When the teacher called for a volunteer to read in front of the classroom, he was the last one to raise his hand. Though he loved to look at the illustrations and make up stories of mystery and adventure, he was hesitant to read aloud. Every time he would gather the...
Adrianna Rodriguez had been on staff for years before joining our membership a few months ago, citing the love and kindness she receives from our FirstChurch family among the reasons she felt called to join. “Members talk to me and show that they appreciate the work the maintenance staff does....
Monday It is the day after Palm Sunday. The dust has settled and Jesus is squarely in both a comforting and discomforting situation. Comforting because he grew up celebrating the High Holy Days in the “City of David.” Discomforting because Jesus knew something was very different; this was not the...
We are a busy world, challenged to cram anything else into our ever-important schedules. But recently Rev. Blair Thompson and I experienced the grace we receive by taking time to be with people. Of course we had to schedule this time on our calendars, but it was a privilege to...
We could have just sent money. Local construction crews could have built more with the money we could have sent. But what could have been sent could not have wept with the broken, sweat with the working, held hands with the prayerful, or laughed with the joyful. What could have...
To seek your soul is a precious thing, But you will never find it on your own, Only among the clamor, threat, and pain Of other people’s needs will love be known. - Kathy Galloway, Iona community, Scotland This excerpt of a recent “Seeking the Holy” reflection articulates the mission...
If we are not careful, life’s everyday routine can make us numb to God’s presence and deaf to God’s call. It is important to step beyond our comfort zones every day, even if only in small ways, so that we may be open to receiving God’s grace, and better equipped...