Week of March 3, 2024

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”  So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish.  Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom.  So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.
But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.
  -- 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (NLT)

Joining Journeys: If you consider this church family your home church but haven’t yet made it official, you're invited to an upcoming information meeting on Sunday, March 24, right after the morning service. Pastor Chris would love to share with you the journey our church is on and what membership means, as well as answer any questions you might have.

Alpha 2024 Course is On!  Alpha is a night of eating and group discussion. We look at some of the big questions of life, the answers that the Christian faith gives to those questions, and then everyone is invited to share their own thoughts in a safe and judgement-free space. You're invited, no matter your background or beliefs. If you're asking, “Is this really for someone like me?” the answer is “yes!” It's completely free and there's no pressure to come back.  Our second week's gathering will be Sunday March 3 at 6:30 pm.  If you're still curious -- and we urge you to Stay Curious! -- please join us this week, even if you couldn't be there last week.  We'd all love to see you at Alpha!

Communion Sunday:  We will be celebrating Communion in our 10 am Sunday worship service this week. If you livestream with us, you should have a cracker or a piece of bread and a small cup (sip) of juice or other drink available to join us in this celebration.

2024 Annual Meetings:  The annual meeting of the First Baptist Church of Etna is will be held after our worship service this Sunday March 3, 2024. 
The Annual Meeting of the First Congregational Church of Hanover will be held at Trumbull Hall at the Etna Church, next Sunday March 10, 2024 following our worship service.
Although only members of each congregation are eligible to vote at each meeting, all are invited to attend for an update on our two yoked congregations' past year and plans for the next.  We hope to see you!