Pack snacks and beach hop.It's laid-back, stunning, and gives you all the coastal New England vibes. Gloucester & Rockport: Fishermen & Art LoversNorth of Boston, you'll find Gloucester, one of America's oldest fishing ports.Fishermen's Memorial – A powerful tribute with the names of those lost at sea.Harbor Walk – Scenic and lively with boats everywhere.Nearby Rockport is like a tiny storybook village with shops, art galleries, and ocean views for days. Perfect for an afternoon stroll with an ice cream cone in hand. Portsmouth, New Hampshire: A Seaport SurpriseDrive about an hour north and boom—you're in Portsmouth, NH. This little town is buzzing with cool restaurants, historic homes, and waterfront charm.Perfect for:A dinner out with fresh seafood.Wandering cobblestone streets.Starting a mini New England road trip if you're heading toward Maine. Foxborough: Patriots NationIf you're into football, a trip to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough is basically a pilgrimage.Training Camp (summer) is free, but it gets packed.Patriot Place is like an entertainment complex on steroids—restaurants, shops, and a museum.Even if you're not a Pats fan, the energy is infectious. Plymouth: Pilgrims, Lobster Rolls & Shimmer by the SeaWelcome to America's hometown—the landing spot of the Mayflower. And yes, the infamous Plymouth Rock is here (spoiler: it's… underwhelming).How to Spend a Day in PlymouthBreakfast at Café Nicole – Fuel up for exploring.See the Mayflower II – A replica of the original ship.Tavern on the Wharf – Grab a lobster roll for lunch.Shimmer by the Sea cocktail – Sparkly, fun, and Instagram-worthy.Monument to the Forefathers – Bigger than you'd expect.Cupcake Charlie's – Sweet pit stop.Shopping – Fave stores: Soft as a Grape & Fidel's.First Church in Plymouth – Founded in 1606.Marina Walkway – Perfect for catching the sunset.Dinner at 71 West – End with waterfront dining.It's touristy, yes, but in the best way. Bonus: Manchester, NH & Fall LeavesIf you're visiting in the fall, New England's foliage is basically the main event. A quick drive up to Manchester, NH, or even deeper into the White Mountains, will blow your mind with fiery reds, golden yellows, and Instagram gold. Bring a sweater, a thermos of cider, and your camera. Final ThoughtsBoston is the hub, but the real magic happens when you venture just beyond. From spooky Salem to sun-soaked Cape Cod, every trip feels like stepping into a different story. The best part? You don't have to pick just one. With a car, a little caffeine, and a sense of adventure, you can road trip your way through history, beaches, and small-town charm—all within a couple of hours of the city.So, next time you're in Boston, don't stop at the Freedom Trail. Go beyond. The witches, patriots, and fishermen are waiting.
Hello and welcome, I'm Jonathan Gouthier, a pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut and host of the Faith First podcast. How do you sustain your walk with God? Do you ever get thirsty on the journeys you take? I'm sure you do scripture. Reminds us to come all you who are thirsty, come to the waters. And, in today's episode. We will be reminded that we all have thirst that goes beyond the physical, so let's listen in on the message given by our lead pastor, Steven Darr.In this episode, you'll discover:Why thirst is the core of the Christian journeyWhat is spiritual thirstHow Jesus Christ is the living water When should we share the living water with othersJust as water is essential to sustain life, Christ is essential to sustain our souls physical water may relieve our thirst for a moment, but the living water Jesus revitalizes our spirit for eternity. 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 notify you when the next episode is available. Until next time drink in the living water that restores your soul. faith first
Today we conclude our sermon series "United Methodist Responsibilities, Between Now and Then." Pastor Vance shares a sermon titled "The Master's Crumbs" referencing Matthew 15:21-28.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
The church isn't a building, a piece of property, or a campus. It isn't a country club, a social clique, or merely a cultural tradition. The church is a community of people who share God's heart, a community who loves Jesus and loves like Jesus daily. During our “We are First Church” sermon series, we'll discuss what it looks like to partner with God's mission for First Church and unleash a revolution of His love on the 918 and beyond.
Tara Beth Leach has been with us before. She is a friend of New Room (and a friend of mine!), a pastor, preacher, writer, and advocate for women in ministry (find her latest blog on that topic if you are a woman leader who needs a little encouragement. Its powerful). Currently, Tara Beth serves as the senior pastor at Good Shepherd Church in Naperville, Illinois. She previously served as senior pastor of First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena (“PazNaz”) in Southern California (that story is also worth finding and reading). She is the author of Emboldened, Radiant Church, and Forty Days on Being a Six. Today, we're talking with her about a new book that releases this week called The Great Morning Revolution. She's here to help us get back to the basics and discover how a morning devotional routine can revolutionize your life. I hope you not only listen ... but live this.
