Standalone Sermons
"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.
"Grateful For A Loving Heavenly Father Who Is Generous" Sunday Service
November 12, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • Psalm 111
This Sunday, we celebrate God’s incredible generosity toward his children. In response, we joyfully respond in kind. As Jesus-followers, we see the selfless generosity of our Savior and LORD. This Sunday, we will be collecting our Harvest Offering which will be divided between Arrive Ministries - Willmar, Ridgewater Campus Ministries, and Lake Beauty Bible Camp. Representatives from these ministries will share with us on Sunday how our financial partnership will be used to extend God’s heart of generosity toward others. You are invited to give in person, through the FCC Web page, or through the FCC App. We will also be offering up our praise as we prayerfully respond to God’s generous acts toward us as revealed in Psalm 111.
Grateful for a Loving Heavenly Father Who is Faithful -- and Partial
November 5, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • Psalm 146, Ephesians 1:3–14
Throughout November, we will be focussing on Gratitude. There is much in our world that would cause us to fear or become resentful. However, Christ-followers are aware of the reality of new life in Christ Jesus. This new life in Christ is a gift from God -- completely undeserved, and only explained by God’s unconditional love. Having been redeemed to new life in Christ Jesus, our attitudes are also transformed from fearful to loving; from vengeful to forgiving; from entitled to gracious; and from scarcity to abundance. We begin this month of gratitude by praising God for who God is; a Loving Heavenly Father, gracious and faithful, yet God is also partial. That’s right, God has a soft spot for some people and is not subtle in his preference. In preparation for this Sunday, read Ephesians 1:3-14 and Psalm 146. Today is Communion Sunday!
"Work From Your Rest - Your Christian Vocation"
September 10, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • Colossians 3:23, Colossians 3:24
The idea of Sabbath was completely unheard of in the ancient world until it appeared in the Hebrew Scriptures. Once enslaved people (forced to work 7 days a week by their task masters), were miraculously freed by the LORD God in fulfillment of God’s promise to them. In establishing a new nation and a holy people, God commands that they Sabbath one day a week. A day in which they are to stop their work, rest their bodies, delight in God’s goodness, and contemplate God’s gracious love. Sabbath is a day set apart unto the LORD. A day to rest from your work. Sabbath is the high point of the Christian's week. Sabbath is a day for “human beings” to be more than just “human doings.” On the seventh day, we rest from our work so that over the next six days we may work from our rest. This Sunday, we explore how our identity in Christ Jesus (vocation), nurtured through Sabbath practice, impacts our work in the world (occupation) all for God’s glory. Colossians 3:23-24
"God Invites You to Rest From Your Work - The Gift of Sabbath"
September 3, 2023 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus
Labor Day weekend is an opportunity for us to observe the sacrifices of those who have participated in the American labor movement as well as consider the goodness that accompanies work. It is interesting that by stopping work, we are invited to more deeply appreciate the work we do. Over the next two Sundays, we are going to explore God’s gifts of work and rest and learn how God’s planned rhythm of labor and Sabbath are essential disciplines to maintain a healthy identity in Christ Jesus. We live in a society in which the biblical expression and practice of Sabbath is largely ignored or disregarded as irrelevant -- replaced instead by a day (or days) off from work. However, there are profound emotional and spiritual riches that can be discovered in the healthy practice of Sabbath. Join us this Labor Day weekend as we explore what it means to rest in the LORD and experience Sabbath delight.
"The God Who Comforts Us" Guest Speaker - Pastor Mike McCain
August 13, 2023 • Pastor Mike McCain
Just as nature (at times) can be kind and beautiful, and at other times a raging storm, the experiences in our lives can be kind and life-giving, and at other times filled with challenges, trials, tragedy, and yes, even grief. So what do you do when the foundation of your life is crumbling all around? Whom do you turn to when the storms of life come rolling in? The answer is the God of all comfort - who comforts us in all our troubles! "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:19
Sunday Service
May 28, 2023 • Rocky Hovda
Please join Rocky Hovda and the FCC Congregation during the 9 am Worship Service on Sunday, May 28, as we recognize our High School graduating Seniors. A reception will be held in the lower level Fellowship Hall. As in previous years, "grad bags" will be downstairs at the reception if you would like to drop your cards in the student bags.
"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.
Harvest Celebration / Believer Baptism
November 20, 2022 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • John 4:35
This week we gather as a church family to celebrate God's faithfulness to us. Last Sunday, we responded to God's generosity by presenting to the LORD our harvest offering which is designated for ministries and projects above and beyond the support we provide through our general budget. This Sunday, we will be revealing the total amount raised for the Harvest Offering, and you won't want to miss the big reveal! We will also be celebrating with two students who have sensed the Spirit's nudging to join in the Sacrament of Baptism. Having surrendered their lives to Jesus, they now obediently submit to Jesus' command to be baptized. We celebrate with Emily Floren and Levi Twedt in this significant moment in their faith journeys. It is appropriate that we recognize the spiritual harvest that exists in our world. Jesus tells his disciples in John 4 to consider people's readiness to come to faith in Christ Jesus. "I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." (John 4:35). In Matthew 9, Jesus sees the readiness of a hurting and desperate world and asks his disciples to pray for more workers to bring forth the good news of the Gospel. We will lift our praises this Sunday to the LORD of the Harvest! Join us for our service of corporate worship and then stick around for pie! Please bring a favorite pie to share if you are able!
Harvest Offering 2022
November 13, 2022 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus
This Sunday we celebrate God's faithfulness to His people through the giving of a special offering. The Church Leadership has designated the following recipients for our Harvest Offering: 20 % to Willmar Arrive Ministries 25 % to Devotional Diary Project (Colombia) in partnership with Cathy Campobello 30 % to Benevolence Contribution through FCC 25 % to Internal Project(s) at FCCThis Sunday we will be hearing from ministry representatives which will speak into each of the Harvest Offering designations. The high point of our service this Sunday will be the giving of our offerings of Gratitude and Thanksgiving. This will include a chance for you to give financially (treasure), as well as a commitment to share your time, talents, and testimony to God's invitation to go and make disciples. Next Sunday (November 20) will be our Harvest Celebration when we announce the total of our financial gifts and the commitments we have made in response to the LORD's faithfulness. It is my hope that we will have 100% participation in this year's Harvest Offering and Celebration. Please prayerfully consider how you will participate with the FCC family in this year's celebration.
God the Spirit: Comforter
August 21, 2022 • Phil Tolbert • John 14:12–17
Join us as we welcome guest speaker, Phil Tolbert, this Sunday morning to First Covenant Church. Phil is the program director at Lake Beauty Bible Camp. He describes himself as an explorer of God's Grandeur -- as well as a recovering youth pastor. Phil and his wife, Jenna, have three boys, ages 6, 4 1/2, and 2 1/2! God the Spirit: Comforter How do we seek comfort? What happens to us when we find it? We know about God the Father and the Son, but we often forget about the third persona of the Godhead, the Spirit. Little is known about The Advocate, as Jesus calls Him. Jesus gives us an excellent description of the Advocate, but we also must be mindful that an Adversary lurks nearby. In preparation for this Sunday, read John 14: 12-17