Here's Your NEW Sunday Update!

First United Sunday Update

May 8, 2022

Our Vision Statement:

We are a welcoming community FIRST UNITED in proclaiming FAITH in Jesus Christ, sharing HOPE for the future, and inspiring LOVE of our neighbors.

Sunday Morning Recap

This morning (5/8), we talked about the ministry of Jesus and his commitment to sharing God's truth. It's essential to be truth-tellers even when it comes with a cost. We learned how God's truth continues to have the power to set people free and offer hope to the world. If you weren't able to join us, you can watch a recording of the 9am service whenever you want on our website or on our Facebook page (*see links at bottom).

After the service, flowers were offered to all our women as a Mothers Day salute, and we enjoyed our Coffee Fellowship Time in the Family Life Center. Sunday School classes for all ages then gathered at 10:30am. The CORE/JAM Youth Group will not meet this evening in honor of Mother's Day, but will wrap up their program year next Sunday with a cookout/party!

From This Week's

"Taking Faith Home"

Read: John 10:22-30

The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally the Good Shepherd Sunday. The most recognized of all the psalms, Psalm 23, reminds us that the Lord is our shepherd. In John 10:11, Jesus identified himself as the good shepherd. As the Messiah, Jesus has followers he refers to as “my sheep.” His sheep recognize his voice and follow the good shepherd as the Messiah (a translation of Christ). Today, we, too, serve as the voice of Jesus in the world that others may follow the good shepherd and recognize Jesus as the Christ. 1 Peter 5:4 alludes to this when Jesus is named as the “chief shepherd.” Not only pastors but everyone, including parents and other trusted voices, shepherd one another in faith and life. As followers of Jesus, as sheep of the good shepherd, we all carry the voice and message of Jesus into the world. Shepherding is a way of life for disciples that guides, protects, and serves others that they may hear and recognize Jesus. Discuss: How has someone helped you hear the voice and message of Jesus Christ?

Prayer

Comforting and gracious God, help us to hear and trust the message of Jesus, the good shepherd, that we may care for and shepherd one another in faith, hope, and love. Amen.

Our “Taking Faith Home” publication is a great resource for exploring your faith all through the week. It provides daily readings, prayers, devotions, and service opportunities following the weekly lectionary readings. Click here for this week's complete new edition.