You will find a generous welcome here. What impressed me when I visited First Church of Templeton was the genuinely warm spirit in the congregation, as well as their earnest faithfulness in spiritual seeking.

Like many other churches, we are a small church group with 30-50 in worship. But we have an amazing integeneraltional spread! Much of our congregation consists of parents and singles in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s (like me). On any given Sunday we have between two and twelve kids. Then we have some amazing leaders and deep souls just around retirement age. And finally, our beloved senior members with a decades-old love for and service to the church.

Last year we welcomed seven parents with children to membership. This year we welcomed six adults who bring years of dedication and deep spiritual formation. Church should change you where and when you need it. It should make you less anxious but more humble, more aware of yourself and others, able to take on the problems of the world without feeling overwhelmed or alone, and anchored in the never-failing but always mysterious grace of God. God underlies everything about our life and is always near, and yet we will never be finished sinking into God’s depths and rising to God’s heights.

Let’s explore together! Because we are a Congregational church, we believe authority is something we all share - and only because we seek God together. As the Pastor, I have at best the first word in our conversations. Scripture is the touchstone as a teacher, but for me the Bible and every interpretation of it remain marked by human limitations. Jesus Christ alone—crucified and glorified with God in heaven— is the proper Word of God. Some of us have other ideas about Scripture. The important thing is that we listen to one another with love, and act together from a faithful consensus.

Currently, that consensus led us to begin these projects in our community:

* A 5K Fundraiser for area Refugees

* Open dinners for our community as thanks for the public funds restoring our church facade

* Providing free fresh produce to supplement our town food bank

* A public art and messaging campaign on “Replacing Anger with Hope”

* Hosting an AA meeting

* Completing the Open and Affirming Process, so that all may be assured of an equal welcome here regardless of race, gender expression, and sexual orientation

God is doing great things here! Come join us Sundays for 10:00 Worship and coffee hour after.

Twice a month (Sundays) we have a lively Theology Discussion. Once a month we host a Parent Support Group at 11:15. On Wednesdays look for book groups, crafts, Pub nite…

Pastor Bill