"No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here."
First Congregational United Church of Christ is an Open & Affirming community
SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:30 AM
NURSERY AND SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:30 AM
FROM PASTOR JAY
Sunday is Father’s Day, and World Refugee Day was Saturday. I titled the sermon “A Father for the Fatherless” – imagining what the world would look like if everyone experienced a loving father, and if God provided this role as well. It appears God is looking to us to help. God is clear about how we should value refugees: Leviticus 19:33-34 “Don't mistreat any foreigners who live in your land. (34) Instead, treat them as well as you treat citizens and love them as much as you love yourself. Remember, you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” So, we will gather Sunday to reflect on Father’s Day. And that for millions of refugees who are forcibly displaced each year due to conflict, violence and persecution, fleeing is the first step in a long and difficult journey to finding safety. Brian and Joyful Noise provide music; Larry is liturgist; and JJ, Ziggy, and Sherbert let us know they are fatherless - refugees from the church basement - and victims of discrimination.
At the end of 2025, there were 41.6 million refugees globally, including refugees under UNHCR’s mandate, people in a refugee-like situation, other people in need of international protection and Palestine refugees under UNRWA’s mandate, as well as 9 million asylum-seekers pending a decision on their asylum claims. In addition, there were 68.7 million people displaced within their own country due to conflict or violence. 39% of refugees are children.
“For too many refugees, displacement starts as a lifeline but lasts a lifetime. Humanitarian aid saves lives, but it is not the end point and does not enable refugees to become active agents in control of their futures. We need a paradigm shift that creates a new sense of hope and opportunity for people fleeing war and persecution." Barham Salih, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees
A Commemoration for Juneteenth
On June 19, we commemorate the end of slavery in America. This day partially reminds us of the progress made. This day also partially reminds us of the progress we have not made. We celebrate the freedom of black lives in our nation. We grieve that we have not correctly reconciled racism in our nation. You created each person in your image. The two greatest commandments call us to love you with all our heart, souls, and minds; Then, to love our neighbor as ourselves. Your love for us motivates us to love each other. If we do not love each other, then ultimately, we have not experienced your love. As much as we commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth, we grieve this day. We mourn that our black brothers and sisters have not been loved as our neighbors. We mourn that our black brothers and sisters have been treated less than created in Your image throughout history. So, Lord, we confess our sins and repent. The healing and reconciliation we desire comes from the gospel. On Juneteenth this year, we ask you to guide our nation. May the good news of the gospel motivate us to love each other. May the ideals of our words match the practices of our lives. May a fresh empowerment of your Spirit unite us together. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear your will and leading. - Peter Englert
First Congregational Church of Prescott, United Church of Christ, is an Open and Affirming congregation. We include all persons without regard to age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender identity, faith, marital status, or personal ability. We welcome all to share the celebrations and challenges of our congregation. No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
