First Church WS

🐾Blessing of the Animals this Sunday🐾

Do you have a cherished pet? Are you missing a pet you once had? Or maybe you love animals and want to honor them in worship? This service is for you!

Blessing of Animals is a Christian tradition rooted in the life of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is known as the patron saint of animals, ecology, and creation. He had a deep love and reverence for all creatures, seeing them as his brothers and sisters under God. Because of his impact, churches began holding blessings of animals and prayers for creation.

Your pets are invited to come receive a blessing (leashed or in a carrier, please!) Pictures of beloved pets are welcome, too. There will also be time for prayers for pets who have died. Pet families will receive treats and gifts for their animals as well. We normally hold this service outside, but given the forecast will be in Parish Hall if it rains.

🎃Trunks needed for our Trunk or Treat!🎃

The First Church Trunk or Treat and Halloween Party will take place on Sunday, October 25 from 3 to 4:30 pm. We have space for at least 8 cars in our front lot. If you’re interested in decorating a trunk for this event, please let Diana know.

We are also collecting treats and small gifts to supply the trunks. Any wrapped candy or kid-friendly snack is welcome, as well as stickers, pencils, etc. Thank you!

September 20, 2026 worship service

September 13, 2026 worship service

📚Practicing Forgiveness
How many times should we forgive a brother or sister who sins against us? Seven times, maybe? Jesus teaches that since God forgives us every time we are sorry and repent, that we need to forgive others who harm us over and over - 70 times seven times! It’s the reason we pray each Sunday as part of the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” This will be the theme of worship this Sunday.

🫰This is also “Kick-Off Sunday” for children and youth as Kids Gatherings resume! Children and youth of all ages will hear the story of the Unforgiving Servant, and receive a small gift to remind them to forgive in the way that God in God’s mercy forgives. A Kick-Off party will follow worship in Parish Hall with music and sparkly cupcakes!

🍴Church without Walls this Sunday
It’s our Sunday to host Church without Walls, an outreach ministry that takes place at First Church at noon each Sunday. Thank you to those who signed up to provide bag lunches! If you are interested in helping with this ministry, our next CWW Sunday is October 4.

September 6, 2026 worship service

🧡 Let’s all welcome Rev. Julie Olmsted this Sunday!

During Pastor Chontell’s Sabbatical, Rev. Julie is with us. She has already met some of you, and is looking forward to meeting our entire church family! For at least the first few Sundays, please wear a nametag - we will have nametags ready for those who can’t find theirs.