Dear Brothers and Sisters:
One distinguishing mark of the letters of the Apostle Paul is his opening thanksgiving and prayer. In most of his letters he includes one, or both, of these elements in order to encourage and challenge the church to whom he is writing. The book of Colossians is no exception. He begins his thanksgiving in Colossians with these words: “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven” (Colossians 1:3-5). Paul then goes on to let these believers know that he and his coworkers “have not ceased” to pray for them; in particular, they pray that they would be filled with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding so that they may “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (v. 10).
This Sunday we welcome Rev. Andy Iversen back to our church. Andy will be preaching from Colossians 1:3-14. Come ready to be encouraged and challenged from Paul’s opening words to the Colossian Christians.
Click here to access the livestream of this Sunday’s worship service (9:30am).
Ellen Horyn Memorial Service: Saturday, February 8 at 11:00am
The memorial service for Ellen Horyn will begin at 11:00am this Saturday, February 8 here at the church. A time to visit with the family will begin before the service at 9:30am. A luncheon will immediately follow the memorial service. Flowers may be sent to Faith Community Church.
This Sunday: Ted Powers Teaching in Adult Sunday School (11:15am-Noon; Room 3/4)
This Sunday, Ted Powers will return to our church to continue teaching on the topic of spiritual conversations during adult Sunday school (11:15am-Noon). This is an excellent opportunity to learn how to share the compassion of Christ and the message of the gospel with our neighbors in a way that is natural and loving.
Chicago Friends of Haiti Christmas Giving Update
Our church participated in the Chicago Friends of Haiti’s Advent Giving campaign. Thanks to our efforts and those of local PCA churches, we were able to send $19,000 in scholarship assistance to send Haitian children to a Christian school in Cavaillon, $40,000 in medical supplies, $8,500 in food supplies, $500 in French Bibles, and $17,000 toward ongoing orphan care for children recently placed into families. Praise God for His work in the church in Haiti and continue to pray for the growth of God’s kingdom as well as civil peace in that country.
New Church Directories
The new church Directories will soon be ready to go! Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex if you need a directory or directory page updates. If you would like an electronic copy of the directory, please contact Diane Walker in the church office.
Administrative Assistant Opening
The church office is in need of an administrative assistant. This is a paid, part-time position. If you are interested in the position and would like more information, please contact Pastor Rhett.
Prayer Requests:
Leanne Stewart: Please pray for Leanne who was recently hospitalized.
Mike Horyn and Family: Pray for Mike and his family as they mourn Ellen’s passing.
Candy Cyrier: Please pray for comfort and relief from pain as Candy recovers from surgery.
Jenny Kok: Please pray for comfort and encouragement following the passing of Jenny’s father, Dick Shaw.
Karla Van Der Molen: Continue to pray for strength and provision for Karla and Gary as they attend to Karla’s ALS and Gary’s health.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Rhett