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, your host and 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 a vital topic to our Christian walk. Hello Steve, and glad you could be here today. We're going to be talking about walking in step with the Spirit today.In this episode, you'll discover:How do we tune ourselves to the voice of the Holy Spirit?Why is it important to listen to the Holy Spirit when He speaks?What are the ways the Holy Spirit speaks to us?Why is obedience crucial when walking by the Spirit?The Holy Spirit is with us, ready to lead, guide, and empower us to fulfill the will of God in our lives. We must cultivate the discipline of listening and the courage to obey. God's plans for us are greater than anything we can imagine, but they are revealed to us step-by-step as we walk in the Spirit.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. And until then, take your first step with the Holy Spirit faith first.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “church?” First Church isn't a club or a social clique. We're more than an entertainment venue or a mere religious tradition. At First Church, we're a community of Jesus' followers who believe God has placed us where we are to change the 918 and beyond. Our mission is simple: to love Jesus and love like Jesus. For us to keep carrying out our mission, we regularly take time to celebrate what God is doing and reaffirm His greater purpose for our lives. In our upcoming 3-week series, “We are First Church,” we'll discuss how to participate in God's vision for our church family and the world.
Pastor Phelps preaches from the life of Ananias and Saphira on the importance of integrity and right giving. Message originally preached Sunday morning September 14, 2025.
Today we continue our sermon series "United Methodist Responsibilities, Between Now and Then." Pastor Rushing shares a sermon titled "The Two Unmentionables: Church and Politics." referencing 1 Samuel 8:1-22.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
In this episode of Grating the Nutmeg, Natalie Belanger tells us about how two journals kept by a Revolutionary War-era girl in the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History's collection have inspired an original work of music. Several years ago, Leonard Raybon (Associate Professor of Music at Tulane University) encountered two journals and other writings by Hannah Hadassah Hickok, held at the Connecticut Museum. Hannah was the matriarch of the non-conformist Smith Family of Glastonbury. Her daughters would go on to became nationally famous for protesting their lack of voting rights in the 1870s by refusing to pay their taxes — an act that resulted in the town of Glastonbury confiscating their property, including their beloved cows. Inspired by the young Hannah's unique voice, Leonard composed an original mini-musical based on her writings. You'll hear Natalie and Leonard's conversation about what moved him to compose the piece and how it fits into his larger project of producing "Ameri-musicals" that use song to get us to think about the past. Professor Raybon, the Connecticut Museum, and the Glastonbury Historical Society are partnering to present this work to the public in a one-time performance on November 8th, 2025 at 7:00 pm at First Church of Glastonbury at 2183 Main Street, Glastonbury. First Church was the Smith family's congregation, so it's a fitting place to host this unique musical experience! You can visit the CT Museum's website to learn more about the concert. For more information on the Smith family, visit the CT Women's Hall of Fame, or read this excellent blog from the Library of Congress. -------------------------------------- Like Grating the Nutmeg? Want to support it? Make a donation! 100% of the funds from your donation go directly to the production and promotion of the show. Go to ctexplored.org to send your donation now. This episode of Grating the Nutmeg was produced by Natalie Belanger and engineered by Patrick O'Sullivan at www.highwattagemedia.com/ Follow GTN on our socials-Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and BlueSky. Follow executive producer Mary Donohue on Facebook and Instagram at West Hartford Town Historian. Join us in two weeks for our next episode of Grating the Nutmeg, the podcast of Connecticut history. Thank you for listening!
Welcome, you are listening to the Faith First Podcast. I'm Jonathan Gouthier, a pastor and your host here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut, in this episode. We will be listening to a message on the topic of walking in the spirit given by our lead pastor. Steven Darr will discover that the Holy Spirit not only comforts us but also guides and empowers us to live according to God‘s will, so if you're ready, let's listen in…In this episode, you'll discover:How to fully listen to the Holy SpiritWhy is the role of the Holy Spirit so important in our livesWhat it means to be in step with the Holy SpiritKnowing the various ways you can listen to the Holy SpiritTo be led by the Holy Spirit means that we are attuned to his voice. It means we seek his direction before making decisions, and we follow his prompting to shape our actions. That's what walking in the Spirit looks like. If this is your first time listening to the Faith First podcast, be sure to hit the notification below to be alerted to win. A new episode will be launched, and until next time, take each step guided by the spirit of God, Faith first
What comes to mind when you hear the word “church?” First Church isn't a club or a social clique. We're more than an entertainment venue or a mere religious tradition. At First Church, we're a community of Jesus' followers who believe God has placed us where we are to change the 918 and beyond. Our mission is simple: to love Jesus and love like Jesus. For us to keep carrying out our mission, we regularly take time to celebrate what God is doing and reaffirm His greater purpose for our lives. In our upcoming 3-week series, “We are First Church,” we'll discuss how to participate in God's vision for our church family and the world.
