August 07, 2026 • WWW.WHFIRSTCHURCH.ORG

“And early in the morning [Jesus] came toward [the disciples] on the sea.” -Matthew 14:25

Hey there:

The fourteenth chapter of Matthew contains back-to-back-to-back miracles. Last week, we considered the well-known story of Jesus feeding many souls with minimal supplies. At the end of the chapter, the Savior healed the sick citizens in a place called Gennesaret. The intervening miracle is as familiar as the first – it’s the occasion when Jesus walked on water.

I hadn’t noticed until this time around, but the gospel writer describes the atmosphere for that encounter using syntax that is impossible to ignore. The way the words are arranged suggests something about the situations when we can reasonably expect Jesus to come toward us. I’ll say more when I see you. The sermon is entitled: 4 Four-Word Phrases.

Yours with ardent faith and fondness,

rev.fredd

See you in church on Sunday at 10 a.m. – in person or livestream.

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August Reachout: Friends of Silver Lake

The Southern New England Conference Board of Directors announced that the summer of 2026 will be the final season of camping at Silver Lake.

Outdoor ministry and ministry with young people matters. That's why we are taking action now- to keep Silver Lake's ministry alive.

Click Here to learn more about Silver Lake and their mission.

To donate online Click Here. Under "Fund," select Reach Out Monthly Collection" and type Friends of Silver Lake in "Notes".

To donate in church, write Friends of Silver Lake on your envelope.

Covenant to Care Annual Backpack Drive!

📅 Sunday, August 9th - Backpack distribution

📅 Sunday, August 23rd - Filled backpack return date

🕒 9:30 a.n. & during Coffee Hour

📍 Auditorium Entrance

Support Covenant to Care's Annual Backpack Drive by filling a backpack with school supplies for our sponsored children just in time for the first day of school. It's a simple way to make a meaning

Backpacks and a supply list will be distributed by Diane and Molly.

Sun is Shining Concert Series

📅August 11 - Brown Paper Sax

📅August 18 - Rock Voices

📅August 25 - Still Kickin' with the Big City Horns

🕒 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

📍 First Church front lawn

Join us for the Sun is Shining Concert Series featuring three evenings of live performances.

What to bring: Chairs & blankets, family & friends, and your favorite refreshments & snacks!

Faith & Family Night at the Yard Goats (FREE)

📅Wednesday August 19

🕒 6 p.m. gates open

🕒 7:10 p.m. First Pitch

📍 Dunkin' Park - 1214 Main Street, Hartford CT

Join Inreach for an evening at the Yard Goats’ for Faith & Family Night! Before the game several players will speak to the 20+ churches in the stands about what their faith means to them.

This FREE event is limited to 50 seats at Dunkin’ Park- Register HERE

This event is sponsored by Inreach & Faith Formation

Communication Requests
Website & Family News Requests can be sent to: Amy & Joy

Stay connected with what’s happening at First Church! Our weekly Sunday Notes highlight upcoming events, opportunities to get involved, special announcements, exhibits, outreach updates, and more.

Take a look each week to discover something new — from signing up for an activity or class to exploring an exhibit or finding ways to make a difference in our community.

Sunday Notes & Happenings submissions can be sent to Kat: office.manager@whfirstchurch.org

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Church Office Hours
Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday 9:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Phone: 860-233-9605 | Email: Office.Manager@whfirstchurch.org