Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In the sermon text from this past Sunday, we read these words from 1 John: “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:17-18). Over these last several months, as many needs have arisen due to the coronavirus, I have been encouraged to see our congregation stepping up to show mercy and compassion toward one another; concrete examples of our people living out our church’s emphasis on mercy.
One specific example: Several members of the congregation have devoted literally hours and hours to sewing face masks not only for our church members, but also for neighbors and local organizations. They have made an estimated 500-600 face masks that have been donated to people in our church and community. This is an excellent demonstration of God’s people using their skills and what the Apostle John calls “the world’s goods” to show the love of Christ to their neighbors.
This Sunday we will be focusing on 1 John 3:19-24 as we continue our sermon series The Letters of John: The Christian Community in Confusing Times.
This Sunday at 6 pm: Outdoor Service of Praise and Worship
On Sunday evening, August 30, at 6 pm we will hold an outdoor service of praise and worship on the west side of the building. During our time together, our worship director, Dave Wright, will lead us in song, and Susie Wetherington, our prayer team leader, will guide us in a time of corporate prayer. Canopies will be available for shade and bottled water will be provided. We encourage you to bring a folding chair or blanket for seating.
Adult Sunday School
Our aim is to provide a modified adult Sunday school this fall using the excellent book Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit by Christopher Wright, a practical and biblical exploration on the signs of Christian maturity we see listed in Galatians 5:22-23. The Sunday school class will take place every other week. We would like to offer this class following the 10:30 am service (the class would take place from 11:30am-12:30pm); however, we recognize that for some of you this would require attending the second service instead of the first. In order to help us determine whether this would be the best time to offer the class, we ask that if you are able to attend this time, please contact Rosa Matos in the church office this week at [email protected]. If this does not prove to be a beneficial time for most people who wish to participate, we will adjust our schedule accordingly.
Hinged at Home Virtual Conference: Vitally Connected to Christ and His Church
The PCA Women’s Conference Hinged has moved online in order to allow women to participate safely. Registrants will receive digital access to 12 online teaching sessions as well as other digital content. The content will be available from September 15-November 15. Cost of participation is $25.
The FCC Women’s Ministry aims to organize a one-day Saturday gathering for anyone interested in coming together and walking through the study as a group. The day will be structured into three main sessions with breakout groups and lunch (date to be determined).
If you are interested, please contact Katie Wetherington or Amy Paglia.
Prayer Requests
Amy Rhody: Praise God that Pat and Larry LaBelle’s daughter Amy Rhody is experiencing improved health after struggling with exhaustion due to a thyroid dysfunction. Please continue to keep Amy in your prayers.
Joanne Klingberg: Please continue to pray for Joanne Klingberg and her family as they continue to adjust to life without John, who passed away on August 13. Pray that God would strengthen and encourage the Klingberg family.
And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. (1 John 3:23)
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Rhett