Pastor Ray Smith

​Senior Pastor - First Congregational, Ashland, NE




​

October 8, 2026

Thoughts for the week:
​       Have we wondered why our spiritual life isn't progressing the way we'd like? Are we wondering why we can't seem to see the will of God in our lives, or whether we're responding to it, or whether we care at all? What many in Western Christianity today have failed to realize is that the Church isn't a building; it's the ecclesia, "the ones called out."
      As we've been working through Genesis, we've seen that this isn't a new theme. From God calling a single man, Abraham, to His establishing a single nation, Israel, the Lord has always been singling out His elect from the world. What's the difference? When the Lord marks someone, there is a distinction between that person and the world. Our God is a Holy God; as such, the people He touches should seek to pursue holy lives.
      That means they should begin to feel themselves being "called out" of their old pagan lives. They should feel a pull away from old friends who want to drag them back into old habits. Being part of the Church isn't simply gathering in a building each Sunday; it's about truly finding who the people of God are, and then growing in Christ with that beautiful and dedicated group.
      Brothers and Sisters at First Congregational, we may not have hundreds of people sitting in our pews, but I will tell you what we do have: disciples of Christ. People unafraid to hear the Word and respond to it. People unafraid to stand on the principles found in scripture. People trying to live this life on more than just Sunday mornings; and that is worth more than any gold or gems. That is why, though we may be small, we are the most beautiful congregation in Ashland: because all of you gather "to be called out".


"Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."  Hebrews 13:20, 21

​ ~Pastor Ray~
Servant in Christ 
402-944-7121 (church office)

PASTOR RAY SMITH

Pastor Ray began his ministry at First Congregational, Ashland, NE, February 2025