News

1 risen:sent  

Bring family and friends and join us as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ this Sunday morning! With Pastor MJ's message, "Easter Makes Preachers of Us All," and music from the Chancel Choir, singing "Crown Him Lord This Easter Day" and "Easter Benediction," the Praise Band debuting, "This Is the Day," and the ARK Kidz Choir singing, "This Little Light of Mine." He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Amen.

2 Maundy Thursday and Prayer Vigil 

Join us on Maundy Thursday, April 6, for our remembrance of Jesus suffering and death. We begin with a soup supper at 6 p.m., followed by foot washing, communion, and Litany of Remembrance. An abbreviated Prayer Vigil begins Saturday at 10 a.m. and continues to 5 a.m. on Sunday, April 9, as we keep a presence of prayer in the sanctuary during a time when we believe Christ spent in the grave.

3 What a party!

The Block Party was a blast.  Check out our Facebook page for photos of families enjoying this marvelous event.  A heartfelt thank you to the Fellowship, Youth, and Children’s Teams for working together to bless our church and community.

4 Easter Offering For Turkey and Syria

Every year, we honor the risen Christ by collecting a special offering for disaster relief. This year’s Easter Offering will be designated to ease the suffering of families affected by recent earthquakes in Turkey and northern Syria. The money collected will be given to both World Renew for general disaster relief and Moses Kim, our ECO missionary and church planter in Antalya, Turkey, who is working there with refugees from the quake.

5 Fellowship Hall renovation update

The bids are in and funding approved, so the renovation of the Fellowship Hall will begin in earnest after Easter when we begin moving furniture out of the room.  Into late April, May and June, we’ll be painting, re-tiling, boxing in pipes and columns throughout the Fellowship Hall, hallway, and bathrooms. A big thank you to everyone who’s contributed expertise:  Neil Fisher, Chad Smith, Joey Gacnik, Angel Saucedo, and others have been part of the conversation. Many hands will be needed to do the work, so watch for opportunities to serve in the weeks to come!  

Visit the church website to find out more on our midweek groups for men, women, youth, and Mothers of Preschoolers!

Find us!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstchurchoflajunta

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstchurchlajunta 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstchurch_lajunta/?hl=en

Website: https://firstchurchlajunta.org/ 

1 Holy Week Worship Preview

We worship our suffering and risen Lord Jesus in worship from Palm Sunday through Easter morning. Please plan on joining us for these special services:

Palm Sunday, April 2, as we greet Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. Parents and grandparents, please bring the kids a few minutes before 10 so we can line them up for the Palm Parade.

Maundy Thursday, April 6, for our remembrance of Jesus suffering and death. We begin with a soup supper at 6 p.m., followed by foot washing, communion, and Litany of Remembrance. 

Prayer Vigil, 7 p.m. on Friday, April 7, to 5 a.m. on Sunday, April 9, as we keep a presence of prayer in the sanctuary during time when we believe Christ spent on the grave.

risen:sent, Easter Sunday, 10 a.m., as we worship the risen Christ who sends us out into the world to tell his good news.

2 Palm Sunday Block Party

Invite friends! Invite family! Invite neighbors, co-workers, and teammates! Our annual block party will include a petting zoo, donkey rides, bouncy house, games and food. We hope this event will welcome newcomers to the church family with the goal (of course) of helping them to know and follow Jesus.

3 Two more rehearsals

Two more rehearsals left before the Chancel Choir sings on Easter morning. Please join Dean Rees on Thursday nights at 6 p.m. on April 30 and after Maundy Thursday worship on April 6.

4 Easter Offering For Turkey and Syria

Every year, we honor the risen Christ by collecting a special offering for disaster relief. This year’s Easter Offering will be designated to ease the suffering of families affected by recent earthquakes in Turkey and northern Syria. The money collected will be given to both World Renew for general disaster relief and Moses Kim, our ECO missionary and church planter in Antalya, Turkey, who is working there with refugees from the quake.

5 Food for thought

Last Sunday’s message on the relationship of faith commitment to worship attendance stirred a few conversations around the church. Again, worship attendance is not a requirement of salvation; we are saved by grace alone. Worship attendance (unless restricted by illness and physical distance) does, however, seem to correlate to faith commitment for many Christians. Read the article (https://churchanswers.com/blog/four-types-of-church-members-based-on-their-frequency-of-attendance/), along with Matthew 7:24-27, and talk about it to your friends and church leaders. Agree or disagree, it’s food for thought.

