Dear Brothers and Sisters,
“Let not your hearts be troubled.” As we turn to Exodus 5 in our sermon series, “The Lord is My Strength,” the Israelites have great reasons for their hearts to be troubled. Their servitude continues as Pharaoh increases their labor. Moses and Aaron’s plea to free the Israelites directly led to this oppression, so the Israelites blame these men. Moses turns to God and asks why things worsened when he was obedient.
Be of great cheer, though, as we see that the Lord is not far from His people in times of trouble but instead is near to us. He had told Moses beforehand that Pharaoh would such things, yet the Lord would still prevail over Pharaoh’s mighty hand and outstretched arm. We have many troubles around us in our day, and let us turn to our God who longs to lift our faces while we face such issues.
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 Lunch (February 11, 12:00pm at Hawthorne’s)
Men’s Lunch will be on Wednesday, February 11 at 12:00pm at Hawthorne’s Backyard in West Chicago. Reach out to Larry if you need a ride.
Real Concert (February 21, 6:30pm at FCC)
Arpeggione & Valentines
Schubert’s “Arpeggione” Sonata, musical valentines
“Where You Go, I Will Go”
Jake Muzzy, Cello, and Hannah Muzzy, harp. To request seats: realconcerts.us
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: Praise God for the provision of a new job. Pray for diligence and confidence in his new role.
Jonathan and Lawrence: Pray for Jonathan and Lawrence as they go before Presbytery committees soon for oral examinations. Pray for sharp minds and humble hearts.
Amy Rhody: Pray for wisdom for Amy and her husband Paul as they discern future decisions for Amy’s heart and health.
With joy,
Jonathan Keller