Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As part of our Refocus 2020 vision we have committed to being a church that demonstrates the mercy of God to our local community. This December we held a World Relief Christmas drive that benefitted refugees in our county. Just this morning I had the privilege of helping transport the donated items to the World Relief office in Carol Stream. Our church donated several carts of items which will go to Refugees in the surrounding area struggling with the challenges of beginning life in a new country. Soon our youth group will be returning to the World Relief office to help the staff organize and put away the items and also to pray for those refugees who will be receiving them. In Leviticus 19:34, the Lord says, “You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” I’m so thankful to the Lord for the generosity you have shown through your participation in this project of mercy.
Volunteer with World Relief ESL classes on Saturdays at FCC
Some of you have asked how you can become more involved with the Saturday morning ESL classes serving refugees at the church. These classes take place each Saturday in room 3/4 from 9am-noon until May. Please consider bringing snacks on Saturday mornings (simply drop in) or fill out an application to become a fully-trained ESL volunteer. See Rosa Matos in the church office for more details.
Lenten Prayer Service: Wednesday, February 26 (6:30 pm)
On Wednesday, February 26 at 6:30 pm, we’ll hold a special service of worship and prayer marking the beginning of the Lenten season. 1 Peter 5:6 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” Lent is a period of preparation and repentance, a time set aside in the midst of our busy, often hectic, schedules to “humble ourselves” before the Lord. Our time of prayer and worship will focus on asking the Lord to humble our hearts and prepare us for Holy Week, when we look back to Christ’s death on Good Friday and celebrate his glorious victory over death on Easter Sunday. This Wednesday prayer service will take place instead of our usual Sunday evening monthly prayer service.
Membership Class: February 22, 29
We will be offering a membership class on the last two Saturdays of February (Feb 22, 29). The class will be held at the Austin’s (880 Main St, West Chicago) from 9 am to noon with lunch being served the second Saturday. You are welcome to attend even if you are already a member, or if you simply desire to learn more about what membership entails. We’ll be looking at the distinctives of the Reformed faith, the history of Faith Community Church, and the benefits of membership. Register here, or contact Rosa Matos in the church office ([email protected]
This Sunday our sermon will focus on the topic of work in the Proverbs. Does God care about our work? What does wisdom have to do with our work? The Proverbs have a lot to say in answer to these questions. In short, wisdom realigns our work so that our work glorifies our Creator. This Sunday we’ll gather together to take the Lord’s Supper. Please take time before Sunday morning to prepare your heart for this special time of communion with our Lord and with his redeemed people.
In Christ,
Pastor Rhett