Dear Faith Community Church Family,
Our God is a covenant-making, covenant-keeping God. In fact, you could say that God’s covenant with his people has a motto: I will be your God, and you will be my people (Leviticus 26:12). Our God can always be counted on to do what he has said he will do. He has bound himself to his people by a special agreement, a covenant. He did so through the Old Covenant made with the Israelites through Moses at Mt. Sinai, but in Jesus Christ he has made a better covenant which provides eternal life for all who believe in him. This Sunday we continue our Advent series A Better Hope focusing on the special covenant God has made with his people through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Just a reminder that the Austin Christmas Open House is this Friday (5:30pm-7:30pm). Also, on Sunday, we will hold a Carol Sing in the Worship Center at 11:00am. Finally, our December Kingdom Prayer small groups will take place this Sunday at 4:00pm at the Huggins’, Evans’, Dobbs’, and Wetherington’s homes.
This morning, I sent out an email sharing that our church is serving as a shelter for five families who have been displaced as a result of a fire at the Main Park Apartments last night. Of the 24 units affected by the fire, authorities estimate that only six units’ belongings will be salvageable. Though many residents were able to stay with friends and family, at this time, we are hosting over 20 people in our Mission Center. The FCC shelter is being facilitated by the Red Cross and we will be providing the shelter through Saturday. As noted in the email, the Red Cross has provided supplies, food, and volunteers, but if any specific needs arise, we will let you know as soon as possible. Please continue to pray that the Lord would work in the midst of this trying situation to further his Gospel and to spread the love of Jesus Christ to our neighbors.
The link for this Sunday’s worship service is available here.
A Better Hope: Advent at Faith Community Church
Friday, December 16: Austin Christmas Open House (5:30pm-7:30pm)
Sunday, December 18: Carol Sing in the Worship Center (11:00am); Kingdom Prayer Small Groups (4:00pm-5:00pm)
Saturday, December 24: Christmas Eve Service (6:30pm)
Sunday, December 25: Christmas Day Worship Service (9:30am)
A Word of Thanks
Last Sunday’s Community Lunch brought many visitors and guests to our church. Special thanks to all those who came on Saturday to help decorate our tables and those who coordinated our meal and helped serve and clean up!
Poinsettias: Order by this Friday
If you would like to order a Christmas poinsettia, please contact the church office by this Friday, December 16 (churchoffice[at]faithchurchwc.org; 630/231-8230). Poinsettias are $13.00 and are available in white or red.
Advent Giving Project
Our Advent giving project this year benefits the West Chicago Neighborhood Food Pantry. Attached is a calendar with suggestions for items most needed. You do not need to provide all the items listed, and please feel free to give what you want. Items can be placed in the boxes under the tree in the narthex or under the tree near the Mission Center. For more information, please contact the church office or Amy-Jo Wierenga.
Prayer Requests
Jean Noorlag: Please pray for comfort and recovery for Jean who was admitted to Edward Hospital for stomach pain and fatigue on Tuesday.
Beth Wright: Please pray for Beth’s continued recovery after experiencing severe headaches following a procedure on her back last week.
Joanne Klingberg: Pray for full healing following a successful surgery last week to address a blockage in her abdomen.
Karla and Gary Van Der Molen: Pray for encouragement for Karla as she manages ALS.
Sharon Vaughn: Please pray for relief from back pain.
In Him,
Pastor Rhett