First Community Church 02.25,24 Sarah Kientz -The Wandering Heart, Wilderness First Aid by First Community Church

First Community Church 02.25.24 Seth Stearns -Pastoral Prayer by First Community Church

Adults are invited to stay for a new Bible study led by Rev. Glen Miles. Glen says this about the study: "I will begin a new study titled Sacred Doorways: A Study of Celtic Christianity. I've been fascinated by Celtic Christianity since my seminary days. A beautiful Celtic Cross sat atop the chapel of the school. My interest was rekindled during the trip Julie and I took to Scotland last summer. During our trip, we spent a day on the Isle of Iona, where it is said St. Columba brought Celtic Christianity to Scotland. I'm looking forward to offering these sessions. "

First Community Church 02.18.24 Glen Miles -Sermon The Wandering Heart Part I Jesus Sought Me by First Community Church

First Community Church 02.18.24 Sarah Kientz -Pastoral Prayer by First Community Church

First Community Church 02.11.24 Mary Kate Buchanan -Pastoral Prayer by First Community Church

This Sunday, I am preaching the sermon "If." It is a keyword in the story of Jesus' healing of a leper in Mark 1: 40-45. Essentially, the man with leprosy (in antiquity, the word leprosy was a catchall for any skin disease) truly believes Jesus has the ability and will do so. A New Testament scholar says the verse could easily be read like this: "If you want to (and you do), you are able to cleanse me." The man with leprosy is challenging Jesus. Jesus accepts the challenge, knowing it will change his life. This story shows that Jesus is willing to go where the people are. As followers of Jesus, the church community is called to go to where the people are as well. It is often a difficult road to follow, but as the leper knows, we have the ability to go with Jesus.

This is a challenging sermon, but it is almost always a challenge to follow in the way of Jesus. At the center of the challenge is a call to live with hope for today. I am looking forward to sharing this message with you.

Glen in Part IV reviews the prior statement setting the stage for the final statement "God Doesn't Give You More Than You Can Handle"

First Community Church 02.04.24 Sarah Kientz Pastoral Prayer by First Community Church

This Sunday's sermon is titled "Overwhelmed?" I cannot count the number of times in the last few years I've heard the word, overwhelmed, as the answer to "How are you?" Parents, kids, old, young, spouses, singles, you name the category, and you will find many who feel swamped by life.

The sermon is based on Mark 1: 29-39. The text tells us about the beginning of Jesus' ministry. His days are filled with healing and teaching. One morning, he awakens while it is still dark and heads to a deserted place for quiet and prayer. It's been an overwhelming start to his work. He knows he needs a chance to recharge. If Jesus needs a moment, surely you and I do as well!