Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In the book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis famously argued that Jesus Christ is either “liar, lunatic, or lord.” Our biblical text for this Sunday, Mark 6:45-56, firmly locates Jesus in the final category. This passage recounts the time when he walked on water, demonstrating his authority over the natural realm to the awe of his disciples. Let me invite you to come to this passage as if you are hearing it for the first time and be prepared to worship the living One who has authority over the wind and the waves.
Click here to access our livestream service online (Sunday, 9:30 am).
This Sunday: Class on the Creeds and Westminster Standards (11:15am-Noon; Room 3/4)
What is the Apostles’ Creed? What is the Nicene Creed? What are the Westminster Standards? As a “confessional” church and denomination we hold to the early Christian creeds and the Westminster Standards as a faithful summary of the evangelical, reformed faith. In September, we will begin to incorporate these faithful expressions of the Christian faith regularly in the worship service. This Sunday, August 25, Pastor Rhett will teach an overview lesson on the creeds and confessions during the regular Sunday school hour (11:15am-noon) in room 3/4. All are invited to attend.
Elder and Deacon Nominations
The Lord provides elders and deacons to shepherd and care for the spiritual and material needs of the congregation. This fall we will hold an ordination training class for those nominated to eldership and the diaconate. If you would like to nominate an individual to be considered for elder or deacon, a form is attached to your Midweek Update (more forms are available in the church narthex). Please read the biblical qualifications and instructions carefully and prayerfully consider if the Lord would have you nominate someone for ordination training. You may return the form to the elders by placing it in the ballot box in the narthex, or by scanning (or taking a picture) of the form and emailing it to the elders. The deadline to submit nominations is Sunday, September 1.
Hillview Ave Entrance Closed Next Monday-Wednesday Morning
Next Monday (May 26) the southwest section of the parking lot will be sealed. Please use the Main St entrance as the Hillview Ave entrance will be blocked until Wednesday morning.
Preparation for the September Anniversary Celebration (September 28, 2024)
There are a number of projects underway in preparation for our church’s fifty-year anniversary celebration! We would like to invite you to consider participating in the following tasks for the celebration:
RSVP for Dinner: Kindly remember to RSVP to our celebration dinner as soon as you are able (or do so here).
Memory Boards: Bring your printed photos, old bulletins, brochures, T-shirts or other FCC souvenirs to add to our memory boards! We are working on them together on Tuesdays from 1:00pm-3:00pm and Wednesdays from 6:00pm-8:00pm.
Anniversary Tasks and Projects: There is a list of projects in the Mission Center we could use some help with as we prepare for the anniversary event. Please text or call Tim Wierenga if you are able to help.
Blanket Ministry (September 9 & 23; 10:30am)
The Blanket Ministry will begin meeting again in September. The first two meetings will be on Monday, September 9 at 10:30am and Monday, September 23 at 10:30am. Meetings will be the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month at 10:30am. Our Blanket Ministry makes blankets and shawls, which are given to those having surgery, or who have been injured or have suffered loss. No sewing experience necessary! If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Kay Hurley.
This Saturday: Cello & Harp Concert (6:30pm)
The next chamber music concert, “Summertime” will take place this Saturday, August 24 at 6:30pm in the Worship Center. It will feature Gershwin, jazz and more, featuring Kevin Brown on the guitar and Jake Muzzy on the cello. To reserve seats go to realconcerts.us or contact Jake Muzzy. You may make a donation online or at the event.
Counter and Cabinet Available
As we prepare the rooms in the church for the fall celebration, we will be getting rid of some excess furniture. If you would like to provide a new home for a bookcase or the counter and cabinets that used to be part of the Mission Center entrance (excellent workmanship!), please contact Tim Wierenga at 630-220-5754.
Prayer Requests
Audrey and Dennis Dobbs: Please pray for the Dobbs as Audrey recovers from pneumonia and Dennis continues to recover at home after having been discharged from Central DuPage Hospital on Tuesday.
Karla and Gary Van Der Molen: Continue to pray for strength and wisdom for Karla and Gary as they address Karla’s ALS.
In Christ,
Pastor Rhett