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Time to Rethink an Ancient Misstep?
What if we're not born broken? Discover how seeing ourselves as made in God's image can transform our faith and understanding of grace.

Rev. Jeremy Wicks
Oct 23, 20244 min read
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From the Lay Leader - June 2024
Pastor Jeremy, in his sermon of May 5: Now the real work begins… liberate us from the comfort of the pews! If you were in church or...
Barbara Ross
May 17, 20242 min read
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Notes from the Lay Leader - March 2024
2 Timothy 1:7 (The Message): "God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible." Paul seems always willing...
bigrapidsfirstumc
Feb 29, 20242 min read
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Notes from the Lay Leader
In Philippians 4: 8-9 (the Message), St Paul says: I’d say you’ll do best by… meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic,...
Barbara Ross
Feb 14, 20243 min read
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FROM THE PASTOR - "My $0.02"
Grace and peace, friends! As we navigate this important moment in our collective journey, I want to take a moment to share my...

Rev. Jeremy Wicks
Feb 11, 20243 min read
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NAVIGATING CHALLENGES IN MULTI-CAMPUS MINISTRY
While we (Paris, Third Ave, and First United Methodist Churches) are in the process of exploring the possibility of merging and becoming...

Rev. Jeremy Wicks
Feb 6, 20243 min read
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UNITING CONGREGATIONS, MULTIPLYING IMPACT: BENEFITS OF THE ONE CHURCH WITH MULTIPLE CAMPUSES MODEL
In recent years, many United Methodist churches, like ours, have embraced the idea of expanding beyond a single location to reach more...

Rev. Jeremy Wicks
Jan 30, 20243 min read
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Lay Leader's Year End Notes
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-22 (excerpts): "Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens… On the other hand,...
bigrapidsfirstumc
Dec 20, 20232 min read
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Notes From the Lay Leader - September '23
Ephesians 2:10 (the Message): "…we neither make nor save ourselves. (God) creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he...
Barbara Ross
Aug 30, 20232 min read
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From the Pastor
FROM THE PASTOR This time of year always finds me doing some soul searching – wondering what the future holds, but also looking to past...

Rev. Jeremy Wicks
Jul 24, 20232 min read
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Notes from the Lay Leader
Matthew 6: 9-13: “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come, your will be...
bigrapidsfirstumc
Jul 19, 20232 min read
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From the Pastor
As followers of Jesus, we are called to love unconditionally, to extend compassion, and to embrace the diversity that enriches our shared...

Rev. Jeremy Wicks
Jun 21, 20232 min read
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Notes From the Lay Leader
Ephesians 6:7: "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people." Pastor Jeremy’s current sermon series is entitled...
bigrapidsfirstumc
Jun 21, 20232 min read
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From the Pastor - June 2023
Grace and peace to you, in the name of our Redeemer, Jesus the Christ. Today I am filled with gratitude and thanksgiving, as I’ve been...
bigrapidsfirstumc
Jun 7, 20232 min read
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Notes from the Lay Leader
"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share...
bigrapidsfirstumc
Jun 7, 20232 min read
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A Pastoral Letter After "The Vote"
Dear Members and Friends of Big Rapids First United Methodist Church: As you may be aware, on April 23, 2023 the members of Big Rapids...

Rev. Jeremy Wicks
Apr 27, 20233 min read
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Notes from the Lay Leader - May '23
John 13: 34-35 (The Message): "Let me give you a new command: Love one another… This is how everyone will recognize that you are my...
bigrapidsfirstumc
Apr 27, 20233 min read
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Notes from the Lay Leader - APRIL 2023
Ephesians 6: 7-8: Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one...
bigrapidsfirstumc
Mar 30, 20232 min read
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Notes from the Lay Leader - Lent '23
Isaiah 58:4-11: (God speaking): You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is not this the kind of...
bigrapidsfirstumc
Mar 15, 20232 min read
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Notes from the Lay Leader - January '23
(adapted from United Methodist Communications): Isaiah 1:17 (NIV): Learn to do right;Â seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the...
bigrapidsfirstumc
Mar 15, 20232 min read
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