"I Know that Voice!"

First Covenant Church of Willmar

"I Know that Voice!"

January 8, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • Matthew 3:13–17, Acts 10:34–48

As the Christmas Season draws to a close, we redirect our attention from the humble birth of our Savior to the powerful ministry of Jesus the Messiah. The Son of God was anointed by the Father for the ministry of redemption. Even people who don’t believe Jesus is the Son of God are impressed by Jesus' life and ministry. Jesus didn’t just talk about spiritual things, he lived out his teaching with integrity and conviction. In a word, Jesus was profoundly "theological." The words Jesus spoke were manifested in the way he lived. This Sunday, we will consider life-altering effects on humans when God’s Spirit and God’s voice come together in the person of Jesus Christ. This is the invitation to the Church to this very day -- Hear God’s voice and be filled with God’s Spirit to carry out God’s will in our world. In preparation for this Sunday, read Matthew 3:13-17 and Acts 10:34-48.

This Sunday, we will also be welcoming new partnering members into First Covenant Church. We are excited to welcome these sisters and brothers in the bounds of Christian fellowship. Several of these new Partnering Members will be serving as we celebrate Communion together.

"Seeing is Believing"

March 31, 2024 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • John 20:1–18

This Sunday marks the high point in the Christian year - the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In John’s account of the Gospel of Jesus, we are introduced to the Son of God, the Messiah - sent by God to give eternal life to all who put their trust in him. The story of Jesus’ death and resurrection are central to our faith. That Jesus rose from the dead isn’t a secondary issue for Christians to “agree to disagree.” There is no point in being a follower of Jesus if he did not die for our sins, rise from the dead, and ascend into heaven. This is plainly revealed in the ancient creeds of Christianity. What we celebrate and declare with trumpets and loud hymns of praise was originally a morning of confusion, heartache, and desperation. As the sun set on Friday afternoon, Jesus’ friends and followers felt defeated, abandoned, and betrayed. But Sunday morning revealed Christ’s triumph over sin, death, and the devil. “Believe that Jesus is the Messiah - the Son of God - and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31).

The Pursuit of Holiness

December 31, 2023 • Pastor Rocky Hovda • 1 Peter 1:13–16

"Greetings church family! Another year is upon us, which means new opportunities to seek holiness in our lives. What is Holiness? Why is it so vital in our lives as followers of Jesus? How has the world pulled us away from the Word? Let's set ourselves up for a great year by pursuing holiness -- as well as our King who was born in a manger bed." In preparation for this week's message read 1 Peter 1: 13-16

"Grateful for a Loving Heavenly Father who is Merciful" Sunday Service

November 19, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • Psalm 51, Psalm 103:10

We wrap up our month of giving thanks to God by pondering God’s mercy. Over the past two weeks, we have considered God’s steadfast faithfulness and generosity. This week you will be invited into the merciful arms of our Heavenly Father through Psalm 51. As King David comes to terms with the magnitude of his sin and deception before the LORD, he likewise discovers the depth of God’s mercy. As we conclude our month of praising God for who he is, we must not neglect to recognize and appreciate that God does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities (Psalm 103:10). During the morning service, we will also be announcing the dollar amount raised through this year’s Harvest Offering. In celebration of God’s Faithfulness, Generosity, and Mercy, we will gather together after the service for banana splits and we will hear from Shalese Sands as she shares her gift of art and bears witness to God’s calling on her life.