EVENTS

• the loss of a loved one
• the loss of a relationship or marriage
• the loss of a job or sense of stability
• the loss of dreams or plans that didn’t turn out the way you hoped
• or simply the ache of a season that doesn’t look like you thought it would

New to First Church—or just getting connected? We’d love to meet you!
Join us right after any service at any campus for a quick Meet & Greet. In just a few minutes you can:

• Say hello to a pastor and our team

• Ask questions about First Church

• Learn easy next steps (Table Groups, serving, Kids/Students, and more)

Upcoming dates are  November 23rd and December 14th.

RSVP below.

Bring the kids to run, play, and make friends—while parents connect, share, and support one another. This monthly gathering isn’t just for First Church members; it’s open to the whole community of adoptive and foster families. No registration required—just come.

When: First Tuesday of every month, beginning October 7, 6–8 PM
Where: St. Joseph Campus – Life Center & Commons

Come as you are, stay as long as you’d like, and meet other families walking a similar road.

The Gathering is a specially designed worship service planned for those with disabilities in mind.  This service offers a unique, authentic service that caters to the special abilities of all.

Come give it a try!

The next Gathering is November 16!

Other upcoming dates include:  December 21st and January 18th, 2026.

Winter Retreat 2026 will be held at Timber Wolf Lake Camp January 9-11, 2026. Transportation to and from Timber Wolf will be provided by the church. We will meet in the First Church Parking lot at 3:00pm on Friday (departing at 3:15pm) and will return around 4:00PM on Sunday.

Registration is $85 for the first 65 students to register AND pay and $155 after the first 65. PLEASE NOTE: YOUR REGISTRATION IS NOT CONSIDERED COMPLETE UNTIL PAYMENT IS MADE AND YOUR SPOT WILL NOT BE HELD. In addition to the registration, each student will be responsible for covering the cost of their dinner on the way TO camp and lunch on the way home FROM camp.Winter Retreat is for all 4 Student Ministries of First Church. More details of the trip (packing list, departure times, etc…) will be sent in mid-December to those registered. Registration Deadline is December 17.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us by email.
Adam Rentas – Student Ministries Pastor: Adam.R@myfirstchurch.com
Val Gehrke – Student Ministries Assistant: Val.G@myfirstchurch.com

January 25 • 5–7:30 PM • The Mendel Center

Join us for a powerful evening of worship and prayer as churches from across our region gather together under one name—Jesus. UNITED is a special multi-church revival service designed to seek God’s presence, lift up His name, and experience His transforming work in our lives and community.

This night is open to everyone. Come expectant. Come ready to worship. Come ready to encounter the Lord together.

St. Joseph Campus | Immediately the second service

If you’ve been attending First Church and are ready to take a next step, we’d love to invite you to our Partnership Class happening on Sunday, February 10th at the St. Joseph Campus.

This one-session class is a great opportunity to:

• Learn more about who we are as a church

• Discover our mission, beliefs, and values

• Explore what it means to partner with First Church

• Ask questions and connect with our pastors and staff

Whether you’re new, returning, or simply curious about becoming a partner, this class will help you understand how you can grow, serve, and belong here.

Saturday, March 7, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | First Church St. Joseph Campus

Take a breath. Slow your pace. Create space for God to meet you.
Selah is an invitation to pause—an intentional day set apart for women to rest, reflect, and renew their souls in the presence of the Lord.

Join us for a beautiful, refreshing day designed to help you reconnect with God and exhale the weight you’ve been carrying. Through meaningful teaching, worship, conversation, and moments of quiet, you’ll experience a rhythm of rest that reminds your heart who God is and who you are in Him.

Whether you come with friends or come needing space alone, Selah offers a welcoming, peaceful environment created just for you.

You’re invited to step away from the noise, breathe deeply, and encounter the One who restores.