First Presbyterian Church, Alpena, MI
January 1, 2023 - New Year's Day - Rev. Rayment preaches on Mathew 2:13-23 in his sermon, "History Happens." Communion is celebrated and a new member is welcomed into the congregation. Click HERE to view the service.
January 8, 2023 - Baptism of the Lord Sunday - Rev Rayment delivers a sermon based on Isaiah 42:1-9, entitled "Characteristics of Christ." Recently elected elders and deacons are ordained and installed. To view the entire service, click HERE.
January 15, 2023 - Second Sunday after Epiphany - In Rev. Rayment's absence (he and his wife and son are visiting their daughter in Japan), elder Scott Edgar is filling the pulpit today. His message, "Sharing the Glory," is based on John 1:29-42. Click HERE to view today's service.
January 22, 2023 - Third Sunday after Epiphany - As Rev. Rayment and his family wrap up their vacation in Japan, visiting daughter Katrina, Elder Scott Edgar fills the pulpit again this week. His message, "Gone Fishing," is based on Matthew 4:12-23. Due to technical issues this service in not available for viewing.
January 29, 2023 - Fourth Sunday after Epiphany - The Rev. Rayment and his family have returned from their visit to Japan to visit their daughter. Today's message, "The Wisdom of the Unwise," is based on a reading from I Corinthians 1:18-31. To view the entire service, click HERE.
February 5, 2023 - Fifth Sunday after Epiphany - Matthew 5:13-16 provides the scripture on which today's sermon is based. The Rev. Rayment's message is titled "A Light and a Bowl." Following the sermon, the congregation will celebrate communion, and viewers may join in the sacrament with a small cup of juice and a small piece of bread or a cracker. To view today's complete service, please click HERE.
February 12, 2023 - Sixth Sunday after Epiphany - The Rev. Rayment presents a sermon, "On Church Leadership," based on the reading from I Corinthians 3:1-9. Near the end of the service we welcome a new member to our congregation. To view the complete service, please click HERE.
February 19, 2023 - Transfiguration of the Lord - Today's sermon is based on Matthew 17:1-9. The Rev. Rayment will talk about "Transfiguration and Change", in his message. To view the complete service, click HERE.
February 26, 2023 - First Sunday in Lent - Today' sermon, shared by the Rev. William Rayment, is "A Time of Testing is a Time for Prayer," and is based on Matthew 4:1-11. Our entire service may be viewed by clicking HERE.
March 5, 2023 - Second Sunday in Lent - John 3:1-17 provides the basis for today's message from Pastor Rayment, "Spirit Gives Birth to Spirit." This same passage serves as the inspiration for today's Children's Time. Following the sermon, the congregation will celebrate communion, and viewers may join in the sacrament with a small cup of juice and a small piece of bread or a cracker. Click HERE to view today's entire service.
March 12, 2023 - Third Sunday in Lent - Pastor Rayment's message today, "God Gives Us What We Need", is based on Exodus 17:1-7. Due to technical difficulties, this service is not available for viewing.
March 19, 2023 - Fourth Sunday in Lent - John 9:1-41 (a rather lengthy reading) serves as the basis for today's sermon, "Twas Blind but Now I See." At the conclusion of the service, the congregation celebrates a Reaffirmation of Baptismal Covenant as we welcome a new member. The entire service may be viewed by clicking HERE.
March 26, 2023 - Fifth Sunday in Lent - A reading from the Old Testament book of Ezekiel (37:1-14) is the basis for today's message from Rev. Rayment, "The Valley of Dry Bones." To view the entire service, click HERE.
April 2, 2023 - Palm Sunday - The scripture reading from Matthew 21:1-11 serves as the starting point for today's message from Pastor Rayment, "Called to Be King". Following this week's sermon, the congregation will share the sacrament of communion. Viewers may join in the sacrament with a small piece of bread or a cracker and small glass of juice. Click HERE to view the entire service.
April 9, 2023 - EASTER - Rev. Rayment's sermon, "Rolling Back the Stone," is based on today's Gospel reading from Matthew 28: 1-10. Click HERE to view today's entire service, including a children's message from Pastor Rayment and two anthems from our choir.
April 16, 2023 - Second Sunday of Easter - Today's children's message as well as Pastor Rayment's sermon, "My Lord and My God," are based on the scripture selection from John 20: 19-30. To access today's entire service, click HERE.
