Adult Formation
Church At Home
new resource from The Bible Project
The Bible Project is one of our favorite online resources. They have put together a weekly reflection that we will be sharing here. We hope you will read, listen, watch and reflect. Reach out if you want to discuss: Garrell Keesler or Robert Galloway.

Click here for the lesson: Week 2 Sabbath or continue below.
Sabbath
READ: In the last few weeks, the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our entire world. For most of us, this means we can’t gather with our local church community. Below you’ll find one of our videos, suggested Scripture readings, and some discussion questions to use for yourself or with family and friends.

This week’s video and Scripture readings focus on the theme of Sabbath rest in the story of the Bible. The Sabbath is a weekly reminder of God’s provision in the past, and it’s meant to foster hope in God’s plan to restore all creation in the future. Let’s allow this biblical theme to give us hope and a new perspective on the instability of our current moment.

LISTEN: Sabbath Rest

WATCH: Video below

READ AND DISCUSS:
  • How do you find yourself responding to this unwelcome slowdown of life? What thoughts and emotions do you experience? What fears are you aware of?
  • God's rest in Genesis 2 is all about filling a sacred space with his divine presence and celebrating the beauty and abundance of creation. The Sabbath practice is a way for humans to remember God’s presence and his ideal purpose for creation. What are some of the simple things you can celebrate or are grateful for? Who can you share that with this week?

See more at The Bible Project: Week 2 Sabbath
First Presbyterian responds to COVID-19
STAY SAFE
First Presbyterian is maintaining safe-distancing at least until May 10 and will follow directives from health and government officials thereafter. As we navigate the daily news and extended stay-at-home regimen, we are eager to be in touch with you.

STAY INFORMED
  • Our COVID-19 Update page on the church website provides details of online services and FPC ministry updates.
  • Contact Peg Robarchek, Dir. of Communications, if you'd like to get the weekly eNews.

STAY CONNECTED
  • Contact Anna Dickson if you are interested in being a part of a team committed to connecting with people who need to be looked after (by making calls or running errands for those who cannot)
  • Consider providing assistance through our partners in ministry (links on the COVID-19 Update page)

STAY GROUNDED
Regardless of how big your space is or how many people are in it, being confined to home can feel cramped pretty quickly. Try creating a sense of space within yourself. Breathe slowly through your nose filling up completely, then release your breath through your mouth, fully emptying your lungs.

Do this a few times and imagine opening up your insides so that they can hold more patience (for the child who won't sit still in home school), forgiveness (for the spouse who takes all calls on speakerphone), compassion (for healthcare workers and furloughed employees), and gratefulness (for small moments of beauty).

Grace and Peace to you as you navigate these unsettled times. Things are different, and we are apart, but we are together in Christ. Let me hear from you. We need each other.

Garrell