One of the most common laments today is about the division in American society – between generations, parties, classes, and neighbors. Here at First Church, we have members from both sides of the political aisle. We have kids in their first few months of life, almost 40 active children, and members who have been here 8 decades. We have folks who own multiple homes, and those who are homeless. And while we might not agree on everything, we do agree on one thing: the importance of being together.

It is, in fact, a sacred responsibility. In the Hebrew Bible, we are charged to set aside the sabbath as a day of “sacred assembly.” Even in the first century, when gathering wasn’t safe, Paul wrote that we were not to “neglect gathering,” but rather to “encourage one another, and continually consider how to spur one another to love and good deeds.”

Gathering is the way we express, practice, and grow our faith. And gather we have. In 2023, we have averaged almost 100 for worship in the building, and over 125 (!) online. We have gathered for benefit dinners, breakfasts, cooking competitions, and simple meals. We have gathered for concerts, art receptions, dragon-boating, discernment and retreat. We have gathered for worship in just about every room in the church, as well as by the lake, on the lawn, downtown in service, and with College Street down the road.

I firmly believe this is why First Church is thriving…    CLICK HERE to read more of the Rev. Elissa Johnk’s message

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Just like almost every other year at First Church it has been a busy and productive one. I expect that next year will be no different. It has been so because of your generosity with your financial resources and your time and talents. I don’t want to minimize the importance of financial gifts but money alone does not make a church vibrant and alive, or answer God’s call to us as believers. As such, I would like to shine a light on the service that many of you have given to First Church and make that an equal focus with financial gifts for this stewardship campaign.

In support of that, I ask you to complete both sides of the pledge card, which will be available to you on Sunday November 5 at church or the following week in the mail. One side for a financial commitment and the other side for a commitment of a given number of hours of service to the church. And, as we have done for financial pledgers, we would like your permission to share your name on the midway bulletin board or be identified, or as anonymous.

For me Stewardship is about passing on the gifts, monetary and/or personal, that have been bestowed on me to create something in community much greater than I could create on my own. The theme of this year’s stewardship campaign is “Together We Will …” Please join me in this sacred endeavor and together we will serve others, as Jesus called upon us to do.

Thank you,
Steve
Steve Hyde, Stewardship Team, Co-Chair

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Together we will…

Dear Friends,A while ago, actually nearly four decades ago, I visited the Possibility Shop with a donation, and quite unexpectedly asked if I could work there. To this day I am still sorting, tagging, and displaying our donated merchandise at low prices with a fabulous team of committed volunteers. Yes, we do have fun while we work together serving those in need twice a week. The money raised from Possibility Shop sales is used to help the church financially with needed projects. What a team!

Service is the life and heart of our congregation.

Pam
Pam Meaker, Stewardship Team, member