by Carol Burns | Dec 23, 2022
A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: EMBODYING GOD’S LOVE At a recent church staff meeting, we began by sharing what Christmas traditions were so important to us that, if we didn’t observe them, it wouldn’t really feel like Christmas. One of the most common answers...
by Carol Burns | Dec 16, 2022
A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US! Christmas is almost here! The busyness of the season is in full swing, I know, and that is certainly the case here at First Pres over the next few days. But in the midst of that busyness, I hope that you...
by Carol Burns | Dec 14, 2022
From the first Sunday of Advent (November 27) all the way through Christmas Day, we have special opportunities for connection, exploration, and growth. We will journey through a story that is tender and vulnerable: the journey of young parents-to-be in need of refuge,...
by Carol Burns | Dec 9, 2022
A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: THE PRACTICE OF INTENTIONAL JOY Advent has become an increasingly unusual season in the Christian church because it stands in significant contrast to the way in which the general culture prepares for Christmas. In terms of our...
by Carol Burns | Dec 2, 2022
A MESSAGE FROM THE REV. J.C. AUSTIN: THE POWER IS IN THE STORIES Earlier this week, a meme was circulating in pastor groups online that showed a video clip of a megachurch that had at least eight drummers practicing for a Christmas service in its worship space....
