Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Genesis 12 just might be one of the most important chapters of the Bible. In this chapter God makes his initial promise to Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish people: “I will bless you… and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Gen 12:3). Right from the beginning we see God’s intention to reveal himself to all of humanity through his covenant people. The Israelites were tasked with demonstrating the nature of God to the world through their obedience to the Law. Then, like a city on a hill or a bright light, the rest of the world would be drawn to God through Israel’s shining example. God has always wanted everyone on earth to have the opportunity to know, worship, and love him.
The sermon text for this Sunday is Mark 7:24-30. In these verses, a Gentile (non-Jewish) woman comes to Jesus for help. Their conversation takes an interesting turn and reveals Jesus’ mission to the nations. Jonathan Keller will be preaching this Sunday, as I will be out of town from Friday morning until Sunday evening attending a Christian retreat with a cohort connected with the C.S. Lewis Institute, an evangelical discipleship organization.
Click here to join the livestream of this Sunday’s worship service (9:30 am).
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 Presentations: Bring your printed photos, old bulletins, brochures, T-shirts or other FCC souvenirs to add to our memory presentations! We are working on them together on Tuesdays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm and Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 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.
Monthly Men’s Lunch (September 11)
The monthly men’s lunch will be at Cooper’s Corner (27W150 Roosevelt Rd., Winfield) on Wednesday, September 11th at 12:00pm. All men are invited to attend.
Fall Women’s Bible Studies
Tuesday Nights (Begins September 17): This fall, the Tuesday night women’s Bible study will be studying the Psalms, using a guide designed by Christine Gordon and Hope Blanton. This study meets 7:00-8:45pm beginning Sept. 17 at Jenn Wright’s home (locations will rotate monthly throughout the study). Books cost $5.00. Text or call Jenny Johnson to register.
Wednesday Mornings: The Wednesday morning women’s Bible study meets 10:00-11:30am at FCC in room 3/4. Summer topics taught by Jean Bultema continue until mid-September, when we pick back up in James by Lydia Brownback. Contact Amy-Jo Wierenga for details.
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.
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.
Praises and Requests
Donna and Ernie Siefert: Join us in praise for the Siefert’s new home in Wheaton.
Karla and Gary Van Der Molen: Please continue to pray for strength for Karla and Gary as they address Karla’s ALS.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Rhett