Podcasts about Western Springs

Welcome to our Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Faith Leaders is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers.This week we ask Our Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Richard Kirchherr (rich@wscongo.org) two questions that curious kids are wondering about. Questions this episode are:If we belive in God and we're Christian and other faith traditions (Jewish, Muslum) belive in a God. How do we know which one is real, right, or true?Are God and Jesus the same person and if so how?Are you a Curious Kid with Questions? Click the link below to submit your questions online with your parents' permission.⁠⁠⁠Curious Kids, Faithful Answers Podcast - First Congregational Church of Western Springs⁠⁠⁠If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to ⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

We'll be celebrating Trinity Sunday as well as Father's Day. Pastor Kathryn will share about the wisdom fathers can continue to receive from the third person of the Holy Trinity.Link to Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cFzZyjqxKU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cFzZyjqxKU&t=2617sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Welcome to our Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Faith Leaders is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers.This week we ask Our Senior Associate Minister Rev. Meredith Onion (meredith@wscongo.org) a question that curious kids are wondering about. Question this episode are:How did Jesus die?How do we know the Bible is true?Are you a Curious Kid with Questions? Click the link below to submit your questions online with your parents' permission.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Curious Kids, Faithful Answers Podcast - First Congregational Church of Western Springs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

This Sunday we will baptize eight (yes, that is correct!) infants and children into the Christian faith. What a joy to celebrate baptism on Pentecost Sunday, which reminds us of the presence of the Holy Spirit.Rich will preach a sermon on the importance of affirming, throughout each of our lives, not that we were baptized, but that we are baptized.Link to Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJSyqx9tE9Y⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJSyqx9tE9Y&t=2304sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Kiwi music legend Neil Finn is putting his weight behind a bid to bring music to Auckland's Western Springs stadium. He's supporting the bid by CRS Records to develop a music venue there. It's among options out for consultation - competing with a plan for a multisport venue put forward by Auckland FC's owners. Flicks.co.nz editor Steve Newall says submissions are open until June 15, so there's plenty of time to read through the proposals. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Faith Leaders is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers.This week we ask Our Senior Associate Minister Rev. Meredith Onion (meredith@wscongo.org) a question that curious kids are wondering about. Question this episode are:What made you want to be part of this Church?What's the funniest thing to ever happen to you during a Church Service?Are you a Curious Kid with Questions? Click the link below to submit your questions online with your parents' permission.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Curious Kids, Faithful Answers Podcast - First Congregational Church of Western Springs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Rich will preach the last installment in his sermon series on prayer. You do not need to have heard the first three, as each sermon stands alone. In this one, Rich asks the question, “does prayer work?“We will celebrate the sacrament of Communion and receive the gift of music from the strings at the Western Springs School of Talent Education.Link to Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEh8YsmRWEs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEh8YsmRWEs&t=2438sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Shanan Halbert about Budget 2025, particularly its impact on rangatahi, and the Regulatory Standards Bill. For International Desk, they spoke to Greenpeace campaigner Juressa Lee about the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference.  For this week's City Counselling, Producer Sara spoke with Councillor Shane Henderson on Auckland Council's recent approval for new development in the city centre, as well as the latest updates in the Western Springs speedway v stadium debate For her second topic, of national and global military spending, she spoke with Massey University Defence and Security Associate Professor Anna Powles, as well as Peace Movement Aotearoa coordinator Edwina Hughes. 

