First Church of Brethren

10/09/2026

Join us for worship- this Sunday at 10:30. Laura Lipscomb will share a message from the life of Paul.

I’ve heard it said that Paul might be one of the most relatable of the apostles for us because, like us, he never knew the living Jesus. He had to learn from Jesus’ teachings, from other people, and from his own experiences of faith. But Paul’s story wasn’t an easy one. Even after that dramatic moment on the road to Damascus, life kept happening to him -- sometimes relentlessly.

So how did Saul become Paul? How did he develop the kind of faith that could eventually say, “Do not worry about anything” and “the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds”?

This Sunday, we’ll look beyond Paul’s famous conversion to the people, communities, practices, and relationships that helped him keep going, and what his story might tell us about how we keep going, too.

10/05/2026

It was a beautiful day for the Church World Service Crop Hunger Walk in Springfield yesterday. If you’re curious about the wonderful work of CWS or want to contribute- follow this link:

https://cwsglobal.org/stories/stepping-toward-a-better-world-how-crop-hunger-walks-are-fighting-hunger-in-2026/

10/01/2026

On World Communion Sunday, Christians around the world celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Join us this take Sunday as we celebrate with them.

Darryl Parr will bring the message.

The Letter to the Hebrews says that as Christians we’re surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses,” meaning those persons whose faith serves as an example and source of encouragement for our own. This Sunday we’ll be acknowledging that “great cloud” in several ways.

During the morning message we’ll be looking at a favorite member of that “great cloud” and what that person’s life can teach us about how we live ours. If you’re wondering just who that is, here’s a clue: What do many gardens, several cities, and the best-selling Marvel comic book of all time have in common? Join us Sunday morning to find out — and to find out how this particular witness’s walk of faith can guide and inspire us in ours.

09/29/2026

Upcoming listening sessions about annual conference. If you haven’t attended recently and can join in the conversation, please do. Your thoughts are valuable.

What would help you participate in a future Church of the Brethren Annual Conference?

A Church of the Brethren Mission and Ministry Board-appointed committee is exploring the format of future conferences, and they want to hear from you—especially if you haven't attended in person recently.

Join one of three one-hour online listening sessions. Registration is required; all times are Eastern:

– Saturday, October. 3, 4 p.m. – Spanish interpretation provided
– Tuesday, October. 13, 8 p.m. – Haitian Creole interpretation provided
– Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2 p.m. – English only

What has made participation possible—or difficult—for you? We hope you'll join the conversation.

Learn more and register at: https://tinyurl.com/CoB-MMB-listening-sessions

09/24/2026

Irma Wallace Cooper brings the message this Sunday, describing the different types of love found in the Bible and characterized by the ancient Greeks – Storge, Philia, Eros, and Agape. The greatest of these, writes Irma, is Agape, which is charity, unconditional love. Please come. Learn more to love more.

Worship begins at 10:30.

09/10/2026

Sunday Worship- A New Kind of Potluck!
Join us at 10:30 am.

When we have potlucks, we decide what to bring. It might be a dessert, a salad, something store-bought or homemade. There’s always plenty, and we leave satisfied. Potlucks are a time of fellowship where everyone makes a contribution, and it is very good.

This Sunday we will have a worship potluck. You are asked to bring something that you have found to be spiritually nourishing. It might be lyrics to a hymn or song, a Bible verse, an entry from a devotional such as The Upper Room, or a story of God at work in your life.

Ponder what you might contribute to our Worship Potluck. Emily Krall, ukelelist, will provide music. We are sure to leave the meetinghouse spiritually satisfied and nourished.

09/03/2026

Worship this Sunday will be led by Bill Furry at 10:30. All are welcome!

All of us are indebted to someone, whether it is the utility company, the tax collector, the teacher who gave us faith in ourselves, the parent who laid the path for our journey in life, or the friend who loved us despite our weaknesses. But what do we owe to Jesus, who opened the door of hope for all people and the promise of a life eternal with Him? How do we pay an unpayable debt in the currency of the modern world? Please join us for worship.

09/01/2026

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Wendell Berry 1934-2026

08/29/2026

Sunday Worship- The Light Within Us- begins at 10:30 am. We will gather around Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14–16: “You are the light of the world.” Our worship will explore the light within us—and the ways that light grows, shines, and connects us to one another. We’ll hear some of the songs and stories our youth have brought home from the National Youth Conference, Camp Emmaus, and the Annual Conference. We may not always see our young people in the pews, but their faith is being nurtured in many places. Join us for worship and hear all about it.

08/14/2026

This Sunday in worship, we’ll study words from the book of Amos. We may recognize the verse from Martin Luther King Jr’s speeches, but where did they originate? And how has the message changed from the days of the Old Testament to now? Laura Lipscomb will lead our worship. Join us at 10:30!