Finally, prayers…Of celebration and for healing for Cathy Lease, who’s been discharged from the hospital and continues treatment in Denver. God is good!

Visit the church website to find out more on our midweek groups for men, women, youth, and Mothers of Preschoolers!

Find us!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstchurchoflajunta

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstchurchlajunta 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstchurch_lajunta/?hl=en

Website: https://firstchurchlajunta.org/ 

1 Holy Week Worship Preview

We worship our suffering and risen Lord Jesus in worship from Palm Sunday through Easter morning. Please plan on joining us for these special services:

Palm Sunday, April 2, as we greet Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. Parents and grandparents, please bring the kids a few minutes before 10 so we can line them up for the Palm Parade.

Maundy Thursday, April 6, for our remembrance of Jesus suffering and death. We begin with a soup supper at 6 p.m., followed by foot washing, communion, and Litany of Remembrance. 

Prayer Vigil, 7 p.m. on Friday, April 7, to 5 a.m. on Sunday, April 9, as we keep a presence of prayer in the sanctuary during time when we believe Christ spent on the grave.

risen:sent, Easter Sunday, 10 a.m., as we worship the risen Christ who sends us out into the world to tell his good news.

2 Lent: Confidence

Our Lenten series on “Confidence in Christ'' continues this Sunday with “Confidence in Consistent Spiritual Practices,” from Matthew 7:24-27, with music, “Upon This Rock,” from our Chancel Quartet. Don’t forget to download the daily devotional through the YouVersion Bible app, “LICC Confidence,” or pick up a bookmark in the narthex with the readings for the season.

3 Palm Sunday Block Party

Invite friends! Invite family! Invite neighbors, co-workers, and teammates! Our annual block party will include a petting zoo, donkey rides, bouncy house, games and food. We hope this event will welcome newcomers to the church family with the goal (of course) of helping them to know and follow Jesus.

4 Easter Choir

Would you like to worship with music on Easter morning? Dean Rees will conduct the Chancel Choir for two Easter Sunday offerings that call us to sense the living Savior and rejoice. Rehearsals are happening on Thursday nights at 6 p.m. through April 6. 

5 Easter Offering For Turkey and Syria

Every year, we honor the risen Christ by collecting a special offering for disaster relief. This year’s Easter Offering will be designated to ease the suffering of families affected by recent earthquakes in Turkey and northern Syria. The money collected will be given to both World Renew for general disaster relief and Moses Kim, our ECO missionary and church planter in Antalya, Turkey, who is working there with refugees from the quake.

A special invitation 

The Chambers and Huffman families welcome all who would like to join them this Saturday, March 25, at 11 a.m. for Jacob and Makayla’s wedding shower here at the church. 

Finally, prayers…

For the Fishkin family, especially little Luka who has been hospitalized with RSV. 

Visit the church website to find out more on our midweek groups for men, women, youth, and Mothers of Preschoolers!

Find us!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstchurchoflajunta

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstchurchlajunta 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstchurch_lajunta/?hl=en

Website: https://firstchurchlajunta.org/ 

1 Lenten Worship & Soup Supper

Every year, the churches of the Ministerial Association take turns hosting a worship service and soup supper for Lent. This Friday, St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, is our turn. We hope you’ll join us and bring a friend! Worship starts at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary, with dinner immediately following.

2 Lent: Confidence

Our Lenten series on “Confidence in Christ'' continues this Sunday with “Confidence in Compassion,” from Jeremiah 38:1-13, 39:15-18. Who was Ebed Melek, and how do you pronounce his name? You’ll find out. Don’t forget to download the daily devotional through the YouVersion Bible app, “LICC Confidence,” or pick up a bookmark in the narthex with the readings for the season.

3 Fundraiser success!

Thanks to everyone who came out in support of our ELEVATE High School Youth Group’s mission trip fundraiser. Everyone had a blast, and the group earned (to date) $3267 toward the cost of their summer trip to Kenosha, WI. Yea God!

4 Easter Choir

Would you like to worship with music on Easter morning? Dean Rees will conduct the Chancel Choir for two Easter Sunday offerings that call us to sense the living Savior and rejoice. Rehearsals will happen on Thursday nights at 6 p.m., beginning a week from Thursday on March 23. 

