Holy Heresy!

The "Through the Advent Doors" series explores the process of waiting in this season, and the new ways we can view the four Advent themes of Hope, Love, Peace, and Joy. The series takes influence from Jan L Richardson's book of the same name. In this episode, Rev. Laura Vail Fregin discusses "Hope" in the scope of current events.Sermon by Rev. Laura Vail FreginMusic: "Coventry Carol" performed by Grace Sheldon-WilliamsPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

David Harris interviews David Saldaña and Rev. Michael Lehman about the exciting premiere of David's "Canciones de Nochebuena" presented by the FCCLA Cathedral Choir and Laude on December 11, 2022, directed by David Harris with Rev. Lehman playing percussion. 

Ironically enough, while religion dims and even disappears from the scene in many cases, it is the philosophy and psychology that hold out against the notion of giving up, of abandoning ourselves to the dregs of life. Of seeing it as useless. Of surrendering to its challenges, depressed by its losses and deluded by its fruitless promises of success, of wealth, of power, of whatever brings us to the brink.The "Evolving God, Evolving World, Evolving Purpose" series explores deep questions of faith in a changing world, and how we can understand the nature of faith in the face of unsureness. The series takes influence from a trinity of sources: "An Evolving God, an Evolving Purpose, an Evolving World" by Joan Chittister, the artwork of Georgia O'Keeffe, & the Webb telescope.Sermon by Rev. Michael LehmanMusic: "Love is Little" by David García Saldaña, recorded by Ryan HumphreyPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

The "Banned Books" series explores the connection between historical censorship of texts in Christianity and the contemporary censorship of literature in today's schools and libraries. The series takes influence from classic literature that was at one time, or currently is banned. In this episode, Rev. Wally Hoeger discusses "Heather Has Two Mommies" by Lesléa Newman.Sermon by Rev. Wally HoegerMusic: "Love is Little" by David García Saldaña, recorded by Ryan HumphreyPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

The "Banned Books" series explores the connection between historical censorship of texts in Christianity and the contemporary censorship of literature in today's schools and libraries. The series takes influence from classic literature that was at one time, or currently is banned. In this episode, Rev. Michael Lehman discusses "1984" by George Orwell.Sermon by Rev. Michael LehmanMusic: "Love is Little" by David García Saldaña, recorded by Ryan HumphreyPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

The "Banned Books" series explores the connection between historical censorship of texts in Christianity and the contemporary censorship of literature in today's schools and libraries. The series takes influence from classic literature that was at one time, or currently is banned. In this episode, Rev. Laura Vail Fregin discusses "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper LeeSermon by Rev. Laura Vail FreginMusic: "Love is Little" by David García Saldaña, recorded by Ryan HumphreyPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

The "Banned Books" series explores the connection between historical censorship of texts in Christianity and the contemporary censorship of literature in today's schools and libraries. The series takes influence from classic literature that was at one time, or currently is banned. In this episode, Rev. Laura Vail Fregin discusses "The Handmaid's Tale"  by Margaret AtwoodSermon by Rev. Laura Vail FreginMusic: "Love is Little" by David García Saldaña, recorded by Ryan HumphreyPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

The "Banned Books" series explores the connection between historical censorship of texts in Christianity and the contemporary censorship of literature in today's schools and libraries. The series takes influence from classic literature that was at one time, or currently is banned. In this episode, Rev. Michael Lehman discusses "Maus" by Art Spiegelman.Sermon by Rev. Michael LehmanMusic: "Love is Little" by David García Saldaña, recorded by Ryan HumphreyPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

The "Banned Books" series explores the connection between historical censorship of texts in Christianity and the contemporary censorship of literature in today's schools and libraries. The series takes influence from classic literature that was at one time, or currently is banned. In this episode, Rev. Michael Lehman discusses "1619: Born on the Water" from the 1619 project.Sermon by Rev. Michael LehmanMusic: "Love is Little" by David García Saldaña, recorded by Ryan HumphreyPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

Ironically enough, while religion dims and even disappears from the scene in many cases, it is the philosophy and psychology that hold out against the notion of giving up, of abandoning ourselves to the dregs of life. Of seeing it as useless. Of surrendering to its challenges, depressed by its losses and deluded by its fruitless promises of success, of wealth, of power, of whatever brings us to the brink.The "Evolving God, Evolving World, Evolving Purpose" series explores deep questions of faith in a changing world, and how we can understand the nature of faith in the face of unsureness. The series takes influence from a trinity of sources: "An Evolving God, an Evolving Purpose, an Evolving World" by Joan Chittister, the artwork of Georgia O'Keeffe, & the Webb telescope.Sermon by Rev. Laura Vail FreginMusic: "Love is Little" by David García Saldaña, recorded by Ryan HumphreyPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