This Sunday we'll hear how the Lord opened Lydia's heart to listen to Paul's preaching. Al Pedersen will be our soloist, and weather permitting we'll gather for Holy Grounds on the front lawn. Link to Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUzigPYYzho⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUzigPYYzho&t=2412sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

May 24, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Easter 6 - Psalm 55:4, 16-18; antiphon: Psalm 55:22Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 26:21-33, 39-44; Numbers 1:1-2:34; Luke 14:1-24“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  In the days of yore, before all farming was done by machines, the farmers used to attach their tools to cows or oxen to do the hard work of plowing their fields and getting them ready for planting. If you've ever helped to plant a garden, you likely know why. Getting the ground ready for seeds is not easy work. You have to get the rocks out. You have to smooth the ground to be relatively flat. You have to dig the holes for the seeds. You have to cover the seeds back over once they're sown so that they are protected from the scorching of the sun and the animals who would eat them for food. It's back-breaking labor. It's burdensome. You can see why these farmers passed the burden to their animals. It made things a lot easier.  You likely know burdens in your own life. You perhaps know that burden of manual labor. You perhaps know the burden of unending homework, responsibilities, obligations, and more. Additionally, you likely know the burden of Your sinful conscience. You remember that thought you had that was contrary to God's will. You remember the slander you spoke against someone nearby you. You remember the harm you did to those whom you should have helped. All of this is burdensome, let alone the burdens we know of the sicknesses and sorrows from living in this broken and sin-fallen world.  God has asked you to let Him bear this burden for you. “Cast your burdens on me,” He says. Jesus tells you that you are to come to Him, heavy laden, and He will give you rest. He takes the yoke of Your troubles, and He promises that He makes them easier. This is true most of all of that burdened conscience. He assures you that He has yoked that burden to His cross and buried it in His tomb. This means that as He has raised you as His own in Baptism, you no longer bear it all. It's gone as far as the East is from the West. You are now righteous in Him. So, as Your burden is cast upon Him, as You are righteous in Christ, He will not let you fall.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Blessed God, You are our strength and care in every circumstance. As we are burdened with the hardships of this life and our own sin, bless us to cast those burdens upon You that we would be confirmed as Your people forever. - Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The battle for Auckland's Western Springs Stadium - the home of the Ponsonby Rugby Club - is heating up with two former All Blacks on either side of the debate. Mihi speaks to Sir Bryan and Ashley Stanley, daughter of former all Black Joe Stanley - she's a parent at the Ponsonby Rugby Club.

