First Church Williamsport

Jesus did not come to manage our behavior. He came to reclaim our hearts. And when we are truly captivated by him, freedom follows. Exodus 6:6-9 and John 8:31-41 (NIV) Mitch Marcello (MS) January 11, 2026

All truth begins and ends with God. God the Father represents the Source of that truth. Genesis 1:1 and Psalm 103:1-18 Reverend Dr. Matt Lake January 4, 2026

The Good News sustains us, and no one should go hungry in the family of God. 1 Peter 2:1-3; 9-10 Michael Glazier December 28, 2025

At Christmas the birth of Jesus represented more than the happy emotions of a fulfilled pregnancy, it represented the inbreaking of a new reality worthy of rejoicing. Luke 2:1-20 Reverend Dr. Matthew Lake December 24, 2025

Jesus loves us enough to enter into our world and to share this life with us. Luke 1:46-55 Reverend Dr. Matthew Lake December 21, 2025 (Children's Christmas Service)

Jesus comes, past, present, and future, and that brings joy to all people. Using your voice helps you find joy in the present. Zephaniah 3:14-17 Reverend Janet Durrwachter December 14, 2025

In Advent we are invited to have our feet guided in the path of peace where we experience God’s courage, ability to interrupt evil, centering, and perspective. Luke 1:68-79 Reverend Matthew Lake December 7, 2025

Because God has fulfilled His promises in the past, we can know and have hope that God will fulfill them today and into the future. Jeremiah 33:10-16 (NIV) Reverend Matthew Lake November 30, 2025

When we live into our identity as children of God, we live into God’s desires for Jubilee. Leviticus 25:8-13 and Ephesians 5:1-2 Reverend Matt Lake November 23, 2025

We receive the Kingdom of God as little children when we experience proximity, sameness, belonging, significance, love, and being fully known by God. Mark 10:13-16 Reverend Matt Lake November 16, 2025

We can all disciple children by discipling ourselves and being there for the children in our lives. Proverbs 22:6, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Brita King, Caroline Glazier, Reverend Janet Durrwachter November 9, 2025

In this special bonus episode, Ben and Mitch respond to your questions about Mark. GO DEEPER IN MARK + ⁠⁠⁠⁠Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark⁠⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠⁠A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional⁠⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠⁠A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Video Teachings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT + Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch⁠⁠⁠⁠ our ser...

We are called to follow the model of children because the Kingdom of God belongs to children who reveal the power of Kingdom truths such as the significance of humble dependency, playful wonder, and infectious joy. Luke 18:15-17, Matthew 19:13-15, Mark 10:13-16 Reverend Matt Lake November 2, 2025 (All Saints Day)

Ben and Mitch wrap up the Gospel of Mark with conversation about Pilate, Barabbas, and what it means to be witnesses of the Gospel. Let’s dive in!  RESOURCES  + ⁠ Practicing the Way   + Mark 15 – The Crucifixion of Jesus, Enduring Word Bible Commentary    + Alexamenos Graffito, The University of Chicago   + “Crucifixion (Part 1),” The Rest is History Podcast   + “Jesus Christ: The History (Part 2)...

Life in the Kingdom of God is a surprising, open-ended journey that continues, without end, from this life into life eternal. Mark 16:1-8 Reverend Matt Lake October 26, 2025

This is the penultimate episode of our mini-series exploring the Gospel of Mark, and in episode 7, Mitch and Ben are diving into Mark chapters 13 and 14, discussing what we do with this apocalyptic text, being faithful risk-takers, and making church more like a slip-n-slide. RESOURCES   + Mark 14 – Jesus’ Betrayal, Arrest, and Trial, Enduring Word Bible Commentary   + Mere Christianity , C.S. Lewi...

In Jesus, we experience the surprising good news that this is a God who brings forth new life through disruptive change and endings. Mark 13:1-8 (EtK) Reverend Matthew Lake October 19, 2025

In episode 6, Mitch and Ben cover chapters 11 and 12, discussing topics like the “crowd” as a character, the fig tree, and money. GO DEEPER IN MARK + ⁠⁠Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide⁠⁠ + ⁠⁠⁠Video Teachings⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT + Learn more about First Church Williamsport by checking out our ⁠⁠websit...

In God’s Kingdom we are invited to live passionate lives of love where we give ourselves unreservedly in relationship with Jesus Himself. Mark 12:38-44 (EtK) Reverend Matt Lake October 12, 2025

We're over halfway through exploring the Gospel of Mark, and in episode 5, Ben and Mitch go into power dynamics, how Jesus treats children, and one of Mitch's favorite topics, play. GO DEEPER IN MARK + ⁠Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark⁠ + ⁠A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional⁠ + ⁠A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide⁠ + ⁠⁠Video Teachings⁠⁠ RESOURCES  + National Institute...

When we truly see Jesus, we then follow Jesus. Mark 10:46-52 (EtK) Reverend Matthew Lake October 5, 2025 (World Communion Sunday)

Ben and Mitch are joined by our Lead Pastor, Rev Matt Lake, in episode 4 our podcast mini-series exploring Mark. The trio goes through these two chapters and talk about topics around the power of Jesus' cleansing, the Syrophoenician woman, and boldness. GO DEEPER IN MARK + ⁠Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark⁠ + ⁠A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional⁠ + ⁠A Journey Through Mark Family Co...

When we see Jesus for who He is, rather than who we want Him to be, we realize the truth that denying ourselves and picking up our crosses is good news. Mark 8:27-37 Reverend Matt Lake September 28, 2025

In episode 3 of our podcast mini-series exploring Mark, Ben and Mitch discuss themes in chapters 5 and 6, including the Biblical framework, embracing mystery, and what faith actually looks like. GO DEEPER IN MARK + ⁠Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark⁠ + ⁠A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional⁠ + ⁠A Journey Through Mark Family Companion Guide⁠ + ⁠⁠Video Teachings⁠⁠ RESOURCES  + The Art of Le...

The Lord works in mysterious ways. Mark 6:45-52 Reverend Janet Durrwachter September 21, 2025