Saint Francis of Assisi, was an Italian Roman Catholic friar, deacon and preacher. Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in history. He articulates one of my favorite quotes, regarding preaching: “It is no use walking anywhere to preach
WHY ATTEND CHURCH?
You’ve heard me recall aloud how my preaching professor, William Muehl, urged us seminarians “to preach as though everyone there almost didn’t show up on that Sunday.” His charge was less about that phantom “relevance.” He was more about
Holy Spirit Move
Every Sunday, at The First Congregational Church of Darien, the Holy Spirit is moving in new and energetic ways. Pastor Dale and I, through prayer, are constantly asking the question: “Lord, what is the next move for YOUR church?” As you may
TWO BIG THINGS
Two key items in our life: I want to announce the expansion of our Church School Director into a broader Director of Christian Education. I also want to update our summer conversations about our FCC, Darien becoming a Full
READ AND PONDER, PRAY AND DISCERN
That is what I want our membership to do anyway during the summer: to slow down so you can read more. To ponder things that you cannot always on the run. To pray to find a way forward for
THE CHURCH’S BLESSING OVER SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
On June 19, 2006 a letter was sent to our church membership declaring that our clergy were empowered on behalf of First Congregational to perform civil union services for same-sex couples. On June 26, 2015 the US Supreme Court struck