First Presbyterian Church

From a large, narrow painting, St. Joseph and the Christ Child, in the Toledo Museum of Art, Great Gallery, is this tender and humanizing portrayal of the Holy Family. A standout example of 17th-century Spanish religious art, rich in symbolism and emotional nuance, the artist breaks from tradition by depicting Saint Joseph not as an elderly gentleman, but as a young, gentle father, cradling the Christ Child with warmth and devotion. This painting, a standout example of 17th-c

Gaudete Sunday, this Third Sunday of Advent, invites us to celebrate and rejoice as we wait and prepare. The coming of the Messiah and the Gospel of Jesus Christ are the Good News that the angel will speak of when appearing to the shepherds, “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” This brings us hope even amid our sorrows and struggles. When the Christ child arrives at the manger, we will rejoice and sing with gusto, “Joy to the world! The Lord is come.

Unexpected God, your advent alarms us. Wake us from drowsy worship, from the sleep that neglects love, and the sedative of misdirected frenzy. Awaken us now to your coming, and bend our hearts into your peace. Amen Jeremiah 33:14-16 14 The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. ‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right

The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is a message about wealth, compassion, and the consequences of personal choices. This passage reminds us that wealth does not guarantee a favorable outcome in the afterlife. Instead, it is a person's character and actions that have eternal significance. In this passage, the poor man at the gate, known as Lazarus, faces an arrogant, unnamed rich man. Hear these words from The Gospel According to St. Luke 16: 19-23 There was a certain ric

The history of the church in the Philippines is closely linked to Spanish colonization, which began in the 16th century. Catholicism was introduced and established as the official religion, greatly shaping the country's religious and cultural identity. Over time, the church's role changed, experiencing periods of conflict and adapting to new influences, such as the arrival of Protestant denominations during the American colonial period. The bright white stone carving of Moses

I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where will my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1 Aging is a gracious gift given by God. The Bible presents three main themes on aging. Achieving old age is a Divine Tribute. The last third of life glorifies God with new understandings and spiritual depth. The process of aging well can be a Distinctive Triumph. In a culture striving to remain youthful, we would do well to allow our values about ag

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw. O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you, "Violence!" and you will not save? Why do you make me see wrong-doing and look at trouble? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So, the law becomes slack, and justice never prevails. The wicked surround the righteous; therefore, judgment comes forth perverted. I will stand at my watchpost and station myse

The Gospel According to St. Luke 16. 19-31. "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.” The Gospel of the Lord, Thanks be t

The Gospel of St. Luke 16:30 tells of a rich man who calls his steward to account for poor management of his estate. In response, the steward summons his master’s debtors, confirming their debt. Asking each what they owe, he forgives a large part to win their favor before his upcoming dismissal. The steward is praised for his wisdom. Jesus illustrates shrewdness and wise stewardship in the face of uncertainty, reminding us of the dangers of serving two masters: particularly m

Dating from the 5th century, this iconic piece by Monastic Artisans was affixed to a long pole and carried high above the people, as a standard leading the way to the altar and calling us to worship. Centuries later, the standard calls people to gather in Catholic Mass and Protestant worship. As we wander through this wilderness, the Lord is with us. His grace is sufficient to cover the sins that distract us. He nourishes us spiritually with the bread of life and living water

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY When Jesus noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this...

Ralph Hedley, a woodcarver, realist painter, and illustrator, is best known for his paintings depicting scenes of everyday life in...

The Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Athens, OH. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Psalm 23...

Jesus appeared to his disciples several times between his resurrection and ascension. On one occasion, he met Peter and several other...

Winslow Homer (1836–1910), Sunlight on the Coast (1890)  Toledo Museum of Art Join us as we step aside from the routines of daily life to...

Maundy Thursday March 28 5:30 Good Friday March 29 noon Easter Sunday March 31 Joint service with Trinity United Brethren 10:30 201 W....