Dear Faith Community Church Family,
It was a rough day for the Apostle Paul. After a riot at the temple in Jerusalem, the Roman commander brings the Apostle before the Sanhedrin to “get the facts straight.” The Sanhedrin was the highest Jewish court in Israel. Paul can barely get one sentence out of his month before things once again get ugly. In fact, Luke says that the commander had to send soldiers to rescue the Apostle because he was afraid he would be “torn to pieces” (Acts 23:10). Paul is rescued, but he’s exhausted, and I’m sure fighting discouragement. He is trying to be faithful, but he keeps hitting roadblock after roadblock.
Paul needed encouragement. He needed strength, just as we all do, to keep doing the ministry God called him to. The very next night the risen Christ appeared to Paul, saying, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” (Acts 23:11) We too can take courage, knowing that the Lord who stood by Paul that night in the army barracks stands by us today to fulfill the mission he has given us. This Sunday, our sermon text is Acts 22:30-23:11.
Click here to access the livestream of this Sunday’s service.
This Saturday: Church Cleanup Morning (“Donut Day”)
Join us this Saturday, April 30 (9:00am-noon) for our rescheduled church cleanup morning led by Mark Wissing and Phyl Holt, our Property Team leaders.
West Chicago Neighborhood Food Pantry Donation Drive
The local West Chicago food pantry is in need of items not covered by the Link card. Items include: toothpaste, toothbrushes, dish soap, deodorant, baby wipes, bath soap, shampoo, Kleenex, feminine products, laundry detergent, adult & children’s diapers. Beginning this week, our church will be collecting these items in the west coat room by the mailboxes. If you have any questions, please see Kay Campbell.
WordPartners Event: The Power of God’s Word (Saturday, May 14, 6:00pm)
On Saturday, May 14, our church will host The Power of God’s Word, an in-person and livestream event, which centers on celebrating the work God has done through the ministry of WordPartners. During the event we will hear about the ways God is using WordPartners to train pastors and make disciples throughout the world. Dinner will be provided. If you would like to register for the event, you may do so through our church’s registration page or by contacting the church office.
Community Lunch: Sunday, May 22 at 11:00am
Our community lunches are a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to come and engage with Faith Community and to hear what the Gospel is all about. Our next Community Lunch will be Sunday, May 22 at 11:00am in the Mission Center. While no RSVP is required, in order to get a general idea of how many people to expect, we ask that you email or call the church office if you will be bringing guests.
Transportation and Housing Need for Missionary Connection
A family and missionary connection of Katie Wetherington is returning to the States from Chad on home assignment. The Bendele family serves with Pioneers and have some needs in light of their return. Please see below for hospitality opportunities for them:
– Housing from May 11-June 1 and July 1, 2022-July 1, 2023: The Bendeles are looking for a local three-bedroom housing situation or enough space for seven people.
–Car with five seats to rent/borrow from May 12-June 1.
If you are able to provide, or know of a way one of these needs can be met, please call or text Hannah Muzzy (Katie’s sister-in-law) .
Prayer Requests
Leanne Stewart: Please pray for Leanne as she was diagnosed last week with Covid.
Karla and Gary Van Der Molen: Please pray for healing and strength for Karla as she manages her ALS.
Bryan Van Zanten: Please pray for Bryan as he undergoes his final treatment for lymphoma.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Rhett