Happy New Year! New year, same God, new you. That's the idea behind today's sermon from FPC Senior Pastor Chris Pan. It's not about resolutions. Today is about reconnecting with God and remembering His holy promise to us.
Not only is it a new year, but it's also the start of a new sermon series called "Walk This Way." Aerosmith fans, calm down. It's not that.
It's Christmas 2025. Christmas can be explained in one word. First Prez Senior Pastor Chris Pan's Christmas message revolves around this one word and its translation. He explains what it all means.
This will be a fun and inspiring message to listen to. You'll get a snapshot of how God is working in the lives of several of our fellow First Prezzers. The people and the stories run the gamut. From deliverance from substance abuse to an outpouring of charitable giving and everything in between. Hear what God has done for us in 2025. As you listen, take the time to reflect on your own 2025.
See you in 2026!
It's the 4th Sunday of Advent. During the Christmas season, we hear a lot about God's love, as well we should. Today, FPC Associate Pastor Tim Shaw reminds us that Trust is central to the Christian faith. And as is our tradition, today's message includes an Advent testimony. You'll hear Charity Watkins's story of heartbreak, perseverance, breakthrough, and love.
What is joy? And how do you acquire it? That's the topic in this Advent message. Today, we turn to a woman who seems to be everywhere you look. She serves as an Elder, she's on committees, she works at FPC, and she's studying to be a commissioned lay pastor. And as you'll hear, she has an infectious laugh. You'll also hear from another Elder and part-time worship leader, Joy Yoshida, who will offer an excellent definition of joy in the Christian context.
We continue our "Imitate God" sermon series during this season of Advent. Today you'll hear an Advent testimony and an explanation of what God's peace really is. First Prez Senior Pastor Chris Pan leads us on the second Sunday of Advent.
It's the first Sunday of Advent. And with it, a new sermon series called "Imitate God." Today's sermon focuses on waiting. You'll hear about the waiting Simeon and Anna endured and how we can apply the same principles in our lives. And because it's Advent, you'll hear the first of four testimonies. Today's comes from Ed Hope.
It's us against the world when it comes to living a Christian life. The world can be a strong magnet, luring us into the traps and trappings. But Paul is very clear in his letter to the Ephesians. He lays it out bluntly. Do this, don't do that. It's all a part of our transformation from followers of the world to followers of Christ.
Last week, Pastor Chris started part 1 of a two-part sermon on maturing as a Christian. Today it's part 2, covering unity and gifts. This is part of the larger sermon series called "What God Has Done." Everyone has a God-given gift. A set of talents and abilities that, when put to use in the name of Jesus, helps build up the Christian world and minister to the world at large.
Download the series booklet here.
By the time you listen to this sermon, Chris Pan will have been installed as the new Senior Pastor of First Prez. The installation service occurred just after this sermon. Congrats, Pastor Chris!
This sermon is a continuation of our What God Has Done series. It's a study in the book of Ephesians. We move ahead to chapter 4, which represents a transition. Today we learn that it's not ok to cruise through life as idle believers. We need to constantly grow and deepen our faith in Christ. God has placed a calling on our lives. We need to live up to and lean into that calling.
There's nothing like the love of God. It's enveloping, all-encompassing, endless, and unconditional. First Prez Ohana Ministries Director Karen Makishima delves further into God's love as she continues our sermon series, What God Has Done.
What happens to the person who gets adopted into a family? We tend to use the terms "adoptive parents" or "birth parents." And we continue to distinguish them from one another. As in many cases, God's way of looking at adoption is different. Vine Pastor Jenny Sung continues the "What God Has Done" sermon series with this sermon called Heirs Together.
Download the series booklet here.
First Prez Transitional Pastor Tim Fearer continues with our "What God Has Done" sermon series. Today we take a deep dive on being saved. Saved from what? Saved into what? Saved for what? He also draws attention to the difference between Grace and Mercy.
We're trying something new in the service today. Part of our vision is to bring everyone in the church together in order to walk with Jesus together. So we're all in with children, youth, and adults all worshipping God together. First Prez Youth Director Luke Shin continues our sermon series called What God Has Done. Today, it's all about thankfulness and prayers.
It's a special Sunday. The First Prez Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) has made its choice for our next senior pastor. An edited version of this announcement starts today's message. Then, FPC Executive Pastor Chris Pan continues our current sermon series, What God Has Done. He goes deep into what God's plan is and what it entails for us and the world.
Find the sermon series booklet here.
Open your Bible to the book of Ephesians. That's where we're going to spend the next few months as we start a new sermon series called "What God Has Done." First Prez Transitional Pastor Tim Fearer starts with a breakdown of the salutation and the first few lines. If you come away with anything, it'll be summed up in the word "Blessed."
Download the series booklet here.
First Prez is in between sermon series. But that doesn't mean this sermon is insignificant. On the contrary. Pastor Tim Fearer takes a long, hard look at First Prez and its many facets. You'll hear about the mission and the ministries, and how our church is moving forward. But you'll also hear about challenges we face. Buckle up for The 2025 State of the Church address.
Today, FPC Transitional Pastor Tim Fearer tells us about how he made a decision to take on a position in Turkey all those years ago. It's a personal story, but the truths revealed apply to us all.
We've reached the end of the "Ending Well" sermon series. Paul is once again at the center of the story. Pastor Jenny Sung leans on a horticultural metaphor that works quite well for this life lesson.
The Apostle Paul's journey took him to many areas. He got to many of these places by walking. He also used a boat to traverse the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, on one of those maritime treks, the boat was shipwrecked. Lessons abound in this story. Our "Ending Well" sermon series continues with this message from FPC Lay Pastor Rosella Shishido.