What’s God’s address?

It is said that how you addresses God is a reflection of your conception of God. Scripture models a number of ways to address God, but Jesus encouraged us to address God as “Our Father in Heaven.” Doing so highlights three things worth remembering when talking to God.

First notice the word “our.” It isn’t “my” or “your.” It is “our” Father in heaven. This should inform how we talk to God about other people. Remembering He is “our” Father should encourage us to lift others up to God in prayer, thank God for them and to be very careful about complaining about them.

Next, notice the word “Father.” God is our Father, and as such He loves to hear our voice. He cares for us and gives us good gifts. This should encourage us to go to Him and trust His love for us.

Finally, notice the phrase “in Heaven.” This is not so much a reminder of God’s location as it is of his power. As our heavenly Father, he is all-powerful (omnipotent) and able to do more than we can ask or imagine.

I’m grateful that God is revealed as “Our Father in Heaven,” and that we can call on Him in this way in prayer.

- Pastor Jon

THIS SUNDAY

GROWING GOD’S KINGDOM

The message of Jesus in Cambodia

Megan Sarian, a mission partner we support who works in Cambodia, recently returned to the United States for a couple years to complete her master’s degree in global leadership at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Before that, though, she put together this glimpse of the work she did in Cambodia, including a sweet moment of singing during worship. Take a look for a glimpse of the many nations and people who will one day sing together worship to our God!

SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS

Now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, how should the church respond, and what opportunities are there for caring for women facing unwanted pregnancies? Join us on Sunday, January 29 between the services (10:15 a.m.) in Showker Hall to hear from Tom Glessner, a new covenant partner who has spent decades as an attorney working with pregnancy resource centers and as the founder of four pregnancy resource centers.

First Pres, thanks for shining so bright

Thank you to all the volunteer teams that served each of the 14 nights that First Pres hosted Open Doors.

“It was a wonderful two weeks,” said Pat Haden. “We are so blessed that we have a facility that can provide food and shelter to our neighbors in need and they expressed their appreciation to us every night.”

Thank you to those who brought items needed like milk, eggs, snacks and dollars to purchase other food items. “We had a fantastic response,” Pat said.

This Sunday, we will be collecting "gently used" bath towels and wash cloths for Open Doors’ immediate need. There will be a box in the hallway outside the sanctuary. We will be giving them to the Open Doors staff Sunday night, their last night with us. 

Monthly missions offering is Jan. 29

On Sunday, January 29 the Global and Local Missions Offering will be collected in person by using the small brown envelopes in the pew racks. If unable to be present one can contribute to that by forwarding a check to the office indicating your desire in the memo line or by giving online.

The Local Missions portion will benefit the Suitcase Clinic, which furnishes basic medical care for those experiencing homelessness. They have participated at FPC during our two weeks hosting Open Doors.

IN BRIEF…

You’re invited to a new study on the Beatitudes

The BF Wilson Mens Sunday school class is starting a new study series on The Beatitudes .Using RightNow videos with Matt Chandler, we will be studying Matthew chapter 5 with a lively discussion to follow. All men are invited. Room 206.

Children’s ministry volunteer links available

Volunteer for Nursery and Children's Church during the 9 a.m. service. Look ahead and sign up to let us know how you will be able to fulfill your vows to help nurture and teach our covenant children. Thank you to all of our volunteers!