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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

#provocommunityucc#provocommunitychurch#provocommunityevents#provocommunitycongregational#provocommunitycongregationalunitedchurchofchrist

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.

Don’t miss out! This Saturday at 8 PM, E.T. lands in Meno Trope Hall (175 N University Avenue, Provo) for a one-night-only adventure. Grab your blanket, snag some free popcorn, and relive the magic of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial with friends, family, and neighbors. Phone home, round up the crew, and we’ll see you in downtown Provo! #ETMovieNight #PhoneHome #SanctuaryCinemaSeries #ProvoEvents

“A Firm Foundation for the Coming Age”
1 Timothy 6:6–19

We give thanks for Evan Rodgers, who shared this week’s message. Paul reminds Timothy that the real treasure of life isn’t money or possessions—it’s a life lived for God. People come into this world with nothing and leave with nothing. What endures is how they have lived and who they have served along the way.

He warns that chasing riches can lead to worry, temptation, and empty pursuits. Instead, God’s people are called to something better: to pursue righteousness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. These qualities form the foundation of a life that stands strong.

Paul also tells those with resources not to place their hope in wealth, which is uncertain, but in God, who richly provides. The call is clear: do good, be generous, and be ready to share. Wealth is not given for self-indulgence, but as an opportunity for service.

Service makes faith real. Whether sharing food with the hungry, spending time with someone who feels alone, or offering energy to help lift another’s burden, every act of love lays a brick in the foundation of eternity. This is what Paul means by “the life that really is life.”

The invitation is simple: live with contentment, trust God, and use whatever you have—your time, your skills, your compassion—to serve others. That is how a firm foundation for the coming age is built.

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Looking Ahead: World Communion Sunday

Next Sunday, October 5 at 11:00 a.m., we will gather for World Communion Sunday, a time when Christians around the globe share one table and celebrate our unity in Christ.

Lay Pastor Adrienne Rossetti will bring the sermon, “Kindle the Gift” from Luke 17:5–10, and Pastor Alex Brown will lead us in the celebration of Holy Communion.

Pastor William Davis reminds us that sometimes God gets frustrated when His people turn away—and yet, He never stops loving or seeking us.

Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 shows God’s sorrow and anger at a people who continually reject Him, bringing devastation on themselves. But Jesus, in Luke 15:1-10, shows us God’s deeper desire—not to condemn the lost, but to bring them home. He tells of a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for one who has wandered off, and of a woman who searches tirelessly for one lost coin.

We are all that one sheep at some point in our lives—wandering, stubborn, or far from God. And yet God still comes looking. Repentance is not about shame—it’s about turning back, letting ourselves be found, and being carried home on the Shepherd’s shoulders.

God’s frustration may sting for a moment, but His mercy endures forever.

Heaven doesn’t throw a party when we get everything right—it celebrates when just one heart turns back.

Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ will join with thousands of churches nationwide for Back to Church Sunday on September 21st at 11am. The service will feature messages from Adrienne Rossetti and Alex Brown, with music by David Lewis, Adrienne Rossetti, Bret Pope, and Louise Johnson. Everyone is welcome—invite your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers!

You are invited to an evening of unique art experience at the Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ on October 3rd 6-9pm.

About this artist: Born on a boat back in 78 to an artist mother and a poet father, Ryan Hymas has been creating since the beginning. Embracing the idea that there is art in everything, he has used found objects and everything from house paint to his kids crayons to create a massive amount of work in any space he occupies. In 2023 he rented an abandoned house and filled it with over 200 pieces for his “sad and beautiful world” exhibitions.

Ryan overcame alcohol and drug addiction in 2013 and now works in the recovery industry helping those who struggle with substance use disorder. Hope and depression can both be seen as major themes in his work.

Ryan’s work has been seen in various galleries across the state and he has been featured on Fox News, KUTV, as well as in The Tribune and The Daily Herald. He currently lives in Santaquin, UT with his fiancé Chantelle and their 8 kids where they all create music and art around the clock. 

This September 21st, Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ will join with thousands of churches nationwide for Back to Church Sunday. Provo Community Congregational United Church of Christ is inviting everyone in the Utah Valley area to come for this special service that will feature a messages from Adrienne Rossetti and Alex Brown, with music by David Lewis, Adrienne Rossetti, Bret Pope, and Lousie Johnson. Everyone is welcome to attend.

With the recent statistics and studies showing that loneliness is a real issue in our culture, we want our community to know that our church, and really every church, is here as a resource and a place where people can connect, make friends and find support for when life gets hard.

This year’s Back to Church Sunday campaign is designed around a “Life is Better Together” theme, encouraging current church attenders to invite friends and neighbors to overcome loneliness and find connection, support, and hope available at a local church. As well as discovering the deeper, spiritual benefits that faith can provide.

National Back to Church Sunday is a day focused on uniting the church to equip and empower their members to be inviters. Eight out of ten people say they are open to visiting church if invited—they are just waiting for an invitation.

Join us Sunday, September 21st at 11am ! Invite your friends and family. We look forward to meeting you!