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Small-group facilitator training
First Pres would like to launch more small groups as soon as possible. Many people have expressed an interest in participating, and we would love to have enough groups for all who desire a small group community. To make that happen, we will be offering support and...
Blog Archive
Photos: Chili Cookoff & Nerf Battle
Thanks to everyone who competed in our first chili cookoff at the First Pres Courtyard. Here are some scenes from the cookoff and the kids' Nerf battle.
Photos: Harrisonburg International Festival
The Harrisonburg International Festival brought the community to our downtown Harrisonburg neighborhood, and we were there with activities and refreshments.
Picture yourself 1 year from now. Will you be transformed?
I’ve been thinking about expectations and particularly about the kind of expectations we should have of one another in the Church. What sparked this line of thought was a video we watched as part of our officer training where we heard about a man who had been active...
New Sunday school classes start in October
If you've been wanting to be part of our Sunday school groups, Oct. 6 would be a great day to get started. That day, we have two new classes, one on how to better engage in politics and another on the defining characteristic of grace, that will begin a seven-week...
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)...
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...