May 23, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 13:18-35Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 26:1-20; Luke 13:18-35“He said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.'” (Luke 13:18-19) In the Name + of Jesus.  As people, we like stories of victories, don't we? We love it when our sports teams win. We love for hard work to pay off. We love it when we see the fruits of our own labors come to fruition. All of these things bring us happiness and satisfaction, don't they?  But then Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. If you have seen a mustard seed, you know they aren't much as far as seeds go. They aren't acorns that are large and sturdy looking. They aren't walnuts that you can see easily as they fall from trees. No, they're small and seem insignificant.  God's work often looks this way. It often looks like the Church isn't making much progress in the world. It often looks like we're not making much progress in being good Christians. It often feels like we're better at sinning than we are being faithful. And when you look at the cross, it's the same way. On the cross, Jesus doesn't look like a powerful God. He looks lowly. He looks like He's defeated, and Satan wins.  But then Jesus tells how a mustard seed grows. Yes, it looks insignificant, but it gets big enough for the birds to live in it and for them to be sustained by it. This cross is the same. Despite its lowly appearance, or actually even by it, Jesus accomplishes the greatest of things: the salvation of the world. By the seed of His body falling to the ground, the tree that grows in His resurrection provides for the needs of the many.  You see, this is how God works. The little bit looks insignificant, but through its insignificant appearance, God is bringing about great works. Even today, through the lowly waters poured on a baby, or the bread and wine of His Supper, there He is bringing the cross and resurrection to His people and sustaining them in His eternal love. It doesn't seem like much, but again, this is how God works. This means that when you see the things that don't look like victories, you can trust that somehow God is still working good things through it. Think of it: the cross is the worst possible thing— the death of the perfect Man, God in the flesh. But through it, God accomplished the greatest possible thing: the salvation of mankind. If He can do it there, He can do it in the worst things in Your life too. In fact, He promises that He will.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Heavenly Father, when we see the lowly things of this world and Your Kingdom, bless us to see them with the eyes of faith and trust in Your promises knowing that through these You accomplish the greatest things, most of all our salvation. Amen.- Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 22, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - The Fourth PetitionDaily Lectionary: Leviticus 24:1-23; Leviticus 25:1-55; Luke 12:54-13:17God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  Have you ever wondered why there are people who aren't Christian, even who are opposed to Christianity, yet who acquire a great deal of worldly wealth and success? That's actually a common theme in the Bible. If you read the Psalms, you see the psalmists asking regularly how long their enemies will have success over them. So, you're in good company for asking the question. It's a logical question, too. If these people are opposed to God and even harming God's Church, why doesn't God cut them off from the money or things they have available to cause this harm?  Jesus gives us some commentary when He tells us that God “makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). So, what does Jesus say there? Well, in the words around this statement, Jesus tells His disciples to love even their enemies and to pray for those who persecute them. So, when you see these evil people receiving these good Gifts, it's a reminder to still love them, even if they're persecuting the Church, for you to pray for them.  But how could that be? How can we love our enemies and pray for those who seek our harm? Because God has first loved us. Because when we were still God's enemies, He sent His Son to die for the very sins that had put us at enmity with God in the first place. God is the One who loves and has even loved us. In fact, God loves those enemies that He's providing for, too.  Does this mean that there will be no justice? No, those who sinfully harm the Church because of their willful rejection of God's Word will not enjoy the eternal benefit of what Jesus has done. They are not saved by grace because they have rejected the faith that receives this grace. But God still loves them. And He loves you, too. May that knowledge draw you to receive all of His Gifts, even the bread on your table with thanksgiving.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. God you provide for all our needs of this body and life: clothing and shoes, house and home, loved ones, good weather, good government, friends, and all of the earthly Gifts we receive. Thank You for Your gracious care for us every day. Thank You most of all for the care You give to us in Jesus that will last forever. Amen. - Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 21, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 12:35-53Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 23:23-44; Luke 12:35-53“Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.” (Luke 12:51) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  Every year at Christmas time, I hear those familiar words of Handel's Messiah: “And His Name shall be called… Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Of course, this is a quote from Isaiah 9:6, and it's clear that, ultimately, it's referring to Jesus. So with that, we rightly call Jesus by the title “Prince of Peace.”  But in Luke 12, we read Jesus saying that He didn't come to bring peace but division. Isn't that a contradiction? All the more, when we talk about Jesus in our day and age, if people know of Him, they think of Him as being really “nice.” So, what is this He's saying about not bringing peace but division?  Let's start with how He does bring peace. Paul tells us that the peace Jesus brings is with God (Romans 5:1). Our sin puts us in enmity with God, and so when our sin is forgiven, that enmity is overcome by peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace because He makes our peace with God for us. So, what about this division? That is between us and the world. Having been born anew in Baptism, in that washing of rebirth and renewal of water and the Spirit, we are different from the world. We no longer live for ourselves, for the truth of the world, but we live in the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  As we look at that, we see that there are a lot of places in the teaching of Jesus where He describes a separation. There is the separation between the wheat and the chaff, the sheep and the goats, the wise and foolish virgins, and the list keeps going. This separation is ultimately the church and the world. Yes, we ought to try to keep peace with those around us as much as we can. However, we have to realize that there are a lot of times when the world won't want to hear the Word of Jesus. They won't like hearing that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. All the more, they won't want to hear that they, too, are sinners. It's this that causes the division.  Thankfully, we see that Jesus is the One who made peace with the Father so that we could enjoy unity with Him. That does not make the divisions now unimportant. It means that they are a sad reality. But in Jesus, the joy of His peace will overcome the sadness of this time and bring us to eternal communion with Him and the Church throughout all days. Amen. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  Blessed Jesus, in You we find our peace. We pray for Your coming that our sad divisions would cease and we would know the perfect unity of Your eternal Kingdom. Amen.- Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 20, 2025Today's Reading: Revelation 21:1-7Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 23:1-22; Luke 12:13-34“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more.'” (Revelation 21:3-4)  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  Where is God? Everywhere, right? He's omnipresent, it's true. But here in Revelation, it says that the “dwelling place of God is with man.” How is that? On the one hand, we can acknowledge that it's a mystery. On the other hand, we can also recognize that throughout the Scriptures, we see God seeking to be with man. When Adam and Eve fell into sin, there was God, seeking them in the cool of the garden. When God visited Jacob, revealing to him the ladder to heaven, that place became “Bethel,” the “House of God.” When Moses was given the instructions for the Tabernacle, God said of the tent in it, the “Tent of Meeting,” “There I will meet with the people of Israel” (Exodus 29:43). So, this is not a new idea at the Resurrection of the dead at the end of time that we see in Revelation 21.  But what are we to make of this? To begin, as we often need to, we have to realize that the issue is sin. It's because of sin that we can't see God face-to-face. As God says to Moses, we can't see God and live (Exodus 33:20). That's why this is hard for us to understand. However, God came and met with us in Jesus. He came into a body. He came to a place, Judea and Jerusalem. In that place, He carried our sin to the cross so that by the life in the resurrection of His body in that place, now we have life and the victory over sin won by this forgiveness. Now, God meets with us in His Word, in the Waters of Holy Baptism, in His Holy Supper. He does this to deliver that forgiveness to us, to make us holy so that we can dwell with Him forever in that place.  What does this ultimately mean for us to understand how God is everywhere but in a place? Once again, we still have to say it's something of a mystery, but we can understand more of it in light of Jesus. Yes, God is everywhere, but He's made us to be in a place and He wants to be with us, which He does in Jesus in a very specific way. Through Jesus, then, we see that the fullness of God dwells in a man bodily (Colossians 2:9). It's Jesus that we'll see on that Last Day, and when we do, it will make a lot more sense. It will also be the greatest comfort as He promises to be with us and even wipe away our every tear.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Lord Jesus, thank you for meeting us in Your Word and Sacraments to cleanse our sin and prepare us to live with you forever on the Day of Your Return. Amen.- Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Auckland Council is defending its process on deciding the future of Auckland Western Springs stadium. Public submissions on what to do with the site opened on Monday. It includes three options - some of which have local support. But there are others which have people up in arms - and there are even calls for the consultation process to be halted. Alexa Cook explains.

