I have always been drawn to stories—particularly the way stories come alive in film. To this day, I can easily recall vivid memories of a number of different films I saw for the first time. I remember the way they made me feel and how they stirred an emotional response, and I’m not...
Once upon a time my husband and I joined a church in northern Ohio. After the membership class we were encouraged to be part of a small group for 6 weeks. Not a long commitment—just 6 weeks—sort of an experiment in small group community. So as good new members we did just that. You...
Some years back I was in a meeting with a group of leaders in our church. We were asked to tell the story of "when First Pres became home.” The mic was wide open. One by one, leaders came forward and the stories poured out. A few themes emerged, but at the top of the list was...
Looking for a smaller community within First Pres? A new wave of Life Groups is starting soon. The guest post below was written by Bryan Frame, and gives a taste of the difference a life group can make in our whole experience of church. Church Happens in Small Groups One of my favorite...
Community. We want it. We were made for it. But it can feel hard to come by. When you find it? Oh, how sweet it is! At First Pres, we believe in the goodness of community. In the goodness of following Jesus together—of pursuing growth and transformation in the company of others. And we...
Who is lonely in our world? Twentysomethings recently out of college Young moms Single forty-somethings Divorced dads in their fifties Workers in their 60s who can't afford to retire. Research presented by Dr. Eric Jacobsen to open this weekend's conference indicates that isolation is an...
I hope you have found some ways to care for your soul over the past several weeks. As we get ready to head into fall, write down one or two spiritual practices that you want to carry with you into this next season so your soul can continue to flourish! One of the most important practices we can...
First Pres has a close relationship with Fuller Theological Seminary. They produced many of our best leaders! Fuller has a satellite location here in Colorado Springs, now headquartered in the offices of Café 225 and housing their library in our basement. In fact, Fuller Seminary summer...