On Sunday, January 19, 2025, the First Presbyterian Church gathered for a meaningful worship service led by Rev. Dr. Craig Alwin, with the sermon titled “From Ordinary to Extraordinary.” The service focused on the first public act of Jesus in John’s Gospel—the miraculous transformation of water into wine at the wedding at Cana, as recounted in John 2:1-11. This pivotal event demonstrated Christ’s glory and revealed the abundant and transformative nature of His ministry. The accompanying Psalm reading, Psalm 36:5-10, highlighted God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.
The sermon invited the congregation to reflect on profound questions, such as:
Why did Jesus choose this as His first public act?
What does this reveal about His ministry and mission?
How can changes in our lives reveal His glory to others?
Worshipers were encouraged to consider moments when they experienced unexpected abundance, realized the value of overlooked blessings, or felt God’s provision in times of need.
Musical Highlights
The service featured uplifting hymns, including “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “Called as Partners in Christ’s Service,” which underscored themes of divine provision and partnership in Christ’s work. The prelude and postlude, beautifully performed by Kris B., added a reflective tone with arrangements of “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.”
Children’s Moment
Led by Jennifer Zander, the children’s message provided an engaging and age-appropriate introduction to the story of Jesus at Cana, emphasizing themes of transformation and faith.
The worship experience encouraged all attendees to reflect on how Jesus takes the ordinary elements of life and transforms them into something extraordinary. This service reminded everyone of the abundant grace and glory found in Christ, inspiring them to look for His transformative presence in their daily lives.