Join us for worship as we hear Jesus share his commandment to love one another. It sounds so easy doesn't it? Meredith's sermon will explore this great commandment and why it's so challenging to live into. Link to Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7L3YxwdgHE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7L3YxwdgHE&t=2123sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

May 19, 2025Today's Reading: Acts 11:1-18Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 21:1-24; Luke 12:1-12“And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.' But I said, ‘By no means, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.'” (Acts 11:7-8) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  That we would restrict our diets is not a weird thing in our day. We have gluten-free diets, we have keto diets, we have vegetarian and vegan diets, we have carnivore diets, and…. and… and… For the Jewish disciples of Jesus, their diet was restricted as well. They were constrained to keep Kosher as Moses instructed in the Old Testament Law. This included things like not eating pork (like bacon or sausage) or shellfish (like two of my favorites, shrimp and scallops). Why? Because God wanted to keep His people distinct. He wanted it clear that they were His and they were holy, and with that, they were unique.  But then Peter received this vision from the Lord in Acts chapter 11. The Lord was saying that Peter was to eat some of this “unclean” food. Peter, as you read, was upset at that thought. He had never let anything “common or unclean” enter his mouth. And then God said that this wasn't the way it was anymore. This was not common food; it was not unclean but clean. How could that be?! Jesus gives us insight into this, for example, in Matthew 15. He tells the disciples there that it is not what “goes into the mouth,” that is, it's not what they would eat that would make them unclean. So what was it? Was there no more uncleanness? Well, not in the sense the Jews thought of, which required them to keep Kosher in order to worship God at the Temple (their church). Also, there is not in the sense we might think about things like washing hands or vegetables before we eat them (although that's still a good and healthy thing to do), but there is still uncleanness, and that is the uncleanness of sin. As Jesus said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person.”  Hopefully, you can see what is happening here. Jesus is making the point that our diet isn't what makes us sinful or not. It's not what makes us unable to stand before God. But what does make us unable to stand in God's presence? Sin. The sin that comes out of our hearts and shows how sinful those hearts are by our thoughts and actions. But all of this is to show that on the cross, sin had been atoned for, taken care of, and defeated by Jesus. Now, by the cleansing of the cross, by the cross given to sinners in Baptism, in Absolution, in the Supper, now that cleanness comes to you and makes you clean. Thanks be to God.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Lord Jesus, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. You have cleansed us by the washing of your Holy and precious blood and innocent suffering and death. Guard and keep us to walk in the life of righteousness, innocence, and blessedness in You in all things. Amen. - Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

