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One way to combat anxiety
It is said that we live in an “age of anxiety,” so what should we as Christians do in the face of so much anxiety? One thing I do is turn to Psalm 42. In Psalm 42:5 and again in verse 11, the Psalmist asks, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed (anxious)...
Blog Archive
It’s time to speak about Jesus
The Bible says there is “a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7b), but how do we know which time it is? When it comes to talking about Jesus, it is a time to speak. And I mean that literally. Lots of people love the quote from Francis of Assisi,...
A place to love to learn and learn to love
Last week, while moving my son into college, the chaplain described Grove City College as a place “to love to learn and learn to love.” That line really grabbed me because that is the kind of place I want First Pres to be. I want us to be a place where people who...
JMU Dukes, we’re glad you’re here
We enjoyed meeting the JMU Class of 2028 at downtown Harrisonburg's annual Block Party in the Burg, which introduces new JMU students to our downtown community. We had free sno cones, gaga ball, four square, free water and music in our courtyard. Here are some...
Know Jesus, Grow in faith, go and tell
We want to know God’s word. We want to grow in faith. But there’s a purpose behind it: to go and tell others about the Good News. We’re rolling out and starting up a bunch of ways for you to know the Word and grow, and we hope you’ll also use the opportunity to go and...
Meet the leadership nominees for the Class of 2027
We are grateful for the following covenant partners who have answered the call to serve as leaders at First Pres for a three-year term starting in January 2025. Until then, they will be trained, and you can pray for them as they prepare to fill these roles. Elders...
High school students serve Kermit, West Virginia, during mission trip
A group of high-school students from First Pres recently returned from a week in Kermit, West Virginia, where they participated in numerous service projects with Christian Help Mingo, which serves the low- to no-income population in the heart of Appalachia,...
Changing perspectives on God’s global work
First Pres recently hosted Perspectives, which brought together Christ-followers from a number of local churches to learn about what God is doing around the world and how we can join that work. We asked one of the participants, Laura Atkins, about the experience. What...
Summer Cookout photo gallery
The First Pres family kicked off summer with our annual cookout on Court Square, with games in the Courtyard and lots of food and conversation. Here are some scenes from the cookout. Hover over the photos and use the arrows to scroll through.
Starting this fall, a new opportunity for worship
We want to make more room for God’s family to grow in depth and in number here at First Pres, so the elders have unanimously voted to add an additional worship opportunity on Sunday mornings starting in August. Starting Aug. 25, a contemporary service will be offered...
Inspiring biographies to help us persevere in faith
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of...