First Church Williamsport

In our second episode going deeper into the Gospel of Mark, Ben and Mitch sit down with Dr. Tim Gombis, a Markan scholar and author, to discuss themes of complacency in the Christian faith, contestation with the Pharisees, and the power of metaphor throughout Mark chapters 3 and 4. GO DEEPER IN MARK + ⁠Entering the Kingdom Translation of Mark⁠ + ⁠A Journey Through Mark Study Devotional⁠ + ⁠A Journ...

Living with the mind of Christ allows us to see the true nature of the Kingdom of God. Mark 3:13-22 (EtK) Reverend Matthew Lake September 14, 2025

The Gospel of Mark tells a radical story of Good vs. Evil, political intrigue, betrayal, heartbreak, tragedy, and ultimately, hope. It begins the proclamation of the good news about Jesus: the Anointed One, the Son of God. In our first episode going deeper into the Gospel of Mark, hosts Ben Conrad and Mitch Marcello reflect on Mark chapters 1 and 2, wrestling with questions surrounding healing, ri...

The Gospel of Mark begins jolts us to new life through the reminder of the Kingdom of God through Jesus, Son of God. Mark 1:1-3, 9:20 (EtK) Reverend Matthew Lake September 7, 2025

Healings become opportunities to point people beyond the realities of this world to faith and love in King Jesus. John 4:45-54 Reverend Matthew Lake August 31, 2025

Jesus invites us to continue his healing work through bold prayer in His name, empowered by the Holy Spirit. John 14:12-17 and Acts 3:1-10 Caroline Glazier August 24, 2025

Offering healing in the name of Jesus in natural and supernatural ways is a matter of eternal significance for God’s church and for others. Matthew 25:34-40 Reverend Matthew Lake August 17, 2025

We are called to join Jesus in offering healing in our world as a way of pointing to where Jesus wants the world to go through compassion, offering words of life, and giving ourselves away. Matthew 8:5-17 Reverend Matthew Lake August 10, 2025 (TRANSFORM Sunday)

Only Jesus can offer true healing for the sin sickness that affects every human being and impacts all of creation. Luke 5:1-11 Reverend Matthew Lake August 3, 2025

Jesus is our wounded healer. Isaiah 53:4-5 Reverend Janet Durrwachter July 27, 2025

Remembering the Lord’s faithfulness helps our heart trust in God’s provision for the future. Malachi 3:6-12, 16-18, and 4:4-6 Reverend Matthew Lake July 20, 2025

Purification through humbling ourselves before God leads to incredible joy. Zephaniah 3:9-17 Reverend Matt Lake July 13, 2025

Amos challenges us to worship and live by God’s standards. Amos 5:18-27 Reverend Matthew Lake July 6, 2025

The prophet Zechariah reminds us to turn to and trust in our True North: Jesus. He can help us in our times of wondering, hopelessness, powerlessness, helplessness, and loneliness. Zechariah 9:9 Reverend Matt Lake June 29, 2025 (VBS Sunday)

God is awesome. Hosea 6:1-6 Reverend Janet Durrwachter June 22, 2025

Micah reminds us that we cannot come before the Lord casually on our own, but that as God provides the Way we shall be empowered to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God in order to do what is good. Micah 6:1-8 Reverend Matthew Lake June 15, 2025

God empowers all of us through the Holy Spirit to use our voices to share the good news of Jesus with everyone. Acts 2:1-4, 14-16, 37-47 Reverend Matthew Lake June 8, 2025 (Pentecost)

When we are open to the promptings of God’s Holy Spirit and willing to take a posture of curiosity with others in close proximity to them, God opens up natural opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with others.

Jesus changes everything, often over food. Matthew 13:44-46 Michael Glazier May 25, 2025

Our lives naturally reflect the Good News of Jesus when we act and speak in distinct ways that are graceful and truth-filled. John 8:2-11 Reverend Matthew Lake May 18, 2025 (Graduate Recognition)

We can effectively share the good news of Jesus when we walk joyfully alongside others. Luke 24:13-35 Reverend Matthew Lake May 11, 2025 (Mother's Day)

As we consider sharing the good news of Jesus with others from a posture of compassion, we must first realize and embrace the good news of Jesus in our own lives. John 20:11-17 Reverend Matthew Lake May 4, 2025

Abiding prepares us to share the good news of Jesus and the difference that it is making today in our life. John 20:1-18 Reverend Janet Durrwachter April 27, 2025

Abiding allows us to repeatedly experience the personal reality of the Risen Christ. John 20:1-20 Reverend Matthew Lake April 20, 2025

Abiding in Christ redefines our expectations by helping us connect with Jesus rather than observing Jesus from a distance. John 12:12-16 Reverend Matthew Lake April 13, 2025