What a day - what a challenge - Father's - it's good that we have this day each year that we can highlight the work of our Father's and encourage them on their journey. With summer upon us, you'd think things would slow down a bit - but there is still plenty going on. Take advantage of those you'd like. We're here for you.

Family Recap for June 21, 2009

Our Meditation verse for this week is the second verse in the first Characteristic (Love) for growing in Christlikeness: Phil 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

What a week it was! Only God truly knows what impact our VBS had on the eternal well being of those kids who attended. I can speak for myself in that it was a great time and I want to personally thank everyone of you who helped to make it the success that it was. To follow it up with Father’s Day and be able to use the set in our theme “Called To Hunt” was also very fitting. I want to thank Rom Holme’s for his great contribution to our day – he brought many different bows including crossbows. He even gave archery practice to several outside. I can’t say that it improved their marksmanship when it came to using a pea shooter on the safari range. Sorry about it Kevin, but I think there are a few navy beans on the platform and floor after our hunt. Thanks also to Ron and Nancy for the wonderful mean we shared together. All in all – another wonderful day in the Chapel.

Now I don’t think I timed myself in the message, but I was very close to staying within the 10 minutes timeframe I had previously promised. Even though it was short, the three things I shared with the Father’s in our gathering are very important to put into practice in order that we not miss the mark when it comes to raising our kids. I mentioned three great men of God who blew it when it came to their kids – Eli, Samuel and Hezekiah. All three were godly men who served the Lord in faithfulness but in each case their children turned away from the Lord and went in an entirely different direction.

No father wants to see that happen within their families and we all know that no one can make choices for our children, they must do so themselves. At the same time there are three things a Father can do to help in hitting the target when raising their children. At the end of the service then I met with the fathers and presented to each of them a small business card size reminder. If we are going to hit the target in raising our kids, we need to learn how to: Lean on the Lord, Lead them to the Lord and Love the Lord. Learn to do those three things well and you will set before your family an example worthy of being followed.

Something to chew on

New Feature – Last week I shared with you the motive behind our desire to be baptized is three fold – obedience, love and personal joy. Today I want to share with you the method and meaning of baptism. It is our practice in baptism to do so with total emersion. That is actually what the Greek word translated “Baptise” mean – to immerse. However on occasion, I have used other methods due to health reasons. We believe that immersion best fits with Rom 6:1-4 where we symbolize our death to self and our being resurrected to new life in Jesus Christ. Though baptism does not bring salvation to us, it is however a wonderful picture of the new life we began when we received Christ as our Lord and Savior. Questions? Give me a call!

What’s goin’ On?

Update – Ladies Summer Mini Seminar - The first of two Ladies mini retreats is Beth Moore’s “Measureless Love” and will be held this Sat here at the chapel beginning at 10 am. RSVP by called Anne 721-3359 or gajohns@fcchapel.net.

Repeat – Mid-week study Wednesday – 6:30 pm - We are looking at this second major command Christ gave the church – the great commission. How did Jesus train his followers to take on such a task? We cannot claim to be followers of Jesus Christ if we are not involved in making disciples. Need help in understanding how Jesus did it? Then come and join us for a look at “Jesus Christ – Disciplemaker.”

New – Union Gospel Mission – Last month, I was the only one able to go but this month I can’t go so we need some folks who are able to go to the mission and assist them on Friday night. We have generally met at 4:15 pm so as to arrive early enough to have a meal with some of the staff then we are able to return about 7 pm leaving plenty of time for your evening activities. This is an excellent means to help your family reach out to those who are in need and show them the love of Jesus Christ.

New – Spiritual Gift Assessment - This Sunday following the morning service I will be facilitating those who would like to pursue learning about their own Spiritual Gift. We will meet in the front of the fellowship area near the piano – that way you can grab a cup of coffee as well. If you can help with the cost of the inventories that would be great – they cost $8.

New – Baptism Planned – The date and place has yet to be set, but if you are interested let me know as soon as possible so arrangements can be made.

Repeat – Photo Album - We are in the process of putting together a photo album of the church family so don’t be surprised if you are tapped on the shoulder by either Ron or John and asked if they can take your picture.

New – “Call 2 Fall” – That is going to be our theme for Sunday, July 5^th. We are going to join with numerous churches across America in praying for our country in specific ways. In the most recent election we heard a call go out about the changes we needed to make in America. Now with a new administration, are the changes being made bringing us closer to our dependence upon God? Are we getting closer to our creator God? Well on July 5^th we will join with others in humbling ourselves before God and calling out to Him to restore our land. Please make plans to join us!