First Presbyterian Church of Monroe, MI

04/05/2026

01/25/2026

❄️ Important Church Update – Service Cancellation ❄️

Due to the incoming snowstorm and the City of Monroe Snow Emergency, the Session of First Presbyterian Church of Monroe has made the decision to cancel worship service tomorrow, Sunday, January 25, 2026. Street parking restrictions and travel conditions make it safest for everyone to stay home.

While we’ll miss gathering together in person, your safety is our top priority. We encourage all members and friends to stay home, stay warm, stay safe, and perhaps enjoy the beauty of the snow from the comfort of home. ☕❄️

Please keep one another in prayer, and we look forward to worshiping together again soon.

With care and gratitude,
First Presbyterian Church of Monroe

12/30/2025

We often imagine fear as something to overcome or silence.
But here, fear becomes a catalyst for movement.

The Holy Family’s flight to Egypt is born of fear—
but it is also born of love,
of protection,
of resistance to unjust power.

Fear becomes fuel:
adrenaline that turns potential energy into action.
It doesn’t freeze us;
it propels us.

—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, from her commentary on Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 |

12/29/2025

When you are afraid, because this world is cruel and harsh,
or because humans are deported and shot without reason,
or because we cannot remember how to talk to each other civilly,
I will be your pack. I will stay by your side. I will run with you
until we reach the sun.

—from the poem “Until We Reach the Sun” by Rev. Sarah Speed |

12/28/2025

Luke’s story insists that the good news of God has weight and presence.
But it needs to be amplified. Proclaimed.

In a world where fear is curated and fed to us,
proclaiming good news is a countercultural act.

In a world that tells marginalized communities to be quiet,
that punishes joy and rage alike,
joy becomes resistance.

—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, from her commentary on Luke 2:1-20 |

12/27/2025

It was almost as if the earth was saying, sure,
things are chaotic here,
but pause for a moment. Pull a flower bud off in your fingers.
Break the stem.
Slurp the tiny bead of honey at the base. Remember that even
when bad news is unforgiving and entrenched, good news grows
out of its cage, across the sidewalk, just to get to you.

—from the poem “Honeysuckle” by Rev. Sarah Speed |

12/26/2025

Euphobia, the fear of good news, often stems from past losses, fear of change, or the pressure of new expectations. Joy and relief may come first, but they’re often followed by a quiet dread. What now? What could this mean?

In Luke’s Nativity story, even angelic news stirs overwhelm. The shepherds tremble. Mary ponders. As she wraps her newborn in cloth, what thoughts rise in her heart?

—from the artist statement for “Good, New” by Carmelle Beaugelin () |

12/25/2025

This is the shape of God’s dream:
news born in vulnerability,
joy proclaimed by the overlooked,
power shown not through force,
but through flesh.

So let us proclaim the good news loudly.
Let us make space for joy that shakes the walls.
Let us resist fear’s domination
by bearing witness to light, to peace,
to Christ among us.

Because tonight, we remember:

Fear may be loud, but love is louder.
Violence may be strong, but hope is stronger.
And the good news—God is here—will not be silenced.

—Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee, from her commentary on Luke 2:1-20 |

12/24/2025

Surrender to the joy this night of God incarnate born for us
Shout in the streets, wake those who sleep to join the angel chorus
Shout! Shout your glorias in all the earth and heav’n above
Shout! Shout the angels’ news that hope is born in Jesus

—from the hymn “Shout!” by Rev. Anna Strickland |

12/23/2025

🧣❄️ Winter Blanket & Coat Drive at First Pres Monroe ❄️🧥

Thank you to all who have donated clothing items, blankets, and food!

First Presbyterian Church of Monroe’s Team of Dreamers is continuing to spread warmth and compassion throughout our community. 💙

We’re excited to announce our Winter Blanket & Coat Drive, collecting new and gently used:
🧥 Coats (all sizes)
🧣 Hats, gloves, and scarves
🛏️ Blankets

Your donations will help bring warmth and comfort to those in need during the cold winter months.

In addition, we’re continuing Garland’s Donation Project—collecting non-perishable food items to support our Thursday Community of Need Meal. 🥫🍞 Together, we’re keeping both hearts and homes a little warmer this winter.

This mission is all done in the spirit of giving back to our community, sharing God’s love through kindness and care. 💛

📍 Donations can be dropped off at:
First Presbyterian Church of Monroe
108 Washington St, Monroe, MI 48161

There will be a bin in the CE Lobby to collect all donations.

Every coat, blanket, and can of food helps make a difference. Let’s keep the spirit of giving alive this season! ✨