THE YEAR OF JUBILEE

JUBILEE AT FIRST CHURCH

For Biblical Israel, God declared every fiftieth year a Year of Jubilee, which included practices that embodied what it meant to be God’s chosen people: living into kingdom realities of restoration and reconciliation, marked by a commitment to justice and joy. These values were carried out in individual lives, and in larger communal values:

    Reconciliation and Restoration

    by erasing debt, restoring relationships, and caring for the land.

        Justice and Joy

        by supporting the needy and rejoicing in the fullness of the Kingdom of God.

          For First Church, 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the construction of the First Evangelical Center (FEC) building, and twice the designated time for a Year of Jubilee. Living into kingdom realities, we recognize this as a unique opportunity to carry out our faith as a gathered and sent people of God.

            WHAT TO EXPECT

            ONE HUNDRED YEAR ANNIVERSARY

            This year marks the 100-year Anniversary of the completion and dedication of the First Evangelical Center building (also known as the FEC). To commemorate the momentous occasion, we will be taking the weekend to celebrate and remember how God has been with us, and look forward to what God may do in the future.

             

            •  First Church Museum & Meal: November 23, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM | (FEC) Sanctuary & (CLC) Stryker Hall
              • You’ll have the opportunity to dive deep into the history of First Church. Throughout our (FEC) Building, there will be special exhibitions and interactive elements to learn more about our roots, and commemorate the spiritual and community impacts First Church has made over the last one hundred years. Additionally, there will be a meal available in (CLC) Stryker Hall from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM for you to share in with your family, life group, or new friends.
              • Combined Worship Service: November 24, 10:00 AM | (FEC) Sanctuary — 604 Market St
                • This day will be a jubilant celebration of this congregation in the building that started it all: the First Evangelical Center (FEC). Soak in the timeless stained glass images and rugged granite as we give praise to God for all He has done, and all He will do.

            VISION CAMPAIGN

            We know the challenges that children and families face are increasing: anxiety, trauma, vulnerable family units, depression, poverty. Now, during our year of jubilee, we recognize the need for reconciliation, restoration, justice, and joy for the entire community of First Church, and especially for our children.

            For over 150 years, First Church has been a congregation built on courageous decisions and faithful sacrifices for those who would come after them. Now, we are called to do the same.
            To that end, First Church leadership has identified three priorities that will live fully into the DNA of First Church and provide a firm foundation for future gathered and sent generations of children.

            Now, we are called to do the same.

            Learn more about what this campaign will entail by visiting the Campaign Page.

            SABBATH REST

            Part of Jubilee involves rest, and trusting that God will provide and that we do not have to put it all on our shoulders to make things work.

            Our Lead Pastor, Matt, will be taking a Sabbatical from May 1 – July 31 of this year, something that has not yet occurred in his ministerial career, in which he will seek restoration through rest, reading, receiving coaching, connecting with other leaders, and reflecting. To allow him to rest as fully as he is able, we ask that you refrain from contacting him via text, call, email, and/or social media.

            While Pastor Matt is on his sabbatical, Pastor Janet and Mitch Marcello will be taking on most of his responsibilities caring for the congregation and the staff, respectively. Additionally, many of our staff members will be given the opportunity to preach on Sunday mornings.

            We hope that First Church can learn how to be less pastor-centric and inspire more people to live into the call that God has on their lives by embracing new leadership roles.