After more than 100 years at Auckland's Western Springs Stadium, the Ponsonby Rugby Club faces losing its home if the space becomes the new base for the city's football team. Former All Black Sir Bryan Williams spoke to Corin Dann. Sir Bryan Williams said Ponsonby Rugby club has been based at Western Springs for 100 years. It has been a resident tenant for 28 years. 

May 18, 2025Today's Reading: John 16:12-22Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 20:1-16, 22-27; Luke 11:37-54“When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” (John 16:21-22) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  As each of our children was coming into the world, I remember the labor process well. I remember the easiest natural birth when my wife and I were walking around the hospital waiting for the contractions to bring the birth. Especially I remember my poor, obvious, and generally unsuccessful attempts to distract her from the labor pains. I also remember the planned C-Section, which seemed oddly effortless as far as the actual birthing process went. Then I remember the long labors when my wife expressed her pain and fatigue. Most of all, I remember how every time there was joy in the new life my wife held in her arms when the work was finished. This is life in the world as Christians, isn't it? Sometimes our life in the world is relatively painless, and we get to see the joy easily. Sometimes, it's difficult, but we can still get through it relatively unscathed. Then there are those times when we have no idea how we'll finish the course.  Jesus' warning here tells us that the end is attainable, and it is attainable by the joy that is to come. In fact, what we see is that He is our joy. He is the One on whom we fix our eyes, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross and scorned its shame. What do I mean? I mean that as Christ has loved us, He has carried our sin to the cross to redeem us. He has desired that we would be with Him in the joy of His Eternal Kingdom, and so He has suffered what our sin deserves. He has experienced with that the suffering of death. But in His resurrection on the First Easter is the promise that all suffering has been overcome.  So why still the birth pangs and the suffering now? Because through this, He forms us as those clinging to Him and to His promises of eternal life alone. Through this, He promises us, promises you that as you are His baptized child, as you have been born that child out of the water and the Spirit, you will have eternal joy with Him. But it's that baptismal promise that becomes the way He also strengthens you to endure it. It's hard now, but the light of that life with Him is the light shining at the end of the tunnel of this suffering. It's shining and brightening your life even now so you would know He will never leave you nor forsake you in it.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. O God, You make the minds of Your faithful to be of one will. Grant that we may love what You have commanded and desire what You promise, that among the many changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joys are found; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.- Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

