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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...
Blog Archive
Helping our neighbors in need
It is that time of year when we want to help our neighbors in need. This year we will have two opportunities. On Friday, Dec. 22, we host our regular Soup Kitchen. We will be preparing a special Christmas meal and would like to give out Christmas gifts. If you would...
Why are people leaving churches in America?
The theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer noted that whenever you're lonely, there's always a church. There's always a church. You can find it just about any place. But not everybody wants to take advantage of that, do they? Why not? I mean, there's so much access. It's so...
How remembering your baptism can help you stay close to God
Do you remember your baptism? It's unlikely that you do if you were baptized as an infant. If, like me, you were baptized as an older child or teenager, you may remember a few details. And even if your baptism was only a few years ago, you probably don't think about...
Photos: First Pres at Harrisonburg’s Skeleton Fest
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance's annual Skeleton Fest drew thousands to downtown Harrisonburg on Oct. 7, and we were there with seven decorated cars and some friendly faces to hand out candy and other treats. Here are some photos from the event.
A gift of time: Pastor Billy’s reflections on his summer sabbatical
Associate Pastor Billy Craig recently returned from a three-month, summer sabbatical when he could rest and study. We asked him about his time and how it has fueled his ministry going forward. How did you pursue rest and refreshment during your sabbatical? Stepping...
New discipleship opportunities for October and November
We hope by now you have plugged in to one of our Sunday morning discipleship opportunities to fuel your growth in Jesus. If you haven’t don’t worry: you can join up anytime. Starting Oct. 8, we have some new short-term, seasonal options to add to our longer-term...
How to pray for college students
Lia Gonzalez, one of our covenant partners who is in college, wanted to encourage us with some idea for prayers for college students. Here's what she wrote. Christian college students face unique challenges that require unique prayers. Not only do they have to adjust...
Modgnik recap: Relationships & Jesus
A group of 14 middle-schoolers recently attended Modgnik, a retreat that helps students discover how Jesus' kingdom is different than the ways of the world. Kathryn Hendricksen, one of the parents who mentored the 10 girls during the weekend, sent us this reflection...
The good news in just 5 words
When it comes to telling others about Jesus, we often make it harder than it really is. What if it wasn't so complicated after all? And what if one of the most unlikely people in the Bible shows us the way? If we head to Jesus' tomb on the day of His resurrection, as...
Slideshow: Downtown Harrisonburg’s Block Party in the Burg
One of the highlights of back-to-school time in Harrisonburg is welcoming JMU students to our downtown neighborhood at Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance's Block Party in the Burg. The event brings new students downtown to check out all that our city center has to...