Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The dominant theme that ran through Sunday’s worship service and Vision Campaign presentation was the faithfulness of God. Our God is faithful at all times and in all circumstances. During the Vision Campaign presentation, I shared from Lamentations 3:22-23:
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.”
Our God proved himself faithful to the small group of believers who began to meet at West Chicago State Bank in 1973, and he continues to demonstrate his faithfulness to our congregation to this very day. Our church has remained faithful because our Lord has remained faithful to us.
This week Valerie and I have experienced both the faithfulness of God and the love and compassion of our congregation as Richard, Valerie’s dad, was hospitalized with kidney failure. Early this morning, the Lord called him home. He is in the presence of our risen Savior. Valerie and I, and Christine, Valerie’s mom, are very thankful for the outpouring of love and generosity we have already received from you all. The details regarding the funeral arrangements will be provided soon.
Rev. Don Johnson will preach God’s Word at our worship service this Sunday.
Click here to access the livestream of the Sunday service (9:30am).
Called to Flourish Vision Campaign
This past Sunday we launched our Called to Flourish Vision Campaign. Our goal is to raise funds to accomplish necessary and strategic objectives for the next 3-5 years in the areas of property improvement, congregational growth and community outreach, and financial health. If you were not able to attend last Sunday’s Vision Campaign presentation, we encourage you to watch it online.
(see email for link to Vision Campaign meeting)
As a reminder, the next two Sundays (September 17 and 24) at 11:00am we will hold our fireside chats (room 3/4). This is an opportunity to hear more about the initiative and to ask the leadership any questions you might have about the campaign.
Adult Sunday School Begins October 1
This fall, 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.
Sunday Volunteers Needed for Kitchen
We are looking for kitchen help during fellowship time. If you would like to be put on the volunteer schedule once a month for the upcoming months of October, November and December, please see Ellen Horyn or Diane Walker, or send an email to the church office.
West Chicago Neighborhood Food Pantry
There is a continuing need for donated items to the Food Pantry which can be placed in the box by the west coatroom. If you donate laundry detergent or dish soap, please ensure that they are small bottles which can be individually distributed to clients. Monetary gifts are also accepted by the Neighborhood Food Pantry.
Prayer Requests
Austin Family: Please pray that the Lord would comfort Christine, Valerie, and the Austin family following the death of Valerie’s dad, Richard, on Wednesday morning.
Larry LaBelle: Please pray for a smooth and efficient recovery following a recent back surgery.
Karla & Gary Van Der Molen: Pray for encouragement for Karla as she and Gary navigate her ALS.
Jim Indrelie: Please pray for healing for former member Jim Indrelie, who is battling lung cancer and was recently hospitalized with pneumonia.
In Christ,
Pastor Rhett