This Sunday promises to be a special one in worship! We'll hear a heartfelt Mother's Day reflection from graduating senior Alex Mudd, and a baccalaureate reflection from fellow senior Grace Whittingham. Rev. Rich Kirchherr will also deliver the final message in his sermon series on prayer—each sermon stands on its own, so it's a perfect time to join in.Come and worship with us as we celebrate, reflect, and grow together in this vibrant community of faith.Link to Livestream: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AETDaD7o6DA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AETDaD7o6DA&t=2460sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Welcome to our Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Faith Leaders is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers.This week we ask Our Senior Associate Minister Rev. Meredith Onion (meredith@wscongo.org) a question that curious kids are wondering about. Question this episode are:What is the difference between God and Jesus?Do you know all the stories in the Bible?Are you a Curious Kid with Questions? Click the link below to submit your questions online with your parents' permission.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Curious Kids, Faithful Answers Podcast - First Congregational Church of Western Springs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Rev. Dr. Richard Kirchherr will continue with his theme of prayer. preach on the theme of prayer. Too often our prayers are recitations of our burdens ir challenges in life, and not often enough are our prayers about blessings or for others. Rich will consider the Lord's Prayer and why we pray debts and others pray trespasses.Link to Livestream: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w1AAdeFpIU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w1AAdeFpIU&t=2370sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 2 May 2025, Heather and Deborah Coddington pay tribute to their good friend, Sir Bob Jones. Jones passed away today after decades as one of the great characters of NZ politics and business for many decades. There's speculation that Shortland Street might not be coming back next year with TVNZ refusing to confirm that its future. Former Minister for Women Jan Tinetti goes head-to-head with Heather to convince her that the job of Women's Minister shouldn't be done away with. Plus, the Sports Huddle debates why Auckland Council isn't just saying "yes please" to a new stadium paid for by billionaires at Western Springs. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Faith Leaders is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers.This week we ask Our Senior Associate Minister Rev. Meredith Onion (meredith@wscongo.org) a question that curious kids are wondering about. Question this episode are:What is your favorite way to talk to God?What made you want to be a pastor?Are you a Curious Kid with Questions? Click the link below to submit your questions online with your parents' permission.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Curious Kids, Faithful Answers Podcast - First Congregational Church of Western Springs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Send us a textPhil Nawrocki joins us for our second Nightcap with the Noras! Listen in as he takes us on a journey from Chicago loft living to becoming a central figure in the Western Springs community. What makes this conversation fascinating is Phil's natural path to local governance. After sending a hopeful email to the village caucus, he was told to "become president of your subdivision first"—a challenge he embraced wholeheartedly. Soon he was walking every street in Ridgewood documenting potholes and transforming neighborhood social gatherings. His hands-on approach demonstrates how accessible small-town governance can be when residents roll up their sleeves.The episode takes a delightful turn when Phil reveals the origin story of Western Springs' famous "Penguin House"—an inherited tradition featuring 80 illuminated penguins that his family arranges in themed displays each Christmas season. From boxing rings to red carpets, these creative scenes have become a beloved community attraction created with the help of his four children. Equally charming is the tale of his wife Amanda's legendary jello shots color-matched to team uniforms at their children's sporting events.Beyond the entertaining anecdotes lies a thoughtful exploration of what makes communities thrive. Phil describes Western Springs as "Mayberry-like," where neighbors know each other, stop to chat on sidewalks, and even knock on the village trustee's door with concerns. It's a refreshing reminder that meaningful connections still form the backbone of truly special places to live.Have you witnessed how small acts of community involvement can transform a neighborhood? What traditions have you started that bring people together? Listen, reflect, and perhaps be inspired to take that first step toward deeper community engagement wherever you call home.Mike Haggerty Buick GMCRight on the corner, right on the price! Head down to 93rd & Cicero & tell them the Noras sent you!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr will explore several kinds of prayers over the next two weeks — including the Lord's Prayer and why some pray “debts” while others pray “trespasses” (on May 4). As we step into the post-Easter season, let us begin by reflecting on our life of prayer with God.Link to Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8ZNaCgw5TI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8ZNaCgw5TI&t=3080sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the good news that Christ is Risen. On the highest of holy days in the Christian year, we remember the Resurrection in story and song, glorify God with special music, and cover the cross with colorful flowers.Link to Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo2o_jv_tF0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo2o_jv_tF0&t=1790sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

