First Church Williamsport

The essence of God is dynamic and leads to powerful transformation in our lives. We want to be a church that experiences transformation in Jesus Christ in ways that comfort us and disrupt us so that we can embrace new life in Jesus Christ for ourselves and with others.

In the model and words of Jesus we want to be a church that is gathered and sent, offers healing in our world, is fully reliant on God, and defies categorization.

Participate in reflection and discussion at a worship experience around the table. Feel free to listen to this on your own, or with others. You can watch the Brunch Church video service here .

Today, we get to experience the light of Christ and celebrate the hope, peace, joy, and love that comes with the birth of our Savior, Jesus. On Christmas Eve we are called to embrace and celebrate the light of Christ against the backdrop and expectation of darkness in our world. We recognize that the light of Christ comes and that the darkness does not overcome that Light.

Because Jesus comes in tangible form as a baby boy, we along with Mary get to experience the good news of the light of Christ in personal, practical, and specific ways in the midst of any circumstances in which we find ourselves.

The light of Christ gives us joy to see the purpose of our lives differently: to repent and give.

The light of Christ gives us peace for the present moment to help us prepare for Jesus' birth. John the Baptist introduces Jesus as the light of the world through the good news of repentance. Even though repentance does not sound like good news, we realize it is good news because it allows us to change in the light of Christ.

The light of Christ gives us hope from the prophecies foretold of His coming, that He will cast out darkness.

When we take ownership in God’s church, we commit to supporting it through our prayers, presence, and gifts. The level of our gratitude in giving thanks to Christ determines the level of sacrifice and generosity in our financial giving.

We give generously and regularly when our hearts are motivated by the love of Christ.

We are made to be channels of God’s goodness rather than to hoard it or store it all up for ourselves. 

Godly wisdom allows us to experience God's grace and glory to be transformed. Psalm 113; Proverbs 9:10 Reverend Matthew Lake October 30, 2022

God’s will is accomplished even through the worst prophet ever. So, we can be assured that God’s will can be accomplished in our lives. Proverbs 16:1-25 Reverend Janet Durrwachter October 23, 2022

Wisdom is both produced by suffering and also gives us the ability to view suffering with a perspective that lets us build our lives on a foundation that can endure all things in Christ. Proverbs 24:10-12, 25 Reverend Matthew Lake October 16, 2022

We receive wisdom when we live in humility which allows us to avoid the destructive elements that a life of pride will bring while also allowing us to receive the power and glory of a life lived in Jesus. Luke 18:9-14; Proverbs 11:2 Reverend Matthew Lake October 9, 2022

Godly wisdom helps us to foster healing in the face of anger and injustice. 1 Samuel 26:22-25; Proverbs 14:30; Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 16:32; Proverbs 25:21-22; Reverend Matthew Lake October 2, 2022

When God is with us, even the most troubled relationships can be repaired. Genesis 45:1-15; Proverbs 11:12-13; Proverbs 17:9; Proverbs 24:17-29 Reverend Janet Durrwachter September 25, 2022

Godly wisdom allows us to be in tune with His heart amidst the hardest times. Proverbs 9:10; Exodus 3:1-14 Reverend Matthew Lake September 18. 2022

We define Godly wisdom as the ongoing application of God's truth and knowledge to our circumstances. Proverbs 3:1-8 Reverend Matthew Lake September 11, 2022

When we rest, we can be fully present with God and each other.

When we rest, we understand the sacredness of being still and undistracted. Rest is sacred because when we rest, we experience what it is like to do what God did on the 7th day and enjoy the work we have accomplished.

When we rest, we realize it is a spiritual discipline that must be taken seriously.

When we rest, we finally see the negative effects of hurry in our lives.

Church is where we see the restoration of love, play, purpose, identity, grace, creativity, goodness, and comfort to God's original design of community.

The church is the source of creativity. In this sermon, we'll explore the theology of creativity and its application in our lives.