Posts from September 2023
Fall News
First Church Family: Fall is in the air. Over the summer, we re-examined Wesleyan Methodist theology and its focus on grace: the undeserved, unmerited love of Almighty God. We remembered Wesley’s focus on God’s prevenient grace, which goes before us, softening our hearts to God and preparing the way for us. Then, we were reminded of God’s justifying grace, in which God saves (or justifies) us through the life, sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. …
Worldwide Communion Sunday
First Church Family: I pray that you are well. I’m doing fine and am enjoying the seasonal weather. The first Sunday of October is always Worldwide Communion Sunday, a Sunday that most denominations around the globe offer the elements Jesus’ sanctified at His last meal with His disciples. We will celebrate Holy Communion in both services this coming Sunday and have somewhat of an international feel to our services. Please pray for God’s Universal Church as you do your daily devotions this…
Wesley’s Grace
First Church Family: I missed being with you in worship this past Sunday, but I was in dire need ofsome vacation days. Often when I’m away for several days, I still preach when Ireturn. This past Sunday though, a friend and fellow pastor, the Rev. Leo Fair,filled our pulpit beautifully. Many thanks to him and also our Marable Southall-Vess, who led the services. This Sunday we will complete our summer worship series on John Wesley’stheology, which centered on God’s grace:…
Back-to-Church Sunday
First Church Family: I pray you enjoyed the Labor Day Weekend, the informal last weekend of summer vacation. I stayed around Lenoir but did take some time off on Monday. We enjoyed a great summer season at First Church. Our Vacation Bible School was both well done and well-attended, the work on our Habitat for Humanity house moved forward, and our combined worship services felt good and were also well-attended. When we combine services like that, our overall attendance drops…