First Champaign-urbana

Ever heard the phrase, “you are what you eat?” Now, no one believes they will turn into a Twinkie if they ate a whole box. However, most of us get the premise. So, why is it that we believe certain relationships can change the habits of other people? In week 2 of Relationship Goals, we find out if that’s really the case.

There is a lot of relationship, dating, and marriage advice out there. To be honest, the church tends to come up with its myths as well. In week one of Relationship Goals, we see how only one relationship brings wholeness in life.

Everywhere you look, stories meet us head-on. From commercials to movies to Facebook shares—some stories are mundane, but others affect us deeply. We believe there is one narrative above them all. As we wrap up our Doctrine series, we frame the Scripture narrative to help us better understand and apply God’s word.

There is power in stories. Would you agree to that statement? Most of us have been inspired because of a story we’ve read, heard, or seen. For week 3 of Doctrine, we look at the inspiration and power behind God’s Word, the Bible, and how it can radically transform your life.

Trying to describe God is an unfathomable task. Portraying something like His love is more manageable than depicting the Trinity. In week 2 of Doctrine, we scratch the surface of explaining the faith-filled mystery of the triune nature of God.

From grandma’s cooking to the color of the sun, sometimes the greatest things in life are hard to define or explain. In a lot of ways, the same goes for God. Think about it; what words would you use to describe God? You can choose a myriad of words, but throughout Scripture, one word stands above them all. Join us for week 1 of Doctrine as we dive into understanding God himself.

Have you ever gone on a hike without a map? That could be a recipe for disaster! You would end up taking quite a few steps, but maybe not in the right direction. Our goal as a church is for us all to take steps of faith in the right direction of fulfilling our mission. This week we unpack the new vision of FIRST: 5,000 Next Steps of Discipleship.

With the turn of every new year comes the chance to set the pace for where God will take our church in the coming year. So for us, that means reminding all of us of the greater mission God has set before us. While God sets the mission, we set the pace. Are you ready to see what God will do this year?

The Christmas season is over, but the New Year isn’t quite here yet. So, now what? What if we saw giving as something that’s always in season? Let’s wrap up the Christmas Gift Exchange by keeping the heart of giving for all seasons of the year.

Knowing the giver of the gift can dramatically change its value and meaning. A macaroni necklace from your boss is a fake smile and half-hearted, “thanks.” But, the same gift from your child is truly something to be cherished. In week 3, Christmas Eve, we remember who the greatest gift in this life is from.

It’s the thought that counts. Perhaps you’ve heard - or used! - that phrase in regards to a gift. What that really means is the heart behind the gift is what matters most. In week 2 of Christmas Gift Exchange, we look at how Jesus exchanges our hearts for His.

Giving gifts is somewhat of an art form, isn’t it? Whether it’s what they want or need, the better you know the other person, the easier gift-giving is. As we kick-off this Christmas series, we see that God knows the greatest gift we need.

“Anything worth living for is worth dying for…” comes from the iconic novel Catch-22. The pithy statement may beat strong in our minds, but does it pump the blood through our veins? As we finish our Upside Down series, we look at the final Beatitude that may be the greatest challenge of all.

Would you say peace is harder to make or maintain? Either way, both require quite a bit of effort. Yet, living at peace with everyone is always harder than it sounds. In week 8 of Upside Down, we unpack the challenge of Jesus to be peacemakers.

There’s a big difference between water that’s filtered and unfiltered. What if we told you it was also possible to filter the tugs of heart? In week 7 of Upside Down, we see how Jesus challenges us with a heart-filter in following Him.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “you get what you deserve?” If we’re honest, not one of the best things to hear. So, why does it sound like that’s what Jesus is saying in this next Beatitude? In week 6 of Upside Down, we unpack what Jesus meant when He said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

From cheddar bay biscuits to peanut butter and chili, everyone has a craving or two. The truth is, we crave more than just food every week of our life. So, what does Jesus have to say about what we crave out of life?

In a cut-throat-get-ahead-by-your-bootstraps world, what does it take to get ahead? Because let’s be honest, we all wish we were a little further ahead. In week 4 of Upside Down, Jesus gives us the uncommon trait for those with the whole world in their hands.

I thought God just wanted me to be happy?... so then why is Jesus talking about mourning? Good question! Let’s find out how spiritual sorrow leads to heavenly happiness.

Throughout history, there has always been a struggle between the haves and have-nots. Perhaps there’s a chance you feel like your own personal life mirrors that struggle internally. In week 2 of Upside Down, we look at Jesus’ first uncommon characteristic of those who live in the Kingdom of God.