Today we continue our sermon series "United Methodist Responsibilities, Between Now and Then." Pastor Vance shares a sermon titled "Making Your Own Sandwich." referencing 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.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
What comes to mind when you hear the word “church?” First Church isn't a club or a social clique. We're more than an entertainment venue or a mere religious tradition. At First Church, we're a community of Jesus' followers who believe God has placed us where we are to change the 918 and beyond. Our mission is simple: to love Jesus and love like Jesus. For us to keep carrying out our mission, we regularly take time to celebrate what God is doing and reaffirm His greater purpose for our lives. In our upcoming 3-week series, “We are First Church,” we'll discuss how to participate in God's vision for our church family and the world.
Welcome to worship. Today we continue our sermon series "United Methodist Responsibilities, Between Now and Then." Pastor Vance shares a sermon titled "Believing in God's Abundance for All." referencing Genesis 47:13-26.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
We can't wait to see you for our annual You're Invited series at First Church! Jesus never intended for His church to be something boring, irrelevant, or dull. He's given us His joy, and we're called to be a community where the joy of Heaven meets the sadness of earth. Every Sunday during this series, we're throwing a party with a special theme that you can invite your friends and family to experience. We've got a lot of extra stuff planned as we point people to the life Jesus wants to give them! You're not going to want to miss a single week in this series, as we worship, hear a message of hope, and celebrate the Good News of Jesus together. It's going to be a lot of fun, and everyone's invited!
Today we continue our sermon series "United Methodist Responsibilities, Between Now and Then." Pastor Vance shares a sermon titled "Green Christianity: Caring for God's Creation."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
August 24, 2025, | Pastor Nathan Elms To watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/live/vayXwr6hrLY?si=l9bjdiReW3G9EtQF To help support this ministry, donate by texting the number: 704-445-5353, or online using the "Tithely" App, & give to "First Church Charlotte", or by going to the website link: Giving | First Church Charlotte 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
Ever wonder why church feels more like a weekly event than a family gathering? Pastor Stephen Martin and Pastor Daniel Hayworth return to Acts 2:42-47 to unpack six characteristics that made the early church unstoppable—and why most modern churches miss them entirely.You'll Learn:✅ Why devotion to God's Word must come first (always)✅ How true generosity exposes spiritual maturity✅ The shocking truth about loneliness in church✅ Why joy is non-negotiable for spiritual families✅ When inclusion becomes dangerousPerfect for your morning commute or workout—practical wisdom that transforms how you see church community. If you're tired of surface-level Christianity and ready for real spiritual family, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about church.New episodes Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7 AM CT.
Welcome, you are listening to the Faith First podcast produced by us here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut. Hello, I'm Jonathan Gouthier, the host and a pastor here at First Church. Today's episode is one of those sit-down conversations. I'm having with our lead pastor, Steven Darr, on the topic of identifying with Christ. Hey Steve, glad you could be with us todayIn this episode, you'll discover:What is the identity of a believer?Those who follow Christ are called a new creation. If we are new, at one time, what were we?Why is holiness a characteristic of our new identity?What are the privileges and responsibilities of our new identity in Christ?Our new identity is not something we earned, but it is a gift of grace. We are called to live out this identity daily, understanding that we are dead to sand and alive to God. As we grow in our faith, we will increasingly reflect the life of Christ in our words, our actions, and our relationships. Our identity in Christ is the foundation of our Christian walk.We trust that the Faith First podcast provides you with some encouragement to walk out your faith first in the world. If this is your first time with us, be sure to hit the subscribe button below and be alerted when a new episode launches. Until next time, recognize that your identity is in Christ faith first.
