Dear Faith Community Church Family,
Jonathan Keller here, your Director of Community Outreach, stopping by for your Midweek Update devotional blurb. As we look forward to Pastor Rhett’s second sermon on Matthew 5:14-16 in our Faithfulness and Flourishing series, I was reminded of the Lord’s words through the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 49:5-6. There the Lord announces how He formed His servant (Jesus) to be a light for the nations. When Jesus speaks to the crowds in His Sermon on the Mount, though, the Light of the nations is telling His people that they are to be a light to the world around them. Like the sun shines its brilliance on the moon so the moon can reflect that light onto the earth, the Lord calls us, His people, to reflect His light to those around us that all the world might be saved.
Look forward to hearing on Sunday how we can practice being that light to those around us that the Lord has providentially brought us near for relationship. After Pastor Rhett preaches on Matthew 5:14-16, I will share about how we as a church can put into practice gospel advancement through evangelism and outreach this fall. If you don’t hear enough from me during the service, I’ll also lead our first Sunday School class at 11:15am in room 3/4 as we start the BLESS curriculum to guide our evangelism and outreach this fall.
Click here to view the livestream for this Sunday’s service at 9:30am.
Anniversary Celebration Countdown!
We have a little over a week before our 50th anniversary celebration dinner and program on Saturday, September 28. Doors open at 5:00pm for a time of gathering and dinner will be served at 5:30pm. Following dinner, a special anniversary program will be held in the Worship Center. On Sunday, September 29, we will gather for our anniversary celebration worship service (9:30am).
This Sunday: Adult Sunday School Begins!
Sunday School will begin this Sunday, 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.
Vision Campaign Update
The Lord 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.
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 is available. If you are able to help in either of these capacities, please contact Ellen or Diane in the church office.
Men’s Bible Study
There will be no Saturday men’s Bible study on September 28. Bible study will resume the following Saturday at Larry LaBelle’s house (8:00am).
Prayer Requests
Jean Bultema: Please pray for a successful procedure as Jean undergoes an operation to have a pacemaker installed on September 26.
Karla and Gary Van Der Molen: Please continue to pray for encouragement and strength for Karla and Gary as they address Karla’s ALS.
With Grace,
Jonathan Keller