First Congregational Church Of Western Springs

The Psalmist proclaimed, “How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity.”  In the days following Easter, the disciples spent their days in wonder and awe, and pondering what their future looked like, and just how they would live together in unity.  This Sunday Rev. Meredith Onion leads worship as we explore these same questions.

On Palm Sunday, we remember that Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was not a risk-free, palm party. It was a protest parade—a protest against those in power, a parade to prepare the way for a different kind of king. And this was all happening with plots to kill Lazarus (and Jesus) building in the background. We’re reminded that the crowds were brave to show up that day, and that Jesus drew on courage to face his journey to the cross. The root of courage is “cour,” meaning “heart.” Courage is deep within us; drawing on courage is both internal and external. We often find it when we most need it, when everything else has been stripped away.

Listen to: Maybe God is Like that Too!

Ms. hope reads the story: You are So Wonderful. 

We desire for God to write on our hearts so that God’s law can re-shape and re-form us from the inside out. Reformation is a journey of letting the old fall away for something new to emerge, of returning to God’s words over and over, of being drawn into the heart of God. Again & Again, We Are Reformed.

After inviting Nicodemus to be born anew, Jesus tells him in John 3 that God so loved the world that God sent his son to restore it. Therefore, when we read John 3:16​, we remember that Jesus is speaking in metaphor and poetry. Ultimately, love is where God begins and ends. This love, like grace, is a gift we do nothing to deserve. Again and again, love is our refrain. Before we act, think, or believe, can love be first for us too?

Ms. Hope reads the story Because Nothing Looks Like God.

Ms. Hope reads the book entitled: Maybe I Can Love My Neighbor.

Please join Ms. Hope as she reads, Last Stop on Market Street.

Like the disciples, we are often stuck in the pattern of repeating old mistakes, over and over again. Like the disciples, we’d sometimes rather talk at God, than silence ourselves long enough to listen.  Again and again, we are called to listen— to God and to others.

Listen to the story God Gave Us You! read by Ms. Hope.

God meets Jesus at the water before he is tempted in the wilderness—this is important. First and foremost, God claims us. God meets us in the liminal space, at the water’s edge, at the threshold of something new, and names us Beloved. God’s covenant with all of creation reminds us that God meets us where we are—in the midst of our reluctance, doubt, eagerness … and even in the wilderness.

Yes, Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey is on Sabbatical. Given that we are still pre-recording worship out of an abundance of caution, she is still preaching this Sunday! We’ll dwell with the astonishing and inspiring story of the transfiguration of Jesus.

This Sunday’s worship and sermon considers the idea of the blessing of hope. Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr will offer the reflection entitled: Blessing or Jackpot?

"There’s a wideness in God’s mercy." These words reflect the heart of the Good News we will celebrate together. Rev. Katherine Willis Pershey will preach on a story of Jesus’ liberating ministry.

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr will reflect on the questions: Why should congregations and churches still exist in 2021? What might a new normal look like?

We continue to celebrate the season of Epiphany, as Rev> Meredith Onion encourages us to chase the light that overcomes darkness.

Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr's sermon is a response to a question that he received from a young person via email: “Is our Christian faith unique from other religions?" The service will also include Communion, so please have your bread and juice when worship begins.

On the Sunday closest to Epiphany, Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr will offer a teaching sermon on the story and power of the journey of the Magi. We marvel at the persistence of God to shine the way for the Magi so that they might bear witness to the divine.   As we journey forward, we carry the dreams of our ancestors in faith. With courage and resilience, we dream on.

This week, we recognize what preceded Mary’s song of praise: news that was disorienting and bewildering, possibly threatening her life. Together, Mary and Elizabeth find courage and comfort in spite of their unusual circumstances. We, too, are called to carry, support, and encourage one another’s dreams.