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.

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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. 

Sermon Sampler “The Core of Our Christian Faith” – Luke 2:41–52 and Luke 24:13–31

Today at Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ, Reverend George Lower delivered an inspiring message titled “The Core of Our Christian Faith.” Drawing from Luke 2:41–52 and Luke 24:13–31, Reverend Lower explored how these two powerful scriptures beautifully frame the life and ministry of Jesus—from the young boy who amazed the teachers in the temple with His wisdom to the risen Savior who walked beside the disciples on the road to Emmaus. His message reminded us that faith is both a journey of discovery and a relationship of presence—that Christ meets us in our questions, walks with us in our uncertainty, and reveals Himself in the moments when our hearts are open and our eyes are lifted. It was a thoughtful and heartfelt reflection on what it truly means to seek, find, and follow Christ at the very core of our faith.

Next week, join us as Reverend Topher Mehlhoff presents Genesis 9:8–17 — “Flood Myth Remix,” and Pastor Alex Brown will provide Communion. All are welcome.

We will also be holding a food drive for Community Action Services and Food Bank—with a delay in SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown, many in our community are now facing food insecurity. Please bring nonperishable food items to help support local families in need.

Sermon Sampler – “Brighten the Corner Where You Are” – Celebration of Inclusion – Jeremiah 29:1, 4–7 and Luke 17:11–19

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.

From the Corner – Fall newsletter now available

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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