Church guide

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! Last week he joined some friends to visit The Vessel in New York City. This incredible building was opened to the public in March, and serves as the main attraction of Hudson Yards Public Square. It took thousands of laborers to complete this magnificent project, and today we give thanks for people everywhere who labor with their hands, praying for God to bless their work. I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! A few days ago he joined our friend Brenda at West Dennis Beach on Cape Cod. This quiet place is one of the most beautiful areas on the entire cape, and brings to mind the famous words from Psalm 24 - "The earth is the Lord's, and all that is in it!" Today we give thanks for all the beautiful places God has made, and for all of God's creation. I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! Recently he joined some of our friends at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey for a fun day of roller coasters and rides. People always demanded a lot of Jesus, but he still found time to relax and recharge. What a good reminder that it's good for us to take time out of busy lives to have fun and reconnect with the people we love. I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! Last week he stopped by Nubble Light in York, Maine with our friends Robin and Josh. This famous lighthouse (did you know there's a picture of it on the Voyager spacecraft?) has been operating since 1879, shining its light to guide folks to safety. Jesus taught us that he is the light of the world, come to shine God's light into dark and broken places. He even said that as his followers, our job is to shine his light for others to see. Don't forget to keep shining today! I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! Recently he joined our friend Barbara at a baby shower for a future member of our church! Jesus is always excited when people come together to love and care for someone with generosity and love. Who can you serve or express generosity towards today? I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! Last week Flat Jesus visited Wingaersheek Beach and the Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial with our friends the Gridleys. The Memorial was created in 1925 to celebrate the 300th Anniversary of Gloucester and to remember all those lost at sea during that time. It includes an inscription from Psalm 107:23: "Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the mighty waters." Today we're thankful for all those who work upon the seas to serve others, and pray for God to protect them. I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! Recently he spent some time in Middle Village, New York with our friend Sue and her family making one of his favorite creations - pizza. But one thing Jesus loves even more than pizza is kids. In a culture that believed children didn't have much value, Jesus consistently welcomed and cared for children, demanding that his disciples let children come to him to be blessed. (Matthew 19:14) In fact, Jesus said the kingdom of heaven belongs to children, and that to enter God's kingdom we should become more like children ourselves. I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! Just recently Flat Jesus visited Houston, Texas with our friend Heidi and attended the gathering of the National Education Association. Jesus has been gathering people together around a common purpose for a long time, and is always excited to see so many people coming together to serve and nurture others. I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! A few weeks ago he went to visit Notre Dame des Victoires in Old Quebec, a beautiful old church where people have gathered to worship and pray for centuries. In fact, this is one of the oldest churches in North America, dating all the way back to 1687. It serves as a good reminder that as people of faith we're part of a tradition that stretches throughout time and around the world. I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! A few days ago Jesus joined Brian and some of our friends in Wittenberg, Germany to visit the place where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door, and also where he married Katharina von Bora. This church was one of the first places where people were able to receive both bread and wine during communion, which is something we're thankful for today. Throughout history, God has used so many people to help reform the church and share Jesus' love with the world. I wonder how God is calling you? And I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! Last week Flat Jesus turned up with one of our friends who was shopping for a wedding dress at David's Bridal in Natick. Jesus loves love, especially the kind of love that exists between partners and spouses. Wherever you find love, that's where you find Jesus! Unfortunately Flat Jesus couldn't commit to providing all the wine at *this* wedding, but he did promise to be there in Spirit. I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! Recently Flat Jesus was spotted with our Men's Ministry as they gave their time and energy to help serve some of our neighbors. Jesus taught us that the best way to express our faith is by serving others in any way we can - even ways that are demanding, difficult, or make us feel uncomfortable. I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

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The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! This time he showed up at Seneca Lake to surprise Pastor Dan for a fun sailing trip in the Captain Nelson. Flat Jesus slept for a while in the stern, reminding our pastor of the story of Jesus sleeping in a ship during a storm. The disciples were scared, but Jesus reminded them (and reminds us!) that we don't need to be afraid, because God is with us through all of life's storms. I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! This time Jesus stopped by Lake Pawtuckaway in New Hampshire with some friends, and even took time to visit Robert Frost's farm in Derry. What a good reminder that God gives all of us different gifts (including the ability to compose beautiful poetry!), and that we're called to use them to glorify God and serve others. I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! He recently spent time at Immanuel's church council picnic, joining in the fun and eating some good food. The council's job is to help lead our church as we seek to follow Jesus faithfully, and his presence was a reminder of that sacred responsibility and joy. I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! Last week he stopped by the University of Quebec to learn more about degree programs. Jesus loves education, and is thankful for teachers and schools everywhere. There's so much to learn about God, the world, ourselves, and one another - if we have the patience and courage to listen. I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! Late last month he visited Rockaway Beach in Oregon, and was surprised to find it was still so chilly. The changing seasons made him think of the words from one of his favorite hymns: "Summer and winter and springtime and harvest; sun, moon, and stars in their courses above join with all nature in manifold witness, to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love!" I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

The adventures of Flat Jesus continue! Recently he went abroad to check out Buckingham Palace. He wasn't able to make the guards laugh, but he enjoyed the architecture and people, and appreciated the reminder that there are followers of Jesus in every nation and land. I wonder where Flat Jesus will turn up next?

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Today's Holden Good Friday Ecumenical Walk with The Cross included ILC's Pastor Dan Wilfrid starting the service at the Holden gazebo, Jill Zitzewitz reading part of the Passion, an inspirational meditation by Pastor Joshua Ferris, and record setting attendance by ILC! Among many special moments today was the passionate smile on the smallest child's face as children carried the cross between churches. First Congregational Church of Holden First Baptist Church of Holden

Final night of the Youth Gathering and our group is down front near the stage, swaying with the music.

Friday is "Synod Day" at the Youth Gathering, spent with the rest of the teens from all around the New England Synod. At 20 teens, ours is the largest group in our Synod.

Our gang at the Thursday night Mass Gathering in Houston.

Here's a video of the final shots by Pastor Dan from Sunday night. :)