April 23, 2023 - Third Sunday of Easter - Luke 24:13-35 serves as the basis for Pastor Rayment's message today, "Walking with Jesus." This section from the final chapter of this Gospel tells the story of Jesus joining two of the disciples who were walking and talking on the road to Emmaus from Jerusalem. Due to an unexpected power outage, today's sermon was not recorded, and is not available.
April 30, 2023 - Fourth Sunday of Easter - In Rev. Rayment's absence (he's on study leave), Elder Scott Edgar is leading today's worship service. Based on the New Testament reading from John 10:1-18 today's message "Entrance Only", reflects on Jesus, sheep and shepherds. Click HERE to view the entire service.
May 7, 2023 - Fifth Sunday of Easter - The reading from 1 Peter 2:2-10 provides the basis for "The Cornerstone", today's message from Rev. Rayment. Communion will be shared by the entire congregation following the sermon. To join us, have a small piece of bread or a cracker as well as a little glass of juice ready. Join us for this weeks' service, by clicking HERE.
May 14, 2023 - Sixth Sunday of Easter - 1 Peter 3:13-22 serves as the inspiration for Rev. Rayment's sermon, "Give the Reason." Today's service also includes two Minutes for Mission: about Pentecost and about The Gift of Water. Each is related to a special offering. Click HERE to join us for the complete service.
May 21, 2023 - Seventh Sunday of Easter - The scripture reading from 1 Peter 4:12-14 and 5:6-11 is the basis for Rev. Rayment's sermon today--"Cast Away Anxiety." With no children in attendance this morning, the Children's Time message was directed at the young at heart in the congregation--with many participants. Unfortunately it appears that today's service was not recorded, but there are plans to post YouTube videos of the services until livestreaming can be restored.
May 28, 2023 - Pentecost - Today's message, shared by Rev. Rayment, is about the day of Pentecost and the birth of the Christian church, and based on Acts 2:1-12. Check out the Gallery section of the website for photos of our decorated sanctuary. Following the regular worship service, members gathered in our memorial garden for a special, brief Memorial Day remembrance. Today's service is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PyM_4_K6r5M
June 4, 2023 - Trinity Sunday - Today's message, shared by Rev. Rayment, is about the Trinity in the context of the Great Commission, based on the 28th chapter of Matthew. Following the sermon, the congregation will celebrate communion, and viewers may join in the sacrament with a small cup of juice and a small piece of bread or a cracker. Click HERE to view today's entire service.
June 11, 2023 - Second Sunday after Pentecost - Today's sermon is based on the reading from Romans 4:13-15 and Romans 5:1-5. Rev Rayment's message is titled, "Saved by Grace Through Faith." To view the entire worship service, please click HERE.
June 18, 2023 - Third Sunday after Pentecost - Today's message, "Experiencing God, Healing Wounds," is based on a reading from John 15:9-17, and is shared with us by the Rev. Dr. H. Robert Case, in the absence of Rev. Rayment (who is on vacation this week). To view the entire service, click HERE.
June 25, 2023 - Fourth Sunday after Pentecost - This week Pastor Rayment's message, "Dead to Sin but Alive to God," is based on the reading from Romans 6:1-11. The entire service can be viewed by clicking HERE.
July 2, 2023 - Fifth Sunday in Pentecost - Rev. Rayment's sermon, "The Ultimate Sacrifice", is based on Genesis 22:1-14. Near the end of the service, we will celebrate communion. Viewers may join in the sacrament with a small cup of juice and a small piece of bread or a cracker. To share the entire service with us, please click HERE.
July 9, 2023 - Sixth Sunday after Pentecost - While Rev. Rayment is on study leave, our Pastor Emeritus, the Rev. Sanford K. H. Wright, fills the pulpit. Rev. Wright's message, "There's No Comparison," is based on Isaiah 46:5-9. To view the entire service, please click HERE.
July 16, 2023 - Seventh Sunday after Pentecost - Fresh from his study leave, Rev. Rayment's sermon today, "Immediate Gratification or Anticipation?" is based on a reading from Genesis 25:19-34, To view the entire service, click HERE.
July 23, 2023 - Eighth Sunday after Pentecost - Rev. Rayment's sermon, "The Parable of the Weeds", is based on a reading from Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43. To share the entire service with us, please click HERE.
July 30, 2023 - Ninth Sunday after Pentecost - Today's scripture reading from Romans 8:26-39 forms the basis for Pastor Rayment's sermon, "Who Shall Separate Us from the Love of Christ." Click HERE to join us for the complete service.
