Day: October 12, 2025

As part of today’s worship celebration, Pastor William Davis shared the message, “Brighten the Corner Where You Are,” as part of our Access Sunday observance—honoring the gifts and inclusion of all God’s people. Drawing from Jeremiah 29:1, 4–7 and Luke 17:11–19, Pastor Davis reminded us that God calls us to shine His light right where we are. Even in uncertain or challenging places, we can reflect God’s love through gratitude, kindness, and faithful living.

From Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles, we heard the call to “build houses, plant gardens, and seek the welfare of the city.” God invites us to bring hope and healing wherever we are planted. And in Luke’s gospel, we saw faith expressed in gratitude as one healed leper returned to give thanks—reminding us that every act of appreciation, every small kindness, brightens the world around us.

This week we also honor National Coming Out Day, which was observed yesterday, and reaffirm our identity as an Open & Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. To our LGBTQ+ siblings: You are beloved. You are welcome. You are not alone. Whether you are out, coming out, or still discerning your journey, we see you, we love you, and we celebrate your courage.

At Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ, we believe that all people are wonderfully made in the image of God, and that God’s love has no limits. As we celebrate the diversity of God’s creation, we are reminded that inclusion is not just a statement—it’s a way of life. Together, we brighten the corner where we are when we build a world where every person is seen, valued, and loved.

“Love one another as I have loved you.” – John 13:34

Next Sunday, Pastor Bobbie Ramer will share the message, “Faith and Persistence,” with readings from Psalm 119:97–104 and Luke 18:1–8. Join us as we continue to grow in faith, love, and community.

Visit our quarterly newsletter and learn about the exciting activities over the summer and services and events coming this fall. We invite you to take a look, a browse, and even some moments of pondering with inspirational messages.

From the Corner Newsletter – Fall 2025 – for Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ

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Lay Pastor Adrienne Rossetti shared a heartfelt and thought-provoking message titled “Kindle the Gift.” She began by asking a simple but searching question: “Have you ever received a gift you didn’t quite know what to do with?” Some gifts, she said, are valuable but left unopened, while others get tucked away and forgotten. Paul’s words to Timothy echo that same truth: “I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you.” (2 Timothy 1:6)

Adrienne reminded us that each of us has been entrusted with spiritual gifts—faith, compassion, service, generosity, creativity—that are meant to be used and shared. These gifts, like a flame, can flicker or fade when we allow fear, fatigue, or discouragement to take hold. Yet God calls us to fan the flame, to tend the fire, and to trust that His Spirit provides the strength and courage we need.

Drawing from Luke 17, Adrienne reflected on the disciples’ plea, “Increase our faith!” Jesus’ response was both surprising and liberating: even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish great things when it’s active and obedient. The measure of our faith is not in its size but in its willingness to act. We don’t need a giant faith, only a living one—faith that chooses love over fear, action over hesitation, and hope over despair.

The heart of the message was clear: God has placed something sacred within each of us. Our role is to kindle it, to nurture it, and to let it burn brightly in a world that desperately needs light. Whether your gift is teaching, serving, encouraging, creating, or simply showing up with compassion, God can use it to transform hearts and lives in ways we may never see.

We were challenged to consider where our own flame might be growing dim—and inspired to reignite it through prayer, service, and trust in the Holy Spirit. As Adrienne reminded us, “You don’t need a greater faith; you just need to use the faith you have.”

Join us next Sunday at 11 a.m. Pastor William Davis will share a message titled “Brighten the Corner Where You Are,” based on Jeremiah 29. We will also observe Access Sunday in celebration of Invisible Disabilities Awareness Week, honoring the many ways God’s light shines through every person and every ability—seen and unseen.