Family Recap for Aug 3, 2008

Each Monday as I write this recap, I try and think back to the highlights of our time together on Sunday. For sure one of the key highlights of yesterday was the baptism of two beautiful people. I would encourage you to check out some pictures of the event on our web site at http://www.fcchapel.net/v/2008_Aug_Baptism/. Special thanks goes out to Ron and Nancy for hosting and providing the hot dogs and drinks after the service.

Another thing that made yesterday special was that it was communion Sunday. As we looked at the person of Peter and identified his close relationship with Jesus, his declaration of who Jesus was and his personal failure in denying Jesus; perhaps we could all see ourselves in him. I know I can. How many times have I made “the pledge” to follow Jesus in some aspect of my life, only to turn right around and stumble then experience that heaviness of guilt and shame. I praise God today that Jesus provided for Peter and I with forgiveness and cleansing. That Jesus takes the initiative to seek me out and restore me to useful service. Everyone of us can have an impact in our day that can only be measured in eternal value all because of Jesus and his atoning work on the cross.

I hope that on a Sunday morning, you are striving to extend an encouraging word to those who are our guests and those whom you may not yet know. That’s the purpose behind having some light refreshments after the service: to get to know each other.

News at a glance

Repeat – Help Needed

Custodian – I want to express a word of thanks to those who have stepped up to help keep our facilities in good shape. I’m not sure what God has in mind but I know He is preparing to provide for this need. Until the Lord does each of us will have to make a special effort to maintain our facilities. That means, picking up that wrapper, that bulletin, that paper towel that’s lying on the floor. That means wiping up the spill rather than leaving it for another. Simple things that that can go a long way toward keeping our church ready for services.

New – “Baptismal Service” – Praise God for the two who were baptized on Sunday; Gretchen Sich and Judy Hart. Their testimonies of the presence of Christ in their lives and their desire to serve him faithfully was an encouragement and reminder to all of us.

revised – “Jonah – it’s not about a big fish” – Join us Wednesday evening 6:30 pm as we continue our study in this familiar story. It’s not to late to come, even if you haven’t been able to come previous. The conversation is great as we talk about this old old story.

Revised – Osnaburgh Trip – Our next team will leave for Os on Saturday morning. Be in prayer as they travel the many miles and minister to the many children of the reservation. Pray for the hearts of the kids, that they may be prepared by the Holy Spirit to receive the message of Christ and His love. Pray for the parents and teens that they too will be receptive and open to the Gospel. Pray for the team that God will work mightily through them and with them. Perhaps out of this team, God will raise up those who will in turn serve him on the mission field.

New – “OutDoor Worship Service” – Our outdoor worship service will be held on Sunday, August 24^th at the Fredenberg Community Center. The plans for the “family festival” have been put on hold until such time as we can give fuller attention to it. With the Os trip, VBS and other things going on (family vacations etc) it wasn’t possible to pull together a team of people to put this together in a manner that would minister to the community. We will put the “festival” on the back burner and give it another look next year.

Update – “Couple’s Retreat – Marriage EKG” – Looking into the Heart of Marriage – Anne and I will be the speakers again this year for a couples retreat over the Labor Day weekend at Deeper Life Bible Camp in Black Duck. Brochures are on the back table. The retreat runs from Aug 29^th through noon on Sept 1^st. The cost is very reasonable and the fellowship is truly wonderful.

This week, rather than a cartoon, I thought I would include a picture from VBS of one of those precious jewels the Lord brought to us. Reading the bible with a smile on her face! What could be more thrilling that this?

It is a joy to be your pastor!

Pastor Glenn

Phil 1:3