First Christian Church of Rock Falls

Monday, February 1, 2021

Pastor's Perspective

February 2021

February always reminds me of one of my favorite celebrations: Valentine’s Day. I fondly remember creating boxes made of tissue paper in many colors in elementary school to receive our valentines. What a beautiful way to think of the church of the different colors: celebrating the different people we are, coming together in unity to serve God.

In the church, every day should be Valentine’s Day, a day of showing our love for one another. My favorite Scripture highlights what agape-love includes in 1 Corinthians 13:

^“4Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant ⁵or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; ⁶it does not rejoice in wrong-doing, but rejoices in the truth. ⁷It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. ⁸Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. ⁹For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; ¹⁰but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end.

¹³And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”

Love is not always easy. Love does not mean the absence of conflict but means treating the other respectfully especially when we disagree. Love is not only a feeling but an action word of commitment. I am committed toward continuing to encourage this church to be healthy, unified and inclusive.

As your pastor, I love each of you deeply in Christ. I lift our church daily in prayer and ask God’s blessings for us. I only have 9 more Sundays with you after Jan 31st but I will always carry you in my heart no matter where God calls me.

Thank you for your prayers that God will lead Larry and I to a community where we can authentically share who we are and where our spiritual gifts are most needed.

May each of you know God’s healing Love through Christ’s way of Love and the Holy Spirit’s comforting Love...Amen. --

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor Jeanette Larson

What you can expect to find at First Christian Church

Any visitor to First Christian Church will tell you that we are a warm and welcoming church family. We would understand, however, if you're a little nervous about meeting us. So here's a bit of info to help you out.

When you come to First Christian Church, you can expect to meet lots of good, decent folks. We want you to feel welcomed, but we'll try not to put you on the spot. Wear whatever you'd like. Sing the hymns if you want, or just listen. If you'd like to stand when we do, that' great. If not, that's ok, too.

And we want you to know that if you have children, it's ok for them to stay with you in church. If they act like children -- well, we're thankful! Please don't feel like you have to take your children out of church or to the nursery if they make a little noise!

About our worship service -- it's pretty casual, but is also a very traditional service. We sing the beloved old hymns of the church as well as newer songs. We share our joys and concerns out loud in church and then pray for them as led by our pastor. Our pastor preaches for about 15 minutes -- sometimes less, sometimes more. And our service always has Communion because we are "people of the table." We believe that anyone who believes in Christ is welcomed by Him at His table, so you're welcome to partake, too. You don't have to have all the answers figured out. You'll find out soon enough that none of us do, either!

We are always excited to see new faces! If you are in need of other information, please email fccrockfalls@gmail.com! We'd love to see you soon!

Monday, February 1, 2021

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A little about First Christian Church

What you can expect to find at First Christian Church

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