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

July 29 – August 4, 2026

This Week @ First Church

Wednesday July 29

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.

Saturday August 1 – 1pm

LGBTQIA+ Pride Group Meeting

A place for Fellowship, Friendship, Mentorship, Support. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Sunday August 2

Worship Service – 10 a.m.

Communion Sunday

Worship Service In-Person and on Facebook

SERMON: “Food for Thought” by Kathy Rogers

Based on Romans 9:1-5 and Matthew 14:13-21

Note for Romans 9:1-5

The Apostle Paul expresses anguish in Romans 9:1-5 because most of his brethren have rejected Jesus as the Messiah.

Romans 9:1-5

9 I am in Christ, and I tell the truth. My feelings are ruled by the Holy Spirit, who says I am not lying. ² I have great sorrow. ³ I wish I could help my Jewish brothers, my people. I wish that I were cursed and cut off from Christ if that would help them. ⁴ They are the people of Israel, God’s chosen children. God made agreements between himself and his people. He gave them the law of Moses and the right way of worship. God made promises to them. ⁵ They are the descendants of our great ancestors, and they are the earthly family of Christ. Christ is God over all. Praise him forever! Amen

Note for Matthew 14:13-21

In Matthew 14:13-21 Jesus shows deep compassion, uses human weakness to provide abundance, and foreshadows the Last Supper.

Matthew 14:13-21 – More Than 5,000 People Fed

¹³ When Jesus heard what happened to John, Jesus left in a boat. He went to a lonely place by himself. But when the crowds heard about it, they followed him on foot from the towns. ¹⁴ When Jesus arrived, he saw a large crowd. He felt sorry for them and healed those who were sick.

¹⁵ Late that afternoon, his followers came to Jesus and said, “No one lives in this place. And it is already late. Send the people away so they can go to the towns and buy food for themselves.” ¹⁶ Jesus answered, “They don’t need to go away. You give them some food to eat.” ¹⁷ The followers answered, “But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish.” ¹⁸ Jesus said, “Bring the bread and the fish to me.”           ¹⁹ Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves of bread and the two fish. Then he looked to heaven and thanked God for the food. Jesus divided the loaves of bread. He gave them to his followers, and they gave the bread to the people. ²⁰ All the people ate and  were satisfied. After they finished eating, the followers filled  12 baskets with the pieces of food that were not eaten. ²¹ There were about 5,000 men there who ate, as well as women and children.