Today we begin a new sermon series "United Methodist Responsibilities, Between Now and Then." Rev. Dr. Sharon Austin shares a sermon on justice. This week's scriptures are Isaiah 5:1-7 and Luke 12:49-56.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
Recorded August 10, 2025
Today we conclude our sermon series "The Masks We Wear." Pastor Vance shares a sermon titled "The Courage to Unmask" referencing Ephesians 2:1-10.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
Welcome! You are listening to the Faith First Podcast. I'm Jonathan Gouthier, a Pastor and your host and a pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut. Do you have any special people that you look up to and wish that you could be like them? I think we all have those individuals who we can identify with because we have commonalities with them. But let me ask you, have you ever thought about how you identify with Christ? If you haven't then this message given by our Lead Pastor Steve Darr is just what you're going to need, so let's listen in…In this episode, you'll discover:Why the identity of a believer is one of the most profound aspects of the Christian faithWhat happens when we come to ChristHow we are transformed when we walk in newness of lifeWhen we get our new identity in ChristAs followers of Christ, we are to embrace our identity in Christ wholeheartedly. Scripture tells us to embrace the fullness of our identity in Christ. It reminds us that we have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection, and as a result, we are called to walk in newness of life. If this is your first time listening to the Faith First Podcast, be sure to hit the notification bell below to be alerted to when a new episode will be launched. And until next time, remember that your identity is in Christ faith first.
Welcome to the School of Ministry podcast, where today's lesson focuses on the establishment of the First Church of Europe as recounted in Acts 16. Join us as we explore the journey of Paul, Silas, and Timothy, who were guided by a vision, known as the 'Macedonian Call' with God's intervening to spread the Good News of Christ in Europe. Witness how a diverse group of believers—including a wealthy businesswoman, a formerly demon-possessed slave girl, and a Roman jailer—came together to form a new church in Philippi. This episode challenges us to see the needs of those around us, love them as God does, and be ready to act when God interrupts our plans. We hope you are encouraged and inspired to embrace the high calling to join the Lord in His work.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “church?” First Church isn't a club or a social clique. We're more than an entertainment venue or a mere religious tradition. At First Church, we're a community of Jesus' followers who believe God has placed us where we are to change the 918 and beyond. Our mission is simple: to love Jesus and love like Jesus. For us to keep carrying out our mission, we regularly take time to celebrate what God is doing and reaffirm His greater purpose for our lives. In our upcoming 3-week series, “We are First Church,” we'll discuss how to participate in God's vision for our church family and the world.
Hello and welcome to the first podcast where we bring your messages and conversations of just how to walk your faith out in this world. I am trying to go there a pastor here at First Church in Torrington, Connecticut and in this episode, I sit down with our lead pastor, Steven Darr to discuss what it means to have a renewed mind through reading God‘s word hey Steve, good to have you in the studioIn this episode, you'll discover:Why does the world seem to pull us away from God?How ought we be taking in the word of God? What does it mean by writing it on our hearts and minds?What does the word of God reveal in and for us?Why is meditation on God‘s word really not enough? What ought it drive us to do?When we ignore or refuse to follow the word of God, we are forgetting whose we are and why we are created. We are designing God, and we will find ourselves. A drift, caught up in the lies and schemes of the enemy. God's word was written for us to follow without it. We are lost in walking in darkness.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're new to the Faith first podcast, I ask you to hit the subscribe button below to be notified when our next episode will launch. And until then, renew your mind in the word of God faith first.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “church?” First Church isn't a club or a social clique. We're more than an entertainment venue or a mere religious tradition. At First Church, we're a community of Jesus' followers who believe God has placed us where we are to change the 918 and beyond. Our mission is simple: to love Jesus and love like Jesus. For us to keep carrying out our mission, we regularly take time to celebrate what God is doing and reaffirm His greater purpose for our lives. In our upcoming 3-week series, “We are First Church,” we'll discuss how to participate in God's vision for our church family and the world.
What comes to mind when you hear the word “church?” First Church isn't a club or a social clique. We're more than an entertainment venue or a mere religious tradition. At First Church, we're a community of Jesus' followers who believe God has placed us where we are to change the 918 and beyond. Our mission is simple: to love Jesus and love like Jesus. For us to keep carrying out our mission, we regularly take time to celebrate what God is doing and reaffirm His greater purpose for our lives. In our upcoming 3-week series, “We are First Church,” we'll discuss how to participate in God's vision for our church family and the world.
Pastor Paul Irminger. In this series, we're going back to the roots of the church to see how the first believers lived out their faith with boldness, power, and purpose. This is a series that will challenge and inspire us to live like they did.
Lessons from the Early Church.The church described in the New Testament remains our God-given standard. What was it like? What was its secret?Support the show