Ironically enough, while religion dims and even disappears from the scene in many cases, it is the philosophy and psychology that hold out against the notion of giving up, of abandoning ourselves to the dregs of life. Of seeing it as useless. Of surrendering to its challenges, depressed by its losses and deluded by its fruitless promises of success, of wealth, of power, of whatever brings us to the brink.The "Evolving God, Evolving World, Evolving Purpose" series explores deep questions of faith in a changing world, and how we can understand the nature of faith in the face of unsureness. The series takes influence from a trinity of sources: "An Evolving God, an Evolving Purpose, an Evolving World" by Joan Chittister, the artwork of Georgia O'Keeffe, & the Webb telescope.In this episode, guest Rev. Stan Mitchell enters a conversation with Rev. Laura Vail Fregin surrounding Rev. Mitchell's personal evolving faith and theology, and his journey to creating safe spaces for all, in spite of the pressures against it.Conversation between Rev. Stan Mitchell & Rev. Laura Vail FreginMusic: "Love is Little" by David García Saldaña, recorded by Ryan HumphreyPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

Ironically enough, while religion dims and even disappears from the scene in many cases, it is the philosophy and psychology that hold out against the notion of giving up, of abandoning ourselves to the dregs of life. Of seeing it as useless. Of surrendering to its challenges, depressed by its losses and deluded by its fruitless promises of success, of wealth, of power, of whatever brings us to the brink.The "Evolving God, Evolving World, Evolving Purpose" series explores deep questions of faith in a changing world, and how we can understand the nature of faith in the face of unsureness. The series takes influence from a trinity of sources: "An Evolving God, an Evolving Purpose, an Evolving World" by Joan Chittister, the artwork of Georgia O'Keeffe, & the Webb telescope.In this episode, Rev. Michael Lehman begins this series with an examination of how long-held beliefs interact with new evidence, challenging truths and humbling our understanding of reality.Sermon by Rev. Laura Vail FreginMusic: "Love is Little" by David García Saldaña, recorded by Ryan HumphreyPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

Ironically enough, while religion dims and even disappears from the scene in many cases, it is the philosophy and psychology that hold out against the notion of giving up, of abandoning ourselves to the dregs of life. Of seeing it as useless. Of surrendering to its challenges, depressed by its losses and deluded by its fruitless promises of success, of wealth, of power, of whatever brings us to the brink.The "Evolving God, Evolving World, Evolving Purpose" series explores deep questions of faith in a changing world, and how we can understand the nature of faith in the face of unsureness. The series takes influence from a trinity of sources: "An Evolving God, an Evolving Purpose, an Evolving World" by Joan Chittister, the artwork of Georgia O'Keeffe, & the Webb telescope.In this episode, Rev. Michael Lehman begins this series with an examination of how long-held beliefs interact with new evidence, challenging truths and humbling our understanding of reality.Sermon by Rev. Michael LehmanMusic: "Love is Little" by David García Saldaña, recorded by Ryan HumphreyPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

Ironically enough, while religion dims and even disappears from the scene in many cases, it is the philosophy and psychology that hold out against the notion of giving up, of abandoning ourselves to the dregs of life. Of seeing it as useless. Of surrendering to its challenges, depressed by its losses and deluded by its fruitless promises of success, of wealth, of power, of whatever brings us to the brink.The "Evolving God, Evolving World, Evolving Purpose" series explores deep questions of faith in a changing world, and how we can understand the nature of faith in the face of unsureness. The series takes influence from a trinity of sources: "An Evolving God, an Evolving Purpose, an Evolving World" by Joan Chittister, the artwork of Georgia O'Keeffe, & the Webb telescope.In this episode, Rev. Michael Lehman begins this series with an examination of how long-held beliefs interact with new evidence, challenging truths and humbling our understanding of reality.Sermon by Rev. Michael LehmanMusic: "Love is Little" by David García Saldaña, recorded by Ryan HumphreyPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

Ironically enough, while religion dims and even disappears from the scene in many cases, it is the philosophy and psychology that hold out against the notion of giving up, of abandoning ourselves to the dregs of life. Of seeing it as useless. Of surrendering to its challenges, depressed by its losses and deluded by its fruitless promises of success, of wealth, of power, of whatever brings us to the brink.The "Evolving God, Evolving World, Evolving Purpose" series explores deep questions of faith in a changing world, and how we can understand the nature of faith in the face of unsureness. The series takes influence from a trinity of sources: "An Evolving God, an Evolving Purpose, an Evolving World" by Joan Chittister, the artwork of Georgia O'Keeffe, & the Webb telescope.In this episode, Rev. Laura Vail Fregin begins this series with an examination of how long-held beliefs interact with new evidence, challenging truths and humbling our understanding of reality.Sermon by Rev. Laura Vail FreginMusic: "Love is Little" by David García Saldaña, recorded by Ryan HumphreyPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

Ironically enough, while religion dims and even disappears from the scene in many cases, it is the philosophy and psychology that hold out against the notion of giving up, of abandoning ourselves to the dregs of life. Of seeing it as useless. Of surrendering to its challenges, depressed by its losses and deluded by its fruitless promises of success, of wealth, of power, of whatever brings us to the brink.The "Evolving God, Evolving World, Evolving Purpose" series explores deep questions of faith in a changing world, and how we can understand the nature of faith in the face of unsureness. The series takes influence from a trinity of sources: "An Evolving God, an Evolving Purpose, an Evolving World" by Joan Chittister, the artwork of Georgia O'Keeffe, & the Webb telescope.In this episode, Rev. Laura Vail Fregin begins this series with an examination of how long-held beliefs interact with new evidence, challenging truths and humbling our understanding of reality.Sermon by Rev. Laura Vail FreginMusic: "Love is Little" by David García Saldaña, performed by Ryan HumphreysPodcast produced by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