5 Our mobile app is live

Our First Church of La Junta mobile app is now live and available to download. 

Here is the App Store link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6445938275

Here is the Google Play Store link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplashconsulting.s_R4SHQ7

Search “First La Junta” (you’ll have to scroll down past some other apps or you’ll find it faster searching “Presbyterian La Junta”). The app includes quick links for calendar, worship, giving and more. It includes an online audio Bible free of charge. We hope you enjoy!

Finally, prayers…for Cathy Lease as she continues through her cancer treatments…for little Axel Saucedo as he recovers from his tonsillectomy…for Peggy and Don Klinkerman as Peggy settles back into home…for teachers, students, and staff of our local schools and college for rest and re-creation during spring break.

Visit the church website to find out more on our midweek groups for men, women, youth, and Mothers of Preschoolers!

Find us!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstchurchoflajunta

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstchurchlajunta 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstchurch_lajunta/?hl=en

Website: https://firstchurchlajunta.org/

1 “Dead Air” Mission Trip Fundraiser is SUNDAY

Our ELEVATE High School Fellowship will host “Dead Air,” their murder-mystery dinner fundraiser this Sunday, March 12, with seatings at 5 p.m. or 7 p.m.  Please sign up this Sunday for your preferred seating time, or call the Church Office at 719-384-2852.

2 Lent: Confidence

Our Lenten series on “Confidence in Christ” continues this Sunday with “Confidence in Community,” from 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11. It’s all about building each other up–and we can’t do that alone.  Don’t forget to download the YouVersion Bible app, “LICC Confidence,” or pick up a bookmark in the narthex with the readings for the season.

3 Our mobile app is live

Our First Church of La Junta mobile app is now live and available to download. 

Here is the App Store link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6445938275

Here is the Google Play Store link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.subsplashconsulting.s_R4SHQ7

Search “First La Junta” (you’ll have to scroll down past Pokemon–go figure–or you’ll find it faster searching “Presbyterian La Junta.”  The app includes quick links for giving and worship.  A huge, mega-thanks to Gwynn Root, Kathy Parker and Dottie Burnett for all the work to create the app.

4 Easter Choir

Would you like to worship with music on Easter morning? Dean Rees will conduct the Chancel Choir for two Easter Sunday offerings that call us to sense the living Savior and rejoice. Rehearsals will happen on Thursday nights at 6 p.m., beginning on March 23.  

5 Dementia Friendly Coffee Talk

Caregivers and friends of those suffering from any form of dementia are invited to speak with Kim Baker Thomasson in the Cranson Room on Sunday, March 12, at 2 p.m. to share helpful info and support.  For more information, just call the Church Office at 719-384-2852.

Also: Lenten Worship & Soup Supper

This week, the churches of the Ministerial Association will gather at 6 p.m. at Calvary Church.  Worship at 6 with dinner at 6:30.

Finally, prayers…for Peggy Klinkerman as she continues recuperating from a stroke…for Kristin Bickel, upon the death of her uncle Leroy Parker (also Kathy Parker’s brother in law)...for Eric Harris (son of Josh Harris) and family upon the death of Eric’s half-sister, Payshas Whatley…for continued growth and energy in our church ministries and outreach–may much be made of Jesus.

Visit the church website to find out more on our midweek groups for men, women, youth, and Mothers of Preschoolers!

Find us!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstchurchoflajuntacolora2240 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstchurchlajunta 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstchurch_lajunta/?hl=en

Website: https://firstchurchlajunta.org/

1 Lent: Confidence

Lent is a season of preparation for our celebrations of Holy Week and Easter. We let go of the sins and shortcomings that draw us away from God and embrace the patterns of prayer and worship God intends.Our theme this year is “Confidence” as we learn again to live confidently in Christ with resources from the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. Here’s how we’ll be observing it:

• In Sunday worship 
• With a weekly discussion & prayer group in the Library before worship, beginning this Sunday, March 5, at 8:45 a.m. Starts this Sunday!

With a daily devotional guide you may access through the YouVersion Bible app by searching “Licc confidence” or you may sign up to receive daily emails by heading to licc.org.uk/confidence.

2 Confidence is being convinced

This Sunday, our Confidence series begins with “Confidence Is Being Convinced” from Romans 8:31-39. Our guest vocalist will be Scott Anderson (see below) singing two selections from his afternoon concert, and our celebration will include a Remembrance of Baptism as well as the Lord’s Supper.

