"Life@First Congregational" 8/12/08
Published: Thu, 09/11/08
 Volume 4, Number 2 September 10, 2008 |
| Renewal Project |
 Across the nation, people of faith are standing up for the environment. Evangelical Christians are fighting mountain top removal, a coal mining process that is decimating Appalachia. Muslims are supporting sustainable farming. Jews are helping children experience the bond between nature and spirituality. Interfaith Power and Light is mobilizing people of all faiths in a religious response to global warming. For the first time, the combined energy of these diverse activists is the driving force behind a feature-length documentary, entitled RENEWAL. Veteran film producers Marty Ostrow and Terry Kay Rockefeller have crisscrossed the country to capture these exciting stories of people whose passion and deep moral commitment are making a difference in a time of grave ecological threats. You can see a preview of the film here. Carol Lewis will be facilitating a monthly LifeGroup on this topic which will include viewing a portion of the film and discussing the issues raised. Contact her if you are interested in participating or see her after worship this Sunday in Studebaker Hall. |
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Streams of Living Water
Celebrating the Great Traditions of the Christian Faith Can one find and follow a deep, meaningful spiritual path within the Christian tradition? I believe...make that I know from my experience...the answer is yes. In his book, Streams of Living Water, Richard Foster examines, appraises, and inspires the reader to practice and experience six streams of the Christian tradition which find their source in Jesus and offer a balanced path to a renewal of the spirit: Contemplative (the prayer-filled life) Holiness (the virtuous life) Charismatic (the spirit-filled life) Social Justice (the compassionate life) Evangelical (the Word-centered life) Incarnational (the sacramental life) The Streams of Living Water LifeGroup will explore each of these trhough inspirational teachings from Richard Foster himself, conversations between Foster and great practitioners of each of these traditions, and discussion of how to practice and experience each of these traditions in our own lives. If you are interested in participating in this group contact Pastor Jason or meet with him following the service this Sunday. |
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This Week's Sermon Created for Community  As humans and as followers of Jesus Christ, we are created for community. The plan for community is for us to show up and be involved in one another's lives. The pattern of community is to encourage one another. And of of this is for the purpose of becoming devoted disciples of Jesus. This sermon begins our series Life Together, an exploration of what it could mean to be in community together. You can listen to or download the sermon here. Next Week We continue our experience of Life Together by exploring the original community and the origin of community, the triune God in Created By Community. | |
Ready I I have had the privilege of being a part of a few good churches in my life. I have not, however, had the opportunity yet of being a part of a great church yet. "What is the difference?" you ask.A few thoughts, far from an exhaustive list: A good church has quality, authentic worship on Sunday mornings. A great church has experiential worship that offers the possibility of contact with Jesus Christ, resulting in spiritual transformation. A good church is friendly and hospitable. A great church goes out of it's way to invite and welcome those outside into its midst and forms life-giving relationships with them because they believe spiritual growth and discipleship to Jesus can happen best in community. A good church is concerned about the less fortunate and supports ministry efforts to help them. A great church believes it can change the world by following Jesus into the ministry field, working to help those in need and working to change the institutions and systems that cause them to be in need. I believe our church is ready. There is a growing sense that we have a purpose here in our community. I believe I am ready. God has called me to this place at this time and has put a burden in my heart for the people of Palm Beach County who desperately need to hear the Good News that God loves them. And I know God is ready. God ever so patiently, but ever so insistently waits for us to follow. Are you ready? Ready to love God, love others, and serve the world? Peace, Pastor Jason www.progressinginfaith.com This Week's Opportunities Thursday, 9/11 10:00 AM Romans Bible Study, Parlor 6:30 PM Big House Rehearsal, Room #6 7:00 PM BINGO, Fellowship Hall Friday, 9/12 7:00 PM Meditation and More, Parlor Monday, 9/15 7:00 PM Meditation, Church Parlor Tuesday, 9/16 10:00 AM Prayer and Meditation, Parlor Wednesday, 9/17 6:00 PM Reading for Renewal, Parlor 6:00 PM Men's Fellowship, China Cafe Thursday, 9/18 10:00 AM Romans Bible Study, Parlor 6:30 PM Big House Rehearsal, Room #6 7:00 PM BINGO, Fellowship Hall Friday, 9/19 6:30 PM Parents' Night Out |
 Sunday, September 21st Following Worship Free-will offering will be accepted to benefit our youth program. Men's Fellowship  OK, we are going to try this again. Last week's meeting was postponed because of a scheduling conflict. We will be meeting Wednesday, September 17th at 6:00 PM at the China Cafe on Dixie.
All parents of children and yout, infants through 21, are invited to a special dinner on September 19th at 6:30 PM. Baked ziti, salad, garlic bread, and beverages will be prepared by Beth O'Donnell, Carol Lewis, and Pastor Jason. After dinner, there will be some music and time for sharing about your talents, needs, and desires for your children and our church family. There is no charge for the meal, but you are encouraged to bring a photo of yourself doing something you enjoy or an object that shows some special talent or interest. For example, bowlers might bring in a bowling ball or singers might bring in some sheet music. Please sign up at the Welcome Table in the church sanctuary. If you need childcare for your preschoolers and elementary age students, please note that on the sign-up sheet. You Know Someone.. ...(We know you do. We have our ways.) who will benefit from something mentioned in this newsletter. Show them a little love and forward it to them! If a friend forwarded this email to you, first of all, thank them! Then subscribe for yourself at our website. For an archive of previous editions, click here. |