We invite you to listen in the thoughtful conversation as part of the 4th Annual Fulfilling The Dream. This year's conversation featured a panel discussion exploring housing justice in Los Angeles with participation by UCLA School of Law, Covenant House, L.A. Family Housing, and Bethel AME.2022 MLK Planning CommitteeJudge Bob Ward (FCCLA), Rebecca Wink (VOX Femina LA), Rev. Janice Steele (West Hollywood UCC), September Penn (Immanuel Pres./The Power of Song Inc.), Bernard Brown (FCCLA), Rev. Michael Lehman (FCCLA), David Harris (FCCLA), Chester McCurry (FCCLA), Oliver DelGado (FCCLA)

First Church members and staff read an abridged version of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic seated by the fire. Chapter 5, “The End Of It,” read by Clara Martin and Bennett Martin. 

First Church members and staff read an abridged version of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic seated by the fire. Chapter 4, “The Last of the Spirits,” read by David Harris and Christoph Bull. 

First Church members and staff read an abridged version of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic seated by the fire. Chapter 3, “The Second Of The Three Spirits,” ready by Lillian Mottern, Jacqueline Mottern, James Mottern, Karlina Mottern, Petrain King. 

First Church members and staff read an abridged version of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic seated by the fire. Chapter 2 ,“The First Of The Three Spirits,” is ready by Melanie Edmunds. 

First Church members and staff read an abridged version of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic seated by the fire. Chapter 1, “Marley’s Ghost,” is  read by Sammi Smith, Sharon Lawrence, and Michael Zemenick. 

In Conversations With Composers we talk with people who are creating new soundscapes that shape the ways we engage with life, art, and sacredness. In this first episode we speak with Patrick Cassidy about “The Mass”, his new major work for choir and organ. David Harris interviews Patrick and Christoph Bull to discuss the conception, creation and production of a major work recording during quarantine, and to delve into the mysteries of The Great Organs at First Church.

In Conversations With Composers we talk with people who are creating new soundscapes that shape the ways we engage with life, art, and sacredness. In this first episode we speak with Patrick Cassidy about “The Mass”, his new major work for choir and organ. David Harris interviews Patrick, Rev. Laura Vail Fregin and Rev. Michael Lehman to discuss their role in helping to bring this work to life, and its theological, liturgical, and cultural integration with the services at First Church.

In Conversations With Composers we talk with people who are creating new soundscapes that shape the ways we engage with life, art, and sacredness. In this first episode we speak with Patrick Cassidy about “The Mass”, his new major work for choir and organ. David Harris interviews Patrick and several members of Laude, Laurel Irene, James Hayden, Molly Pease and Fahad Siadat, to talk about the process of creating a new major work in quarantine and the joys of knowing Patrick’s work intimately. 

The Sacred Earth/Sacred Soul series explores deep questions of faith through the inspiration of Celtic faith leaders who were outcast and/or labeled heretics for their questions about spirituality and interconnection.  The series centers on Celtic theologian J. Philip Newell’s book “Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul”. In this episode, Rev. Laura Vail Fregin closes the series with modern Celtic prophet Kenneth White who believes that there is a shining deep within all things that illuminates their journey and which he calls “the loveliness.” 

The Sacred Earth/Sacred Soul series explores deep questions of faith through the inspiration of Celtic faith leaders who were outcast and/or labeled heretics for their questions about spirituality and interconnection.  The series centers on Celtic theologian J. Philip Newell’s book “Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul”. In this episode, Rev. Michael Lehman welcomes George McLeod’s radical compassion, insisting with McLeod that “matter matters”: that everything and everyone is sacred, and in this holiness is an imperative to care for all.

In episode 5, Rev. Michael Lehman endeavors to illuminate links between all beings, calling on the work of John Scotus Eriugena who said that divinity is "like a river flowing through everything that has being."

In episode 4, Rev. Laura Vail Fregin explores the sacred nature of the stuff that makes up the world around us, illuminating the works of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin that show that the glory of the divine can be found everywhere.

In episode 3, Rev. Michael Lehman explores the influence of Bridgid of Kildare on generations of believers including her generosity, faith, and devotion to greater connection between all things.

In episode 2: A Life Within Life, Rev. Michael Lehman explores the interconnections of  John Muir's devotion to the wild, Celtic theology, and First Nations people's dedication to the earth as a source of inspiration for our treatment of the planet as a sacred space.

The Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul series explores deep questions of faith through the inspiration of Celtic faith leaders who were outcast and/or labeled heretics for their questions about spirituality and interconnection.  In the premiere episode, Rev. Laura Vail Fregin explores what it means to have curiosity about what we believe is sacredness, and how we can begin to question our beliefs in creative, constructive ways.