America250 Recap

America250 Recap

Throughout this summer, the Houston’s First family has had countless opportunities to put our faith into action by serving our neighbors and sharing the hope of Jesus. Through meaningful moments of prayer, service, worship, and celebration, we have been able to thank God for His faithfulness while demonstrating His love to our community in this season that marks 250 years of our nation.

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We began with the National Day of Prayer. 

On the morning of Thu, May 7, before the workday started, Pastor Gregg led our church family in praying for our city, our nation, and our world. Together, we paused from our daily routines to focus on what matters most - seeking God and lifting the needs of others in prayer.

Good Neighbor Day then took place on Sat, May 16, as our church family put Jesus’ call to love and serve others into action. 

Members of Houston’s First stepped into our communities to care for neighbors in practical, tangible ways. Good Neighbor Day united every Houston's First campus in a shared effort to serve our city. 

More than 500 volunteers participated in 13 serve projects, partnering with organizations including Star of Hope, the Faith Centers, Mission Centers of Houston, Cy-Hope, Holland Middle School, and The Hamilton. Volunteers served individuals experiencing homelessness, distributed food to families, encouraged educators, cared for local parks, completed landscaping for a widow in need, and built relationships with neighbors across Greater Houston. Together, these efforts met practical needs while demonstrating the love of Christ throughout our community.

During Memorial Day Weekend, Pastor Gregg shared a powerful message on prayer as we honored those who gave their lives in service to our country. 

This was a meaningful time of remembrance as we reflected on the sacrifices made for our freedom and were reminded of the importance of seeking God through prayer. We were also honored to welcome Elizabeth Carlyle, author of Americans Who Pray, to The Loop Campus, where she joined us for a book signing after each service. Guests also had the opportunity to view a copy of Arnold Friberg’s painting, The Prayer at Valley Forge. This Sunday brought together faith, history, and remembrance as we paused to honor the past and look to God’s continued faithfulness.

Red, White, and Blue Bell was another memorable event held at The Loop Campus. 

On Fri, June 5, the Houston's First Worship Orchestra welcomed nearly 1,000 guests for a patriotic evening celebrating America250 through music and fellowship. Throughout the program, guests were reminded that while we are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy as a nation, our ultimate freedom is found in Christ. The orchestra performed an inspiring selection of patriotic and faith-filled music that honored our nation's history and heritage while pointing attendees to the hope of the Gospel. Following the concert, guests gathered to enjoy Blue Bell ice cream to connect with one another.

Lastly, the America250 Celebration at The Loop Campus on Sun, July 5, was a special day of worship, reflection, and community. 

We were honored to welcome guest speaker Robert Morgan, bestselling author of 100 Bible Verses That Made America, who shared a hopeful message during the morning services. Following each service, attendees had the opportunity to purchase copies of his book and meet him during a book signing. Guests were also invited to pick up a complimentary pocket Constitution, providing a keepsake from this special event. To wrap up the celebration, everyone gathered on The Lawn to enjoy popsicles and fellowship, making it a memorable day as we celebrated America250 together.

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