First Community

06/01/2026

From this morning's sermon:

05/31/2026

"Risk your heart." Ooohhh. I like this.

05/29/2026

TO COME HOME TO YOURSELF

May all that is unforgiven in you,
Be released.

May your fears yield
Their deepest tranquilities.

May all that is unlived in you,
Blossom into a future,
Graced with love.

JOHN O'DONOHUE

From his books: To Bless the Space Between Us (US) / Benedictus (Europe)
Ordering Info: https://johnodonohue.com/store

Ballyvaughan, County Clare, Ireland - May 2026
Photo: © Ann Cahill

05/28/2026

Yesterday, the Wednesday Community Lunch guests and volunteers wrapped Chef Jenny in the kind of love and appreciation that can only grow from years of shared meals, laughter, kindness, and community. ❤️

On her last official cook day with the program, guests Jenny’s beautiful vision of what the Wednesday Lunch could be — not just a meal, but a welcoming and caring community space where everyone belongs. A place where people were greeted warmly, fed with dignity, encouraged to connect, and reminded that they mattered.

In a touching tribute, many guests and volunteers wore Jenny’s favourite colour, red, and gathered together to share cake, stories, smiles, and heartfelt thanks. It was a simple but deeply meaningful goodbye that reflected the impact Jenny has had on so many lives through her compassion, creativity, and countless meals made with care.

The Wednesday Lunch program will continue, but Chef Jenny’s heart, vision, and spirit will always be part of what makes this community table so special.

Thank you, Chef Jenny, for feeding far more than just hungry stomachs. You helped nourish connection, belonging, and community.

05/27/2026

Khalil Gibran

05/26/2026

John Lee Trio
Thursday, May 28, 2026
7:00 PM 9:00 PM
**Song Sparrow Hall**
180 Lakeshore Drive NorthwestSalmon Arm, BC, V1E 4N5

PLEASE NOTE: This special performance takes place at Song Sparrow Hall in Salmon Arm.

This week, the Jazz Club brings you the John Lee Trio from Vancouver. His previous Jazz Club performances on piano speak to John’s incredible skill and artisitry, but some may not be aware that he is equally skilled on bass, guitar, drums, and Hammond organ. For this show, John performs on Song Sparrow Hall’s recently acquired Hammond B3 organ, accompanied by Kosma Busheikin on guitar, and Graham Villette on drums.

John’s organ playing is rooted in the classic organ-trio tradition of players such as Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff, blended with a modern, soulful touch. He has cited the late organ legend Joey DeFrancesco as a primary inspiration for his work on the instrument.

Lee's experience as a sideman goes far beyond his years. Raised as a local of Vancouver Island, his early performing experiences were with Canadian artists such as Order of Canada recipient Phil Dwyer and internationally acclaimed Jazz trumpeter Ingrid Jensen. At age 19, Lee made his performance debut in the US with pianist Cyrus Chestnut at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola (Jazz at Lincoln Center) in New York City. Lee spent much of the early 2010's on the bandstand supporting visiting artists in Victoria BC where he performed with American pianists Larry Fuller, George Colligan and Misha Piatigorsky. Starting an association with internationally recognized Jazz saxophonist and impresario Cory Weeds in recent years, Lee was provided many opportunities to share the stage with the who's who of the Jazz world. Since 2017, Lee has performed with many world class visiting artists in Vancouver BC including Terell Stafford, Roy McCurdy, Ralph Moore, Grant Stewart, Jeremy Pelt, Eric Alexander, Joe Farnsworth, Peter Bernstein, Benny Benack III, Alexander Claffy, Mike LeDonne, Lucy Yeghiazaryan, Michael Weiss, Dick Oatts, Jim Rotondi, Nicole Glover and Joe Magnarelli.

ADMISSION: By donation.
CONCESSION: Coffee, tea and treats are also available by donation.
DOORS: Open at 6:30pm.

05/25/2026

Salmon Arm will be hosting its very first Pride Parade on Saturday, June 6, and First Community will take part with a joyful, welcoming, and affirming presence. We’re looking for anyone who would be interested in being part of a First Community parade entry — whether that means walking, riding, decorating, waving rainbow flags, playing music, or simply showing up in support of love, inclusion, and community.

The parade staging begins at 8:30am at the Marine Park NE Parking Lot, with a short route through downtown Salmon Arm. Parade entries can include walking groups, bicycles, skates, golf carts, e-bikes, vehicles, trailers, and more. Decorations and music are encouraged, and our hope is to create something colourful, welcoming, and full of joy — with a banner sharing that First Community is an affirming church where everyone is welcome.

A special bonus would be if someone has access to a pickup truck and a 'safe' trailer where individuals who may not be able to walk the route could comfortably sit and participate while we decorate it in a rainbow of colours.

Following the parade, celebrations will continue at Blackburn Park with a community stage, family-friendly activities, and booths hosted by organizations supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and other traditionally marginalized groups.

If you are interested in participating, helping decorate, lending a vehicle/trailer, or simply want to learn more, please reply here or message us here and we'll get back to you!

05/25/2026