3 Speaking of Scott Anderson

We welcome tenor Scott Anderson in concert on Sunday, March 5, at 2 p.m., with James Lind and our own Dean Rees accompanying him as he sings music of Bernstein, Handel, Purcell, Britten and more.  Admission is free, and a free-will offering will be taken.

4 “Dead Air” Mission Trip Fundraiser

Our ELEVATE High School Fellowship will host “Dead Air,” their murder-mystery dinner fundraiser on Sunday, March 12, with seatings at 5 p.m. or 7 p.m.  Please sign up this Sunday for your preferred seating this Sunday, or call the Church Office at 719-384-2852.

5 Summer Adult Mission Trip

Our summer adult Mission Trip to the city of Xpujil, in the state of Campeche, Mexico, is happening July 24-29, 2023, and it’s not too late to join Pastor MJ & Chris, along with Neil and Nakia Fisher, as well as some community members. The cost is $700 plus airfare, and the church has funds to support you just as much as you need. We’re sending in our registrations and trip deposits next week, so contact Pastor MJ as soon as possible. 

Also: Lenten Worship & Soup Supper

This week, the churches of the Ministerial Association will gather at 6 p.m. at Calvary Church.  Worship at 6 with dinner at 6:30.

Visit the church website to find out more on our midweek groups for men, women, youth, and Mothers of Preschoolers!

Find us!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstchurchoflajuntacolora2240 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstchurchlajunta 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstchurch_lajunta/?hl=en

Website: https://firstchurchlajunta.org/

1 “Dead Air” Mission Trip Fundraiser

Our ELEVATE High School Fellowship will host “Dead Air,” their murder-mystery dinner fundraiser on Sunday, March 12, with seatings at 5 p.m. or 7 p.m.  Please sign up this Sunday for your preferred seating this Sunday, or call the Church Office at 719-384-2852.

2 T is for Trinity

This year, each of our elders is taking turns either preaching or providing a preacher for worship. Our first elder to take a turn is Dottie Burnett, and she’s invited our dear friend Monica Johnson to preach “T is for Trinity,” from Matthew 28:16-20, this Sunday. Pastor MJ gets a rare turn as lay reader, and Monica with her son Ryan will also offer special music.  Please join us and spread the word!

3 Junction Kids

Junction Kids is our midweek ministry for kids age 4 through 5th grade. Come once, twice, or come for all the remaining sessions through April 5. Register online or simply bring your kiddo(s) on Wednesday!  Doors open at 4 p.m.  Fun begins at 4:20 p.m. Next week’s stations are Art and Movies.

4 Lent: Confidence

Lent is a season of preparation for our celebrations of Holy Week and Easter. We let go of the sins and shortcomings that draw us away from God and embrace the patterns of prayer and worship God intends. We will formally begin our Lenten celebrations on Sunday, March 5 (a little late on account of our Jesus A to Z series), but anyone is invited to begin sooner. Our theme this year is “Confidence” as we learn again to live confidently in Christ with resources from the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. Here’s how we’ll be observing it:

• In Sunday worship 
• With a weekly discussion & prayer group in the Library before worship, beginning March 5, at 8:45 a.m. 
• With a daily devotional guide you may access through the YouVersion Bible app by searching “Licc confidence” or you may sign up to receive daily emails by heading to licc.org.uk/confidence

5 Join us for Scott Anderson on March 5

We welcome tenor Scott Anderson in concert on Sunday, March 5, at 2 p.m., with James Lind and our own Dean Rees accompanying him as he sings music of Bernstein, Handel, Purcell, Britten and more.  Admission is free, and a free-will offering will be taken.

6 OCC

We started the year collecting mild soap for this year's shoeboxes. So far, we have 8 bars of soap. Any donations are valued! 

7 Lenten Soup Supper/Service schedule. 

Each service will be held at 6:00 p.m. with the supper following. 

Feb. 24 - 1st Assembly of God 

March 3  - Calvary Church 

March 10 - Nazarene

March 17 - First Church of La Junta

March 24 - United Methodist Church

March 31 - Our Lady of Guadalupe /St Patrick Catholic Church

Visit the church website to find out more on our midweek groups for men, women, youth, and Mothers of Preschoolers!

