River terrapins are considered a critically endangered freshwater turtle species, mostly due to human consumption and habitat destruction. The Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that is working hard to reverse and/or eliminate this unfortunate trend. Our Vera Nieuwenhuis’ impactful images are helping TCS to spread the “word.” Each year, Photographers Without Borders (PWB) connects volunteer photographers like Vera to […]
From Pastor Meeter, regarding an amazing historical Old First document which was signed on June 8, 1917 — 100 years ago this month: Count the names! It was a huge and defining moment in American history, our first big overseas war. We now call it World War I (because of World War II!) but back then it was simply The Great War: the war to […]
The Old First Respite Shelter is entering its seventh summer of service and hospitality and we invite everyone to sign up as cooks, evening coordinators, and overnight hosts. This year’s shelter will run 9 weeks from July 3 to September 4. For more information on what’s involved and how to sign up, please visit the 2017 Old First Respite Shelter Sign-Up Genius page. Since 2011, Old First and […]
I have been asked to speak about why I volunteer at Old First, keeping in mind the theme of Volunteer Sunday: “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?” Let me start by describing what I do as a volunteer. I am one of the many volunteers that support our summer shelter program. For several years now, Old First has served […]
On your way to church on Sunday, don’t forget to bring along some chow for our kitchen pantry. A deacon will kindly collect it from you and place it in our newly reopened cupboard. You can also see (and thank) Linda Larson, who graciously volunteered to coordinate this vital operation. The pantry is a quick source of food for the neighborhood’s homeless and hungry. Pastor Meeter […]
The forty days of Lent ends with Easter Sunday, but begins with Ash Wednesday, this year on March 1. Even though the March winds were intense, Pastor Daniel (seen here with elder Kate Jacobs) skillfully assured that ashes made direct contact with foreheads. This continues the church’s annual and very proactive tradition of offering ashes, prayers and blessings outside the church doors. Mission accomplished: a […]