I just heard it again on a sports radio talk show this week…in football, it’s blocking & tackling.  In basketball, it’s dribbling, passing, shooting.  The dictionary describes fundamental as “basic principle or element.”  This month in United, we are discussing those habits that are fundamental in growing with Christ.  Week 1 is knowing God through his Word, the Bible.  Week 2 is the simply act of talking & listening to God in Prayer. Week 3 is the practice of Confession.  Week 4 is growing in Community with other Christ followers.  Yes, there are many...

Wishing all of you a blessed Christmas with family, friends, and United as ONE.  There will be no mid-week youth services for the rest of December.  HOWEVER, don’t miss out on the first Wednesday of the new year as we start 2011 with a blast.  Old man winter is here to stay, so let’s play. Join us for a fun night of tubing at Sleepy Hollow Wednesday, January 5 from 5:30 - 9:15 PM.  Cost is $3 for pizza and $10 for tubing. Don’t have time to fix dinner?  Throw the family in the car and eat Papa John’s Pizza in the Fellowship Hall from 5:30 - 6:00. Remember to turn in your parental consent...

There’s a paradox about mission trips.  The paradox is this: as I go to help others know Christ, it is I who sees Christ more clearly.  This coming summer, United has the incredible opportunity to see Christ more clearly as we head south, South America, that is.  We have been invited to join our very own Kevin & Cindy Elder in their mission to help the light of Jesus shine brightly in Medellin, Columbia June 10-18, 2011.  Download your application today. With questions, contact Linda Coop at lcoop@desmoinesfirst.org.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to “recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:” Now, therefore, I do recommend...