
First Thoughts from First Lutheran – July 8, 2026
First Thoughts for Sunday, July 12, 2026, by Pastor Carrie Baylis at First Lutheran Church.

First Thoughts for Sunday, July 12, 2026, by Pastor Carrie Baylis at First Lutheran Church.

Our summer Garden meditations begin in Eden, where Scripture reveals God’s original desire to dwell with humanity. By exploring Genesis through the eyes of its original audience, we discover that creation itself was designed as sacred space—a place for God’s presence. Through Christ, we are invited once again to walk with God in the Garden.

First Thoughts for Sunday, July 5, 2026, by Pastor Micheals Eskew at First Lutheran Church.

As we conclude our series on slowing, Lori reflects on the balance between patient spiritual formation and responding quickly to injustice. While transformation into Christ’s image takes time, followers of Jesus are called to be swift in bringing healing, hope, and justice to a hurting world.

First Thoughts for Sunday, June 28, 2026, by Pastor Micheals Eskew at First Lutheran Church.

What if slowing down allowed us to recognize a breathtaking truth: God dwells in us, and we dwell in God? Drawing on the wisdom of Henri Nouwen, Lori reflects on belovedness, mutual indwelling, and the transformative power of paying attention to God’s presence.