Dear Brothers and Sisters,
What a joy it was to join with you on Saturday evening and Sunday morning to celebrate the faithfulness of God to our congregation! The Lord has been faithful to our church for the last fifty years, and this weekend was a wonderful time of rejoicing together in God’s goodness and mercy toward us. Once again, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the anniversary committee and to all who made the anniversary celebration possible! The celebration on Saturday was a blessing to all who attended.
A special video of the Saturday evening celebration is now available. The video includes clips from the dinner, the entire celebration program, and a special FCC slideshow. Click here to access the anniversary celebration video.
This Sunday we return to our sermon series Follow Me on the Gospel of Mark. In Isaiah 35:5-6, we read about the deliverance that God will bring when he himself comes to his redeem his people:
“[T]he eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
then shall the lame man leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.”
Keep these words in mind when we come to this week’s sermon passage: Mark 7:31-37. Jesus is more than a healer, more than a compelling leader; he’s God incarnate–the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, come to finally and forever end their exile and establish his Kingdom on earth.
This Sunday we will join together during the worship service for the Lord’s Supper. Please prepare your hearts beforehand through prayer and confession for this covenantal meal.
Click here to access the livestream of this Sunday’s worship service (9:30am).
Church Choir Singers Wanted
The choir will be starting up very soon. All those interested in joining the choir may email Jenn Wright. More information to follow.
Men’s Lunch: Wednesday, October 9 (12:00pm)
All men are invited to the monthly men’s lunch on Wednesday, October 9 at 12:00pm. It will be at Larry LaBelle’s home.
Embracing Hope: Saturday, October 12 (9:30am-11:00am)
All ladies are invited to join us Saturday, October 12 at the church for a Women’s Ministry Recipe Exchange! Bring a copy (1 sheet, easily readable) of a favorite family recipe and a breakfast item to share. We will compile recipes into a set you can take home. Invite family members, friends, or neighbors to participate in the exchange and hear about the hope of Christ. RSVP to Jenny Johnson or sign up in the Narthex or at the Tuesday/Wednesday Bible study.
Free Self-Defense Class: Saturday, October 19 (3:00pm-4:30pm)
All ladies ages 12 and up are invited to join us on Saturday, October 19 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm for a free self-defense class. Whatever your experience, you will practice skills to keep you and your loved ones safe. Come and be ready to move! We will also share about how Christ has freed us from fear. Please see or call Natalie Wierenga for further information. Fliers will be available to invite friends and family.
Sound Volunteers Still Needed
If you are able to volunteer to serve once a month in our sound booth (training available), please contact Diane Walker or Ellen Horyn in the church office.
Prayer Requests
Jean Bultema: Please pray for Jean’s recovery from pacemaker surgery.
Karla and Gary Van Der Molen: Thank you for your continued faithfulness in prayer for Gary and Karla as they manage Karla’s ALS.
In Christ,
Pastor Rhett