Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This week I had a conversation with our son, Charlie, about what the word “church” means. In the Bible, the word “church” doesn’t refer to a building, but rather the people of God; the people God has called out of the world to be members of his family. The church includes all believers everywhere, from the era of the Old Testament and all those who will come to know Jesus as their Savior, even into the future. This, in fact, is an important theme in Hebrews. One of the purposes of Hebrews 11 is to demonstrate how, though we may be from different blood lines, we belong to the same family as the Old Testament believers. You could think of this “Hall of Faith” as our own family tree; each patriarch and matriarch mentioned like family portraits lining the hallways of our ancestral estate. These are our people; they persevered through trials and suffering as they walked with God, therefore, we can also remain faithful as our spiritual ancestors did. At Faith Community Church, we are a part of a global family of Christians which stretches all the way back to Genesis. This Sunday, we turn our attention to Hebrews 11:8-22.
Click here to access the livestream of this Sunday’s worship service (9:30am).
Called to Flourish Vision Campaign
Vision Campaign Launch | Sunday, September 10
During the worship service on Sunday, September 10, we will revisit the theme passage for our church’s Called to Flourish three-year vision, Ezekiel 17:22-24. We will also hear about the ways our church will be implementing our vision in the coming months. At 11:00am, join us in the Worship Center as the leadership shares about the ministry goals and objectives of the Vision Campaign.
Fireside Chats | Sunday, September 17 and Sunday, September 24 (11:00am; Room 3/4)
Join in room 3/4 to hear more about the Vision Campaign and to ask the leadership any questions you might have about the campaign.
Sunday, October 8 | Commitment Sunday
On Vision Campaign Commitment Sunday we will gather to praise God for his financial provision and to thank him for his faithfulness to our church during our worship service (9:30am).
Fall Sunday School
Our fall Sunday school classes will begin on Sunday, September 17 for children (room 6), and Sunday, October 1 for adults (room 3/4). Our children’s class will be taught by Amy-Jo Wierenga and Valerie Austin.
The adult Sunday school class will study The Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything by Timothy Keller. This eight week study explores the many implications of the gospel for our lives, our church, and our community. There is no outside reading for the class (though there are optional at-home lessons). Each week will include a brief video teaching by Timothy Keller followed by discussion, Scripture reflection, and prayer. The book costs $9.00. Donations for the book are accepted, but not required. Please place donations in the offering plate. If you would like a copy of the book, please sign the sheet in the narthex.
Providing Meals for the LaBelles:
If you would like to provide a meal for the LaBelles as Larry recovers from surgery (starting the week of Sept 4th), please go to: takethemameal.com, click on “Find a Meal Schedule,” enter Last Name: LaBelle, Password: (see your email). If you need assistance with signing up, please contact Don Johnson or the church office.
Saturday Morning Men’s Bible Study
There will be no men’s Bible study Saturday, September 2. Bible study will resume September 9 at the church (8:00 am).
Blanket Ministry
Blanket Ministry will meet Monday, September 11 and Monday, September 25 at 10:30 am in room 7, after which it will meet regularly every second and fourth Monday of the month. All ladies are invited to attend. Please see Kay Hurley for more details.
Embracing Hope Women’s Bible Studies
Tuesday Nights: this fall we will be studying Ephesians using a 10-week study guide by Lydia Brownback. We will begin meeting on September 12th from 7:00pm-8:30pm at the home of Jenn Wright. Book cost is $5.00. Please contact Jenny Johnson if you would like to attend.
Wednesday Mornings: this group meets from 10:00am-11:30am at FCC. We would love to have you join us as we study God’s Word together! Please contact Amy-Jo Wierenga for additional details.
Prayer Requests
Larry LaBelle: We praise God for a successful back surgery on Monday; please pray for a smooth and efficient recovery.
Karla & Gary Van Der Molen: Pray for continued strength for Karla as she and Gary navigate her ALS.
In Him,
Pastor Rhett