This worship service at First Presbyterian Church centers on forgiveness, grace, and the complicated difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. The service begins with worship, prayer, confession, the passing of the peace, and a children’s message about telling the truth, acknowledging when we hurt others, and remembering that God’s love remains constant. The congregation then hears Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 18:21–35, where Peter asks how often he should forgive and Jesus responds with the familiar “seventy times seven.”

The sermon takes an honest look at what forgiveness actually means, emphasizing that forgiveness does not require ignoring harm, denying pain, or automatically reconciling with someone when doing so would be unsafe. Instead, the message describes forgiveness as naming what happened, recognizing its impact, accepting reality, and ultimately releasing resentment so that it no longer controls our lives. Through stories about betrayal, recovery, making amends, and the grace God offers us, the congregation is challenged to consider how receiving abundant forgiveness can help us extend grace to others.

The service also includes a special celebration of Pastor Katie’s first year serving the congregation. The church reflects on the ways she has become part of the community through worship, Bible studies, Vacation Bible School, pastoral care, outreach, and everyday moments with church members. The service closes with a prayer for healing, love, justice, and those who are hurting, followed by music and a benediction focused on living in the grace and love of Christ.