We mean it when we say, “Everyone is Welcome here!”

April 8 – 14, 2026

This Week @ First Church

Wednesday April 8

Mindful Meditation – 6 p.m.

Come every Wednesday evening and leave the troubles of the world outside as you spend an hour in meditation. Enter the church through the Delaware Street entrance.

Sunday April 12

Worship Service – 10 a.m.

Worship Service In-Person and on Facebook

SERMON: “Living Hope” Based on 1 Peter 1: 3-9 and John 20:19-31

NOTES on 1 Peter 1: 3-9

1 Peter:3-9 instructs Christians not to retaliate against evil or insults, but to respond with kindness. Children of God are to inherit a blessing from God. It emphasizes breaking the cycle of revenge, cultivating humility, and offering grace to those who mistreat you, reflecting a divine calling rather than our typical knee jerk reaction.

1 Peter:3-9

1 Peter:3-9 Based on Children’s International Bible

Praise be to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He gave us new life through his mercy. He gave us living hope when Jesus Christ rose from death. Now we hope for His blessings that cannot be broken. God’s power protects us through faith and gives us salvation at the end of time. This makes us very happy! But right now our troubles make us sad. Even though they prove our faith is pure and worth more than gold. We praise and honor Jesus even though we cannot see him. We believe in him so we are filled with joy. Our faith has a goal, to save our souls. We receive that goal through salvation.

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NOTES on John 20:19-31 John 20:19-31 details Jesus appearing to the scared disciples in a locked room. He offered peace, commissioned them to share the good word, and breathed the Holy Spirit upon them.

John 20:19-31  Jesus Appears to His Friends 

It was the evening after the first Easter, and the disciples were feeling scared. They were hiding behind locked doors because they were worried about what might happen to them. Suddenly, Jesus was standing right there in the middle of them! He said, “Peace be with you!”

The disciples were so happy to see him. Jesus showed them his hands and his side so they knew for sure it was him. He said again, “Peace be with you! Just like my Father sent me, I am sending you.” Then, Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit”. 

Where was Thomas? Thomas wasn’t there, and he told the others he wouldn’t believe Jesus was alive unless he saw the wounds for himself. 

Jesus Comes Back a week later to let Thomas examine his wounds, leading Thomas to declare, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus explained that those who believe without seeing are truly blessed. These accounts were recorded so that people would believe Jesus is the Son of God and find life through Him.

HYMNS

“All Hail the Power of Jesus Name”

“Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us”

“Thine be the Glory”