Dear Faith Community Church Family,
It was two years ago that we launched our Called to Flourish three-year vision. As we turn the corner for our final lap of this journey, let us thank God for the wonderful things he has done over these past two years. By his grace, we’ve become a church of kingdom prayer. In addition to holding multiple prayer drives and prayer dinners over the past years, our congregation has grown in practicing biblically informed, habitual, intentional prayer as Christian disciples.
The Lord also blessed our vision campaign last fall. We received $217,568.00 in pledges, and to date have received $125,023.00 toward campaign pledge fulfillments. As we begin the fall season, this is a natural time to take stock of our giving to the campaign. We praise God for the generosity of our congregation and for the opportunities for gospel ministry that it has made possible.
We’ve also seen God develop our deepening love for our neighbors and community and have sought to be purposeful in becoming “fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). For example, we’ve launched an evangelism cohort. Additionally, the Lord answered our prayers in providing our Director of Community Outreach Jonathan Keller to lead our congregation in this area. The Lord is at work!
This Sunday our fall ministry season launches with a three-week sermon series entitled Faithfulness and Flourishing. This sermon series looks back to God’s faithfulness to our church over these last fifty years and looks forward as we move into the final year of our Called to Flourish vision. The sermon series culminates on September 29 when we join together to praise God in our worship service for his 50 years of faithfulness to our congregation.
Here is a brief overview of the Faithfulness and Flourishing three-week series:
The Call to Persevere (September 15): This Sunday we turn our attention to our Called to Flourish theme passage, Ezekiel 17:22-24, and Paul’s words to remain faithful in the Christian life in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Click here to access the livestream of this Sunday’s worship service.
The Call to Practice (September 22): With the call to “let your light shine before others” in view, our Call to Practice passage is Matthew 5:14-16. Following the sermon, Jonathan Keller will share specific opportunities our church has to share the gospel in the coming year. Adult Sunday school will begin on this day.
The Call to Praise (September 29): Reflecting on God’s faithfulness to our church over the last 50 years, we will turn our attention to Lamentations 3:22-24, responding in praise.
Adult Sunday School: Begins Sunday, September 22
Sunday School will begin on September 22nd at 11:15am in room 3/4 immediately following Fellowship Time. This fall we will use the BLESS curriculum to explore concrete steps for evangelism and outreach, led by our Director of Community Outreach Jonathan Keller. Come ready to learn, practice, and laugh together as we work for the growth of Christ’s church and the good of our community! Stay tuned for our plans regarding children and youth Sunday school.
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.
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 (847-857-0368) 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.
Volunteers Needed: Kitchen & Sound
Soon we will be making up our fourth quarter volunteer schedule (October, November & December). We are in need of two volunteers to help in the kitchen during fellowship time. It would include making coffee, setting out the refreshments and cleaning up afterwards. Volunteering entails serving one Sunday every 4 to 6 weeks. We are also in need of a volunteer to assist with sound during the worship service. Training would be available. If you are able to help in either of these capacities, please see Ellen or Diane in the church office.
Prayer Requests
Karla and Gary Van Der Molen: Please continue to pray for strength for Karla and Gary as they address Karla’s ALS.
Jason Huggins (brother of Ben Huggins): Please pray for complete healing for Jason who had surgery recently to address an intestinal problem.
In Christ,
Pastor Rhett