First Church in Sterling

06/22/2026

Video of Pastor Robin's sermon from yesterday, "Jesus Family Values"

06/22/2026

Edited, non-livestream video of today's service at First Church.

First Church in Sterling Sunday morning service, June 21, 2026. Rev...

06/21/2026

"This church is a church founded on, gathered in, and guided by these radically inclusive values of unity in diversity. Jesus’ family values.

Our chosen family is the family of God.

We provide a place for all families, and a place for people who are displaced from their own families, who feel lost and least and last, who are not sure where they belong. We provide hospitality in the spirit of Jesus so that they may KNOW THAT THEY BELONG HERE. Our chosen family is the family of God.

We do everything we can to make our house ready for ALL. We work diligently to become fully welcoming, open and affirming of the LGBTQIA+ community. We build a ramp so that people in wheelchairs can sing in the choir and speak from our lectern. And we cut out pews so that people in wheelchairs can sit in this family among the body of Christ where they belong. AMONG US. Our chosen family is the family of God.

We join together with people from many different denominations and beliefs and theologies here under one roof. And what matters is not what we each individually believe, but that we belong. What matters is not which denomination we came from, but that we UNITE. What matters is not whether we are Unitarian or Trinitarian, but that we are discerning the will of God together—to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. Our chosen family is the family of God.

A house united in Love can provide hospitality so gracious, so radical, that the red carpet is rolled out for every single person that could ever walk through our doors--from the woman to the man to the atheist to the Muslim to the homeless person to the trans person to the child. Our chosen family is the family of God.

We should strive to be so good at this welcome, at this unity with the family of God, that we are encountering flack for it. Because the love of God we see revealed in Jesus knows no boundaries and respects no laws that would keep that love from being shared with everyone. That’s what Jesus’ family values look like—everyone’s in, no one’s kept out."

(Excerpt from Pastor Robin's sermon from today, "Jesus Family Values")

Looking through these photos, we're reminded that church is at its best when people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and experiences come together as one family—sharing worship, friendship, laughter, and love. On this Father's Day, we also give thanks for the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, chosen fathers, mentors, and all those who have offered guidance, support, and love in the lives of others. Together, we celebrated the beautiful truth that in God's family, everyone belongs.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for worship, fellowship, and community today. May we continue to open our hearts, widen our welcome, and create a place where every person who walks through our doors knows they are loved, valued, and exactly where they belong.

Please enjoy these photos from today's beautiful Father's Day service. 🌈💜

06/21/2026

First Church in Sterling Sunday Service, June 21, 2026. Rev. Robin Bartlett leading & preaching, Music by Stephanie Plante, Brian Gionet, Robin Bartlett, & the First Church Senior Choir.
Bulletin Link:https://www.fcsterling.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/June-21-2026-Bulletin.pdf
Donation link: www.FCSterling.org/donate

06/19/2026

Come join us this Sunday, June 21! We’ll be gathering in the sanctuary for a time to celebrate Dads, reconnect, reflect, and share in the spirit of community. 💜

Can’t be with us in person? We’ve got you covered! Tune in via our live stream right here on the First Church page. The service begins at 10:00 AM, and if you hop on a few minutes early, you can settle in and enjoy the music prelude.

Following along from home? You can view or print the bulletin here:
https://www.fcsterling.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/June-21-2026-Bulletin.pdf

And be sure to take a moment to admire the lovely cover artwork—thoughtfully created by our talented Watercolor with Charlie class. It’s a true gift! 🎨✨

06/15/2026

Video of Pastor Robin's sermon from yesterday, "Seen and Sent"

"Seen and Sent", a sermon by Rev. Robin Bartlett, preached at the F...

06/15/2026

Edited, non-livestream video of yesterday's Pride Sunday service at First Church.

First Church in Sterling Pride Sunday service, June 14, 2026. Rev. ...

06/15/2026

🎉🎨 Happy 100th Birthday, Charlie! 🎨🎉

What an extraordinary celebration we shared this past Saturday as well over a hundred friends, family members, neighbors, fellow artists, church members, and admirers gathered to celebrate an extraordinary man and an extraordinary life.

At 100 years old, Charlie was truly the star of the show. Throughout the afternoon he greeted guests, shared stories, accepted well-deserved honors from State Representative Meghan Kilcoyne, and delighted everyone with the warmth, humor, creativity, and kindness that have touched so many lives over the years.

One of the highlights of the celebration was Charlie's gift to all of us: the first 100 guests each received an original Charlie Gray watercolor painting to take home. Seeing people carefully choose a favorite piece of his artwork was a beautiful reminder that Charlie's creativity continues to bring joy and inspiration to others.

The room was filled with laughter, memories, artwork, flowers, music, friendship, and love. Guests added messages to a giant birthday board, admired displays celebrating Charlie's life and artistic legacy, and spent time reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. It was a celebration worthy of a century well lived.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who helped make this event possible. It truly took a village. From the planners, decorators, bakers, musicians, photographers, artists, volunteers, and countless friends who lent their time, talents, and energy, every detail reflected the love that surrounds Charlie. Thank you also to everyone who attended and helped create such a joyful and memorable afternoon.

As we celebrate Charlie's actual 100th birthday today, we give thanks for his life, his art, his friendship, and the countless ways he has enriched our community.

Happy 100th Birthday, Charlie! May your second century be every bit as inspiring as your first. ❤️

06/14/2026

God of compassion,
you created each of us in love
and call us your beloved.
You see us completely:
our joys and sorrows,
our gifts and wounds,
our hopes and fears.
On this Pride Sunday,
we give thanks for the beautiful diversity
of your human family.
Help us to become a church
where all people are welcomed,
all people are valued,
and all people can flourish.
Send us into the world
as bearers of your healing,
your justice,
and your mercy.
May our lives proclaim
that your love is wider than fear,
stronger than prejudice,
and deeper than anything that divides us.
(Pastor Robin's Prayer of Invocation, given at today's Pride Sunday Service)

Today we celebrated Pride Sunday with gratitude, joy, and hope. We give thanks for the many ways God's image shines through every person and for the gift of a community that strives to welcome, affirm, and celebrate all. As we sang, prayed, learned, and gathered together across generations, we were reminded that love is stronger than fear and that everyone deserves a place to belong.

Thank you for being part of a church that continues the work of creating heaven on earth. 🌈

A special thank you to Sue Gondola Smith for creating the adorable flower pots that our Sunday School children were able to take home today! We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Jenn Colburn, the CE MLT, and all of our Sunday School teachers and helpers for another wonderful year of sharing God's love, nurturing young hearts, and creating a welcoming space where our children can learn, grow, and flourish. We are so grateful for all that you do! 💜🌼✨

We hope you will enjoy these photos from today's service.

06/14/2026

First Church in Sterling Sunday Service, June 14, 2026. Rev. Robin Bartlett leading & preaching, Music by Stephanie Plante, Brian Gionet, Mike Chellis, Robin Bartlett, & the First Church Senior Choir.
Bulletin Link:https://www.fcsterling.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/June-14-2026-Bulletin.pdf
Donation link: www.FCSterling.org/donate