New images have given Aucklanders a closer look at the Western Springs Stadium proposal backed by Auckland FC and their billionaire owners. The images and a new video feature in a campaign to generate public support for the stadium, which has been called Auckland Arena. The website said there would be zero cost to the ratepayer with $300 million in private funding secured already to deliver the project. Auckland FC co-owner Ali Williams says Aucklanders deserve a smaller, intimate 'family-friendly' stadium - and this presents the perfect opportunity. "You've got to remember that the sport is not just about the product on the field, it's about the vibe outside the field, around the field, it's about families feeling comfortable, it's about people being passionate and bringing communities together." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Staff is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers.This week we ask Our Interim Associate Minister Rev. Kathryn Price (kathryn@wscongo.org) questions that curious kids are wondering about. Questions this episode are:What is the differance to Catholicism and our church?Who initially wrote the stories in the Bible? Where did they come from?Are you a Curious Kid with Questions? Click the link below to submit your questions online with your parents' permission.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Curious Kids, Faithful Answers Podcast - First Congregational Church of Western Springs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

We celebrate the day Jesus entered into Jerusalem and was greeted by the people waving palm branches. It is a reminder of the welcoming of Jesus into our hearts and or our willingness to follow him. Link to Livestream: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q63Xz2gZW3E⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q63Xz2gZW3E&t=2513sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

We welcome are 2025 Confirmation Class into our faith community at The First Congregational Church of Western Springs. Link to Livestream: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAHWV8oDjhI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAHWV8oDjhI&t=1425sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Welcome to our Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Staff is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers.This week we ask Our Interim Associate Minister Rev. Kathryn Price (kathryn@wscongo.org) questions that curious kids are wondering about. Questions this episode are:How did God make everything?When we go to heaven what will we see?Are you a Curious Kid with Questions? Click the link below to submit your questions online with your parents' permission.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Curious Kids, Faithful Answers Podcast - First Congregational Church of Western Springs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

On this Fifth Sunday of Lent we explore righteousness & mercy, as we hear the story of the rich tax collector, Zacchaeus.Link to Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD3hg6Um3dI⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eD3hg6Um3dI&t=2255sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Welcome to our Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Staff is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers.This week we ask Our Faith Community Nurse Jean Larson (jean@wscongo.org) questions that curious kids are wondering about. Question this episode are:Do you have any advice on staying clam when we are nerves or scared?How can we take care of our bodies and stay strong?Are you a Curious Kid with Questions? Click the link below to submit your questions online with your parents' permission.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Curious Kids, Faithful Answers Podcast - First Congregational Church of Western Springs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Please join us for worship this coming Sunday as Rev. Price will preach on the good Shepherd who pursues us tirelessly despite our resistance to being found.  Link to Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdPTxmMw6Qs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdPTxmMw6Qs&t=2470sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Welcome to our Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Staff is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers.This week we ask Our Preschool Director Marcy Dusza (preschool_marcy@wscongo.org) questions that curious kids are wondering about. Question this episode are:What's your favorite part about working at preschool?What's your favorite game or activity at preschool?For more info regarding our Preschool go to:⁠First Congregational Church Preschool⁠Are you a Curious Kid with Questions? Click the link below to submit your questions online with your parents' permission.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Curious Kids, Faithful Answers Podcast - First Congregational Church of Western Springs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

