First Presbyterian

Colossians 1:15-17

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers--all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

When we are inundated with news of the COVID 19 virus spreading near and far, and wondering when it will ever end, and what will life look like when it does, it is good to be reminded that we worship the Cosmic Christ—the image of the invisible God, the one for whom all things in heaven and earth were created by him and for him.  The picture on the left of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil is a visual reminder of what Paul wrote about to the Colossians about the Cosmic Christ who embraces all nations, all tribes, all people with a loving embrace that will hold us together.  For there is no human experience that Jesus Christ cannot identify with and offer support through the Holy Spirit that comes along side us to be with us and to send ministering Spirits enfleshed in a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or even a stranger.  I saw a woman on Facebook handing out Hamburgers and sanitizer to the homeless in downtown LA.  Just when you think that they have been forgotten, God did not forget.  And just when you think no one care, God cares.  And when you think that I could not do something like that, yes you can through Christ who strengthens me.  Here is the linkhttps://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/video/woman-helping-homeless-practicing-social-distancing-69773728

As we stay at home to flatten the curve, let us be ready to offer a helping hand, a kind word, a thoughtful gesture to someone who needs the love of Christ enfleshed, made manifest in a tangible way.  The Music Team, The Pastoral Staff, and the Technicians are preparing a service to be live streamed this Sunday at 10:45 a.m. to feed our faith instead of our fears.  I invite you to tune in.  Rev. Dave Fulton will be preaching “God’s Astonishing Word in Unique Times!”.  Emily and Asael will be performing my favorite contemporary song, “I Can Only Imagine” for the offertory.  The Choir will be performing “None Other Lamb.”  In other words, a service you do not want to miss.

Stay safe, stay strong, stay well, and above all abide in His Love,

Pastor Brent

The State of Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a "Stay at Home" order, with many exceptions, in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The "Stay at Home” order is effective through April 30th, 2020.  The Church Facilities/Property will be closed to everyone except staff and the Sunday Service streaming team. There is an exception in the order that allows for Leaders and Employees of religious institutions to continue to do work that is needed and also allows for livestreaming to take place.

As a result of the “Stay at Home” order, the Facilities Commission has decided to deactivate all key card access to the building except for staff. If you have a need to access something stored in the church, you may contact me by e-mail, and I will be glad to set up a time to bring the items out to your vehicle for you. All on site activities and meetings have been cancelled. Sunday service is livestreamed at 10:45 a.m..  Also, Maundy Thursday will be livestreamed on our website www.firstchurchwichita.org. and to Facebook live. Thank you for your understanding as we want to ensure we adhere to the order and keep everyone safe.

Roy Yarbrough

Facilities / IT Manager

Click on the link below to view.

https://firstchurchwichita.org/assets/images/uploads/entry-images/Weekly_Email_Update_4-2-2020.pdf

During this time when we are not able to gather at the church we want to remain connected. Youth clubs will be using Facebook live until further notice on Wednesdays starting at 7 p.m. Stay tuned for more information. 

To view live streaming sermons on Sunday morning at 10:45 a.m. go to http://firstchurchwichita.org/media/Live-Streaming or click on the link to the right. 

To view Rev. Dr. Brent Johnston's sermons later in the week or past weeks, go to http://firstchurchwichita.org/media/sermons

Click on our Facebook link for all other church information including children and youth activities live streaming information.

Each we will present a Bible topic. Kids Connection will help your children grow in their faith and connect with each other through the word of God. 

Matthew 25 Church Initiative:

At the September meeting of Session, we became a Matthew 25 Church, committing to congregational vitality, addressing issues of poverty and race.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Brent

Dear FPC Family,

The Session has made the difficult decision to cancel Sunday Service at 10:45 am and postpone our 150^th celebration.  The unveiling of our documentary will be premiered at a later time when the threat from the COVID 19 virus dissipates.  Right now abundance of caution is called for from our health officials and government officials to slow the spread of this virus which puts at risk the frail and those with compromised immune systems.  Just today Wesley Hospital confirmed its first COVID 19 case and Sedgwick County Commissioners voted to limit no gatherings greater than 250.  As a faith community, our first priority is your health and well-being.  Session will be meeting at its regular stated meeting on Tuesday at 5:30 pm to discuss ways we can practice social distancing but not spiritual distancing, encourage faith and not fear.  But with the recent events that transpired today, Session felt action needed to be taken today. 

I realize that this is a great disappointment for many as the 150^th Committee has done an excellent job building excitement.  Today’s commemoration and re-enactment of our founding at 12^th and Jackson, the site of the Army dugout where the church worshipped the winter of 1869 and 1870, was truly informative and inspiring. Approximately 40 people braved the cold weather to witness this historic occasion.  The 150^th Committee deserves our thanks and appreciation for the hard work they have done. And we look forward to the unveiling of the documentary at a later date.

But the word needs to get out quickly so as those planning on coming Sunday to celebrate with us can make other plans.  I ask for your prayers for Staff and Session as they begin discerning how best to help the rest of us to practice social distancing but not spiritual distancing, encourage faith and not fear.  Also be in prayer for those in positions of authority to make decisions that lessen the spread of this virus and to protect health care workers in harm’s way.  No doubt the changes that are being called for will affect all of us and maybe that is a good thing if it brings us closer together… realizing that we truly are our brother’s keeper.  What affects one, affects all—because we are human beings created in the image of God, called to bear God’s likeness and love for the world in need of reconciliation. 

I close with what another President once said when this nation faced fearful times.  He said we have nothing to fear but fear itself.  As Christians we know this to be true because Jesus said in John 16:33 “In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”  Feed your faith not your fear as God guides us through to the other side of this pandemic.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Brent