Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Our God is a gracious God. When the Lord calls us to trust him, he graciously gives us signs of his trustworthiness and his commitment to fulfilling his promises. These signs include, for example, the sacrament of baptism and the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, both of which point to the truth and trustworthiness of the gospel message.
In Exodus 4, God gives Moses particular signs in order to provide evidence of his presence and power. He wanted Moses to be confident in God’s ability to fulfill his plans; specifically, his plans to redeem his people from slavery and lead them into their own land. People often assume that faith is a “leap in the dark.” On the contrary, God has given us abundant evidence that he is with us and that he is trustworthy. We have plenty of reasons to be persuaded to believe. This evidence compels us to worship and reverence, just as it did the Israelites in Egypt when they saw the signs Moses performed as an indication that God was working in their midst: “And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped” (Exodus 4:31).
This Sunday our Director of Community Outreach, Jonathan Keller, will be continuing our series in Exodus, preaching on Exodus 4:1-31.
On Sunday we will join together for Communion. Please prepare your hearts in prayer and confession before coming to take this covenantal meal.
Click here to access the livestream of this Sunday’s worship service (9:30am).
Lenten Prayer Service (Wednesday, February 18; 6:30pm)
Ash Wednesday (February 18) marks the beginning of the season of Lent. During Lent we prepare our hearts to worship the crucified and risen Lord on Easter Sunday. Join us on Wednesday, February 18 at 6:30pm for our Lenten prayer service, a time of intercessory prayer, repentance, singing, and reflection on the Scriptures as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord.
One Another Collective Market (Saturday, February 28; 10:00am-2:00pm)
Our church is partnering with One Another Collective to host a market featuring everyday goods made by artisans in developing countries. One Another Collective is a ministry in partnership with our missionary partner Phil Smith that works with women in developing countries to provide them with high quality training, work, and gospel instruction by hosting markets featuring their goods. The Women’s Ministry will fellowship with and welcome visitors during the Market. To see some of their goods or learn about the ministry, visit their website here. Got questions? Talk to Jenn Wright!
Men’s and Women’s Bible Studies
Saturday Men’s Bible Study – 8 am – Larry LaBelle’s home
Tuesday Men’s Bible Study – 6:30 pm – Sweet Reserve Cafe, Winfield IL
Wednesday Women’s Bible Study – 9:45 am – Room 3/4 at Faith Community Church
Tuesday Women’s Bible Study – 7:00 pm – Room 1 at Faith Community Church
Jake and Gracie Wall: South Africa Navigators College Missionaries
Jake and Gracie Wall, relatives of Judy and Bryan Van Zanten, are a young couple being sent by the Navigators to minister to college students in two major South African universities. They will leave the US in February to start their ministry. Here is their video detailing their ministry.
Please pray and consider if you would like to financially partner with the Walls. If you wish to give a gift, put it in the offering plate over the next few weeks with a note that it is for the Walls. We will send the donation together as a church afterward.
Financial Giving to Rossweldy (Kids Alive)
Our church sponsors Rossweldy, a 5th grader who attends Anija School with Kids Alive in the Dominican Republic. If you would like to donate funds toward her sponsorship, money jars are available in the narthex and rooms 3/4, 5, and 6.
Prayer Requests and Praises
Tom Ollendorf: Preparations for upcoming hip replacement surgery.
Ernie Siefert: Pray for full-time employment for Ernie that would supply all his and Donna’s needs.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Rhett