Sanctuary Cinema Series – “Chocolat”

🍫✨ Sanctuary Cinema Series: Chocolat ✨🍫
📅 Friday, March 20
🕢 7:30 PM
📍 The Historic Auditorium at Meno Trope Hall

Join us for a special evening in our Sanctuary Cinema Series, featuring the beloved film “Chocolat!”

Set in 1959 France, this heartwarming story follows free-spirited Vianne Rocher and her daughter as they open an enchanting chocolate shop in a quiet, traditional village during Lent. Through kindness, courage, and a little bit of magic, her confections begin to soften hearts and challenge rigid traditions.

As tensions grow between tradition and freedom, the story builds toward Easter, when the town’s social dynamic begins to shift and even the mayor is led to his own moment of reflection and transformation.

🎬 Watch the Official Chocolat Trailer (HD)

This film is a beautiful reflection on compassion, courage, and the power of kindness—perfect for our Sanctuary Cinema Series, which brings meaningful stories and community together in our historic space.

🍬✨ Plus: Themed Refreshments!
Enjoy movie-inspired treats and themed refreshments to match the spirit of the film and make the evening even sweeter.

🌟 What to expect:
A cozy, welcoming atmosphere
A thoughtful, inspiring film
Delicious themed refreshments
Community and connection
A touch of movie-night magic
Bring a friend, bring your favorite portable cozy seat, and enjoy an evening of storytelling, heart, and chocolate-inspired charm.

All are welcome. 💛🍫

We’re Celebrating 135 Years of Faith, Fellowship & Community! 

Join us March 1st, 2026 at 11:00am as we celebrate 135 years of God’s faithfulness and our church’s lasting impact in the community! Since 1891, our church has been a place of worship, hope, service, and connection for generations of families.

This special anniversary celebration will honor our rich history, recognize the lives touched through the years, and look forward with excitement to all God has yet to do. Whether you’ve been here for decades or are new to our church family, we would love for you to be part of this meaningful day.

⛪ Anniversary Service
A joyful time of worship, reflection, and gratitude as we celebrate 135 years of ministry in our community.

🍽️ 1890s-Themed Reception to Follow
Step back in time and enjoy a delicious 1890s-inspired meal as we celebrate the year our church was founded! Period-inspired dishes, warm fellowship, and a few historical touches will make this a truly memorable occasion.

Come celebrate our heritage, reconnect with friends, and give thanks for 135 years of faith and community. We can’t wait to see you there!

Facebook Event Link

#135YearsStrong #ChurchAnniversary #FaithAndCommunity 

Behind the Scaffolding: A Stucco Update

Stucco repair has officially begun! Our building is now tented, and the restoration team has started “sounding” the stucco—carefully listening for areas that are bonded and identifying spots that need repair. Any sections that are no longer securely connected to the building are being safely removed and prepared for restoration.

We are deeply grateful to SHPO, Provo City, and our amazing community for helping us Save Our Stucco and preserve this historic space for future generations.

💛 When we raise the funds for the matching grant, the specialty restoration crew will be able to restore all the stucco on the building. Donate and learn more about how you can help preserve this historic space at keepingthefaithprovo.org

Sanctuary Cinema Series – December: Christmas Roses

December Sanctuary Cinema Series
Featuring: Christmas Roses

Join us Monday, December 8th at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary of the Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ (175 North University Avenue, Provo) for a truly heartwarming movie night!

We are delighted to present Christmas Roses—a touching story of a grieving young girl and a reclusive woman who form an unlikely bond during the Christmas season. Through compassion, courage, and the gentle magic of the holidays, they help one another rediscover joy and find healing.

This film holds special meaning for our congregation and community: several scenes were filmed right here at the church, making this screening an especially meaningful homecoming moment for all who gather.

Rediscover the magic of believing in yourself, the power of imagination, and the importance of family bonds in this timeless tale that reminds us it’s never too late to reconnect with our inner child.

Family-friendly event – Popcorn and holiday treats will be provided!
Bring your friends, your family, or someone who could use a little holiday cheer.
All are welcome—come as you are, settle into the glow of the sanctuary, and let the season lift your spirit.

#SanctuaryCinemaSeries #ChristmasRoses #ProvoCommunityChurch #HolidayMagic #FamilyFriendly #CommunityGathering #ChristmasEventsProvo #FilmNight #SeasonOfJoy #AllAreWelcomeFamilyNight #DowntownProvo #CommunityEvents 

Sermon Sampler: “The Life of Jesus”- Luke 2:41–52 and Luke 24:13–31

Reverend George Lower continued his two-part series on The Core of the Christian Faith today with a sermon titled “The Life of Jesus.” Drawing from Luke 2:41–52 and Luke 24:13–31, Reverend Lower explored the life and ministry of Jesus—from his early years of learning and teaching in the temple to the powerful and transformative acts of healing that defined his public ministry.

Jesus began his ministry at the age of 30, touching countless lives through compassion, healing, and truth. Yet, as Reverend Lower reminded us, not everyone accepted his message. Many rejected him precisely because of his power to heal and his willingness to challenge the status quo. That rejection ultimately led to the cross.

Even so, Christ’s life and resurrection remind us that God’s work continues through us. We, too, have been given gifts—spiritual, creative, and practical—to use in service to others. The ministry of Christ does not end with his earthly life; it lives on whenever we bring hope, healing, and love into the world around us.

Join us next Sunday! Reverend Topher Mehlhoff will lead us in exploring Faith and Jesus Walking on Water, reflecting on Matthew 14:22–33. Worship begins at 11:00 a.m., followed by fellowship. All are welcome!

Sermon Sampler: “Flood Myth Remix” – Genesis 9:8–17

The Noah story from Genesis 9:8–17, shared by Reverend Topher Mehlhoff, is often told to children because of its animals—but in truth, it’s a story about the near-total destruction of life, not exactly a kid-friendly tale. Yet this flood story isn’t unique to the Bible; similar myths appear across many ancient cultures, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, where the gods destroy humanity out of frustration. In most of those stories, the lesson is clear: don’t anger the gods, who are powerful, distant, and indifferent.

But the biblical version stands apart because of how it ends—with God choosing not to destroy again, making a covenant of peace and hanging up the “bow,” a symbol of divine disarmament. The story transforms from one of wrath into one of love—a radical vision of a God who chooses compassion over control, mercy over might, and relationship over retribution.

As we honored the saints and souls who light our way, we were reminded that God’s promise of love endures through them—and through us. In every act of kindness, forgiveness, and courage, the rainbow still shines.

Join us next Sunday, November 9 at 11:00 a.m. as Reverend George Lower continues The Life of Jesus with Luke 2:41–52 and Luke 24:13–31. All are welcome.

Friends & Family Sunday – YOU ARE INVITED!

You Are Welcome Here! 

Join us for a special Thanksgiving Sunday Service on November 23 at 11:00 AM at the Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ.

 Experience an inspiring message from Rev. George Lower
 Enjoy beautiful music by the Utah Valley Interfaith Choir, directed by Dave Lewis and David Kime.
Stay after the service for a communal Thanksgiving Supper — all are welcome at the table!

Let’s come together in gratitude, friendship, and joy as we celebrate the season of thanks.