Brothers and Sisters,
On Sunday, we read these words from the Apostle Paul: “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3). This is one of the most comforting passages in the New Testament that speaks to our security and protection in Jesus Christ.
As a church, we have been partnering with Chicago Friends of Haiti and the Haitian organization El Shaddai Ministries International (ESMI) to send a mission team, including myself, to Haiti in two weeks. By now, you may have become aware that the Haitian president, Jovenel Moïse, was assassinated early this morning. In a country already devastated by political unrest and poverty, this event increases the pressures and stresses on the Christians and citizens of Haiti.
I thank God for the ways in which we have been able to partner with ESMI and Chicago Friends of Haiti in giving and prayer over these last months. Pray that the children and staff in the Cavaillon orphanage would pick up and read the very bibles their brothers and sisters at Faith Community Church sent them and find comfort in God’s promises during such a dark time. Let’s intercede before the throne of grace for Christ’s body in Haiti, praying for the safety of its citizens, perseverance and wisdom for the leaders of the churches, and, finally, that our Lord, in his wisdom and providence, would work through these events to further the message of the gospel of his Son.
Since it is probable that this event will lead to escalating violence in the days and weeks ahead, Ted Powers (our team leader) has communicated to the Haiti mission team that the trip will most likely be postponed. He is working with the heads of ESMI in Haiti, Dony St. Germain and Louis St. Germain, to make a final decision.
Building and Property Safety
We are committed to keeping our church building and grounds a safe environment for our people. Tuesday morning a vehicle was stolen while parked beneath the carport on the east side of our church building. The police were contacted immediately and the vehicle was later found and returned. Our church leadership has been very proactive in increasing our building security (for example, by installing security cameras); however, we encourage you to lock the doors of your cars and take any necessary safety precautions in our church parking lot. If you happen to be on church property and see anything suspicious, including vehicles or people you don’t recognize, the West Chicago police department invites you to call 911 to report unusual circumstances.
Here is the link for this Sunday’s service. The sermon text for this Lord’s Day is Acts 8:26-40, a passage which tells the story of a divine appointment that leads to the conversion of an Ethiopian eunuch through the witness of Philip. Please prepare your heart in confession and prayer to participate in the Lord’s Supper this Sunday.
A couple of other items to keep in mind:
PUBLIC WI-FI AT FAITH COMMUNITY CHURCH
Public Wi-Fi is now available for our community. Check your email for the WiFi password.
WEGO COMMUNITY THEATRE SUMMER SHOWCASE
As a way of blessing our community, we have had the opportunity to provide rehearsal space for the WeGo Community Theatre. The WeGo Community Theatre invites you to join them for their Summer Showcase this Friday, July 9 at 7pm and Saturday, July 10 at 2pm on the Wheaton Academy Fine Arts Center lawn. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy some great (and free) theatre. Donations will be accepted.
Finally, thank you for your prayers on my behalf as I participated in the PCA General Assembly last week in St. Louis. The Lord blessed the national gathering of our pastors with a record number of elders in attendance. Though many items were discussed during the meetings, one especially important outcome was the reaffirmation of the biblical teaching on human sexuality and sexual identity, particularly as it relates to pastors and those seeking ordination in our denomination. Praise God for his continued faithfulness to the PCA and for our denomination’s continued commitment to the standards of Scripture.
In Him,
Pastor Rhett