Find us!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstchurchoflajuntacolora2240 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstchurchlajunta 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstchurch_lajunta/?hl=en

Website: https://firstchurchlajunta.org/

1 Snow Day

All on-site ministries are canceled today, February 15, and will resume tomorrow.

2 Junction Kids

Junction Kids is our midweek ministry for kids. Update! In addition to K-5th graders, Junction Kids will welcome 4 and 5 years olds who have not yet started kindergarten. Register online or simply bring your kiddo(s) on Wednesday!  Doors open at 4 p.m.  Fun begins at 4:20 p.m. Next week’s stations are Art and Movies.

3 si'-ro-fe-nish'-an

This week, S is for the Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30), whose faith impresses even Jesus, as we celebrate the gift of faith in this simple, prayerful worship service.

4 Dementia Friendly Coffee Talk

We had a great group of 7 caregivers and friends join Kim Baker Thomasson this past Sunday.  This group will meet again at 2 p.m. on March 12 and on 2nd Sunday afternoons going forward, with the exception of Easter on April 9.  Please spread the words to family and friends who may benefit.

5 Join us for Scott Anderson on March 5

We welcome tenor Scott Anderson in concert on Sunday, March 5, at 2 p.m., with James Lind and our own Dean Rees accompanying him as he sings music of Bernstein, Handel, Purcell, Britten and more.  Admission is free, and a free-will offering will be taken.

Visit the church website to find out more on our midweek groups for men, women, youth, and Mothers of Preschoolers!

Find us!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstchurchoflajuntacolora2240 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstchurchlajunta 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstchurch_lajunta/?hl=en

Website: https://firstchurchlajunta.org/

1 Junction Kids

We start today! Doors open at 4 for K-5th graders. We kick off at 4:20 and finish up at 5:30 pm. Walk up registrations welcome. Please have your kids bring a friend.

2 A trip back in time and across the ocean 

“R is for the Roman Empire” continues our Jesus A to Z series. We’ll meet a centurion in Luke 7:1-10 and discover how God uses everything to His glory. 

3 Dementia Friendly Coffee Talk

Caregivers of loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia are invited to gather together this Sunday, February 12, at 2 p.m. in the Cranson Room, to share experiences and support each other in your various situations. Please spread the word throughout the community.

4 Online Giving Changes

We will be switching from EasyTithe to Subsplash Giving for our online giving platform in the upcoming week. Givers who regularly use EasyTithe will receive a letter from the church announcing the change as well. Please call the office if you have any questions or concerns. 

5 Prayers for our Community

Each week we continue to lift up a local business in prayer and support. This week we ask for prayers for Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site. 

Visit the church website to find out more on our midweek groups for men, women, youth, and Mothers of Preschoolers!

Find us!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstchurchoflajuntacolora2240 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstchurchlajunta 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstchurch_lajunta/?hl=en

Website: https://firstchurchlajunta.org/

1 MOPS tonight!

Join Mothers of Preschoolers tonight (or invite the mother of a preschooler) at 6 p.m. for dinner and encouragement with free childcare. Contact Aricka Hulsey for more information!

2 Questions, questions

Our Jesus A to Z series brings us to “Q is for Questions,” exploring the questions Jesus asked his followers with particular attention to Matthew 20:29-34. Then, we’ll be asking questions of our two new elders, as we celebrate the ordination and installation of Joey Gacnik and Sarah Petramala, followed by a service of the Lord’s Supper. 

3 Junction Kids Update

Our leaders’ slate is almost full. Now, we just need kids!  Spread the word!! Please register at https://forms.gle/X1oYFzasEW9n6bhx5, or you can stop by the church, or register when you bring your child (or children) for the first time. For more information or to volunteer, contact Pastor MJ directly at pastor@firstchurchlajunta.org or 719-469-7717.

4 Dementia Friendly Coffee Talk

Caregivers of loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia are invited to gather together on Sunday, February 12, at 2 p.m. in the Cranson Room, to share experiences and support each other in your various situations. Please spread the word throughout the community.

5  ECO National Gathering 

Please keep Pastor MJ and Karen Gacnik as they attend our ECO National Gathering this week in Newport Beach. May the time be fruitful, and travel be uneventful.

Visit the church website to find out more on our midweek groups for men, women, youth, and Mothers of Preschoolers!

Find us!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstchurchoflajuntacolora2240 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstchurchlajunta 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstchurch_lajunta/?hl=en

Website: https://firstchurchlajunta.org/