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

April 22 – 28, 2026

This Week @ First Church

Wednesday April 22

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 26

Worship Service – 10 a.m.

Worship Service In-Person and on Facebook

SERMON: “Life of Abundance” Based on 1 Peter 2:19-25 & John 10:1-10

Notes for 1 Peter 2:19-25                                                                                                                     

1 Peter 2:19-25 calls Christians to endure unjust suffering patiently by following Christ’s example, who suffered without retaliation to pay for our sins. It teaches that bearing harsh treatment for doing good is a gracious thing before God, shifting focus from revenge to trusting Jesus, the righteous judge.

1 Peter 2:19-25   

One of you might have to suffer even when you have done nothing wrong. God is pleased when you think of him when we are in pain. You will not be praised for doing something wrong and accepting your punishment. But God is pleased if you stand up against something bad even if it is scary or you might be hurt. We choose to do what is right and be like Christ. He suffered for you. Jesus never sinned. He never told a lie. People were mean to him, but he did not return their insults. He suffered, but he did not threaten anyone. Jesus let God take care of him. God is the one who judges rightly. Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross. He did this so that we would stop living in sin. Believers choose the right way to live. By his wounds you were healed.  You were like sheep that went the wrong way. But now you  have come back to the Shepherd and Protector of your lives.

Notes for John 10:1-10                                 

John 10:1-10 Jesus explains that he is the “Good Shepherd” who loves and protects his sheep. His sheep are his faithful followers that he calls by name. Jesus acts as the “gate” offering protection and an abundant, full life to those who believe.

John 10:1-10 

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth. The one who enters the pen by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. But the man who climbs in another way is a thief and a robber. The shepherd calls the sheep by name and they follow because they recognize him. He leads them and keeps them safe from harm. But they run away from a stranger because they do not know his voice. Jesus told the people this story, but they did not understand what it meant. So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth. I am the door for the sheep. The person who enters through me will be saved. He will find comfort and safety in me. A thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. But I came to give a life of abundance.

HYMNS

“God is Here!”

“They Did Not Build”

“Such Perfect Love”