January 2017 Edition
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It is difficult to write a Januar y ar ticle We get so focused on the moment that we often lose in the middle of perspective. We get focused on “the problem” or “the crisis” December. Just now, or “the challenge” so much so that sometimes we cannot see I am preparing for the past the current reality. There is life after the crisis, just as 4th Sunday of Advent January will come after December. and Christmas Eve. It’s not easy to look beyond Christmas Eve and think about the activities of to catch it early. Pig eon and I January. simply ask for When the Sons of Serendip were at your prayers that First Church a few days ago, they were all will be well. talking about how difficult it was to tape the America’s Got Talent Christmas At this point, show in Los Angeles in mid-August. I am planning They were reflecting that without the to be off from decorations and chill in the air, it was January 9 to 18 hard to get their minds and spirits (give or take a focused on Christmas when they were day or two). I am planning to preach on vision for 2017. I like to call it a “State walking around in shorts and going to the 22nd, but then I need to journey once of the Church” presentation. the beach. That is the way I am feeling: again to Springfield, Missouri, to check On January 15, Rev. Amee Paparella while being consumed with Christmas, on my parents for a few days. will be preaching in my absence. Amee it is hard to see past Christmas. It happens about every 5 or 6 years: and Jim are new members of First Life is like that in lots of ways, isn’t January 1 is on a Sunday! That means Church as Amee is on leave from it? We get so focused on the moment that we can begin our year with worship. pastoral ministry to complete her that we often lose perspective. We get Certainly worship is a fitting way to Master’s degree in Social Work. focused on “the problem” or “the start off a new year, don’t you think? crisis” or “the challenge” so much so We will have one service – at 10:00 January 22 – I will be preaching on the that sometimes we cannot see past the am. The sermon title I have chosen is theme of “Christian Unity.” The week current reality. There is life after the “Pressing Onward and Upward.” The of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18 – 25, which interestingly enough we crisis, just as January will come after text is Philippians 3:13-14. will be in prayer during the presidential December. January 8 - We will return to our two inauguration. January has a different anticipation for services with Faith Development Hour me this year than Januarys of the past. at 9:15 am. Traditionally, it is a Baptism And, on January 29, Rev. Tim Tuthill In January, I will need to take a couple Sunday as the Sunday is called, The will be preaching. Tim is a friend and of weeks off to care for a health blip. Baptism of Our Lord. At First Church, colleague who is currently serving in the Without going into detail, the doctors it is a Sunday when we recognize and administration of the Holland Homes. have discovered some pre-cancerous celebrate all the babies who have been As we begin the new year, may I say and some cancerous spots that need born over the last year that are a part thank YOU for a marvelous 2016 at attention. A few weeks ago, a couple of our congregation. I have chosen the First Church. But as good as 2016 was of spots on my arm were surgically title, “The Ordination of the Laity,” for our congregation, I believe it will be removed that were assessed to be with a text from Romans 6:1-14. January even better in 2017. Grace and peace to melanoma. There are a few other spots 8 will also be a “Pastor’s Forum” at 9:15 you, and may God’s richest blessings that need to be cared for as well. I am am. This particular forum will focus be yours. Pastor Bob not worried because we were fortunate on a review of 2016 and a look at our
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Intentional Faith Development
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Pastor’s Message
Radical Hospitality 1
Risk-taking Mission and Service
Passionate Worship 5
Extravagant Generosity 4
3 Congregational Care
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