First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, a Member Church of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and More Light Presbyterians

Fifth Sunday of Easter – April 29, 2018

Bible Study – 8:15 a.m.
Worship – 9:30 a.m.
Childcare is available for infants through preschool age, downstairs in Rooms 4 and 5 for morning and evening services
Sunday School for Children and Youth – after worship
Seminar: “LGBTQ Experiences in the Church” – 11:00 a.m.
Youth Dinner in Fellowship Hall – 5:00 p.m.
 
From the Pastor/Head of Staff
 
The sculpture is “Beloved,” by Linda Crossan, at Second Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee.
 
Throughout these Sundays of Eastertide, the first scripture reading each week has come from the Book of Acts. The readings are intended to show, and remind, us what life lived in the light of the Resurrection look likes. What we see in this story is not a Church Triumphant. Yes, Acts opens with the story of Pentecost, but it also tells us about trials before the Sanhedrin. We hear about how those first disciples held all things in common together, but we also hear about Annas and Sapphira, who tried to pull a fast one on the Church. We hear about bold preaching in the Temple, but we also hear about arrests, imprisonments, and one of the first deacons being stoned to death. I can assure you there were days of fear, nights of hiding, uncertainty and struggle. What sustained the disciples through all of this? The inescapable sense that they were loved, that they had seen love in the flesh, and that God would not allow death to be the end of the story. There are three things that last, the Apostle Paul wrote, “faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love.” That is what enabled those daring disciples to pull down one barrier after another while proclaiming Good News. Join us on Sunday as we hear about Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian Eunuch.
 
Blessings! David