Brothers and Sisters,
The Apostle Paul says in Romans 5:1-2: “[S]ince we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” As followers of Jesus, we can rejoice in hope. This is a better hope–better than the hope of self-help books and podcasts; better than the hope of salvation by merit or earning. It’s better in that it is more sure than these other hopes. It is a hope that will never fail us. At Christmas we celebrate the coming of our prophet, priest, and king who gave himself for us, so that we might be justified (declared fully righteous) before God, and qualified to be his children and heirs to his glory. Praise God that we have been given such a wonderful Savior!
I look forward to worshipping with you this Saturday evening for our Christmas Eve service at 6:30pm and our Christmas Service on Sunday morning at 9:30am. On Sunday morning, our fellowship time will take place before the service at 9:00am. We will not be holding pre-service prayer this Sunday.
Please be aware that we are watching the inclement weather forecast and will make any adjustments to our services, if necessary.
Click here to access the link for the Christmas Eve service (6:30pm).
Click here to access the link for the Christmas Day worship service (9:30am).
Update on Emergency Shelter
Thank you for your continued prayers and assistance for the families affected by the Main Park Apartment fire. Due to the severity of the winter storm predicted for tomorrow and Friday, the Red Cross will be putting the shelter on “standby” tomorrow morning, keeping cots and supplies in place in the Mission Center and taking all clients to a nearby hotel. They will stay in the hotel until next Tuesday morning, at which time the families will return to the shelter temporarily, if needed. The Red Cross staff and other local outreach organizations are continuing to actively search for housing for these families and are keeping the church updated. Please continue to pray that the Lord would be at work in the hearts of these individuals and families and would soon provide housing for them.
Financial giving to assist families in need
The most vital next step for the individuals and families who have been displaced is finding long-term housing. We would like to encourage you to assist these families by giving financially to a local outreach organization called Puente del Pueblo, a ministry of Wheaton Bible Church and Outreach Ministries. Puente del Pueblo has an outreach specifically to Main Park Apartments and is working to raise funds and find housing for these families. If you would like to donate, please write a check to Faith Community Church, indicating that it is for the Puente del Pueblo fund. After funds have been collected, a check from the church will be sent to Puente del Pueblo. You can also give through our church’s website; if you do so, please note in the memo field that the funds are for Puente del Pueblo.
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.
Women’s Wednesday Morning Bible Study
The Women’s Wednesday morning Bible study will be taking a break and resume meeting on Wednesday, January 18 at 10:00am.
Prayer Requests
Cornelia Popescu: Please pray for healing for Cornelia who has been experiencing fluid buildup and chest pain as a result of a recent surgery. Cornelia will begin physical therapy this week.
Jean Noorlag: Please pray for comfort and recovery for Jean who returned home from the hospital after being admitted for stomach pain and fatigue last week.
Beth Wright: Please pray for Beth’s continued recovery after experiencing severe headaches following a recent procedure on her back.
Karla and Gary Van Der Molen: Pray for encouragement for Karla as she manages ALS.
Sharon Vaughn: Please pray for relief from back pain.
Joy to the World,
Pastor Rhett