Dear Brothers and Sisters,
God has created us as people who yearn to be in fellowship with others. We have all experienced this deep desire for fellowship especially during these last several months. In fact, we long for fellowship because we reflect our God who has always, from all eternity, been in fellowship and relationship with himself: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. John’s purpose in writing the letter of 1 John is to deepen his readers’ commitment to the truth of the Gospel and their fellowship with one another and with God. But what exactly does it look like when we are walking in fellowship with each other and with God? John tells us in this week’s text: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7). Walking in the light of truth and living in fellowship with God and his people are two sides of the same coin. To have one is to have the other. I encourage you to take a moment to read 1 John 1:5-10 in preparation for the second sermon in our series The Letters of John: The Christian Community in Confusing Times.
In-Person Worship Service to Resume this Sunday, June 14 (8:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am)
I thank God that we have the opportunity to begin gathering for in-person worship this Sunday, June 14 in groups of 25 or less. We will hold three Sunday morning worship services at 8:00 am, 9:30 am, and 11:00 am. We encourage you to bring a mask, but the church will also have masks and sanitizer available. You will notice that the services are slightly amended from our usual Sunday morning order of worship, in order to protect the health of our members and guests. For those who are unwell, immunocompromised, or otherwise unable to gather in person, we will continue to offer the sermon and order of service as a recording online.
Please call or email Rosa, our office administrator by this Friday to indicate which service you plan to attend. You can leave a voicemail if Rosa is not in the office when you call. The church office phone number is (630) 231-8230 and her email is [email protected] If you forget to call by Friday, we do not want that to hinder you from attending and we will make arrangements for you to participate in the service.
Seven Days of Prayer & PCA webinar (June 11, 1 pm)
As our country continues to discuss and address matters of racial injustice, we have the opportunity to join with other local churches in praying about these issues through the Seven Days of Prayer. Furthermore, we have the opportunity to hear from black leaders in our denomination in tomorrow’s webinar, hosted by the PCA/MNA (Mission to North America) committee. These conversations are being recorded and those who attend are also sent other resources as well. The webinar tomorrow is scheduled for 1 pm CT.
Budget Meetings: June 10 (6:30 pm); June 14 (4 pm); June 17 (9 am)
On Sunday, ruling elder Tim Wierenga sent a draft of our budget for fiscal year 2021 to all FCC members. We have several opportunities for you to interact with our church leadership regarding the budget. Please check your email for specific details on these meetings.
Indrelie Farewell Event: Wednesday, June 17 (6pm-7:30pm) in the Church Parking Lot
Longtime FCC members Anita and Jim Indrelie will soon be moving to Minneapolis. Before they become physically distant, we would like to have a socially distant chance to honor these dear friends who have done so much for our church.
We will be hosting an event for them on Wednesday, June 17, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm in the church parking lot. We will provide treats and bottled water. Please bring your folding chairs and we will sit in safe proximity to others. Hand sanitizer and masks will be available.
In case of inclement weather, we will have a “drive-in” format under the carport on the east side of the building. There will be a special book to sign for them. Gifts are not necessary but cards are welcomed. If you have any questions, please contact Diane Walker (630)313-0441.
Viland Baby Shower: Sunday, June 14
On Sunday, June 14 the Austins will present baby shower gifts to expectant parents Josiah & Paola Viland on behalf of the church. The Vilands are registered at Target and BuyBuy BABY. If you would like to contribute, please bring your gift to the church by the 11 am service on Sunday and Valerie will make sure the Vilands receive it..
Prayer requests
Audrey Dobbs: Please pray that Audrey’s blood sugar would continue to drop and that she would be able to sustain a healthy blood sugar level.
Don Johnson: Don Johnson, who serves as a hospice chaplain with CovenantCare, has been asked to speak at Windsor Park in commemoration of dozens of lives lost to COVID-19 among the retirement community. These individuals were unable to have memorial or funeral services due to the complications of the virus. Please pray for Don as he prepares his remarks and ask for the Holy Spirit to guide him.
Rosa Matos: Our office administrator, Rosa, requests prayers for her husband, Tony. He is anemic and has diverticulitis. In addition to these issues, his potassium is elevated. Tony is on multiple medications and is feeling unwell. Please pray that the treatment for the anemia and kidneys is effective and that he will feel better soon.
It was wonderful to see many of you at our communion services Sunday. I’m thankful to the Lord for the opportunity to begin regathering for worship and fellowship. I am praying for all of you this week, asking that the Lord would fill you with hope even as you pray over the challenges of this season.
In Christ,
Pastor Rhett