August 6, 2023 - Tenth Sunday after Pentecost - Rev. Rayment has selected two scripture readings--Matthew 6:9-13 and Psalm 139:1-8--as the basis for today's message, "Lost in Prayer." Following the sermon we will celebrate the sacrament of communion. To join us, please have a small piece of bread or a cracker along with a small glass of juice ready. Following communion we welcome a new member to our congregation. To view the entire service, please click HERE.
August 13, 2023 - Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost - "Trusting What You Believe" is the title of today's sermon. Rev. Rayment has based his message on Matthew 14:22-33, a story familiar to many of the faithful. To view the entire service, click HERE.
August 20, 2023 - Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost - Today's message from Rev Rayment, "Inclusivity of the Message," is based on the story of the Canaanite woman from the Gospel of Matthew 15:21-28. This morning's special music was shared by the members of the Ukulele group which rehearses at the church each week. To view the entire service, click HERE.
August 27, 2023 - Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Romans 12: 1-8 forms the basis for Rev. Rayment's message today, " Renewing of your Mind (Reformed and Always Reforming). To view the recorded service, click HERE.
September 3, 2023 - Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Today's message from Pastor Rayment, "Get Behind Me, Satan," is based on Matthew 16:21-28. Following the sermon we will celebrate the sacrament of communion. To join us, please have a small piece of bread or a cracker along with a small glass of juice ready. Click HERE to view the entire service.
September 10, 2023 - Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Leading today's worship in Pastor Rayment's absence, Elder Scott Edgar's message, "Seeking the Stubborn," is based on Matthew 18:15-20. Click HERE to view today's complete service, which includes the return of our choir after its summer hiatus.
September 17, 2023 - Kirkin' o' the Tartan - Today we celebrate the 139th anniversary of the congregation with a special service. Pastor Rayment's sermon, "139 Years Young," is based on Acts 2:42-47, and recalls the age-old traditions and roots of the Presbyterian Church of Alpena. To view the recorded service, including several selections performed on bagpipes, click HERE.
September 24, 2023 - Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost - Today's service began with a brief explanation of our new apple ministry. Scripture from Matthew 20:1-16 forms the basis for today's sermon, "It's Never Too Late, or Too Early," shared by Rev. Rayment. To view the complete service, click HERE.
October 1, 2023 - 18th Sunday after Pentecost - World Communion Sunday - Rev. Rayment's sermon today, "Communing Together" is based on Matthew 26:26-30. Near the end of the service we will celebrate communion on this World Communion Sunday. Please have a small piece of bread or a cracker and a small glass of juice ready if you wish to join us. To join us for today's service, please click HERE.
October 8, 2023 - 19th Sunday after Pentecost - Today's sermon from Rev. Rayment comes from Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, and 12-20 and is entitled "The Rules Impossible to Live By." At the conclusion of the service, the congregation celebrates a Reaffirmation of Baptismal Covenant as we welcome a new member. To view the ehntire service, click HERE.
October 15, 2023 - 20th Sunday after Pentecost - A scripture reading from Philippians 4:10-20 serves as the basis for today's message from Pastor Rayment, "Giving and Receiving," To view today's complete service, click HERE.
October 22, 2023 - 21st Sunday after Pentecost - Today's message from Rev. Rayment is based on Matthew 22:15-22 and called, "Render Unto Caesar." Today's service begins with the blessing of several prayer shawls. To join us for the complete service, click HERE.
October 29, 2023 - 22nd Sunday after Pentecost - Reformation Sunday - Due to technical difficulties, today's service was not live-streamed and not recorded.
November 5, 2023 - 23rd Sunday after Pentecost - Today's children's message as well as Pastor Rayment's sermon, "Do As I Say, Not As I Do," are based on the scripture reading from Matthew 23:1-12. Near the end of the service we celebrate the sacrament of communion. To join us, please have a small piece of bread or a cracker and a small glass of juice ready. To view today's complete service, please click HERE.
November 12, 2023 - 24th Sunday after Pentecost - Today's worship began with a brief remembrance and recognition of Veteran's Day. Pastor Rayment's message, "The Mechanics of Going to Heaven," is based on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Even though the live stream of our service was not available, the service was recorded and may be seen on YouTube by clicking HERE.
November 19, 2023 - 25th Sunday after Pentecost - Rev. Rayment's message today, "Taking Risks on Our Faith," is based on scripture from Matthew 25:14-30, which is also the source of the children's message. To view the complete service, please click HERE.
November 26, 2023 - Christ the King Sunday - To observe today, the last Sunday in the liturgical year, Pastor Rayment's message, "The Fullness of Him, Filling All," is based on Ephesians 1:15-23. To view today's complete service, click HERE.