Juneteenth Program with Anderson Porter

The Chester County History Center is hosting A Lifetime of Service, A Conversation with Reverend Anderson Porter on Saturday, June 18 from 6:30 – 8 pm. This interactive, moderated conversation will feature his reflections on his journey, historical experiences and a reflection on his life. You can register to attend through the CCHC’s website – www.mycchc.org/calendar-events.

Summer Book Study:

Talking About Gun Violence

The news of tragic mass shootings has rocked many of us in recent weeks. In the face of tragedies, it's common to want to "do" something but often we are at a loss. If you are interested in learning more about gun violence and having a better-quality conversation than news media allows for, please consider participating in First Pres' summer book study of Common Ground: Talking about Gun Violence in America. Author Donald V. Gaffney is a Disciples of Christ minister, gun owner, and native of Newtown, CT who writes with a calm, compassionate voice on some of the many questions and issues that are part of gun violence conversations. Critically, he also spends time examining violence in the Bible and some theological issues that might be connected to how we think about this topic.  

Copies of the book will be available for purchase in Fellowship Hall for $13. We will have a lunch conversation on Sunday, July 17 to talk about the book. There is no agenda with this conversation, which will be enriched if people with different opinions and experiences with guns participate. The goal is not to come up with a solution or any action plans, but rather to think about this hard thing we are all experiencing through grace-filled conversation. Please contact Sara Pantazes with any questions or concerns.

West Chester Walking Tour

The Justice Ministry Team is pleased to offer a new learning opportunity to the congregation this summer – a walking tour of West Chester that examines the town’s historic African American communities. It will be led by Penny Washington, a native of West Chester and published author. The June tour date is full but there is still room in the second tour group on Saturday, July 9 at 10:00 am. It will last approximately one hour with time for Q&A after the tour. You can register to attend through the Sign-up tab on the church’s website. Please contact Sara Pantazes with any questions. 

Summer Movie Matinees

Movie Volunteers Needed

The Congregational Life and Membership Committee is hosting a summer at the movies at First Pres this summer and we need your help! We would like to encourage many of our senior members who may not be able to drive to attend. We are looking for drivers who can pick up one or two attendees prior to the movie, bring them to the church, then drive them home after the movie is over. Bonus if you can stay and enjoy the movie too! Our first movie will be on Thursday, June 23 at 1pm. We'd love to have your help providing a lift to our seniors. Please contact Mary Hambleton if you can help.

Kids Summer Music Camp

The musical fun will continue this summer with the second annual Summer Music Camp from August 1 – 3. Sessions this year will include percussion, piano and singing along with fun games and snacks. This program is open to children ages 4 years – 5th grade. For families who are able, the registration fee is $35/child to help cover the cost of the professional musicians we are bringing in to work with the kids. Scholarships are available. Please register your children through the Sign-up tab on the church’s webpage or click the button below. Contact Sandor Kadar with any questions. 

June Food Cupboard Donation

This month, we are collecting jelly for the West Chester Food Cupboard. Thank you for your generosity toward our neighbors in need.

Office Hours

Currently the church office is open the following hours:

Mon-Thur 9am-4pm

Fri 9am-1pm

The office will have adjusted hours on the following days:

Friday, June 24 - CLOSED

Friday, July 1 - CLOSED

Monday, July 4 - CLOSED

*Over the summer, office hours may vary. Please check the website and here for regular updates

Upcoming Preaching Schedule

June 12 - Elgin Bailey

June 19 - Caroline Cupp

June 26 - Caroline Cupp

July 3 - Sharon Browning

July 10 - Sharon Browning

The 9:00 service each week is broadcast over WCHE at 11 a.m. each Sunday at 1520AM and also at 95.3FM. If you aren't able to clearly hear the AM service, the FM option might work better for you.

The Holy Indifference Prayer:

Dear God, Your will, nothing more, nothing else, nothing less. Amen

This Week's Prayer Topic:

Pray that Confirmands (Kate, Elise, Caitlyn, Natalie, Leah, Ana, Nick, Leah, Lauren, 

Celio, Alex, and Emily) and other New Church Members will find a spiritual home here at First Pres that will support their faith journey.

The PNC has asked that we as a congregation pray for the Holy Spirit within them to:

1)    Give them energy,

2)    Clarity,

3)    Wisdom & discernment,

4)    Seek God’s will for our congregation, and

5)    Lead a person of God’s will to us.

Please make this an ongoing prayer throughout this transition period.

Each week we pray for our congregation at 12:00 p.m on Thursdays. Set an alarm or schedule it in your calendar to join us! You don’t need to only pray for the topic of the week, but you can continue to pray for previous topics as well or anything that God lays on your heart.