Jazz Sunday and Father’s Day at First Church

(Posted June 16, 2021)

“In early June the world of leaf and blade and flowers explode, and every sunset is different.”
-John Steinbeck

Well, we made it. We’ve made it past the very worst of the pandemic “storms.” On Sunday, June 20, we’ll celebrate with an old fashioned, out-on-the-lawn tent service at 10 a.m. This was the kind of thing that itinerant preachers used to do in their 19th century revival meetings.

Of course, I’m pretty sure that they didn’t have a salute to fathers, ice cream sundaes or kids’ games like we will have this Sunday. But the one thing they understood is that being outside to sing and praise God brings a different kind of joy.

Church Services on Sunday

In-Person Service begins at 10 a.m. Please observe these social distancing guidelines when you worship with us. 

Watch us on Facebook: We livestream our services to Facebook. You may view them live or on demand at www.Facebook.com/DanburyChurch/videos.

We’re inviting you to come, pull up a chair, listen to the full Doug Hartline Quintet play, and just relax.

I also invite you to bring something  that is symbolic of your summertime activity: a pool float, a beach towel, flip flops or swimsuits –- we’ll take them and make a summertime collage of these up front. Get creative with this! (Before anyone asks, only terribly stormy weather would send us inside for Sunday –- but the party would still be on!)

I will top Sunday off with a shorter-than-usual sermon so we can enjoy a wonderful June day, and get on our way for Father’s Day. And, yes, we plan to livestream this service from the lawn.

Apt Metaphor: Jesus Quiets the Storm

Ironically, this Sunday’s Gospel places Jesus in the back of the boat in the middle of a storm, while the disciples are fearing for their lives as they pitch violently back and forth. Jesus is sound asleep because he knows, eventually, all will be well, and he has the ability to quiet the storm. What a metaphor for our ride through the Pandemic!

Fully Vaccinated? Face Masks Are Optional

Now, since the vast majority of our church goers are vaccinated, we don’t need masks outside, and beginning on June 27, masks for those who are fully vaccinated will be optional inside for sanctuary services. Unvaccinated people still must wear masks inside the church. We will rely on the honor system for compliance.)

We hope everyone can join us Sunday, June 20, especially the kids for whom we will provide fun and games. In fact, bring your friends if you can.