As we enter the third week of Lent, we consider the words of the week: Rest and Growth. We'll hear the parable of the fig tree and ponder its lack of fruit. If you're worshiping with us online, have your communion elements ready – coffee and a donut/juice and toast - it's all Holy when we gather at Christ's table!Link to Livestream: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwB6Ri3Ul5E⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwB6Ri3Ul5E&t=2330sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE!Matt Heath joins ACC Head G Lane to go over the breakup of the best one-two punch in event hosting after Matt reveals he has moved on to a new more hairy partner in crime (0:00)... Then the fellas discuss how bloody terrible Pakistan is (12:01), before questioning the immaturity of NBA commentators as none of them can say a current player's name during commentary (15:24), and try to see if billionaires will finally build a stadium at Western Springs (17:45). Finally, they get to your feedback in 'Yours Please' (33:25)...Brought to you by Export Ultra!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Faith Leaders is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers.This week we ask Our Senior Associate Minister Rev. Meredith Onion (meredith@wscongo.org) a question that curious kids are wondering about. Question this episode are:Why is music so important in ministry?Are you a Curious Kid with Questions? Click the link below to submit your questions online with your parents' permission.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Curious Kids, Faithful Answers Podcast - First Congregational Church of Western Springs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Sunday is the second Sunday of the season of Lent, and Rev. Rich Kirchherr will preach on the story of Mary and Martha welcoming Jesus into their home. They do so in very different ways, and we might learn from both of them about what it means to follow Jesus.Scripture: Luke 10:38-42: Mary in Luke 10:38-42 challenges us to set aside time to focus on what truly matters - our relationship with God.Words for the Week: Faith & Works Link to Livestream: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y871pI__OTU⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y871pI__OTU&t=2580sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Welcome to our Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Faith Leaders is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers.This week we ask questions Live during our Sunday Worship. Our new incoming Senior Pastor Rev. Chrissy Tatum Williamson answers the questions that curious kids are wondering about. The Questions this episode are:What kind of music and bands do you like?Do you have any pets?What sports teams do you root for?Where do you like to travel?Are you a Curious Kid with Questions? Click the link below to submit your questions online with your parents' permission.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Curious Kids, Faithful Answers Podcast - First Congregational Church of Western Springs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

This will be a very special Sunday in the life of our congregation as the candidate for our next Sr. Minister introduces herself to the congregation and preaches. It is so appropriate that the Gospel reading for this Sunday is the story of the Good Samaritan, and how a stranger becomes a neighbor. The All-In Band, and the Chancel Choir will offer music to enhance our worship. A congregational meeting to learn more about the candidate will be held immediately after worship, culminating in the vote for the candidate. Voting options will be available remotely as well as in person. Link to Livestream:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0x6U4bfgvk⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0x6U4bfgvk&t=2820sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Pasifika Festival ran over the weekend at Auckland's Western Springs. Coco Lance reports.

This weekend, Pasifika Festival returns to Auckland's Western Springs park in all its vibrancy. Mihi speaks with RNZ Pacific reporter Coco Lance who's there for the whole event.

This weekend, Pasifika Festival returns to Auckland's Western Springs park. RNZ Pacific reporter Coco Lance spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Welcome to our Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Faith Leaders is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers.This week we ask Our Senior Associate Minister Rev. Meredith Onion (meredith@wscongo.org) a question that curious kids are wondering about. Question this episode are:What did Jesus do when he was my age?Are you a Curious Kid with Questions? Click the link below to submit your questions online with your parents' permission.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Curious Kids, Faithful Answers Podcast - First Congregational Church of Western Springs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Join us for a joyful worship service of music and praise, celebrating our youth and their testimonies about how God knows and loves them. You'll hear some of their reflections on Psalm 139 at both the 8:45am and 10am services. Communion will be served at both services.Link to Livestream:⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djgKfJt40b0Link to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djgKfJt40b0&t=2474sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

Welcome to our Audio Podcast "Curious Kids Faithful Answers". Where one of Our Faith Leaders is asked questions by our Youth seeking Faithful Answers.This week we ask Our Senior Associate Minister Rev. Meredith Onion (meredith@wscongo.org) a question that curious kids are wondering about. Question this episode are:Why does the Bible have so many rules?Are you a Curious Kid with Questions? Click the link below to submit your questions online with your parents' permission.⁠⁠⁠⁠Curious Kids, Faithful Answers Podcast - First Congregational Church of Western Springs⁠⁠⁠⁠If you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

This Sunday, at the 10am service, our Chancel Choir will sing We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight. And at both services, John Otto will play the clarinet accompanied by Kathy Christian. Our Mission & Outreach ministry brings us a video from our mission partner, Midwives for Haiti.Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr's sermon will reflect on the idea of the challenge and blessing in loving God and country in his sermon.Link to Livestream:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4VtCq6rqOgLink to Start of Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4VtCq6rqOg&t=2360sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs